Restructuring Expense And Other Impairments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		60 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010 agreement	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense	$ 0	$ (2,131)	$ 28,475
Motorcycles Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense	0	(2,131)	28,475
2011 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Motorcycles Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		5,282
2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce	100
Expected number of positions retained	100
Restructuring expense	22,100
Non-cash charges	35.00%
2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan [Member] | Motorcycles Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		5,282
2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce	145
Restructuring expense	6,000
Labor agreement period (in years)				7 years 0 months 0 days
Cost incurred to date, non-cash	10.00%
2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan [Member] | Motorcycles Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		0
Original 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce	200
2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense	59,200
Labor agreement period (in years)					7 years 0 months 0 days
Cost incurred to date, non-cash	45.00%
Number of labor agreements					3
2010 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Milwaukee Facilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce	250
2010 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Tomahawk Facilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce	75
2009 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense						393,800
Non-cash charges	30.00%
2009 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Production, Hourly [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce	2,900
2009 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Motorcycles Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		$ 907	$ 17,253
2009 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Motorcycles Segment [Member] | Non-Production [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce	800
2009 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Financial Services Segment [Member] | Salaried [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated reduction in workforce	100