Document And Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	DRIVETIME AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001012704
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Public Float	$ 0
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
DriveTime Automotive Group, Inc [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	101.7696
DT Acceptance Corp [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	101.7696