Inventories (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Inventories
Interest credits and advertising assistance	$ 31,322	$ 27,644	$ 24,970

Floor plan interest credits and advertising assistance received from vendors, which reduce the cost of sales.

No definition available.

Name:	pag_FloorPlanInterestCreditsAndAdvertisingAssistance
Namespace Prefix:	pag_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration