Additional Balance Sheet And Cash Flow Information (Inventories, Net) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012
Inventory [Line Items]
Components at the lower of FIFO cost or market Raw materials and work in process	$ 121,481	$ 111,335	$ 113,127
Inventory at lower of FIFO cost or market	461,940	439,413	511,468
Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost	(45,890)	(45,889)	(43,527)
Inventories, net	416,050	393,524	467,941
Motorcycle Finished Goods [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Finished goods	203,275	205,660	252,979
Parts and Accessories Finished Goods [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Finished goods	$ 137,184	$ 122,418	$ 145,362