Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Revenue From New Vehicles New vehicles New vehicles Revenue From Used Vehicles Used vehicles Used vehicles Revenue From Wholesale Vehicles Wholesale vehicles Wholesale vehicles Total vehicles Sales Revenue, Goods, Net, Total Total vehicles Parts, service and collision repair Sales Revenue, Services, Net Finance, insurance and other Financial Services Revenue Total revenues Revenues, Total Total revenues Cost of Sales: Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Abstract] New Vehicles Cost Of Sales New vehicles New vehicles New vehicles Used Vehicles Cost Of Sales Used vehicles Used vehicles Used vehicles Wholesale Vehicles Cost Of Sales Wholesale vehicles Wholesale vehicles Wholesale vehicles Total vehicles Cost of Goods Sold, Total Total vehicles Parts, service and collision repair Cost of Services Parts, service and collision repair Total cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold, Total Total cost of sales Gross profit Gross Profit Gross profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Impairment charges Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Floor Plan Interest Expense Interest expense, floor plan Interest expense, floor plan Interest expense, floor plan Interest expense, other, net Interest Expense, Other Interest expense, other, net Interest Expense Non Cash Convertible Debt Interest expense, non-cash, convertible debt Interest expense, non-cash, convertible debt Interest expense, non-cash, convertible debt Interest Expense Amortization Non Cash Cash Flow Swaps Interest expense / amortization, non-cash, cash flow swaps Interest expense / amortization, non-cash, cash flow swaps Interest expense / amortization, non-cash, cash flow swaps Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other expense Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Total other expense Income from continuing operations before taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income from continuing operations before taxes Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income from continuing operations Discontinued operations: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Loss from operations and the sale of discontinued franchises Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax benefit Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income tax benefit Loss from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from discontinued operations Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income Basic earnings (loss) per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Earnings per share from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Loss per share from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Earnings per common share Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Earnings per share from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Loss per share from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Earnings per common share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends declared per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Receivables, net Receivables, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current, Total Total current assets Property and Equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Assets, Total Total Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Vehicle Floor Plan Payable Trade Notes payable - floor plan - trade Notes payable -- floor plan -- trade Vehicle Floor Plan Payable Non Trade Notes payable - floor plan - non-trade Notes payable -- floor plan -- non-trade Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Other accrued liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Current maturities of long-term debt Debt, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current, Total Total current liabilities Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Other Long-Term Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' Equity : Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Class A convertible preferred stock, none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Stock Common Class A Statement [Line Items] Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Class B Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, at cost (15,272,525 Class A shares held at June 30, 2011 and 14,980,640 Class A shares held at December 31, 2010) Treasury stock, at cost 0 Class A shares held at June 30, 2011 and 14,980,640 Class A shares held at December 31, 2010) Treasury Stock, Value Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Total Balance ending Balance beginning Total stockholders' equity Total stockholders' equity Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity, Total Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Shares, Issued Balance ending, shares Balance beginning, shares Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Comparehensive Income (Loss) Shares awarded under stock compensation plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Purchases of treasury stock Income tax benefit associated with stock compensation plans Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax benefit of $632 Change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments (net of tax benefit of $632 in 2011 and net of tax expense of $7 in 2010) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Stock-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Restricted Stock Amortization Net Of Forfeitures Restricted stock amortization, net of forfeitures Restricted stock amortization, net of forfeitures Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Dividends per share Other Stockholders' Equity, Other CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation And Amortization Of Property Plant And Equipment Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment Provision for bad debt expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Other amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Debt issuance cost amortization Amortization of Financing Costs Debt discount amortization, net of premium amortization Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Stock - based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Amortization Of Restricted Stock Amortization of restricted stock Amortization of restricted stock Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity interest in earnings of invested Asset Impairment Charges Including Goodwill Asset impairment charges Asset impairment charges Loss Gain On Disposal Of Franchises And Property And Equipment Loss (gain) on disposal of franchises and property and equipment Loss (gain) on disposal of franchises and property and equipment Gain Loss On Exit Of Leased Dealerships Loss on exit of leased dealerships Loss on exit of leased dealerships Loss on exit of leased dealerships Non Cash Adjustments Cash Flow Swaps Non-cash adjustments - cash flow swaps Non-cash adjustments - cash flow swaps Non-cash adjustments -- cash flow swaps Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Receivables Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase Decrease In Vehicle Floor Plan Payable Trade Net Notes payable - floor plan - trade Notes payable -- floor plan -- trade Trade accounts payable and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Total adjustments Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Total Total adjustments Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of land, property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of land, property and equipment Proceeds from sales of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of franchises Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Distributions From Equity Investees Distributions from equity investees Distributions from equity investees Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Increase Decrease In Vehicle Floor Plan Payable Non Trade Net Net repayments on notes payable floor plan - non-trade Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable floor plan - non-trade Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable floor plan -- non-trade Borrowings on revolving credit facilities Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayments on revolving credit facilities Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Repayments on revolving credit facilities Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Principal payments on long-term debt Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Principal payments on long-term debt Purchases of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchases of treasury stock Income tax benefit associated with stock compensation plans Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Income Tax Benefit Associated With Convertible Hedge Income tax benefit associated with convertible hedge Income tax benefit associated with convertible hedge Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options Dividends paid Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Dividends paid Net cash used in financing activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Effect Tax expense of fair value of cash flow hedging instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Effect, Total Net of tax (expense) benefit on change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash Paid Received During Period For Abstract Cash paid (received) during the period for: Income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories [Abstract] Inventories [Abstract] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract] Long-Term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Long-Term Debt [Abstract] Long-Term Debt [Abstract] Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies [Abstract] Contingencies [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Public Float Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Convertible preferred stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common stock, shares outstanding Dividends Dividends ($0.05 per share) Interest Paid Interest, including amount capitalized Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on retirement of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, Total Repayments of Secured Debt Repurchase of debt securities Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events