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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Controlling interest, ownership percentage 60.00%    
Number of joint ventures 2    
Municipal securities included in cash equivalents   $ 10,600  
Allowance for doubtful accounts 12,946 6,343  
Capitalized vendor rebates 6,386 6,226  
Marketable securities, net unrealized losses 352 355  
Marketable securities, deferred tax assets 216 217  
Investments in marketable equity securities 163 157  
Advertising expense 25,052 26,646 12,106
Selling, general and administrative expenses 529,244 507,669 399,772
Minimum percentage of likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with relevant tax authority 50.00%    
Watsco, Inc. [Member]
      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Number of locations from which entity operates 542    
Number of states in which entity operates 38    
Shipping And Handling [Member]
      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 30,234 $ 25,443 $ 14,829
Buildings And Improvements [Member]
      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful lives, minimum, in years 3    
Estimated useful lives, maximum, in years 40    
Other Depreciable Assets [Member]
      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful lives, minimum, in years 3    
Estimated useful lives, maximum, in years 10    
Minimum [Member]
      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Accounts receivable period, in days 30    
Maximum [Member]
      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Accounts receivable period, in days 45