Restructuring Expense (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011
2011 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Kansas City Facility [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce		145
Estimated restructuring expense		$ 13
Estimated percentage of restructuring charges that will be non-cash		0.00%
Cumulative restructuring and impairment expenses		7.8
Incurred restructuring and impairment expense			0.2
Labor agreement period (in years)	7
2011 Restructuring Plan [Member] | NewCastallyFaciltiy [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce		200
Estimated restructuring expense		30
Estimated percentage of restructuring charges that will be non-cash		0.00%
Cumulative restructuring and impairment expenses		19.1
Incurred restructuring and impairment expense		9.7
2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring expense		63
Estimated percentage of restructuring charges that will be non-cash		0.00%
Cumulative restructuring and impairment expenses		61.0
Incurred restructuring and impairment expense		4.0
2010 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Milwaukee Facilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce		250
2010 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Tomahawk Facilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce		75
2009 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated percentage of restructuring charges that will be non-cash		0.00%
Cumulative restructuring and impairment expenses		394.7
Incurred restructuring and impairment expense		14.1
Reduction in hourly production positions, minimum		2,700
Reduction in hourly production positions, maximum		2,900
Restructuring and impairment expenses, minimum		384
Restructuring and impairment expenses, maximum		$ 404
2009 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Motorcycles [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in salaried positions from restructuring		800
2009 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in salaried positions from restructuring		100