Polaris' Foreign Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 781,969	$ 729,861	$ 607,921	$ 537,198	$ 618,442	$ 580,082	$ 430,907	$ 361,708	$ 2,656,949	$ 1,991,139	$ 1,565,887
Identifiable assets	1,228,024				1,061,647				1,228,024	1,061,647
Canadian subsidiary
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									368,487	279,309	239,240
Identifiable assets	18,008				42,936				18,008	42,936	35,462
Other foreign countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									424,363	305,864	252,419
Identifiable assets	$ 252,519				$ 145,528				$ 252,519	$ 145,528	$ 97,771