Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Attributable to Penske Automotive Group:
Net income	$ 55,707	$ 29,977	$ 129,194	$ 79,772
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	(20,904)	31,922	(1,170)	(10,909)
Other	(4,923)	(117)	(9,612)	7,098
Total attributable to Penske Automotive Group	29,880	61,782	118,412	75,961
Attributable to the non-controlling interest:
Income (loss)	338	283	907	504
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 30,218	$ 62,065	$ 119,319	$ 76,465

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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The portion of net Income or Loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent.

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Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity, net of tax, attributable to the parent entity.

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