Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 28, 2014 Common Stock	Jul. 28, 2014 Class B Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	WSO
Entity Registrant Name	WATSCO INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000105016
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,081,891	4,877,571

Condensed Consolidated Unaudited Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues	$ 1,170,186	$ 1,120,452	$ 1,932,754	$ 1,834,085
Cost of sales	890,913	853,772	1,465,412	1,391,959
Gross profit	279,273	266,680	467,342	442,126
Selling, general and administrative expenses	166,293	161,595	318,809	306,487
Operating income	112,980	105,085	148,533	135,639
Interest expense, net	1,247	1,688	2,256	2,870
Income before income taxes	111,733	103,397	146,277	132,769
Income taxes	33,348	30,815	43,489	39,098
Net income	78,385	72,582	102,788	93,671
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	22,284	21,264	29,934	28,968
Net income attributable to Watsco, Inc.	$ 56,101	$ 51,318	$ 72,854	$ 64,703
Earnings per share for Common and Class B common stock:
Basic	$ 1.60	$ 1.48	$ 2.09	$ 1.87
Diluted	$ 1.60	$ 1.48	$ 2.08	$ 1.87

Condensed Consolidated Unaudited Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net income	$ 78,385	$ 72,582	$ 102,788	$ 93,671
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	8,562	(8,377)	(652)	(13,440)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities arising during the period	(9)	(11)	(8)	(3)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8,553	(8,388)	(660)	(13,443)
Comprehensive income	86,938	64,194	102,128	80,228
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	25,817	17,678	29,627	23,204
Comprehensive income attributable to Watsco, Inc.	$ 61,121	$ 46,516	$ 72,501	$ 57,024

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 16,865	$ 19,478
Accounts receivable, net	549,901	399,565
Inventories	759,973	583,154
Other current assets	19,479	18,905
Total current assets	1,346,218	1,021,102
Property and equipment, net	45,139	45,418
Goodwill	392,354	392,610
Intangible assets, net	200,499	203,843
Other assets	6,629	6,558
Assets, Total	1,990,839	1,669,531
Current liabilities:
Current portion of other long-term obligations	165	107
Accounts payable	269,024	141,104
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	116,463	102,295
Total current liabilities	385,652	243,506
Long-term obligations:
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement	348,787	230,044
Other long-term obligations, net of current portion	773	513
Total long-term obligations	349,560	230,557
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities	70,093	68,076
Commitments and contingencies
Watsco, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.50 par value	18,200	18,182
Preferred stock, $0.50 par value	0	0
Paid-in capital	616,011	606,384
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(11,827)	(11,474)
Retained earnings	384,307	339,362
Treasury stock, at cost	(114,425)	(114,425)
Total Watsco, Inc. shareholders' equity	894,728	840,396
Noncontrolling interest	290,806	286,996
Total shareholders' equity	1,185,534	1,127,392
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,990,839	1,669,531
Class B Common Stock
Watsco, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.50 par value	$ 2,462	$ 2,367

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common stock, par value	$ 0.50	$ 0.50
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.50	$ 0.50
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value	$ 0.50	$ 0.50

Condensed Consolidated Unaudited Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 102,788	$ 93,671
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,847	8,720
Share-based compensation	5,179	4,274
Non-cash contribution to 401(k) plan	1,759	1,689
Provision for doubtful accounts	416	186
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(1,443)	(116)
Other, net	2,394	2,864
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(150,758)	(150,636)
Inventories	(176,584)	(148,858)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	142,552	110,843
Other, net	(308)	456
Net cash used in operating activities	(65,158)	(76,907)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(5,846)	(6,964)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	276	161
Net cash used in investing activities	(5,570)	(6,803)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds under revolving credit agreement	118,767	84,254
Net proceeds from issuances of common stock	1,732	676
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	1,443	116
Net proceeds from (repayments of) other long-term obligations	318	(2)
Payment of fees related to revolving credit agreement	(345)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(25,817)	(31,489)
Dividends on Common and Class B common stock	(27,909)	(17,298)
Net cash provided by financing activities	68,189	36,257
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(74)	(786)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(2,613)	(48,239)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	19,478	73,770
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 16,865	$ 25,531

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Basis of Consolidation

Watsco, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Watsco,” which may be referred to as “we”, “us” or “our”) was incorporated in Florida in 1956 and is the largest distributor of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment and related parts and supplies (“HVAC/R”) in the HVAC/R distribution industry. The accompanying June 30, 2014 interim condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, but we believe the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements included herein. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in this report include the accounts of Watsco, all of its wholly owned subsidiaries and the accounts of three joint ventures with Carrier Corporation (“Carrier”), in each of which Watsco maintains a controlling interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The results of operations for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. Sales of residential central air conditioners, heating equipment and parts and supplies are seasonal. Furthermore, results of operations can be impacted favorably or unfavorably based on weather patterns during summer and winter selling seasons. Demand related to the residential central air conditioning replacement market is typically highest in the second and third quarters, and demand for heating equipment is usually highest in the fourth quarter. Demand related to the new construction market is fairly consistent during the year, subject to weather and economic conditions, including their effect on the number of housing completions.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Significant estimates include valuation reserves for accounts receivable, inventories and income taxes, reserves related to self-insurance programs and the valuation of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. While we believe that these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from such estimates.

New Accounting Standards

Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that requires the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward rather than as a liability when the uncertain tax position would reduce the net operating loss under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. This guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued a standard on revenue recognition that provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. The standard is principle-based and provides a five-step model to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The core principle is that a company will recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. This standard is effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and allows for either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption. We will adopt this guidance on January 1, 2017, and are currently evaluating the impact on our condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	6 Months Ended
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	Jun. 30, 2014
Basis of Consolidation	Basis of Consolidation Watsco, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Watsco,” which may be referred to as “we”, “us” or “our”) was incorporated in Florida in 1956 and is the largest distributor of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment and related parts and supplies (“HVAC/R”) in the HVAC/R distribution industry. The accompanying June 30, 2014 interim condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, but we believe the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements included herein. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in this report include the accounts of Watsco, all of its wholly owned subsidiaries and the accounts of three joint ventures with Carrier Corporation (“Carrier”), in each of which Watsco maintains a controlling interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. Sales of residential central air conditioners, heating equipment and parts and supplies are seasonal. Furthermore, results of operations can be impacted favorably or unfavorably based on weather patterns during summer and winter selling seasons. Demand related to the residential central air conditioning replacement market is typically highest in the second and third quarters, and demand for heating equipment is usually highest in the fourth quarter. Demand related to the new construction market is fairly consistent during the year, subject to weather and economic conditions, including their effect on the number of housing completions.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Significant estimates include valuation reserves for accounts receivable, inventories and income taxes, reserves related to self-insurance programs and the valuation of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. While we believe that these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from such estimates.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that requires the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward rather than as a liability when the uncertain tax position would reduce the net operating loss under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. This guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued a standard on revenue recognition that provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. The standard is principle-based and provides a five-step model to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The core principle is that a company will recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. This standard is effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and allows for either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption. We will adopt this guidance on January 1, 2017, and are currently evaluating the impact on our condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements.

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2014 Entity
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of joint ventures	3

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Convertible Class B common stock outstanding	2,710,315	2,704,858

Assets and Liabilities Carried at Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other assets
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities	$ 253	$ 265
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	1,437
Other Current Assets
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments		118
Fair Value Measurements, Level 1 \| Other assets
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities	253	265
Fair Value Measurements, Level 2 \| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	1,437
Fair Value Measurements, Level 2 \| Other Current Assets
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments		$ 118

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			0 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014 Before Extension	Jun. 25, 2014 Before Extension	Jun. 25, 2014 Before Extension Swingline Subfacility	Jun. 25, 2014 After Extension	Jun. 25, 2014 After Extension	Jun. 25, 2014 After Extension Swingline Subfacility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement maximum borrowing capacity				$ 500,000	$ 65,000		$ 600,000	$ 90,000
Revolving credit agreement maturity date			Jul. 01, 2018			Jul. 01, 2019
Outstanding amount under revolving credit agreement	$ 348,787	$ 230,044

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Self-insurance reserves	$ 5,247	$ 5,582

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) (Carrier Enterprise I, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified		0 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014 Subsequent Event	Jul. 01, 2014 Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Option to purchase additional interest, percentage			10.00%
Option to purchase additional interest, date		2014-07-01
Controlling interest, ownership percentage	70.00%		80.00%
Cash consideration		$ 90,458
Purchase price adjustment period		60 days