Business Segments (Information By Strategic Business Units) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 26, 2011	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 26, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Motorcycles net revenue	$ 1,569,047	$ 1,339,744	$ 2,842,416	$ 2,402,788
Financial services income	160,613	165,853	316,935	327,739
Restructuring expense	6,220	13,594	17,671	36,593
Operating income	391,513	301,902	666,971	494,899
Motorcycles [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Motorcycles net revenue	1,569,047	1,339,744	2,842,416	2,402,788
Gross profit	563,817	468,268	1,020,327	820,134
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	248,038	234,827	485,033	438,632
Restructuring expense	6,220	13,594	17,671	36,593
Operating income	309,559	219,847	517,623	344,909
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Financial services income	160,613	165,853	316,935	327,739
Financial services expense	78,659	83,798	167,587	177,749
Operating income	$ 81,954	$ 82,055	$ 149,348	$ 149,990