Business Segments (Information By Strategic Business Units) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Motorcycles net revenue	$ 1,089,268	$ 1,232,699	$ 3,931,684	$ 3,635,487
Financial services income	161,027	164,557	477,962	492,296
Restructuring expense	9,170	12,429	26,841	49,022
Operating income	217,102	242,688	884,073	737,587
Motorcycles [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Motorcycles net revenue	1,089,268	1,232,699	3,931,684	3,635,487
Gross profit	377,904	415,391	1,398,231	1,235,525
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	223,982	222,258	709,015	660,890
Restructuring expense	9,170	12,429	26,841	49,022
Operating income	144,752	180,704	662,375	525,613
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Financial services income	161,027	164,557	477,962	492,296
Financial services expense	88,677	102,573	256,264	280,322
Operating income	$ 72,350	$ 61,984	$ 221,698	$ 211,974