Name:	an_DebtInstrumentCovenantComplianceActualCapitalizationRatio
Namespace Prefix:	an_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The actual debt covenant leverage ratio as defined in the credit agreement as principally reflecting non-vehicle debt divided by a contractually defined measure of earnings with certain adjustments. Under the credit agreement, the company is required to remain in compliance with a maximum leverage ratio.

No definition available.

Name:	an_DebtInstrumentCovenantComplianceActualLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	an_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The maximum capitalization ratio required under the company's credit agreement, which is a contractually defined amount principally reflecting vehicle floorplan payable and non-vehicle debt divided by the company's total capitalization including vehicle floorplan payable and certain adjustments.

No definition available.

Name:	an_DebtInstrumentCovenantTermsMaximumCapitalizationRatio
Namespace Prefix:	an_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The maximum leverage ratio required under the company's credit agreement, which is a contractually defined amount principally reflecting non-vehicle debt divided by a contractually defined measure of earnings with certain adjustments.

No definition available.

Name:	an_DebtInstrumentCovenantTermsMaximumLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	an_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

No definition available.