Basis Of Presentation And Use Of Estimates

3 Months Ended

Apr. 01, 2012

Basis Of Presentation And Use Of Estimates [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation And Use Of Estimates

1. Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company), including the accounts of the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). In addition, certain variable interest entities (VIEs) related to secured financing are consolidated as the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and material intercompany transactions are eliminated.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of April 1, 2012 and March 27, 2011, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month periods then ended, the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three month periods then ended and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three month periods then ended.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial reporting. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The Company operates in two business segments: Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) and Financial Services (Financial Services).

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

During 2008, the Company acquired Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta (MV). On October 15, 2009, the Company announced its intent to divest MV, and the Company completed the sale on August 6, 2010. MV is presented as a discontinued operation for all periods.