Name:	an_ContractsInTransitAndVehicleReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	an_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

The amount due to the company from manufacturers or distributors, within one year of the balance sheet date, including (1) rebates and assistance for holdbacks, floorplan interest and advertising expenses; (2) incentives based on achieving certain objectives; and (3) amounts due for warranty and service work performed for customers.

No definition available.

Name:	an_ManufacturerReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	an_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

The aggregate amount of trade receivables, manufacturer receivables and other receivables.

No definition available.

Name:	an_TradeManufacturerAndOtherReceivablesGross
Namespace Prefix:	an_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

The aggregate amount of trade receivables, manufacturer receivables and other receivables, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established of the amount deemed uncertain of collection.

No definition available.

Name:	an_TradeManufacturerAndOtherReceivablesNet
Namespace Prefix:	an_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

The amount due to the company from outside sources, within one year of the balance sheet date, for parts and automotive repair and maintenance services that have been delivered or sold, excluding amounts due from manufacturers. Also includes amounts due from finance organizations, within one year of the balance sheet date, for commissions on the sale of financing products.

No definition available.

Name:	an_TradeReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	an_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible.

Name:	us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of income taxes previously overpaid to tax authorities (such as U.S. Federal, state and local tax authorities) representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes. Also called income tax refund receivable.

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount, before allowance, of receivables classified as other, due within one year or the operating cycle, if longer.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_OtherReceivablesGrossCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The total amount due to the entity within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from outside sources, including trade accounts receivable, notes and loans receivable, as well as any other types of receivables, net of allowances established for the purpose of reducing such receivables to an amount that approximates their net realizable value.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(4))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-06(3))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6488278&loc=d3e604059-122996

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(3))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(5))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910