Business Segments (Information By Strategic Business Units) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 26, 2011	Jun. 27, 2010	Jun. 26, 2011	Jun. 27, 2010
Motorcycles net revenue	$ 1,339,744	$ 1,135,101	$ 2,402,788	$ 2,172,436
Restructuring expense	13,594	30,125	36,593	78,361
Financial services income	165,853	173,705	327,739	343,542
Operating income	301,902	218,752	494,899	371,541
Motorcycles [Member]
Motorcycles net revenue	1,339,744	1,135,101	2,402,788	2,172,436
Gross profit	468,268	396,984	820,134	776,531
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	234,827	208,952	438,632	414,156
Restructuring expense	13,594	30,125	36,593	78,361
Operating income	219,847	157,907	344,909	284,014
Financial Services [Member]
Financial services income	165,853	173,705	327,739	343,542
Financial services expense	83,798	112,860	177,749	256,015
Operating income	$ 82,055	$ 60,845	$ 149,990	$ 87,527

Operating expenses associated with the company's financial services segment excluding goodwill impairment and restructuring charges.

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The aggregate financial services revenue and operating interest income earned during the reporting period.

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Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations.

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Adjustment to remove noncash portion of restructuring costs and include cash payments when calculating cash flows from operations using the indirect method.

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