Manufacturing Realignment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Previously estimated restructuring cost during period	$ 7,100,000

Previously Estimated Restructuring Cost During Period

No definition available.

Name:	pii_PreviouslyEstimatedRestructuringCostDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	pii_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration