Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 47,006	$ 33,997
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9,926	16,852
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized gain(loss) arising during the period, net of tax benefit(provision) of $822 and ($139), respectively	(1,257)	212
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in floor plan interest expense, net of tax provision of $669, and $46, respectively	(1,023)	(70)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of tax	(234)	282
Other adjustments to Comprehensive Income, net	1,009	(612)
Other Comprehensive Income Net of Taxes	10,701	16,522
Comprehensive Income	57,707	50,519
Less: Income attributable to non-controlling interests	188	70
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	$ 57,519	$ 50,449