Business Segments (Information By Strategic Business Units) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012	Mar. 27, 2011
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Motorcycles net revenue	$ 1,273,369	$ 1,063,044
Restructuring expense	11,451	22,999
Financial services income	156,322	161,886
Operating income	275,458	192,997
Motorcycles [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Motorcycles net revenue	1,273,369	1,063,044
Gross profit	456,510	351,866
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	236,995	203,805
Restructuring expense	11,451	22,999
Operating income	208,064	125,062
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Financial services income	156,322	161,886
Financial services expense	88,928	93,951
Operating income	$ 67,394	$ 67,935