Segment Reporting (Reconciliation Of Segment (Loss) Income Before Taxes) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Segment (loss) income before taxes	$ 233,025	$ 233,043	$ 14,725
Extinguishment of debt (see Note K)	(1,529)	(6,291)	1,039
Equity in losses (earnings) of investees	(107)	(1,173)	(369)
Income before taxes	231,389	225,579	15,395
Auction [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Segment (loss) income before taxes	225,600	217,227	15,427
Income before taxes	225,600	217,227	15,427
Finance [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Segment (loss) income before taxes	12,110	14,776	7,244
Income before taxes	12,110	14,776	7,244
Dealer [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Segment (loss) income before taxes	(9,289)	(1,697)	(10,359)
Income before taxes	(9,289)	(1,697)	(10,359)
All Other [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Segment (loss) income before taxes	4,604	2,737	2,413
Income before taxes	$ 4,604	$ 2,737	$ 2,413