Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 29,116	$ 19,688
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,256 and $1,884	444,673	382,382
Inventories	1,605,280	1,443,284
Other current assets	80,307	68,225
Assets held for sale	33,224	133,019
Total current assets	2,192,600	2,046,598
Property and equipment, net	858,975	716,427
Goodwill	906,592	800,621
Franchise value	231,994	203,108
Equity method investments	298,640	288,406
Other long-term assets	13,498	14,672
Total assets	4,502,299	4,069,832
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Floor plan notes payable	988,650	911,548
Floor plan notes payable - non-trade	713,635	497,074
Accounts payable	223,313	251,960
Accrued expenses	202,761	201,714
Current portion of long-term debt	3,414	10,593
Liabilities held for sale	17,899	88,117
Total current liabilities	2,149,672	1,961,006
Long-term debt	846,777	769,285
Deferred tax liabilities	217,902	178,406
Other long-term liabilities	147,535	115,282
Total liabilities	3,361,886	3,023,979
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Penske Automotive Group stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value; 100 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 240,000 shares authorized; 90,277 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011; 92,100 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010	9	9
Additional paid-in-capital	702,335	738,728
Retained earnings	459,375	304,486
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(25,734)	(1,673)
Total Penske Automotive Group stockholders' equity	1,135,985	1,041,550
Non-controlling interest	4,428	4,303
Total equity	1,140,413	1,045,853
Total liabilities and equity	4,502,299	4,069,832
Non-voting Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 7,125 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding [Member]
Penske Automotive Group stockholders' equity:
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 240,000 shares authorized; 90,277 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011; 92,100 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010
Class C Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 20,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding [Member]
Penske Automotive Group stockholders' equity:
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 240,000 shares authorized; 90,277 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011; 92,100 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010