Pool (POOL) 10-K 27 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 21, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document and Entity Information Abstract [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'POOL CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000945841	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$2,335,282,998
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	45,010,747	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net sales	$2,079,700	$1,953,974	$1,793,318
Cost of sales	1,488,423	1,386,567	1,261,728
Gross profit	591,277	567,407	531,590
Selling and administrative expenses	425,791	415,592	404,973
Goodwill impairment	0	6,946	1,550
Operating income	165,486	144,869	125,067
Interest expense, net	6,748	6,469	7,964
Income before income taxes and equity earnings	158,738	138,400	117,103
Provision for income taxes	61,590	56,744	45,319
Equity earnings in unconsolidated investments	182	316	209
Net income	$97,330	$81,972	$71,993
Earnings per share:	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$2.10	$1.75	$1.49
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$2.05	$1.71	$1.47
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	46,282	46,937	48,158
Diluted (in shares)	47,530	48,058	48,987
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.62	$0.55

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income	$97,330	$81,972	$71,993
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,013	-534	-609
Change in unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps, net of tax	1,033	-1,820	1,777
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	3,046	-2,354	1,168
Comprehensive Income	$100,376	$79,618	$73,161

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Tax effect of change in unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps	($660)	$1,163	($1,152)

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$8,006	$12,463
Receivables, net	45,138	113,859
Receivables pledged under receivables facility	80,149	0
Inventory, net	429,197	400,308
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,802	11,280
Deferred income taxes	5,457	5,186
Total current assets	577,749	543,096
Property and equipment, net	52,328	46,566
Goodwill	171,974	169,983
Other intangible assets, net	10,196	11,053
Equity interest investments	1,243	1,160
Other assets, net	10,271	8,718
Total assets	823,761	780,576
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	214,596	199,787
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	49,301	48,186
Current portion of long-term debt and other long-term liabilities	9	23
Total current liabilities	263,906	247,996
Deferred income taxes	19,108	13,453
Long-term debt	246,418	230,882
Other long-term liabilities	8,147	6,622
Total liabilities	537,579	498,953
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock	45	46
Additional paid-in capital	310,503	276,334
Retained (deficit) earnings	-27,278	5,377
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	2,912	-134
Total stockholders' equity	286,182	281,623
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$823,761	$780,576

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	45,378,785	46,303,728
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	45,378,785	46,303,728

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	$97,330	$81,972	$71,993
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	13,359	11,592	9,746
Amortization	1,237	1,284	1,559
Share-based compensation	8,150	8,465	8,233
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-4,611	-4,487	-3,118
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable, net of write-offs	-930	-422	-1,202
Provision for inventory obsolescence, net	-416	447	-11
Change in deferred income taxes	707	3,168	2,605
Loss on sale of property and equipment	97	44	263
Equity earnings in unconsolidated investments	-182	-316	-209
(Gains) losses on foreign currency transactions	220	-111	592
Goodwill impairment	0	6,946	1,550
Other	108	138	195
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Receivables	-10,085	-3,396	-5,887
Product inventories	-27,291	-9,232	-35,339
Prepaid expenses and other assets	504	-1,159	-2,951
Accounts payable	14,007	20,253	6,402
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	12,884	3,892	20,682
Net cash provided by operating activities	105,088	119,078	75,103
Investing activities	'	'	'
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-1,244	-4,699	-5,934
Purchases of property and equipment, net of sale proceeds	-18,742	-16,271	-19,454
Other investments, net	125	-238	-190
Net cash used in investing activities	-19,861	-21,208	-25,578
Financing activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	678,936	607,923	749,349
Payments on revolving line of credit	-715,400	-524,341	-700,749
Proceeds from asset-backed financing	70,000	0	0
Payments on asset-backed financing	-18,000	0	0
Payments on long-term debt and other long-term liabilities	-10	-100,022	-149
Payments of deferred acquisition consideration	0	0	-500
Payments of deferred financing costs	-1,044	0	-1,674
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	4,611	4,487	3,118
Proceeds from stock issued under share-based compensation plans	21,409	20,205	13,085
Payments of cash dividends	-33,808	-29,135	-26,470
Purchases of treasury stock	-96,179	-81,761	-76,564
Net cash used in financing activities	-89,485	-102,644	-40,554
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-199	-250	-1,205
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-4,457	-5,024	7,766
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	12,463	17,487	9,721
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$8,006	$12,463	$17,487

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained (Deficit) Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$285,182	$49	($2,344)	$218,744	$67,681	$1,052
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	49,278,000	'	'	'	'
Net income	71,993	0	0	0	71,993	0
Foreign currency translation	-609	0	0	0	0	-609
Interest rate swaps, net of tax	1,777	0	0	0	0	1,777
Repurchases of common stock, net of retirements (in shares)	'	-3,034,000	'	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock, net of retirements	-76,564	-3	2,344	0	-78,905	0
Share-based compensation	8,233	0	0	8,233	0	0
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans (in shares)	'	1,123,000	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans, including tax benefit	16,204	1	0	16,203	0	0
Declaration of cash dividends	-26,470	0	0	0	-26,470	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	279,746	47	0	243,180	34,299	2,220
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	47,367,000	'	'	'	'
Net income	81,972	0	0	0	81,972	0
Foreign currency translation	-534	0	0	0	0	-534
Interest rate swaps, net of tax	-1,820	0	0	0	0	-1,820
Repurchases of common stock, net of retirements (in shares)	'	-2,165,000	'	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock, net of retirements	-81,761	-2	0	0	-81,759	0
Share-based compensation	8,465	0	0	8,465	0	0
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans (in shares)	'	1,102,000	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans, including tax benefit	24,690	1	0	24,689	0	0
Declaration of cash dividends	-29,135	0	0	0	-29,135	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	281,623	46	0	276,334	5,377	-134
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	46,303,728	46,304,000	'	'	'	'
Net income	97,330	0	0	0	97,330	0
Foreign currency translation	2,013	0	0	0	0	2,013
Interest rate swaps, net of tax	1,033	0	0	0	0	1,033
Repurchases of common stock, net of retirements (in shares)	'	-1,810,000	'	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock, net of retirements	-96,179	-2	0	0	-96,177	0
Share-based compensation	8,150	0	0	8,150	0	0
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans (in shares)	'	885,000	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans, including tax benefit	26,020	1	0	26,019	0	0
Declaration of cash dividends	-33,808	0	0	0	-33,808	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$286,182	$45	$0	$310,503	($27,278)	$2,912
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	45,378,785	45,379,000	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap, tax	($660)	$1,163	($1,152)
Treasury stock, shares of common stock (in shares)	1,810,383	2,164,986	3,033,733
Retirement of treasury shares (in shares)	-1,810,383	-2,164,986	-3,136,833
Exercise and lapse of share-based awards, tax benefit	$4,611	$4,487	$3,118

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business
	As of December 31, 2013, Pool Corporation and our wholly owned subsidiaries (the Company, which may be referred to we, us or our), operated 321 sales centers in North America, Europe and South America from which we sell swimming pool equipment, parts and supplies and irrigation and landscape products to pool builders, retail stores, service companies, landscape contractors and golf courses. We distribute products through three networks: SCP Distributors LLC (SCP), Superior Pool Products LLC (Superior) and Horizon Distributors, Inc. (Horizon). Superior and Horizon are both wholly owned subsidiaries of SCP, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pool Corporation.
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	We prepared the Consolidated Financial Statements following U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating results. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pool Corporation and our wholly owned subsidiaries. We eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions among our wholly owned subsidiaries.
	Use of Estimates
	In order to prepare financial statements that conform to GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Our most significant estimates are those relating to the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory obsolescence reserves, vendor incentives, income taxes, incentive compensation accruals and goodwill impairment evaluations. We continually review our estimates and make adjustments as necessary, but actual results could be significantly different from what we expected when we made these estimates.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	On January 1, 2013, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02). Under the new standard we are required to disclose the effect on income statement line items from the reclassification of a component of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. If a reclassification does not impact net income, we are required to disclose the resulting financial statement effects and reference the applicable accounting guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	Segment Reporting
	Since all of our sales centers have similar operations and share similar economic characteristics, we aggregate our sales centers into a single reportable segment. Our chief operating decision maker (CODM) evaluates each sales center based on individual performance that includes both financial and operational measures. Additionally, our CODM makes decisions about how to allocate resources primarily on a sales center-by-sales center basis. We do not track sales by product lines and product categories on a consolidated basis. Based on the number of product lines and product categories that we have, and the fact that we make ongoing changes as to how products are classified within these groups, it is impracticable to report our sales by product category.
	Seasonality and Weather
	Our business is highly seasonal and weather is one of the principal external factors affecting our business. In general, sales and net income are highest during the second and third quarters, which represent the peak months of both swimming pool use and installation and landscape installations and maintenance. Sales are substantially lower during the first and fourth quarters, when we may incur net losses.
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when four basic criteria are met:
	1.   persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
	2.   delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;
	3.   our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and
	4.   collectibility is reasonably assured.
	We record revenue when customers take delivery of products. Customers may pick up products at any sales center location, or we may deliver products to their premises or job sites via our trucks or third party carriers. Products shipped via third party carriers are considered delivered based on the shipping terms, which are generally FOB shipping point. We include shipping and handling fees billed to customers as freight out income within net sales.
	We offer volume incentives to some of our customers and we account for these incentives as an adjustment to sales. We estimate the amount of volume incentives earned based on our estimate of cumulative sales for the fiscal year relative to our customers’ progress toward achieving minimum purchase requirements. We record customer returns, including those associated with early buy programs, as an adjustment to sales. In the past, customer returns have not been material. Other items that we record as adjustments to sales include cash discounts, pricing adjustments and credit card fees related to customer payments.
	We also report sales net of tax amounts that we collect from our customers and remit to governmental authorities. These tax amounts may include, but are not limited to, sales, use, value added and some excise taxes.
	Vendor Incentives
	Many of our arrangements with our vendors provide for us to receive incentives of specified amounts of consideration when we achieve any of a number of measures. These measures are generally related to the volume level of purchases from our vendors and may include negotiated pricing arrangements. We account for vendor incentives as a reduction of the prices of the vendor’s products and therefore as a reduction of inventory until we sell the product, at which time such incentives are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales in our income statement.
	Throughout the year, we estimate the amount of the incentive earned based on our estimate of total purchases for the fiscal year relative to the purchase levels that mark our progress toward earning the incentives. We accrue vendor incentives on a monthly basis using these estimates provided that we determine they are probable and reasonably estimable. We continually revise these estimates to reflect actual incentives earned based on actual purchase levels and trends related to sales and purchasing mix. When we make adjustments to our estimates, we determine whether any portion of the adjustment impacts the amount of vendor incentives that are deferred in inventory. We recognize changes in our estimates for vendor incentives as a cumulative catch-up adjustment to the amounts recognized to date in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Shipping and Handling Costs
	We record shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight as cost of sales. The table below presents shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight, which we include in selling and administrative expenses (in thousands):
	2013				2012				2011
	$	35,010			$	33,964			$	33,588
	Share-Based Compensation
	We record share-based compensation for stock options and other share-based awards based on the estimated fair value as measured on the grant date. For stock option awards, we use a Black-Scholes model for estimating the grant date fair value. For additional discussion of share-based compensation, see Note 6.
	Advertising Costs
	We expense advertising costs when incurred. The table below presents advertising expense for the past three years (in thousands):
	2013				2012				2011
	$	5,917			$	6,248			$	5,484
	Income Taxes
	We record deferred tax assets or liabilities based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities using currently enacted rates and laws that will be in effect when we expect the differences to reverse. Due to changing tax laws and state income tax rates, significant judgment is required to estimate the effective tax rate expected to apply to tax differences that are expected to reverse in the future.
	We record a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying amounts of net deferred tax assets if there is uncertainty regarding their future realization. We consider many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization including our recent cumulative earnings experience by taxing jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income, the carryforward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes and other relevant factors. For additional discussion of income taxes, see Note 7.
	Equity Method Investments
	We account for our 50% investment in Northpark Corporate Center, LLC (NCC) using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, we report our share of income or loss based on our ownership interest in this investment.
	Earnings Per Share
	We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. We include outstanding unvested restricted stock awards of our common stock in the basic weighted average share calculation. Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effects of other share-based awards. For additional discussion of earnings per share, see Note 8.
	Foreign Currency
	The functional currency of each of our foreign subsidiaries is its applicable local currency. We translate our foreign subsidiary financial statements into U.S. dollars based on published exchange rates. We include these translation adjustments as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We include realized transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations in Interest expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. We realized net foreign currency transaction losses of $0.2 million in 2013, net gains of $0.1 million in 2012 and net losses of $0.6 million in 2011.
	Fair Value Measurements
	Our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the unrealized gains or losses on our interest rate swap contracts. We use significant other observable market data or assumptions (Level 2 inputs as defined in the accounting guidance) that we believe market participants would use in pricing similar assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk when appropriate.
	The table below presents the estimated fair value of our interest rate swap contracts (in thousands):
			Fair Value at December 31,
	Level 2		2013				2012
	Unrealized Losses on Interest Rate Swaps		$	(1,710	)		$	(3,404	)
	We include unrealized losses in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The carrying values of cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments and the carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value.  Our determination of the estimated fair value of long-term debt reflects a discounted cash flow model using our estimates, primarily those related to assumptions for borrowing rates (Level 3 inputs as defined in the accounting guidance).
	Interest Rate Swaps
	We designate our interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and record the changes in fair value to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. If our interest rate swaps became ineffective, we would immediately recognize the changes in fair value of our interest rate swaps in earnings.
	A portion of the change in the estimated fair value of our interest rate swap contracts between periods relates to future interest expense. Recognition of the change in fair value between periods attributable to accrued interest is reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to Interest expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. These amounts were not material in 2013.
	We recognize any differences between the variable interest rate payments and the fixed interest rate settlements from our swap counterparties as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of the swaps. For additional discussion of our interest rate swaps, see Note 5.
	Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
	Credit Risk and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	We record trade receivables at the invoiced amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses we may incur if customers do not pay. We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers and we typically do not require collateral. Consistent with industry practices, we generally require payment from our North American customers within 30 days, except for sales under early buy programs for which we provide extended payment terms to qualified customers.
	At the end of each quarter, we perform a reserve analysis of all accounts with balances greater than $20,000 and more than 60 days past due. Additionally, we perform a separate reserve analysis on the balance of our accounts receivables with emphasis on the remainder of the past due portion of the aging. During the year, we write off account balances when we have exhausted reasonable collection efforts and determined that the likelihood of collection is remote. These write-offs are charged against our allowance for doubtful accounts.
	The following table summarizes the changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts for the past three years (in thousands):
			2013				2012				2011
Balance at beginning of year		$	5,477			$	5,900			$	7,102
Bad debt expense		838				1,007				2,958
Write-offs, net of recoveries		(1,768		)		(1,430		)		(4,160		)
Balance at end of year		$	4,547			$	5,477			$	5,900
Product Inventories and Reserve for Inventory Obsolescence
Product inventories consist primarily of goods we purchase from manufacturers to sell to our customers. We record inventory at the lower of cost, using the average cost method, or market. We establish our reserve for inventory obsolescence based on inventory turns by class with particular emphasis on stock keeping units with the weakest sales over the previous 12 months (or 36 months for tile products). The reserve is intended to reflect the net realizable value of inventory that we may not be able to sell at a profit.
In evaluating the adequacy of our reserve for inventory obsolescence at the sales center level, we consider a combination of factors including:
•	the level of inventory in relationship to historical sales by product, including inventory usage by class based on product sales at both the sales center and Company levels;
•	changes in customer preferences or regulatory requirements;
•	seasonal fluctuations in inventory levels;
•	geographic location; and
•	new product offerings.
We periodically adjust our reserve for inventory obsolescence as changes occur in the above-identified factors.
The following table summarizes the changes in our reserve for inventory obsolescence for the past three years (in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
Balance at beginning of year		$	7,520			$	7,073			$	7,084
Provision for inventory write-downs		1,538				3,852				3,590
Deduction for inventory write-offs		(1,955		)		(3,405		)		(3,601		)
Balance at end of year		$	7,103			$	7,520			$	7,073
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. We depreciate property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
Buildings	40 years
Leasehold improvements (1)	1 - 10 years
Autos and trucks	3 - 5 years
Machinery and equipment	3 - 10 years
Computer equipment	3 - 7 years
Furniture and fixtures	5 - 10 years
(1)	For substantial improvements made near the end of a lease term where we are reasonably certain the lease will be renewed, we amortize the leasehold improvement over the remaining life of the lease including the expected renewal period.
The table below presents depreciation expense for the past three years (in thousands):
2013				2012				2011
$	13,359			$	11,592			$	9,746
Acquisitions
We use the acquisition method of accounting and recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value as of the acquisition date. Any contingent assets acquired and contingent liabilities assumed are also recognized at fair value if we can reasonably estimate fair value during the measurement period (which cannot exceed one year from the acquisition date). We expense all acquisition related costs as incurred, including any restructuring costs associated with a business combination.
We remeasure any contingent liabilities at fair value in each subsequent reporting period. If our initial acquisition accounting is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which a business combination occurs, we report provisional amounts for incomplete items. Once we obtain information required to finalize the accounting for incomplete items, we retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized as of the acquisition date. We make adjustments to these provisional amounts during the measurement period.
For all acquisitions, we include the results of operations in our Consolidated Financial Statements as of the acquisition date. For additional discussion of acquisitions, see Note 2.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the amount we paid to acquire a company over the estimated fair value of tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired, less liabilities assumed. We test goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of October 1st and at any other time when impairment indicators exist.
We estimate the fair value of our reporting units based on an income approach that incorporates our assumptions for determining the present value of future cash flows.  We project future cash flows using management's assumptions for sales growth rates, operating margins, discount rates and multiples. These assumptions are considered unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs as defined in the accounting guidance). If the estimated fair value of any of our reporting units falls below carrying value, we compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value, we recognize the difference as an impairment loss in operating income. Since we define an operating segment as an individual sales center and we do not have operations below the sales center level, our reporting unit is an individual sales center. For additional discussion of goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note 3.
Receivables Securitization Facility
Our accounts receivable securitization facility (the Receivables Facility) provides for the sale of certain of our receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary (the Securitization Subsidiary). The Securitization Subsidiary transfers variable undivided percentage interests in the receivables and related rights to certain third party financial institutions in exchange for cash proceeds, limited to the applicable funding capacities.
We account for the sale of the receivable interests as a secured borrowing on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The receivables subject to the agreement collateralize the cash proceeds received from the third party financial institutions. We classify the entire outstanding balance as Long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as we intend to refinance the obligations on a long-term basis. We present the receivables that collateralize the cash proceeds separately as Receivables pledged under receivables facility on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional discussion of the Receivables Facility, see Note 5.
Self Insurance
We are self-insured for employee health benefits, workers’ compensation coverage, automobile and property and casualty insurance. To limit our exposure, we also maintain excess and aggregate liability coverage. We establish self‑insurance reserves based on estimates of claims incurred but not reported and information that we obtain from third-party service providers regarding known claims. Our management reviews these reserves based on consideration of various factors, including but not limited to the age of existing claims, estimated settlement amounts and other historical claims data.
Retained (Deficit) Earnings
We account for the retirement of treasury share repurchases as a reduction of Retained (deficit) earnings on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  As of December 31, 2013, the retained deficit reflects cumulative net income, the cumulative impact of adjustments for changes in accounting pronouncements, treasury share retirements since the inception of our share repurchase programs of $679.2 million and cumulative dividends declared of $237.3 million.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table presents supplemental disclosures to the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013				2012				2011
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$	5,963			$	5,495			$	7,104
Income taxes, net of refunds	47,138				45,404				39,771

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Acquisitions
	2013 Acquisitions
	In March 2013, we acquired certain distribution assets of Swimming Pool Supply Center, Inc., a local swimming pool products distributor with one sales center location in Los Angeles, California. This sales center will operate as a satellite location to more efficiently serve our west Los Angeles customers. In May 2013, we acquired certain distribution assets of B. Shapiro Supply, LLC, a swimming pool and hardscape products distributor with one sales center location in Warminster, Pennsylvania.
	We completed our preliminary acquisition accounting for these acquisitions, subject to adjustments in accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements during the respective one year measurement periods.  These acquisitions did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	2012 Acquisitions
	In February 2012, we acquired the distribution assets of Ideal Distributors Ltd., a regional swimming pool products distributor with four sales center locations in British Columbia, Canada. In March 2012, we acquired the distribution assets of CCR Distribution, a swimming pool products distributor with one sales center in Ontario, Canada.
	In 2013, we completed the acquisition accounting for each of our 2012 acquisitions. These acquisitions did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	2011 Acquisitions
	In May 2011, we acquired certain distribution assets of The Kilpatrick Company, Inc., a regional distributor of landscape and irrigation products and a provider of equipment services with four sales center locations in South Florida. In November 2011, we acquired the distribution assets of Poolway Schwimmbadtechnik GmbH, a manufacturer of swimming pool walls and filtration kits and a distributor of swimming pool products and supplies with one sales center in Germany. In December 2011, we acquired the distribution assets of G.L. Cornell Company, a distributor of golf course equipment and irrigation products and a provider of equipment services with one sales center location in Maryland.
	In 2012, we completed the acquisition accounting for each of our 2011 acquisitions. These acquisitions did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The table below presents changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands):
	Goodwill (gross) at December 31, 2011	$	179,423
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(174		)
	Goodwill (gross) at December 31, 2012	179,249
	Accumulated impairment losses at December 31, 2011	(2,320		)
	Goodwill impairment	(6,946		)
	Accumulated impairment losses at December 31, 2012	(9,266		)
	Goodwill (net) at December 31, 2012	$	169,983
	Goodwill (gross) at December 31, 2012	$	179,249
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,991
	Goodwill (gross) at December 31, 2013	181,240
	Accumulated impairment losses at December 31, 2012	(9,266		)
	Goodwill impairment	—
	Accumulated impairment losses at December 31, 2013	(9,266		)
	Goodwill (net) at December 31, 2013	$	171,974
	In October 2013, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test and did not identify any goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. As of October 1, 2013, we had 208 reporting units with allocated goodwill balances.  The highest goodwill balance was $5.7 million and the average goodwill balance was $0.8 million.
	During the third quarter of 2012, we performed an interim goodwill impairment analysis for our United Kingdom reporting unit based on our identification of impairment indicators related to our results through the end of the 2012 pool season and our expectation for continued depressed economic conditions in the United Kingdom. Our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were significantly lower than our 2012 sales, gross profit and operating profit estimates for the United Kingdom reporting unit that we used in our 2011 annual goodwill impairment test. As a result of our interim impairment analysis, we recorded a non‑cash goodwill impairment charge of $6.9 million on the Consolidated Statements of Income. This charge was equal to the total September 30, 2012 goodwill carrying amount of our United Kingdom reporting unit of $6.9 million.
	Other intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Horizon tradename (indefinite life)	$	8,400		$	8,400
	National Pool Tile (NPT) tradename (20 year life)	1,500			1,500
	Non-compete agreements (5 year weighted average useful life)	4,140			4,531
	Other intangible assets	14,040			14,431
	Less: Accumulated amortization	(3,844		)	(3,378		)
	Other intangible assets, net	$	10,196		$	11,053
	The Horizon tradename has an indefinite useful life and is not subject to amortization.  However, we evaluate the useful life of this intangible asset and test for impairment annually.  The NPT tradename and the non-compete agreements have finite useful lives and we amortize the estimated fair value of these agreements using the straight-line method over their respective useful lives.  The useful lives for our non-compete agreements are based on their contractual terms.
	Other intangible amortization expense was $0.8 million in 2013, $0.9 million in 2012 and $1.2 million in 2011.
	The table below presents estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets for the next five years (in thousands):
	2014		$	686
	2015		174
	2016		114
	2017		82
	2018		75

Details_of_Certain_Balance_She

Details of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Details of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts	'
	Details of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts
	The table below presents additional information regarding certain balance sheet accounts (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Receivables, net:
	Trade accounts	$	14,150		$	86,177
	Vendor incentives	33,779			31,451
	Other, net	1,756			1,708
	Total receivables	49,685			119,336
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,547		)	(5,477		)
	Receivables, net	$	45,138		$	113,859
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Prepaid expenses	$	9,670		$	8,647
	Other current assets	132			2,633
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	9,802		$	11,280
	Property and equipment, net:
	Land	$	1,641		$	1,641
	Buildings	2,196			2,188
	Leasehold improvements	28,048			26,254
	Autos and trucks	19,994			14,221
	Machinery and equipment	30,181			26,871
	Computer equipment	34,779			32,875
	Furniture and fixtures	8,827			8,388
	Fixed assets in progress	4,336			2,384
	Total property and equipment	130,002			114,822
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(77,674		)	(68,256		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	52,328		$	46,566
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
	Salaries	$	2,996		$	7,625
	Bonuses	26,728			22,549
	Other	19,577			18,012
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	49,301		$	48,186

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	The table below presents the components of our debt for the past two years (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Long-term debt, variable rate:
	Revolving Credit Facility (described below)		$	194,418			$	230,882
	Receivables Securitization Facility (described below)		52,000				—
	Total debt		$	246,418			$	230,882
	Revolving Credit Facility
	On September 20, 2013, we, along with our wholly owned subsidiaries, SCP Distributors Canada Inc., as the Canadian Borrower, and SCP Pool B.V., as the Dutch Borrower, executed an amendment (the Amendment) to our unsecured syndicated senior credit facility (the Credit Facility). The Credit Facility provides us with borrowing capacity under a five year revolving credit facility, and the Amendment amended certain terms, including extending the maturity date to September 20, 2018, increasing the borrowing capacity to $465.0 million and providing additional capacity under certain negative covenants, including indebtedness, liens, investments, sale of assets and dividends.
	The Credit Facility includes sublimits for the issuance of swingline loans and standby letters of credit. Pursuant to an accordion feature, the aggregate maximum principal amount of the commitments under the Credit Facility may be increased at our request and with agreement by the lenders by up to $75.0 million, to a total of $540.0 million.  The Amendment amended and restated our Credit Facility agreement dated October 19, 2011, which provided for $430.0 million in borrowing capacity and was scheduled to mature on October 19, 2016.
	Our obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by substantially all of our existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries.  The Credit Facility contains terms and provisions (including representations, covenants and conditions) and events of default customary for transactions of this type.  If we default under the Credit Facility, the lenders may terminate their obligations under the Credit Facility and may require us to repay all amounts.
	At December 31, 2013, there was $194.4 million outstanding and $267.4 million available for borrowing under the Credit Facility.  The weighted average effective interest rate for the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2013 was approximately 2.1%, excluding commitment fees.
	Revolving borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, at our option, at either of the following and, in each case, plus an applicable margin:
	a.	a base rate, which is the highest of (i) the Wells Fargo Bank, National Association prime rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.500% and (iii) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Market Index Rate plus 1.000%; or
	b.	LIBOR.
	Borrowings by the Canadian Borrower bear interest, at the Canadian Borrower’s option, at either of the following and, in each case, plus an applicable margin:
	a.	a base rate, which is the greatest of (i) the Canadian Reference Bank prime rate and (ii) the annual rate of interest equal to the sum of the Canadian Dealer Offered Rate (CDOR) plus 1.000%; or
	b.	CDOR.
	Borrowings by the Dutch Borrower bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin.
	The interest rate margins on the borrowings and letters of credit are based on our leverage ratio and will range from 1.150% to 1.625% on CDOR, LIBOR and swingline loans, and from 0.150% to 0.625% on Base Rate and Canadian Base Rate loans.   Borrowings under the swingline loans are based on the LIBOR Market Index Rate (LMIR) plus any applicable margin.  We are also required to pay an annual facility fee ranging from 0.100% to 0.250%, depending on our leverage ratio.
	Receivables Securitization Facility
	On October 11, 2013, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a new, two year accounts receivable securitization facility (the Receivables Facility) with a peak seasonal funding capacity of up to $120.0 million between March 1 and August 31 and up to $80.0 million between September 1 and February 28. An additional seasonal facility limit of up to $40.0 million may be available between April 1 and June 30.
	The Receivables Facility provides for the sale of certain of our receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary (the Securitization Subsidiary). The Securitization Subsidiary transfers variable undivided percentage interests in the receivables and related rights to certain third party financial institutions in exchange for cash proceeds, limited to the applicable funding capacities. Upon payment of the receivables by customers, rather than remitting to the financial institutions the amounts collected, we retain such collections as proceeds for the sale of new receivables until payments become due.
	The Receivables Facility is subject to terms and conditions (including representations, covenants and conditions precedent) customary for transactions of this type. Failure to maintain certain ratios or meet certain of these covenants could trigger an amortization event.
	At December 31, 2013, there was $52.0 million outstanding under the Receivables Facility at a weighted average effective interest rate of 0.9%, excluding commitment fees.
	Depending on the funding source used by the financial institutions to purchase the receivables, borrowings under the Receivables Facility bear interest at one of the following and, in each case, plus an applicable margin of 0.75%:
	a.	for financial institutions using the commercial paper market, commercial paper rates based on the applicable variable rates in the commercial paper market at the time of issuance;
	b.	for financial institutions not using the commercial paper market, LMIR
	We also pay an unused fee of 0.35% on the excess of the facility limit over the average daily capital outstanding. We pay this fee monthly in arrears.
	Floating Rate Senior Notes
	On February 12, 2007, we issued and sold $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Senior Notes (the Notes) in a private placement offering pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement.  We paid off the Notes at maturity on February 12, 2012 as reflected on our Statements of Cash Flows.
	Interest Rate Swaps
	As of December 31, 2013, we had five interest rate swap contracts in place to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates on the Credit Facility.  These swaps convert the variable interest rates to fixed interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Facility.  Each of these swap contracts terminates on October 19, 2016.  The following table provides additional details related to each of these swap contracts:
	Derivative		Effective Date		Notional				Fixed
					Amount				Interest
					(in millions)				Rate
	Interest rate swap 1		November 21, 2011		$	25			1.185	%
	Interest rate swap 2		November 21, 2011		$	25			1.185	%
	Interest rate swap 3		December 21, 2011		$	50			1.1	%
	Interest rate swap 4		January 17, 2012		$	25			1.05	%
	Interest rate swap 5		January 19, 2012		$	25			0.99	%
	Since inception, we have not recognized any gains or losses on these swaps through income and there has been no effect on income from hedge ineffectiveness. The net difference between interest paid and interest received related to our swap agreements resulted in incremental interest expense of $1.4 million in 2013, $1.3 million in 2012 and $3.6 million in 2011.
	Failure of our swap counterparties would result in the loss of any potential benefit to us under our swap agreements. In this case, we would still be obligated to pay the variable interest payments underlying our debt agreements.  Additionally, failure of our swap counterparties would not eliminate our obligation to continue to make payments under our existing swap agreements if we continue to be in a net pay position.
	We had two previous interest rate swap agreements in effect that reduced our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates on the Notes and our previous credit facility.  One interest rate swap agreement converted the variable interest rate on the Notes to a fixed rate of 5.088% on a notional amount of $50.0 million.  This swap agreement was effective February 12, 2007 and was scheduled to terminate on February 12, 2012.  Our other interest rate swap agreement converted the variable interest rate on the previous credit facility to a fixed rate of 1.725% on a notional amount of $50.0 million.  This swap agreement was effective January 27, 2010 and was scheduled to terminate on January 27, 2012. We de-designated this interest rate swap when we replaced our previous credit facility on October 19, 2011. In December 2011, we terminated both of these interest rate swaps and realized a loss of $0.3 million.
	Financial and Other Covenants
	Financial covenants on the Credit Facility and Receivables Facility are closely aligned and include a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and maintenance of a maximum average total leverage ratio, which are our most restrictive covenants. The Credit Facility also limits the declaration and payment of dividends on our common stock to no more than 50% of the preceding year’s Net Income (as defined in the Credit Facility), provided no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing, or would result from the payment of dividends. Additionally, we may declare and pay quarterly dividends notwithstanding that the aggregate amount of dividends paid would be in excess of the 50% limit described above so long as (i) the amount per share of such dividends does not exceed the amount per share paid during the most recent fiscal year in which we were in compliance with the 50% limit and (ii) our Average Total Leverage Ratio is less than 3.00 to 1.00 both immediately before and after giving pro forma effect to such dividends. Further, dividends must be declared and paid in a manner consistent with our past practice.
	Under the Credit Facility, we may repurchase shares of our common stock provided no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing, or would result from the repurchase of shares, and our maximum average total leverage ratio (determined on a pro forma basis) is less than 2.50 to 1.00. Other covenants include restrictions on our ability to grant liens, incur indebtedness, make investments, merge or consolidate, and sell or transfer assets.  Failure to comply with any of our financial covenants or any other terms of the Credit Facility could result in penalty payments, higher interest rates on our borrowings or the acceleration of the maturities of our outstanding debt.
	As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants and financial ratio requirements related to the Credit Facility and the Receivables Facility.
	Deferred Financing Costs
	We capitalize financing costs we incur related to implementing and amending our debt arrangements. We record these costs as Other assets, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortize them over the contractual life of the related debt arrangement. The table below summarizes changes in deferred financing costs for the past two years (in thousands):
			2013				2012
	Deferred financing costs:
	Balance at beginning of year		$	3,055			$	3,451
	Financing costs deferred		1,044				—
	Write-off fully amortized deferred financing costs		—				(396		)
	Balance at end of year		4,099				3,055
	Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs:
	Balance at beginning of year		(1,573		)		(1,581		)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs		(412		)		(388		)
	Write-off fully amortized deferred financing costs		—				396
	Balance at end of year		(1,985		)		(1,573		)
	Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization		$	2,114			$	1,482

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	Share-Based Plans
	Current Plan
	In May 2007, our stockholders approved the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2007 LTIP), which authorizes the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors (the Board) to grant non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards to employees, directors, consultants or advisors.  The 2007 LTIP replaced the 2002 Plan and the Director Plan, both of which are discussed below.  In May 2009, our stockholders approved the Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Amended 2007 LTIP).  The amendment increased the number of shares that may be issued from 1,515,000 shares under the 2007 LTIP to 5,415,000 shares under the Amended 2007 LTIP.  As of December 31, 2013, we had 1,654,205 shares available for future issuance including 528,938 shares that may be issued as restricted stock.
	Granted stock options have an exercise price equal to our stock’s closing market price on the grant date and expire ten years from the grant date. Restricted stock awards granted under the Amended 2007 LTIP are issued at no cost to the grantee.  Both stock options and restricted stock awards vest over time depending on an employee’s length of service with the Company.  Share-based awards to our employees generally vest either five years from the grant date or on a three/five year split vest schedule, where half of the awards vest three years from the grant date and the remainder of the awards vest five years from the grant date.  Share‑based awards to the chairman of the Board and our non-employee directors vest one year from the grant date.
	Preceding Plans
	In May 2002, our stockholders approved the 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2002 Plan), which authorized the Board to grant stock options and restricted stock awards to employees, agents, consultants or independent contractors. In May 2004, our stockholders approved an amendment to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2002 Plan from 1,575,000 to 2,700,000 shares.  Granted stock options have an exercise price equal to our stock’s market price on the grant date. These options generally vest either five years from the grant date or on a three/five year split vest schedule, as described above. These options expire ten years from the grant date.  In May 2007, the Board suspended the 2002 Plan. Options granted prior to the suspension were not affected by this action.
	The SCP Pool Corporation Non-Employee Directors Equity Incentive Plan (the Director Plan) permitted the Board to grant stock options to each non-employee director. No more than 1,350,000 shares were authorized to be issued under this plan. Granted options have an exercise price equal to our stock’s market price on the grant date.  The options generally were exercisable one year after the grant date, and they expire ten years after the grant date.  The Director Plan expired during 2006.  Options granted prior to the expiration were not affected by this action.
	Stock Option Awards
	The following table summarizes stock option activity under our share-based plans for the year ended December 31, 2013:
			Shares			Weighted Average				Weighted Average		Aggregate
						Exercise Price				Remaining		Intrinsic Value
										Contractual Term
										(Years)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		3,944,191			$	26.33
	Granted		236,700			45.62
	Less: Exercised		780,485			26.04
	Forfeited		7,125			27.47
	Balance at December 31, 2013		3,393,281			$	27.74			5.02		$	103,141,413
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		1,963,668			$	27.23			3.47		$	60,700,817
	The following table presents information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013:
			Outstanding									Exercisable
			Stock Options									Stock Options
	Range of exercise prices		Shares			Weighted Average		Weighted Average Exercise Price				Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
						Remaining
						Contractual Term
						(Years)
	$ 18.00 to $ 21.14		1,437,505			5.17		$	19.67			911,992			$	19.89
	$ 21.15 to $ 37.13		1,202,841			5.02		29.29				537,441			28.96
	$ 37.14 to $ 52.78		752,935			4.72		40.69				514,235			38.44
			3,393,281			5.02		$	27.74			1,963,668			$	27.23
	The following table summarizes the cash proceeds and tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options:
			Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands, except share amounts)		2013				2012				2011
	Options exercised		780,485				986,110				958,509
	Cash proceeds		$	20,323			$	19,221			$	12,173
	Intrinsic value of options exercised		$	19,273			$	19,383			$	13,868
	Tax benefits realized		$	7,364			$	7,418			$	5,409
	We estimated the fair value of employee stock option awards at the grant date based on the assumptions summarized in the following table:
			Year Ended December 31,
	(Weighted average)		2013					2012					2011
	Expected volatility		38.7		%			38.6		%			37.9		%
	Expected term		7.5			years		7.6			years		7.8			years
	Risk-free interest rate		1.51		%			1.61		%			3.1		%
	Expected dividend yield		1.5		%			2		%			2		%
	Grant date fair value		$	16.42				$	12.66				$	8.97
	We calculated expected volatility over the expected term of the awards based on the historical volatility of our common stock.  We use weekly price observations for our historical volatility calculation because we believe that they provide the most appropriate measurement of volatility given the trading patterns of our common stock.  We estimated the expected term based on the vesting period of the awards and our historical exercise activity for awards with similar characteristics. The weighted average expected term is impacted by a higher expected term estimate for stock option awards granted to our named executive officers.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term approximating the expected term of the option. We determined the expected dividend yield based on the anticipated dividends over the expected term.
	For purposes of recognizing share-based compensation expense, we ratably expense the estimated fair value of employee stock options over the options’ requisite service period. The requisite service period for our share-based awards is either the vesting period, or if shorter, the period from the grant date to the date that employees meet the retirement provisions of our share-based award agreements. We recognize compensation cost for awards with graded vesting using the graded vesting recognition method.
	The following table presents the total share-based compensation expense for stock option awards and the related recognized tax benefits for the past three years (in thousands):
			2013				2012				2011
	Share-based compensation expense		$	3,746			$	4,304			$	4,497
	Recognized tax benefits		1,431				1,647				1,721
	At December 31, 2013, the unamortized compensation expense related to stock option awards totaled $3.5 million.  We anticipate that this expense will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	The table below presents restricted stock awards activity under our share-based plans for the year ended December 31, 2013:
			Shares			Weighted Average
						Grant Date Fair Value
	Balance unvested at December 31, 2012		516,186			$	23.36
	Granted (at market price)		80,454			46.31
	Less: Vested		102,536			23.94
	Forfeited		3,840			25.87
	Balance unvested at December 31, 2013		490,264			$	26.98
	At December 31, 2013, the unamortized compensation expense related to the restricted stock awards totaled $2.7 million.  We anticipate that this expense will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.
The table below presents the total number of restricted stock awards that vested for the past three years and the related fair value of those awards (in thousands, except share amounts):
		2013				2012				2011
Shares vested		102,536				69,580				32,856
Fair value of restricted stock awards vested		$	4,544			$	2,338			$	812
The following table presents the total share-based compensation expense for restricted stock awards for the past three years (in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
Share-based compensation expense		$	4,103			$	3,873			$	3,507
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In March 1998, the Board adopted the SCP Pool Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the ESPP). Under the ESPP, employees who meet minimum age and length of service requirements may purchase stock at 85% of the lower of:
a.	the closing price of our common stock at the end of a six month plan period ending either June 30 or December 31; or
b.	the average of the beginning and ending closing prices of our common stock for such six month period.
No more than 956,250 shares of our common stock may be issued under the ESPP. For the two six month offering periods in each year presented below, our employees purchased the following aggregate number of shares:
2013			2012			2011
26,644			31,275			37,653
The grant date fair value for the most recent ESPP purchase period ended December 31, 2013 was $10.64 per share.  Share-based compensation expense related to our ESPP was $0.3 million in 2013, $0.3 million in 2012 and $0.2 million in 2011.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income (loss) before income taxes and equity earnings is attributable to the following jurisdictions (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	United States	$	158,851			$	144,578			$	111,376
	Foreign (1)	(113		)		(6,178		)		5,727
	Total	$	158,738			$	138,400			$	117,103
	(1)  The foreign loss before income taxes in 2012 includes the $6.9 million goodwill impairment charge related to the United Kingdom.
	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	49,425			$	43,871			$	32,850
	State and other	7,486				5,958				7,675
	Total current provision for income taxes	56,911				49,829				40,525
	Deferred:
	Federal	4,905				6,071				4,754
	State and other	(226		)		844				40
	Total deferred provision for income taxes	4,679				6,915				4,794
	Provision for income taxes	$	61,590			$	56,744			$	45,319
	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate on Income before income taxes and equity earnings is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Change in valuation allowance	0.57			1.97			0.37
	Other, primarily state income tax rate	3.23			4.03			3.33
	Total effective tax rate	38.8	%		41	%		38.7	%
	The table below presents the components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Product inventories	$	6,476			$	7,703
	Accrued expenses	4,072				2,780
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	346				420
	Total current	10,894				10,903
	Less: Valuation allowance	(1,691		)		(1,584		)
	Component reclassified for net presentation	(3,746		)		(4,133		)
	Total current, net	5,457				5,186
	Leases	1,805				1,957
	Share-based compensation	15,579				16,970
	Uncertain tax positions	1,343				1,226
	Net operating losses	4,709				6,703
	Interest rate swaps	667				1,327
	Equity losses in unconsolidated investments	5,653				5,653
	Other	953				1,150
	Total non-current	30,709				34,986
	Less: Valuation allowance	(8,672		)		(10,772		)
	Component reclassified for net presentation	(21,253		)		(23,474		)
	Total non-current, net	784				740
	Total deferred tax assets	6,241				5,926
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Trade discounts on purchases	2,022				2,681
	Prepaid expenses	1,724				1,452
	Total current	3,746				4,133
	Component reclassified for net presentation	(3,746		)		(4,133		)
	Total current, net	—				—
	Intangible assets, primarily goodwill	33,659				30,645
	Depreciation	6,702				6,282
	Total non-current	40,361				36,927
	Component reclassified for net presentation	(21,253		)		(23,474		)
	Total non-current, net	19,108				13,453
	Total deferred tax liabilities	19,108				13,453
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(12,867	)		$	(7,527	)
At December 31, 2013, certain of our international subsidiaries had tax loss carryforwards totaling approximately $17.3 million, which expire in various years after 2014.  Deferred tax assets related to the tax loss carryforwards of these international subsidiaries were $4.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and $6.7 million as of December 31, 2012.  We have recorded a corresponding valuation allowance of $4.7 million and $6.7 million in the respective years.  The decrease in our net operating losses and corresponding valuation allowances in 2013 is primarily related to the statutory deductibility of the 2012 goodwill impairment charge in the United Kingdom, offset by an increase for current year net operating losses and related valuation allowances for other foreign subsidiaries.  We have a $5.7 million valuation allowance recorded related to the deferred tax asset that we recorded for the write‑off of our investment in Latham Acquisition Corporation (LAC).
As presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the changes in deferred income taxes include changes related to the deferred income tax provision and the estimated tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
We reduce federal and state income taxes payable by the tax benefits associated with the exercise of nonqualified stock options and the lapse of restrictions on restricted stock awards.  To the extent realized tax deductions exceed the amount of previously recognized deferred tax benefits related to share-based compensation, we record an excess tax benefit in stockholders’ equity. We recorded excess tax benefits of $4.6 million in 2013 and $4.5 million in 2012.
As of December 31, 2013, United States income taxes were not provided on earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, as we have invested or expect to invest the undistributed earnings indefinitely.  If in the future these earnings are repatriated to the United States, or if we determine that the earnings will be remitted in the foreseeable future, additional income tax provisions may be required. Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability on these undistributed earnings is not practicable due to the complexity of tax laws and regulations and the varying circumstances, tax treatments and timing of any future repatriation.
We hold, through our affiliates, cash balances in the countries in which we operate, including amounts held outside the United States. Most of the amounts held outside the United States could be repatriated to the United States, but, under current law, may be subject to United States federal income taxes, less applicable foreign tax credits.  Repatriation of some foreign balances is restricted by local laws including the imposition of withholding taxes in some jurisdictions. We have not provided for the United States federal tax liability on these amounts, and for financial statement purposes, these foreign cash balances are considered indefinitely reinvested, are not material as of December 31, 2013 and are intended to be used to fund current cash flow needs in the countries where held.
The following table summarizes the activity related to uncertain tax positions for the past three years (in thousands):
	2013				2012				2011
Balance at beginning of year	$	3,504			$	4,715			$	3,962
Increases for tax positions taken during a prior period	—				—				—
Increases for tax positions taken during the current period	1,140				972				914
Decreases resulting from the expiration of the statute of limitations	(807		)		(2,123		)		(46		)
Decreases relating to settlements	—				(60		)		(115		)
Balance at end of year	$	3,837			$	3,504			$	4,715
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would decrease the effective tax rate was $2.5 million at December 31, 2013 and $2.3 million at December 31, 2012.
We record interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense, while we record related penalties in selling and administrative expenses.  For unrecognized tax benefits, we had interest income of $0.2 million in 2013 and $0.3 million in 2012 and interest expense of $0.3 million in 2011.  Accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $0.4 million at December 31, 2013 and $0.5 million at December 31, 2012.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The table below presents the computation of earnings per share, including the reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands, except per share data):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013		2012		2011
	Net income		$	97,330	$	81,972	$	71,993
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic		46,282		46,937		48,158
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and employee stock purchase plan		1,248		1,121		829
	Diluted		47,530		48,058		48,987
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$	2.1	$	1.75	$	1.49
	Diluted		$	2.05	$	1.71	$	1.47
	Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share computations (1)		—		417		1,381
	(1)	Since these options have exercise prices that are higher than the average market prices of our common stock, including them in the calculation would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	We lease facilities for our corporate office, sales centers, vehicles and equipment under operating leases that expire in various years through 2027. Most of our leases contain renewal options, some of which involve rate increases. For leases with step rent provisions whereby the rental payments increase incrementally over the life of the lease, we recognize the total minimum lease payments on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term. The table below presents rent expenses associated with operating leases for the past three years (in thousands):
	2013				2012		2011
	$	58,188			$	59,873	$	62,099
	The table below sets forth the approximate future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2013 related to non-cancelable operating leases and the non-cancelable portion of certain vehicle operating leases with initial terms of one year or more (in thousands):
	2014		$	42,282
	2015		35,231
	2016		28,112
	2017		19,546
	2018		11,355
	Thereafter		13,532
	From time to time, we are subject to various claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability, personal injury, commercial, contract and employment matters. While the outcome of any litigation is inherently unpredictable, we do not believe, based on currently available facts, that the ultimate resolution of any of these matters will have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	Policy
	Our policy for related party transactions is included in our written Audit Committee Charter.  This policy requires that our Audit Committee review and approve all related party transactions required to be disclosed in our Annual Proxy Statement or required to be approved based on NASDAQ rules.
	Transactions
	In May 2005, we acquired a 50% membership interest in NCC through a $1.1 million cash contribution.  NCC owns and operates an office building in Covington, Louisiana.  We lease corporate and administrative offices from NCC, occupying approximately 53,000 square feet of office space.  In May 2005 we amended the lease agreement, which has a ten year term. In June 2013 we exercised an option to extend the term of a portion of the lease agreement through May 2020.  As of December 31, 2013, we pay rent of $80,257 per month.
	In January 2002, we entered into a lease agreement with S&C Development, LLC (S&C) for additional warehouse space adjacent to our Mandeville, Louisiana sales center.  The sole owner of S&C is A. David Cook, a Pool Corporation executive officer.  In 2013, we amended this lease to extend the term and it will now expire on November 30, 2014.  As of December 31, 2013, we pay rent of $4,926 per month for the 8,600 square foot space.
	In May 2001, we entered into a lease agreement with Kenneth St. Romain, a Pool Corporation executive officer, for a sales center facility in Jackson, Mississippi.  In 2008, we extended this lease for a second term, which was set to last a term of five years and expire on November 30, 2013.  In November 2013, Mr. St. Romain sold this facility to an unrelated third party and we executed a lease agreement with the new landlord.
	In January 2001, we entered into a lease agreement with S&C for a sales center facility in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The ten year lease term commenced on November 10, 2001.  In August 2011, S&C sold this facility to an unrelated third party and we executed a lease agreement with the new landlord.
	In March 1997, we entered into a lease agreement with Mr. St. Romain for a sales center facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  In March 2007, we extended this lease for a third term of five years.  In September 2011, Mr. St. Romain sold this facility to an unrelated third party and we executed a lease agreement with the new landlord.
	The table below presents rent expense associated with these leases for the past three years (in thousands):
		2013		2012		2011
	NCC	$	950	$	937	$	923
	Other	178		183		405
	Total	$	1,128	$	1,120	$	1,328

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	Employee Benefit Plans
	We offer a 401(k) savings and retirement plan, which provides benefits for substantially all employees who meet length of service requirements. Eligible employees are able to contribute up to 75% of their compensation, subject to the federal dollar limit. For plan participants, we provide a matching contribution. We contribute a total match on employee contributions of up to 4% of their compensation, with a 100% match on the first 3% of compensation deferred and a 50% match on deferrals between 3% and 5% of compensation.
	We have a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that allows certain employees who occupy key management positions to defer salary and bonus amounts.  This plan also provides a matching contribution similar to that provided under our 401(k) plan to the extent that a participant’s contributions to the 401(k) plan are limited by IRS deferral and compensation limitations. The total combined company matching contribution provided to a participant under the 401(k) plan and the nonqualified deferred compensation plan for any one year may not exceed 4% of a participant’s salary and bonus.  The employee and company matching contributions are invested in certain equity and fixed income securities based on individual employee elections.
	The table below sets forth our matching contributions for the past three years (in thousands):
		2013		2012		2011
	Matching contributions - 401(k)	$	4,861	$	4,589	$	4,015
	Matching contributions - deferred compensation plan	36		262		59

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The table below summarizes the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the past two years (in thousands, except per share data):
		Quarter
		2013									2012
		First		Second		Third		Fourth			First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Net sales	$	370,362	$	790,392	$	578,157	$	340,789		$	361,954	$	757,175	$	528,027	$	306,818
	Gross profit	104,761		228,166		162,557		95,793			104,563		222,405		151,501		88,938
	Net income (loss)	3,440		66,533		32,332		(4,975		)	3,651		64,943		21,375		(7,997		)
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.07	$	1.43	$	0.7	$	(0.11	)	$	0.08	$	1.38	$	0.46	$	(0.17	)
	Diluted	$	0.07	$	1.39	$	0.68	$	(0.11	)	$	0.08	$	1.34	$	0.45	$	(0.17	)
	The sum of basic and diluted earnings per share for each of the quarters may not equal the total basic and diluted earnings per share for the annual periods because of rounding differences and a difference in the way that in-the-money stock options are considered from quarter to quarter.
	The above amounts include the $6.9 million goodwill impairment charge recorded in the third quarter of 2012.

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si1

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

'

Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation

'

Description of Business

As of December 31, 2013, Pool Corporation and our wholly owned subsidiaries (the Company, which may be referred to we, us or our), operated 321 sales centers in North America, Europe and South America from which we sell swimming pool equipment, parts and supplies and irrigation and landscape products to pool builders, retail stores, service companies, landscape contractors and golf courses. We distribute products through three networks: SCP Distributors LLC (SCP), Superior Pool Products LLC (Superior) and Horizon Distributors, Inc. (Horizon). Superior and Horizon are both wholly owned subsidiaries of SCP, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pool Corporation.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

We prepared the Consolidated Financial Statements following U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating results. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pool Corporation and our wholly owned subsidiaries. We eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions among our wholly owned subsidiaries.

Use of estimates

'

Use of Estimates

In order to prepare financial statements that conform to GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Our most significant estimates are those relating to the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory obsolescence reserves, vendor incentives, income taxes, incentive compensation accruals and goodwill impairment evaluations. We continually review our estimates and make adjustments as necessary, but actual results could be significantly different from what we expected when we made these estimates.

Recent accounting pronouncements

'

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2013, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02). Under the new standard we are required to disclose the effect on income statement line items from the reclassification of a component of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. If a reclassification does not impact net income, we are required to disclose the resulting financial statement effects and reference the applicable accounting guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Segment reporting

'

Segment Reporting

Since all of our sales centers have similar operations and share similar economic characteristics, we aggregate our sales centers into a single reportable segment. Our chief operating decision maker (CODM) evaluates each sales center based on individual performance that includes both financial and operational measures. Additionally, our CODM makes decisions about how to allocate resources primarily on a sales center-by-sales center basis. We do not track sales by product lines and product categories on a consolidated basis. Based on the number of product lines and product categories that we have, and the fact that we make ongoing changes as to how products are classified within these groups, it is impracticable to report our sales by product category.

Seasonality and weather

'

Seasonality and Weather

Our business is highly seasonal and weather is one of the principal external factors affecting our business. In general, sales and net income are highest during the second and third quarters, which represent the peak months of both swimming pool use and installation and landscape installations and maintenance. Sales are substantially lower during the first and fourth quarters, when we may incur net losses.

Revenue recognition

'

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when four basic criteria are met:

1.   persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;

2.   delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;

3.   our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and

4.   collectibility is reasonably assured.

We record revenue when customers take delivery of products. Customers may pick up products at any sales center location, or we may deliver products to their premises or job sites via our trucks or third party carriers. Products shipped via third party carriers are considered delivered based on the shipping terms, which are generally FOB shipping point. We include shipping and handling fees billed to customers as freight out income within net sales.

We offer volume incentives to some of our customers and we account for these incentives as an adjustment to sales. We estimate the amount of volume incentives earned based on our estimate of cumulative sales for the fiscal year relative to our customers’ progress toward achieving minimum purchase requirements. We record customer returns, including those associated with early buy programs, as an adjustment to sales. In the past, customer returns have not been material. Other items that we record as adjustments to sales include cash discounts, pricing adjustments and credit card fees related to customer payments.

We also report sales net of tax amounts that we collect from our customers and remit to governmental authorities. These tax amounts may include, but are not limited to, sales, use, value added and some excise taxes.

Vendor incentives

'

Vendor Incentives

Many of our arrangements with our vendors provide for us to receive incentives of specified amounts of consideration when we achieve any of a number of measures. These measures are generally related to the volume level of purchases from our vendors and may include negotiated pricing arrangements. We account for vendor incentives as a reduction of the prices of the vendor’s products and therefore as a reduction of inventory until we sell the product, at which time such incentives are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales in our income statement.

Throughout the year, we estimate the amount of the incentive earned based on our estimate of total purchases for the fiscal year relative to the purchase levels that mark our progress toward earning the incentives. We accrue vendor incentives on a monthly basis using these estimates provided that we determine they are probable and reasonably estimable. We continually revise these estimates to reflect actual incentives earned based on actual purchase levels and trends related to sales and purchasing mix. When we make adjustments to our estimates, we determine whether any portion of the adjustment impacts the amount of vendor incentives that are deferred in inventory. We recognize changes in our estimates for vendor incentives as a cumulative catch-up adjustment to the amounts recognized to date in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Shipping and handling costs

'

Shipping and Handling Costs

We record shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight as cost of sales. The table below presents shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight, which we include in selling and administrative expenses (in thousands):

2013

2012

2011

$

35,010

$

33,964

$

33,588

Share-based compensation

'

Share-Based Compensation

We record share-based compensation for stock options and other share-based awards based on the estimated fair value as measured on the grant date. For stock option awards, we use a Black-Scholes model for estimating the grant date fair value. For additional discussion of share-based compensation, see Note 6.

Advertising costs

'

Advertising Costs

We expense advertising costs when incurred. The table below presents advertising expense for the past three years (in thousands):

2013

2012

2011

$

5,917

$

6,248

$

5,484

Income taxes

'

Income Taxes

We record deferred tax assets or liabilities based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities using currently enacted rates and laws that will be in effect when we expect the differences to reverse. Due to changing tax laws and state income tax rates, significant judgment is required to estimate the effective tax rate expected to apply to tax differences that are expected to reverse in the future.

We record a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying amounts of net deferred tax assets if there is uncertainty regarding their future realization. We consider many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization including our recent cumulative earnings experience by taxing jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income, the carryforward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes and other relevant factors. For additional discussion of income taxes, see Note 7.

Equity method investments

'

Equity Method Investments

We account for our 50% investment in Northpark Corporate Center, LLC (NCC) using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, we report our share of income or loss based on our ownership interest in this investment.

Earnings per share

'

Earnings Per Share

We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. We include outstanding unvested restricted stock awards of our common stock in the basic weighted average share calculation. Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effects of other share-based awards. For additional discussion of earnings per share, see Note 8.

Foreign currency

'

Foreign Currency

The functional currency of each of our foreign subsidiaries is its applicable local currency. We translate our foreign subsidiary financial statements into U.S. dollars based on published exchange rates. We include these translation adjustments as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We include realized transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations in Interest expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. We realized net foreign currency transaction losses of $0.2 million in 2013, net gains of $0.1 million in 2012 and net losses of $0.6 million in 2011.

Fair value measurements

'

Fair Value Measurements

Our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the unrealized gains or losses on our interest rate swap contracts. We use significant other observable market data or assumptions (Level 2 inputs as defined in the accounting guidance) that we believe market participants would use in pricing similar assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk when appropriate.

The table below presents the estimated fair value of our interest rate swap contracts (in thousands):

Fair Value at December 31,

Level 2

2013

2012

Unrealized Losses on Interest Rate Swaps

$

(1,710

)

$

(3,404

)

We include unrealized losses in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The carrying values of cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments and the carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value.  Our determination of the estimated fair value of long-term debt reflects a discounted cash flow model using our estimates, primarily those related to assumptions for borrowing rates (Level 3 inputs as defined in the accounting guidance).

Derivatives

'

Interest Rate Swaps

We designate our interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and record the changes in fair value to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. If our interest rate swaps became ineffective, we would immediately recognize the changes in fair value of our interest rate swaps in earnings.

A portion of the change in the estimated fair value of our interest rate swap contracts between periods relates to future interest expense. Recognition of the change in fair value between periods attributable to accrued interest is reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to Interest expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. These amounts were not material in 2013.

We recognize any differences between the variable interest rate payments and the fixed interest rate settlements from our swap counterparties as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of the swaps. For additional discussion of our interest rate swaps, see Note 5.

Cash equivalents

'

Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Credit risk and allowance for doubtful accounts

'

Credit Risk and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We record trade receivables at the invoiced amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses we may incur if customers do not pay. We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers and we typically do not require collateral. Consistent with industry practices, we generally require payment from our North American customers within 30 days, except for sales under early buy programs for which we provide extended payment terms to qualified customers.

At the end of each quarter, we perform a reserve analysis of all accounts with balances greater than $20,000 and more than 60 days past due. Additionally, we perform a separate reserve analysis on the balance of our accounts receivables with emphasis on the remainder of the past due portion of the aging. During the year, we write off account balances when we have exhausted reasonable collection efforts and determined that the likelihood of collection is remote. These write-offs are charged against our allowance for doubtful accounts.

The following table summarizes the changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts for the past three years (in thousands):

2013

2012

2011

Balance at beginning of year

$

5,477

$

5,900

$

7,102

Bad debt expense

838

1,007

2,958

Write-offs, net of recoveries

(1,768

)

(1,430

)

(4,160

)

Balance at end of year

$

4,547

$

5,477

$

5,900

Product inventories and reserve for inventory obsolescence

'

Product Inventories and Reserve for Inventory Obsolescence

Product inventories consist primarily of goods we purchase from manufacturers to sell to our customers. We record inventory at the lower of cost, using the average cost method, or market. We establish our reserve for inventory obsolescence based on inventory turns by class with particular emphasis on stock keeping units with the weakest sales over the previous 12 months (or 36 months for tile products). The reserve is intended to reflect the net realizable value of inventory that we may not be able to sell at a profit.

In evaluating the adequacy of our reserve for inventory obsolescence at the sales center level, we consider a combination of factors including:

•

the level of inventory in relationship to historical sales by product, including inventory usage by class based on product sales at both the sales center and Company levels;

•

changes in customer preferences or regulatory requirements;

•

seasonal fluctuations in inventory levels;

•

geographic location; and

•

new product offerings.

We periodically adjust our reserve for inventory obsolescence as changes occur in the above-identified factors.

The following table summarizes the changes in our reserve for inventory obsolescence for the past three years (in thousands):

2013

2012

2011

Balance at beginning of year

$

7,520

$

7,073

$

7,084

Provision for inventory write-downs

1,538

3,852

3,590

Deduction for inventory write-offs

(1,955

)

(3,405

)

(3,601

)

Balance at end of year

$

7,103

$

7,520

$

7,073

Property and equipment

'

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. We depreciate property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings

40 years

Leasehold improvements (1)

1 - 10 years

Autos and trucks

3 - 5 years

Machinery and equipment

3 - 10 years

Computer equipment

3 - 7 years

Furniture and fixtures

5 - 10 years

(1)

For substantial improvements made near the end of a lease term where we are reasonably certain the lease will be renewed, we amortize the leasehold improvement over the remaining life of the lease including the expected renewal period.

The table below presents depreciation expense for the past three years (in thousands):

2013

2012

2011

$

13,359

$

11,592

$

9,746

Acquisitions

'

Acquisitions

We use the acquisition method of accounting and recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value as of the acquisition date. Any contingent assets acquired and contingent liabilities assumed are also recognized at fair value if we can reasonably estimate fair value during the measurement period (which cannot exceed one year from the acquisition date). We expense all acquisition related costs as incurred, including any restructuring costs associated with a business combination.

We remeasure any contingent liabilities at fair value in each subsequent reporting period. If our initial acquisition accounting is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which a business combination occurs, we report provisional amounts for incomplete items. Once we obtain information required to finalize the accounting for incomplete items, we retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized as of the acquisition date. We make adjustments to these provisional amounts during the measurement period.

For all acquisitions, we include the results of operations in our Consolidated Financial Statements as of the acquisition date. For additional discussion of acquisitions, see Note 2.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

'

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the amount we paid to acquire a company over the estimated fair value of tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired, less liabilities assumed. We test goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of October 1st and at any other time when impairment indicators exist.

We estimate the fair value of our reporting units based on an income approach that incorporates our assumptions for determining the present value of future cash flows.  We project future cash flows using management's assumptions for sales growth rates, operating margins, discount rates and multiples. These assumptions are considered unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs as defined in the accounting guidance). If the estimated fair value of any of our reporting units falls below carrying value, we compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value, we recognize the difference as an impairment loss in operating income. Since we define an operating segment as an individual sales center and we do not have operations below the sales center level, our reporting unit is an individual sales center. For additional discussion of goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note 3.

Receivables securitization facility

'

Receivables Securitization Facility

Our accounts receivable securitization facility (the Receivables Facility) provides for the sale of certain of our receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary (the Securitization Subsidiary). The Securitization Subsidiary transfers variable undivided percentage interests in the receivables and related rights to certain third party financial institutions in exchange for cash proceeds, limited to the applicable funding capacities.

We account for the sale of the receivable interests as a secured borrowing on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The receivables subject to the agreement collateralize the cash proceeds received from the third party financial institutions. We classify the entire outstanding balance as Long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as we intend to refinance the obligations on a long-term basis. We present the receivables that collateralize the cash proceeds separately as Receivables pledged under receivables facility on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional discussion of the Receivables Facility, see Note 5.

Self insurance

'

Self Insurance

We are self-insured for employee health benefits, workers’ compensation coverage, automobile and property and casualty insurance. To limit our exposure, we also maintain excess and aggregate liability coverage. We establish self‑insurance reserves based on estimates of claims incurred but not reported and information that we obtain from third-party service providers regarding known claims. Our management reviews these reserves based on consideration of various factors, including but not limited to the age of existing claims, estimated settlement amounts and other historical claims data.

Retained (deficit) earnings

'

Retained (Deficit) Earnings

We account for the retirement of treasury share repurchases as a reduction of Retained (deficit) earnings on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  As of December 31, 2013, the retained deficit reflects cumulative net income, the cumulative impact of adjustments for changes in accounting pronouncements, treasury share retirements since the inception of our share repurchase programs of $679.2 million and cumulative dividends declared of $237.3 million.

Supplemental cash flow information

'

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table presents supplemental disclosures to the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest

$

5,963

$

5,495

$

7,104

Income taxes, net of refunds

47,138

45,404

39,771

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si2

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight	'
	The table below presents shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight, which we include in selling and administrative expenses (in thousands):
	2013				2012				2011
	$	35,010			$	33,964			$	33,588
Advertising expense	'
	We expense advertising costs when incurred. The table below presents advertising expense for the past three years (in thousands):
	2013				2012				2011
	$	5,917			$	6,248			$	5,484
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below presents the estimated fair value of our interest rate swap contracts (in thousands):
			Fair Value at December 31,
	Level 2		2013				2012
	Unrealized Losses on Interest Rate Swaps		$	(1,710	)		$	(3,404	)
Summary of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts for the past three years (in thousands):
			2013				2012				2011
	Balance at beginning of year		$	5,477			$	5,900			$	7,102
	Bad debt expense		838				1,007				2,958
	Write-offs, net of recoveries		(1,768		)		(1,430		)		(4,160		)
	Balance at end of year		$	4,547			$	5,477			$	5,900
Summary of changes in allowance for inventory obsolescence	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in our reserve for inventory obsolescence for the past three years (in thousands):
			2013				2012				2011
	Balance at beginning of year		$	7,520			$	7,073			$	7,084
	Provision for inventory write-downs		1,538				3,852				3,590
	Deduction for inventory write-offs		(1,955		)		(3,405		)		(3,601		)
	Balance at end of year		$	7,103			$	7,520			$	7,073
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment	'
	We depreciate property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
	Buildings	40 years
	Leasehold improvements (1)	1 - 10 years
	Autos and trucks	3 - 5 years
	Machinery and equipment	3 - 10 years
	Computer equipment	3 - 7 years
	Furniture and fixtures	5 - 10 years
	(1)	For substantial improvements made near the end of a lease term where we are reasonably certain the lease will be renewed, we amortize the leasehold improvement over the remaining life of the lease including the expected renewal period.
Depreciation expense	'
	The table below presents depreciation expense for the past three years (in thousands):
	2013				2012				2011
	$	13,359			$	11,592			$	9,746
Supplemental disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	'
	The following table presents supplemental disclosures to the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Cash paid during the year for:
	Interest	$	5,963			$	5,495			$	7,104
	Income taxes, net of refunds	47,138				45,404				39,771

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	The table below presents changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands):
	Goodwill (gross) at December 31, 2011	$	179,423
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(174		)
	Goodwill (gross) at December 31, 2012	179,249
	Accumulated impairment losses at December 31, 2011	(2,320		)
	Goodwill impairment	(6,946		)
	Accumulated impairment losses at December 31, 2012	(9,266		)
	Goodwill (net) at December 31, 2012	$	169,983
	Goodwill (gross) at December 31, 2012	$	179,249
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,991
	Goodwill (gross) at December 31, 2013	181,240
	Accumulated impairment losses at December 31, 2012	(9,266		)
	Goodwill impairment	—
	Accumulated impairment losses at December 31, 2013	(9,266		)
	Goodwill (net) at December 31, 2013	$	171,974
Other intangible assets	'
	Other intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Horizon tradename (indefinite life)	$	8,400		$	8,400
	National Pool Tile (NPT) tradename (20 year life)	1,500			1,500
	Non-compete agreements (5 year weighted average useful life)	4,140			4,531
	Other intangible assets	14,040			14,431
	Less: Accumulated amortization	(3,844		)	(3,378		)
	Other intangible assets, net	$	10,196		$	11,053
Estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets for next five years	'
	The table below presents estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets for the next five years (in thousands):
	2014		$	686
	2015		174
	2016		114
	2017		82
	2018		75

Details_of_Certain_Balance_She1

Details of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Additional information regarding certain balance sheet accounts	'
	The table below presents additional information regarding certain balance sheet accounts (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Receivables, net:
	Trade accounts	$	14,150		$	86,177
	Vendor incentives	33,779			31,451
	Other, net	1,756			1,708
	Total receivables	49,685			119,336
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,547		)	(5,477		)
	Receivables, net	$	45,138		$	113,859
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Prepaid expenses	$	9,670		$	8,647
	Other current assets	132			2,633
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	9,802		$	11,280
	Property and equipment, net:
	Land	$	1,641		$	1,641
	Buildings	2,196			2,188
	Leasehold improvements	28,048			26,254
	Autos and trucks	19,994			14,221
	Machinery and equipment	30,181			26,871
	Computer equipment	34,779			32,875
	Furniture and fixtures	8,827			8,388
	Fixed assets in progress	4,336			2,384
	Total property and equipment	130,002			114,822
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(77,674		)	(68,256		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	52,328		$	46,566
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
	Salaries	$	2,996		$	7,625
	Bonuses	26,728			22,549
	Other	19,577			18,012
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	49,301		$	48,186

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of debt	'
	The table below presents the components of our debt for the past two years (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013				2012
	Long-term debt, variable rate:
	Revolving Credit Facility (described below)	$	194,418			$	230,882
	Receivables Securitization Facility (described below)	52,000				—
	Total debt	$	246,418			$	230,882
Schedule of interest rate swaps	'
	The following table provides additional details related to each of these swap contracts:
	Derivative	Effective Date		Notional				Fixed
				Amount				Interest
				(in millions)				Rate
	Interest rate swap 1	November 21, 2011		$	25			1.185	%
	Interest rate swap 2	November 21, 2011		$	25			1.185	%
	Interest rate swap 3	December 21, 2011		$	50			1.1	%
	Interest rate swap 4	January 17, 2012		$	25			1.05	%
	Interest rate swap 5	January 19, 2012		$	25			0.99	%
Changes in deferred financing costs	'
	The table below summarizes changes in deferred financing costs for the past two years (in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Deferred financing costs:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	3,055			$	3,451
	Financing costs deferred	1,044				—
	Write-off fully amortized deferred financing costs	—				(396		)
	Balance at end of year	4,099				3,055
	Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs:
	Balance at beginning of year	(1,573		)		(1,581		)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	(412		)		(388		)
	Write-off fully amortized deferred financing costs	—				396
	Balance at end of year	(1,985		)		(1,573		)
	Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization	$	2,114			$	1,482

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock Option Activity	'
	The following table summarizes stock option activity under our share-based plans for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Shares			Weighted Average				Weighted Average		Aggregate
					Exercise Price				Remaining		Intrinsic Value
									Contractual Term
									(Years)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	3,944,191			$	26.33
	Granted	236,700			45.62
	Less: Exercised	780,485			26.04
	Forfeited	7,125			27.47
	Balance at December 31, 2013	3,393,281			$	27.74			5.02		$	103,141,413
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,963,668			$	27.23			3.47		$	60,700,817
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range	'
	The following table presents information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013:
		Outstanding									Exercisable
		Stock Options									Stock Options
	Range of exercise prices	Shares			Weighted Average		Weighted Average Exercise Price				Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
					Remaining
					Contractual Term
					(Years)
	$ 18.00 to $ 21.14	1,437,505			5.17		$	19.67			911,992			$	19.89
	$ 21.15 to $ 37.13	1,202,841			5.02		29.29				537,441			28.96
	$ 37.14 to $ 52.78	752,935			4.72		40.69				514,235			38.44
		3,393,281			5.02		$	27.74			1,963,668			$	27.23
Summary of cash proceeds and tax benefits realized from stock option exercise.	'
	The following table summarizes the cash proceeds and tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands, except share amounts)	2013				2012				2011
	Options exercised	780,485				986,110				958,509
	Cash proceeds	$	20,323			$	19,221			$	12,173
	Intrinsic value of options exercised	$	19,273			$	19,383			$	13,868
	Tax benefits realized	$	7,364			$	7,418			$	5,409
Summary of assumptions for estimated fair value of employee stock option awards at grant date	'
	We estimated the fair value of employee stock option awards at the grant date based on the assumptions summarized in the following table:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Weighted average)	2013					2012					2011
	Expected volatility	38.7		%			38.6		%			37.9		%
	Expected term	7.5			years		7.6			years		7.8			years
	Risk-free interest rate	1.51		%			1.61		%			3.1		%
	Expected dividend yield	1.5		%			2		%			2		%
	Grant date fair value	$	16.42				$	12.66				$	8.97
Summary of restricted share actvity	'
	The table below presents restricted stock awards activity under our share-based plans for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Grant Date Fair Value
	Balance unvested at December 31, 2012	516,186			$	23.36
	Granted (at market price)	80,454			46.31
	Less: Vested	102,536			23.94
	Forfeited	3,840			25.87
	Balance unvested at December 31, 2013	490,264			$	26.98
Total restricted stock awards that vested for the past three years and related fair value	'
	The table below presents the total number of restricted stock awards that vested for the past three years and the related fair value of those awards (in thousands, except share amounts):
		2013				2012				2011
	Shares vested	102,536				69,580				32,856
	Fair value of restricted stock awards vested	$	4,544			$	2,338			$	812
Number of shares purchased by employees under the employee stock purchase plan	'
	For the two six month offering periods in each year presented below, our employees purchased the following aggregate number of shares:
	2013		2012			2011
	26,644		31,275			37,653
Restricted [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Summary of share-based compensation expense and recognized tax benefits [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the total share-based compensation expense for restricted stock awards for the past three years (in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
	Share-based compensation expense	$	4,103			$	3,873			$	3,507
Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Summary of share-based compensation expense and recognized tax benefits [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the total share-based compensation expense for stock option awards and the related recognized tax benefits for the past three years (in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
	Share-based compensation expense	$	3,746			$	4,304			$	4,497
	Recognized tax benefits	1,431				1,647				1,721

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income before income taxes and equity earnings (losses)	'
	Income (loss) before income taxes and equity earnings is attributable to the following jurisdictions (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	United States	$	158,851			$	144,578			$	111,376
	Foreign (1)	(113		)		(6,178		)		5,727
	Total	$	158,738			$	138,400			$	117,103
	(1)  The foreign loss before income taxes in 2012 includes the $6.9 million goodwill impairment charge related to the United Kingdom.
Provision for income taxes	'
	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	49,425			$	43,871			$	32,850
	State and other	7,486				5,958				7,675
	Total current provision for income taxes	56,911				49,829				40,525
	Deferred:
	Federal	4,905				6,071				4,754
	State and other	(226		)		844				40
	Total deferred provision for income taxes	4,679				6,915				4,794
	Provision for income taxes	$	61,590			$	56,744			$	45,319
Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to effective tax rate on income before income taxes and equity earnings (losses)	'
	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate on Income before income taxes and equity earnings is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Change in valuation allowance	0.57			1.97			0.37
	Other, primarily state income tax rate	3.23			4.03			3.33
	Total effective tax rate	38.8	%		41	%		38.7	%
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	The table below presents the components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Product inventories	$	6,476			$	7,703
	Accrued expenses	4,072				2,780
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	346				420
	Total current	10,894				10,903
	Less: Valuation allowance	(1,691		)		(1,584		)
	Component reclassified for net presentation	(3,746		)		(4,133		)
	Total current, net	5,457				5,186
	Leases	1,805				1,957
	Share-based compensation	15,579				16,970
	Uncertain tax positions	1,343				1,226
	Net operating losses	4,709				6,703
	Interest rate swaps	667				1,327
	Equity losses in unconsolidated investments	5,653				5,653
	Other	953				1,150
	Total non-current	30,709				34,986
	Less: Valuation allowance	(8,672		)		(10,772		)
	Component reclassified for net presentation	(21,253		)		(23,474		)
	Total non-current, net	784				740
	Total deferred tax assets	6,241				5,926
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Trade discounts on purchases	2,022				2,681
	Prepaid expenses	1,724				1,452
	Total current	3,746				4,133
	Component reclassified for net presentation	(3,746		)		(4,133		)
	Total current, net	—				—
	Intangible assets, primarily goodwill	33,659				30,645
	Depreciation	6,702				6,282
	Total non-current	40,361				36,927
	Component reclassified for net presentation	(21,253		)		(23,474		)
	Total non-current, net	19,108				13,453
	Total deferred tax liabilities	19,108				13,453
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(12,867	)		$	(7,527	)
Summary of activity related to uncertain tax positions	'
	The following table summarizes the activity related to uncertain tax positions for the past three years (in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	3,504			$	4,715			$	3,962
	Increases for tax positions taken during a prior period	—				—				—
	Increases for tax positions taken during the current period	1,140				972				914
	Decreases resulting from the expiration of the statute of limitations	(807		)		(2,123		)		(46		)
	Decreases relating to settlements	—				(60		)		(115		)
	Balance at end of year	$	3,837			$	3,504			$	4,715

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of earnings per share and reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	'
	The table below presents the computation of earnings per share, including the reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands, except per share data):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013		2012		2011
	Net income		$	97,330	$	81,972	$	71,993
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic		46,282		46,937		48,158
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and employee stock purchase plan		1,248		1,121		829
	Diluted		47,530		48,058		48,987
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$	2.1	$	1.75	$	1.49
	Diluted		$	2.05	$	1.71	$	1.47
	Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share computations (1)		—		417		1,381
	(1)	Since these options have exercise prices that are higher than the average market prices of our common stock, including them in the calculation would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of rent expense associated with operating leases	'
	The table below presents rent expenses associated with operating leases for the past three years (in thousands):
	2013				2012		2011
	$	58,188			$	59,873	$	62,099
Future minimum lease payments related to non-cancelable operating leases	'
	The table below sets forth the approximate future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2013 related to non-cancelable operating leases and the non-cancelable portion of certain vehicle operating leases with initial terms of one year or more (in thousands):
	2014		$	42,282
	2015		35,231
	2016		28,112
	2017		19,546
	2018		11,355
	Thereafter		13,532

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions Rent Expense [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below presents rent expense associated with these leases for the past three years (in thousands):
		2013		2012		2011
	NCC	$	950	$	937	$	923
	Other	178		183		405
	Total	$	1,128	$	1,120	$	1,328

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]	'
Matching contributions [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below sets forth our matching contributions for the past three years (in thousands):
		2013		2012		2011
	Matching contributions - 401(k)	$	4,861	$	4,589	$	4,015
	Matching contributions - deferred compensation plan	36		262		59

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unaudited quarterly results of operations	'
	The table below summarizes the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the past two years (in thousands, except per share data):
		Quarter
		2013									2012
		First		Second		Third		Fourth			First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Net sales	$	370,362	$	790,392	$	578,157	$	340,789		$	361,954	$	757,175	$	528,027	$	306,818
	Gross profit	104,761		228,166		162,557		95,793			104,563		222,405		151,501		88,938
	Net income (loss)	3,440		66,533		32,332		(4,975		)	3,651		64,943		21,375		(7,997		)
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.07	$	1.43	$	0.7	$	(0.11	)	$	0.08	$	1.38	$	0.46	$	(0.17	)
	Diluted	$	0.07	$	1.39	$	0.68	$	(0.11	)	$	0.08	$	1.34	$	0.45	$	(0.17	)

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si3

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of sales centers in North America, Europe and South America	321	'	'
Number of distribution networks	3	'	'
Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight	$35,010,000	$33,964,000	$33,588,000
Advertising expense	5,917,000	6,248,000	5,484,000
(Gains) losses on foreign currency transactions	220,000	-111,000	592,000
Threshold past due account balances for reserve analysis	20,000	'	'
Threshold past due days for reserve analysis	'60	'	'
Sales period (in months) for establishing reserve for inventory obsolescence	'12	'	'
Sales period (in months) for establishing reserve for inventory obsolescence - Tile	'36	'	'
Depreciation expense	13,359,000	11,592,000	9,746,000
Measurement period for acquisition, maximum (in years)	'1	'	'
Cumulative Share Repurchases	679,200,000	'	'
Cumulative Dividends	237,300,000	'	'
Cash paid during the year for [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest	5,963,000	5,495,000	7,104,000
Income taxes, net of refunds	$47,138,000	$45,404,000	$39,771,000

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si4

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$5,477	$5,900	$7,102
Bad debt expense	838	1,007	2,958
Write-offs, net of recoveries	-1,768	-1,430	-4,160
Balance at end of year	4,547	5,477	5,900
Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	7,520	7,073	7,084
Provision for inventory write-downs	1,538	3,852	3,590
Deductions for inventory write-offs	-1,955	-3,405	-3,601
Balance at end of year	$7,103	$7,520	$7,073

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si5

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Property and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Building [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'40 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'5 - 10 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'1 - 10 years
Vehicles [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 - 5 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 - 10 years
Computer Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 - 7 years

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si6

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Other Liabilities [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Unrealized Losses on Interest Rate Swaps	($1,710)	($3,404)

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Number of sales centers	321
Kilpatrick Company Inc [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Number of sales centers	4
Poolway Schwimmbadtechnik GmbH [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Number of sales centers	1
G.L. Cornell Company [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Number of sales centers	1
Ideal Distributors Ltd. [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Number of sales centers	4
CCR Distribution [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Number of sales centers	1
B. Shapiro Supply, LLC [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Number of sales centers	1
SPSC, Inc. [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Number of sales centers	1

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Highest goodwill balance among other reporting units	'	'	'	$5,700,000	'
Average goodwill balance among other reporting units	'	'	'	800,000	'
Number of reporting units with allocated goodwill balances	'	'	'	208	'
Goodwill Carrying Value - UK Reporting Unit	'	'	'	'	6,900,000
Goodwill, impairment	0	6,946,000	1,550,000	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	179,249,000	179,423,000	'	'	'
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	1,991,000	-174,000	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	181,240,000	179,249,000	179,423,000	'	'
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	-9,266,000	-2,320,000	'	'	'
Goodwill impairment	0	-6,946,000	-1,550,000	'	'
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	-9,266,000	-9,266,000	-2,320,000	'	'
Goodwill	$171,974,000	$169,983,000	'	'	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, gross	$14,040,000	$14,431,000	'
Less: Accumulated amortization (Finite-lived intangible assets)	-3,844,000	-3,378,000	'
Finite and Indefinite lived intangible assets, net	10,196,000	11,053,000	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	800,000	900,000	1,200,000
Other intangible assets, future amortization expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	686,000	'	'
2015	174,000	'	'
2016	114,000	'	'
2017	82,000	'	'
2018	75,000	'	'
Npt Tradename [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1,500,000	1,500,000	'
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	4,140,000	4,531,000	'
Horizon tradename [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$8,400,000	$8,400,000	'

Details_of_Certain_Balance_She2

Details of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, net [Abstract]	'	'
Trade accounts	$14,150	$86,177
Vendor incentives	33,779	31,451
Other, net	1,756	1,708
Total receivables	49,685	119,336
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	-4,547	-5,477
Receivables, net	45,138	113,859
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Abstract]	'	'
Prepaid expenses	9,670	8,647
Other current assets	132	2,633
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,802	11,280
Property and equipment, net [Abstract]	'	'
Land	1,641	1,641
Buildings	2,196	2,188
Leasehold improvements	28,048	26,254
Autos and trucks	19,994	14,221
Machinery and equipment	30,181	26,871
Computer equipment	34,779	32,875
Furniture and fixtures	8,827	8,388
Fixed assets in progress	4,336	2,384
Total property and equipment	130,002	114,822
Less accumulated depreciation	-77,674	-68,256
Property and equipment, net	52,328	46,566
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Salaries	2,996	7,625
Bonuses	26,728	22,549
Other	19,577	18,012
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$49,301	$48,186

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Long-term portion [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total long-term portion	$246,418,000	$230,882,000	'
Total debt	246,418,000	230,882,000	'
Interest rate swap [Abstract]	'	'	'
Incremental interest expense arising from difference between interest paid and interest received related to swap agreements	1,379,000	1,292,000	3,600,000
Financial and other covenants [Abstract]	'	'	'
Financial covenants, dividend limitation as percent of preceding year's net income, maximum (in hundredths)	50.00%	'	'
Deferred financing costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	3,055,000	3,451,000	'
Financing costs deferred	1,044,000	0	1,674,000
Write-off fully amortized deferred financing costs	0	-396,000	'
Balance at end of year	4,099,000	3,055,000	3,451,000
Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	-1,573,000	-1,581,000	'
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-412,000	-388,000	'
Write Off Of Accumulated Amortized Deferred Financing Costs	0	396,000	'
Balance at end of year	-1,985,000	-1,573,000	-1,581,000
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization	2,114,000	1,482,000	'
Interest Rate Swap 1, Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	1.19%	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, notional amount	25,000,000	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, effective date	21-Nov-11	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, termination date	19-Oct-16	'	'
Interest Rate Swap 2, Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	1.19%	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, notional amount	25,000,000	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, effective date	21-Nov-11	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, termination date	19-Oct-16	'	'
Interest Rate Swap 3, Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	1.10%	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, notional amount	50,000,000	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, effective date	21-Dec-11	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, termination date	19-Oct-16	'	'
Interest Rate Swap 4, Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	1.05%	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, notional amount	25,000,000	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, effective date	17-Jan-12	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, termination date	19-Oct-16	'	'
Interest Rate Swap, Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	0.99%	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, notional amount	25,000,000	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, effective date	19-Jan-12	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, termination date	19-Oct-16	'	'
Unsecured Syndicated Senior Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'
Long-term portion [Abstract]	'	'	'
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent	194,418,000	230,882,000	'
Debt	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	465,000,000	'	'
Revolving credit facility, term (in years)	'5 years	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	20-Sep-18	'	'
Potential increase in borrowing capacity	75,000,000	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	194,418,000	'	'
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	267,357,000	'	'
Weighted average effective interest rate (in hundredths)	2.10%	'	'
Line of credit facility, interest rate description	'Revolving borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, at our option, at either of the following and, in each case, plus an applicable margin:a base rate, which is the highest of (i) the Wells Fargo Bank, National Association prime rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.500% and (iii) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Market Index Rate plus 1.000%; or LIBOR.Borrowings by the Canadian Borrower bear interest, at the Canadian Borrowerbs option, at either of the following and, in each case, plus an applicable margin:a base rate, which is the greatest of (i) the Canadian Reference Bank prime rate and (ii) the annual rate of interest equal to the sum of the Canadian Dealer Offered Rate (CDOR) plus 1.000%; or CDOR. Borrowings by the Dutch Borrower bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin.The interest rate margins on the borrowings and letters of credit are based on our leverage ratio and will range from 1.150% to 1.625% on CDOR, LIBOR and swingline loans, and from 0.150% to 0.625% on Base Rate and Canadian Base Rate loans.	'	'
Annual facility fee, minimum (in hundredths)	0.10%	'	'
Annual facility fee, maximum (in hundredths)	0.25%	'	'
Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]	'	'	'
Long-term portion [Abstract]	'	'	'
Receivable Securitization Facility	52,000,000	0	'
Debt	'	'	'
Receivables Facility, Borrowing Capacity March to August	120,000,000	'	'
Receivables Facility, Borrowing Capacity Sept to February	80,000,000	'	'
Receivables Facility, Term (in years)	'2 years	'	'
Additional Seasonal Borrowing Capacity	40,000,000	'	'
Receivable Securitization Facility	52,000,000	0	'
Weighted average effective interest rate	0.90%	'	'
Receivables Facility, interest rate description	'Depending on the funding source used by the financial institutions to purchase the receivables, borrowings under the Receivables Facility bear interest at one of the following and, in each case, plus an applicable margin of 0.75%:for financial institutions using the commercial paper market, commercial paper rates based on the applicable variable rates in the commercial paper market at the time of issuance;for financial institutions not using the commercial paper market, LMIR	'	'
Receivables facility, unused fee	0.35%	'	'
Floating Rate Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Long-term portion [Abstract]	'	'	'
Floating Rate Senior Notes	$100,000,000	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Grant Date Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$8,150,000	$8,465,000	$8,233,000
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Stock option activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance (in shares)	3,944,191	'	'
Granted (in shares)	236,700	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	780,485	986,110	958,509
Forfeited (in shares)	7,125	'	'
Ending balance (in shares)	3,393,281	3,944,191	'
Exercisable (In Shares)	1,963,668	'	'
Stock option weighted average exercise price [Abstract]	'	'	'
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$26.33	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$45.62	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$26.04	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$27.47	'	'
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$27.74	$26.33	'
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)	$27.23	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual term of shares outstanding (in years)	'5 years 0 months 7 days	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual term of shares exercisable at end of period (in years)	'3 years 5 months 19 days	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]	'	'	'
Ending balance	103,141,413	'	'
Exercisable at end of period	60,700,817	'	'
Cash Proceeds and Tax Benefits [Abstract]	'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	780,485	986,110	958,509
Cash proceeds	20,323,000	19,221,000	12,173,000
Intrinsic value of options exercised	19,273,000	19,383,000	13,868,000
Tax benefits realized	7,364,000	7,418,000	5,409,000
Grant Date Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected volatility (in hundredths)	38.70%	38.60%	37.90%
Expected term (in years)	'7 years 6 months 10 days	'7 years 7 months 6 days	'7 years 9 months 18 days
Risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	1.51%	1.61%	3.10%
Expected dividend yield (in hundredths)	1.50%	2.00%	2.00%
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$16.42	$12.66	$8.97
Share-based compensation	3,746,000	4,304,000	4,497,000
Recognized tax benefits	1,431,000	1,647,000	1,721,000
Unamortized compensation expense	3,500,000	'	'
Expense recognition over weighted average period (in years)	'2 years 0 months 21 days	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares available for grant	528,938	'	'
Grant Date Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	4,103,000	3,873,000	3,507,000
Unamortized compensation expense	2,700,000	'	'
Expense recognition over weighted average period (in years)	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'	'
Restricted stock awards [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance (in shares)	516,186	'	'
Granted (at market price) (in shares)	80,454	'	'
Vested (in shares)	102,536	69,580	32,856
Forfeited (in shares)	3,840	'	'
Ending balance (in shares)	490,264	516,186	'
Restricted stock awards weighted average grant date fair value [Abstract]	'	'	'
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$23.36	'	'
Granted (at market price) (in dollars per share)	$46.31	'	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	$23.94	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$25.87	'	'
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$26.98	$23.36	'
Vested (in shares)	102,536	69,580	32,856
Fair value of restricted stock awards vested	4,544,000	2,338,000	812,000
ESPP Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares purchased under the ESPP (in shares)	26,644	31,275	37,653
Grant Date Fair Value of most recent ESPP Purchase (per share)	$10.64	'	'
Grant Date Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$300,000	$300,000	$200,000
LTIP 2007 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares allocated for issuance (in shares)	5,415,000	'	'
Number of shares originally allocated for issuance (in shares)	1,515,000	'	'
Shares available for grant	1,654,205	'	'
LTIP 2002 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares allocated for issuance (in shares)	2,700,000	'	'
Number of shares originally allocated for issuance (in shares)	1,575,000	'	'
Director plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares allocated for issuance (in shares)	1,350,000	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares allocated for issuance (in shares)	956,250	'	'
Discounted percentage rate offered under the employee stock purchase plan (in hundredths)	85.00%	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_ShareB

Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation Price Ranges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Outstanding Stock Options (in shares)	3,393,281
Outstanding Stock Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'5 years 0 months 7 days
Outstanding Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$27.74
Exercisable Stock Options (in shares)	1,963,668
Exercisable Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$27.23
Exercise Price Range 18.00 to 21.14 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Outstanding Stock Options (in shares)	1,437,505
Outstanding Stock Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'5 years 2 months 1 day
Outstanding Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$19.67
Exercisable Stock Options (in shares)	911,992
Exercisable Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$19.89
Exercise Price Range 21.15 to 37.13 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Outstanding Stock Options (in shares)	1,202,841
Outstanding Stock Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'5 years 0 months 7 days
Outstanding Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$29.29
Exercisable Stock Options (in shares)	537,441
Exercisable Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$28.96
Exercise Price Range 37.14 to 52.78 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Outstanding Stock Options (in shares)	752,935
Outstanding Stock Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'4 years 8 months 19 days
Outstanding Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$40.69
Exercisable Stock Options (in shares)	514,235
Exercisable Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$38.44

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
United States	$158,851	$144,578	$111,376
Foreign	-113	-6,178	5,727
Total	158,738	138,400	117,103
Current [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal	49,425	43,871	32,850
State and other	7,486	5,958	7,675
Current tax	56,911	49,829	40,525
Deferred [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal	4,905	6,071	4,754
State and other	-226	844	40
Deferred tax	4,679	6,915	4,794
Total	61,590	56,744	45,319
Reconciliation of U.S. federal statutory tax rate to effective tax rate [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal statutory rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Change in valuation allowance (in hundredths)	0.57%	1.97%	0.37%
Other, primarily state income tax rate (in hundredths)	3.23%	4.03%	3.33%
Total effective tax rate (in hundredths)	38.80%	41.00%	38.70%
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Product inventories	6,476	7,703	'
Accrued expenses	4,072	2,780	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	346	420	'
Total current	10,894	10,903	'
Less: Valuation Allowance, Current	-1,691	-1,584	'
Component reclassified for net presentation	-3,746	-4,133	'
Total current, net	5,457	5,186	'
Leases	1,805	1,957	'
Share-based compensation	15,579	16,970	'
Uncertain tax positions	1,343	1,226	'
Net operating losses	4,709	6,703	'
Interest rate swaps	667	1,327	'
Equity losses in unconsolidated investments	5,653	5,653	'
Other	953	1,150	'
Total noncurrent	30,709	34,986	'
Less: Valuation allowance, non-current	-8,672	-10,772	'
Component reclassified for net presentation	-21,253	-23,474	'
Total non-current, net	784	740	'
Total deferred tax assets	6,241	5,926	'
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Trade discounts on purchases	2,022	2,681	'
Prepaid expenses	1,724	1,452	'
Total current	3,746	4,133	'
Component reclassified for net presentation	-3,746	-4,133	'
Total current, net	0	0	'
Intangible assets, primarily goodwill	33,659	30,645	'
Depreciation	6,702	6,282	'
Total non-current	40,361	36,927	'
Component reclassified for net presentation	-21,253	-23,474	'
Total non-current, net	19,108	13,453	'
Total deferred tax liabilities	19,108	13,453	'
Net deferred tax liability	-12,867	-7,527	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax loss carry-forwards	17,312	'	'
Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities	4,611	4,487	3,118
Uncertain tax positions activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	3,504	4,715	3,962
Increases for tax positions taken during a prior period	0	0	0
Increases for tax positions taken during the current period	1,140	972	914
Decreases resulting from the expiration of the statute of limitations	-807	-2,123	-46
Decreases relating to settlements	0	-60	-115
Ending balance	3,837	3,504	4,715
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would decrease the effective tax rate	2,494	2,277	'
Interest (income) expense related to unrecognized tax benefits	-157	-291	307
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits	354	511	'
International Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred tax asset, valuation allowance	-4,709	-6,703	'
Investment in Lac [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred tax asset, valuation allowance	($5,654)	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($4,975)	$32,332	$66,533	$3,440	($7,997)	$21,375	$64,943	$3,651	$97,330	$81,972	$71,993
Weighted average shares outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	46,282	46,937	48,158
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options and employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,248	1,121	829
Diluted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	47,530	48,058	48,987
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.11)	$0.70	$1.43	$0.07	($0.17)	$0.46	$1.38	$0.08	$2.10	$1.75	$1.49
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.11)	$0.68	$1.39	$0.07	($0.17)	$0.45	$1.34	$0.08	$2.05	$1.71	$1.47
Anti-dilutive stock options whose exercise prices were higher than the common stock's average market price during the period (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	417	1,381

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$58,188	$59,873	$62,099
Future minimum lease payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	42,282	'	'
2015	35,231	'	'
2016	28,112	'	'
2017	19,546	'	'
2018	11,355	'	'
Thereafter	$13,532	'	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
NCC [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%	'	'
Cash contribution for acquisition of membership interest	$1,100,000	'	'
Office space occupied (in square feet)	53,000	'	'
Lease term (in years)	'10	'	'
Monthly rent expense (per month)	80,257	'	'
Related Party Rent expense	950,000	937,000	923,000
S and C Development, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Office space occupied (in square feet)	8,600	'	'
Monthly rent expense (per month)	4,926	'	'
Kenneth St. Romain [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lease term (in years)	'5	'	'
Other Leases [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Related Party Rent expense	$178,000	$183,000	$405,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'
Matching contributions - deferred compensation plan	$36	$262	$59
401 K Savings and Retirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Eligible employees' maximum allowable contribution as a percentage of compensation (in hundredths)	75.00%	'	'
Percentage company total match on employee contributions, maximum (in hundredths)	4.00%	'	'
Company match on the first three percent of compensation deferred (in hundredths)	100.00%	'	'
Company match on deferrals between three percent and five percent of compensation (in hundredths)	50.00%	'	'
Compensation deferred percentage eligible for one hundred percent match on employees' contributions (in hundredths)	3.00%	'	'
Compensation deferred percentage eligible for fifty percent match on employee contributions (in hundredths)	5.00%	'	'
Matching contributions - 401 (k)	$4,861	$4,589	$4,015

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$340,789	$578,157	$790,392	$370,362	$306,818	$528,027	$757,175	$361,954	$2,079,700	$1,953,974	$1,793,318
Gross profit	95,793	162,557	228,166	104,761	88,938	151,501	222,405	104,563	591,277	567,407	531,590
Net income (loss)	($4,975)	$32,332	$66,533	$3,440	($7,997)	$21,375	$64,943	$3,651	$97,330	$81,972	$71,993
Earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.11)	$0.70	$1.43	$0.07	($0.17)	$0.46	$1.38	$0.08	$2.10	$1.75	$1.49
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.11)	$0.68	$1.39	$0.07	($0.17)	$0.45	$1.34	$0.08	$2.05	$1.71	$1.47