Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 58,860	$ 13,719	$ 9,151
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Asset impairments	1,376	15,301	7,972
Amortization of debt discount			48
Stock-based compensation	2,001	2,419	2,054
Gain on early extinguishment of debt			(1,317)
Gain on disposal of other assets	(6,495)	(107)	(476)
(Gain) loss from disposal activities within discontinued operations	(4,396)	301	(9,910)
Deferred income taxes	8,093	(2,131)	5,627
Excess tax deficit (benefit) from share-based payment arrangements	(525)	(264)	45
(Increase) decrease, net of effect of acquisitions and divestitures:
Accounts receivables, net	(22,503)	(22,881)	17,780
Inventories	(78,202)	(68,305)	120,785
Other current assets	(13,111)	(1,633)	15,992
Other non-current assets	(1,108)	(2,029)	(4,347)
Increase (decrease), net of effect of acquisitions and divestitures:
Floor plan notes payable	13,510	10,550	(179,893)
Trade payables	5,998	4,960	(2,789)
Accrued liabilities	11,605	10,029	(4,318)
Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue	7,183	1,155	14,714
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(766)	(21,330)	9,939
Cash flows from investing activities:
Principal payments received on notes receivable	121	85
Capital expenditures	(31,673)	(7,589)	(21,131)
Proceeds from sales of assets	29,677	10,288	14,524
Payments for life insurance proceeds, net of proceeds received	(900)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(60,485)	(23,691)
Proceeds from sales of stores	23,838	941	27,697
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(39,422)	(19,966)	21,090
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade	63,145	24,090	31,417
Borrowings on lines of credit	56,000	40,000	48,000
Repayments on lines of credit	(9,000)	(24,000)	(110,000)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	25,674	47,219	47,838
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	5,654	4,192	45,576
Repurchase of common stock	(13,568)	(1,626)	(1)
Excess tax (deficit) benefit from share-based payment arrangements	525	264	(45)
Dividends paid	(6,822)	(3,919)
Increase in restricted cash	(3,300)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	51,733	37,826	(29,127)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,545	(3,470)	1,902
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	9,306	12,776	10,874
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	20,851	9,306	12,776
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for interest	24,961	25,357	29,741
Cash paid (refunded) during the period for income taxes, net	33,722	8,000	(14,996)
Segment, Continuing Operations [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	16,626	17,154	17,786
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	322	432	1,035
Scheduled Payments [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on long-term debt	(10,909)	(8,248)	(13,260)
Other Payments [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on long-term debt	$ (55,666)	$ (40,146)	$ (78,652)