Business Segments (Information By Strategic Business Units) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 01, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Motorcycles net revenue	$ 1,414,248	$ 1,273,369
Financial services income	156,965	156,322
Restructuring expense	2,938	11,451
Operating income	348,306	275,458
Motorcycles [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Motorcycles net revenue	1,414,248	1,273,369
Gross profit	519,442	456,510
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	239,743	236,995
Restructuring expense	2,938	11,451
Operating income	276,761	208,064
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Financial services income	156,965	156,322
Financial services expense	85,420	88,928
Operating income	$ 71,545	$ 67,394