Penske Automotive (PAG) 10-Q 30 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 22, 2013
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	PENSKE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1019849
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		90,199,990
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$71,101	$43,447
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,330 and $2,979	588,311	554,851
Inventories	2,293,390	2,000,206
Other current assets	83,508	90,485
Assets held for sale	1,065	71,107
Total current assets	3,037,375	2,760,096
Property and equipment, net	1,211,020	1,031,188
Goodwill	1,118,369	980,438
Franchise value	283,128	283,152
Equity method investments	333,081	303,160
Other long-term assets	27,831	20,956
Total assets	6,010,804	5,378,990
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Floor plan notes payable	1,537,185	1,408,362
Floor plan notes payable - non-trade	802,051	725,526
Accounts payable	380,000	263,881
Accrued expenses	275,483	223,972
Current portion of long-term debt	46,894	19,493
Liabilities held for sale	2,592	51,279
Total current liabilities	3,044,205	2,692,513
Long-term debt	1,014,070	918,024
Deferred tax liabilities	338,430	287,818
Other long-term liabilities	156,708	164,314
Total liabilities	4,553,413	4,062,669
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Penske Automotive Group stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value; 100 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
Common Stock	9	9
Additional paid-in capital	691,886	700,013
Retained earnings	755,344	611,026
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,054	-6,833
Total Penske Automotive Group stockholders' equity	1,444,185	1,304,215
Non-controlling interest	13,206	12,106
Total equity	1,457,391	1,316,321
Total liabilities and equity	6,010,804	5,378,990
Non-voting Common Stock
Penske Automotive Group stockholders' equity:
Common Stock
Class C Common Stock
Penske Automotive Group stockholders' equity:
Common Stock

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_BALANCE1

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$3,330	$2,979
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	100	100
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common Stock, shares authorized	240,000	240,000
Common Stock, shares issued	90,200	90,295
Common Stock, shares outstanding	90,200	90,295
Non-voting Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common Stock, shares authorized	7,125	7,125
Common Stock, shares issued	0	0
Common Stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Class C Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common Stock, shares authorized	20,000	20,000
Common Stock, shares issued	0	0
Common Stock, shares outstanding	0	0

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue:
Total revenues	$3,824,143	$3,336,020	$10,927,917	$9,814,784
Cost of sales:
Total cost of sales	3,244,235	2,834,536	9,244,779	8,313,365
Gross profit	579,908	501,484	1,683,138	1,501,419
Selling, general and administrative expenses	454,188	400,039	1,308,958	1,188,658
Depreciation	15,784	13,704	45,300	40,014
Operating income	109,936	87,741	328,880	272,747
Floor plan interest expense	-10,840	-9,951	-32,008	-29,319
Other interest expense	-12,370	-11,583	-36,163	-35,155
Equity in earnings of affiliates	11,240	8,814	22,489	21,392
Debt redemption costs		-17,753		-17,753
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	97,966	57,268	283,198	211,912
Income taxes	-31,692	-15,421	-95,263	-69,347
Income from continuing operations	66,274	41,847	187,935	142,565
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-742	-534	-1,889	-4,634
Net income	65,532	41,313	186,046	137,931
Less: Income attributable to non-controlling interests	257	282	1,065	990
Net income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	65,275	41,031	184,981	136,941
Basic earnings per share attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.46	$2.07	$1.57
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.02)	($0.05)
Net income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.72	$0.45	$2.05	$1.52
Shares used in determining basic earnings per share (in shares)	90,201,075	90,263,865	90,297,797	90,330,378
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.46	$2.07	$1.57
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.02)	($0.05)
Net income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.72	$0.45	$2.05	$1.52
Shares used in determining diluted earnings per share (in shares)	90,237,075	90,295,865	90,333,797	90,362,378
Amounts attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations	66,274	41,847	187,935	142,565
Less: Income attributable to non-controlling interests	257	282	1,065	990
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	66,017	41,565	186,870	141,575
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-742	-534	-1,889	-4,634
Net income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	65,275	41,031	184,981	136,941
New vehicle
Revenue:
Total revenues	1,995,836	1,736,131	5,674,658	4,997,923
Cost of sales:
Total cost of sales	1,846,504	1,601,762	5,245,533	4,596,274
Used vehicle
Revenue:
Total revenues	1,098,484	969,130	3,182,822	2,841,403
Cost of sales:
Total cost of sales	1,017,109	898,264	2,941,273	2,622,055
Finance and insurance, net
Revenue:
Total revenues	99,758	83,650	282,353	242,892
Service and parts
Revenue:
Total revenues	381,485	365,351	1,158,404	1,088,665
Cost of sales:
Total cost of sales	152,033	154,203	469,229	457,205
Fleet and wholesale
Revenue:
Total revenues	182,629	181,758	541,924	643,901
Cost of sales:
Total cost of sales	180,162	180,307	532,391	637,831
Commercial vehicle and car rental
Revenue:
Total revenues	65,951		87,756
Cost of sales:
Total cost of sales	$48,427		$56,353

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME1

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net Income	$65,532	$41,313	$186,046	$137,931
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	41,811	16,707	6,714	15,224
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period, net of tax benefit (provision) of $(178), $590, $(513), and $2,114, respectively	272	-903	784	-3,232
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in floor plan interest expense, net of tax provision of $361, $705, $1,447, and $2,066, respectively	552	1,078	2,213	3,158
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of tax	824	175	2,997	-74
Unrealized gain (loss) on forward exchange contracts	-4,013		-4,013
Other adjustments to Comprehensive Income, net	-173	1,066	-1,385	2,608
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes	38,449	17,948	4,313	17,758
Comprehensive Income	103,981	59,261	190,359	155,689
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	257	489	1,599	1,197
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	$103,724	$58,772	$188,760	$154,492

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME2

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period, tax benefit (provision)	($178)	$590	($513)	$2,114
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in floor plan interest expense, tax provision	$361	$705	$1,447	$2,066

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME3

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating Activities:
Net income	$186,046	$137,931
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from continuing operating activities:
Depreciation	45,300	40,014
Earnings of equity method investments	-18,456	-16,796
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,889	4,634
Debt redemption costs		17,753
Deferred income taxes	47,145	14,867
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-17,699	-31,591
Inventories	-156,158	-190,627
Floor plan notes payable	126,343	256,015
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	72,269	37,560
Other	11,318	-7,012
Net cash from continuing operating activities	297,997	262,748
Investing Activities:
Purchase of equipment and improvements	-122,952	-96,380
Purchase of Penske Car Rental vehicles	-82,313
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions		1,584
Acquisitions net, including repayment of sellers' floor plan notes payable of $1,045 and $49,467, respectively	-221,160	-137,805
Other	-7,493	3,496
Net cash from continuing investing activities	-433,918	-229,105
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from borrowings under U.S. credit agreement revolving credit line	808,700	525,800
Repayments under U.S. credit agreement revolving credit line	-814,700	-657,800
Repayments under U.S. credit agreement term loan	-12,000	-17,000
Repurchase of 3.5% senior subordinated convertible notes		-62,687
Issuance of 5.75% senior subordinated notes		550,000
Repurchase of 7.75% senior subordinated notes		-390,755
Net borrowings (repayments) of car rental revolver	73,885
Net borrowings (repayments) of other long-term debt	67,940	15,087
Net borrowings (repayments) of floor plan notes payable - non-trade	76,525	32,410
Repurchases of common stock	-15,813	-9,829
Dividends	-40,663	-29,760
Payment of deferred financing fees		-8,502
Other	235
Net cash from continuing financing activities	144,109	-53,036
Discontinued operations:
Net cash from discontinued operating activities	11,845	-3,704
Net cash from discontinued investing activities	29,857	34,902
Net cash from discontinued financing activities	-22,236	-12,916
Net cash from discontinued operations	19,466	18,282
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	27,654	-1,111
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	43,447	26,997
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	71,101	25,886
Cash paid for:
Interest	61,986	64,340
Income taxes	$23,200	$35,232

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME4

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Dealership acquisitions net, repayment of sellers' floor plan notes payable	$1,045	$49,467

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME5

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Total Penske Automotive Group Stockholders' Equity	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Non-controlling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$1,316,321	$1,304,215	$9	$700,013	$611,026	($6,833)	$12,106
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012			90,294,765
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity
Equity compensation	7,451	7,451		7,451
Equity compensation (in shares)			412,786
Repurchases of common stock	-15,813	-15,813		-15,813
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)			-507,561
Dividends	-40,663	-40,663			-40,663
Distributions to non-controlling interests	-1,247						-1,247
Sale of subsidiary shares to non-controlling interest	378	235		235			143
Deconsolidation of Italian investment	-8,309						-8,309
Reconsolidation of Italian investment	8,914						8,914
Foreign currency translation	6,714	6,180				6,180	534
Interest rate swaps	2,997	2,997				2,997
Forward exchange contracts	-4,013	-4,013				-4,013
Other	-1,385	-1,385				-1,385
Net income	186,046	184,981			184,981		1,065
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$1,457,391	$1,444,185	$9	$691,886	$755,344	($3,054)	$13,206
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013			90,199,990

Interim_Financial_Statements

Interim Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Interim Financial Statements
Interim Financial Statements	1. Interim Financial Statements
	Business Overview
	Unless the context otherwise requires, the use of the terms “PAG,” “we,” “us,” and “our” in these Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements refers to Penske Automotive Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
	We are an international transportation services company, operating retail automotive dealerships, Hertz car rental franchises and commercial vehicle distribution. We are the second largest automotive retailer headquartered in the U.S. as measured by total revenue. As of September 30, 2013, we operated 321 retail franchises, of which 171 franchises are located in the U.S. and 150 franchises are located outside of the U.S. The franchises outside the U.S. are located primarily in the U.K.
	Each of our dealerships offers a wide selection of new and used vehicles for sale. In addition to selling new and used vehicles, we generate higher-margin revenue at each of our dealerships through maintenance and repair services and the sale and placement of higher-margin products, such as third-party finance and insurance products, third-party extended service contracts and replacement and aftermarket automotive products. We also hold a 9.0% ownership interest in Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. (“PTL”), a leading provider of transportation services and supply chain management.
	In August 2013, we completed the acquisition of Western Star Trucks Australia, the exclusive importer and distributor of Western Star commercial trucks, MAN commercial trucks and buses, and Dennis Eagle refuse collection vehicles, together with associated parts across Australia, New Zealand and portions of Southeast Asia. The business also includes two retail truck dealerships. We refer to this business as “Penske Commercial Vehicles.” Since our acquisition of Penske Commercial Vehicles on August 30, 2013, it has generated $49,426 of revenue, through the distribution and retail sale of vehicles and parts to a network of 84 dealerships. The purchase price of approximately $200,000 included vehicle inventory, parts and other assets, and is subject to a working capital adjustment that is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2013.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we acquired one U.K. franchise, Guy Salmon Land Rover Northampton. We also were awarded two franchises, Maserati of Warwick and Lamborghini Leicester. We disposed of twenty-six franchises representing nine different brands, principally consisting of ten Toyota/Lexus and twelve Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge franchises in the U.K. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, we acquired an additional 35% interest in our joint venture operating dealerships in northern Italy, resulting in a 70% controlling interest in the Italian joint venture as of September 30, 2013.
	We are the Hertz rental car franchisee in the Memphis, Tennessee market and certain Indiana markets. We currently operate more than fifty on- and off-airport Hertz rental car locations. Our Hertz car rental business generated $38,600 of revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements of PAG have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and disclosures normally included in our annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC rules and regulations. The information presented as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is unaudited, but includes all adjustments which the management of PAG believes to be necessary for the fair presentation of results for the periods presented. The consolidated condensed financial statements for prior periods have been revised for entities which have been treated as discontinued operations through September 30, 2013, and the results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) — Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU No. 2013-02 requires disclosure of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, we are required to present either on the face of the statement of income or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts not reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. We complied with the disclosure requirements of this ASU beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) — Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” ASU No. 2013-05 resolves the diversity in practice about whether Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation—Overall, or Subtopic 830-30, Foreign Currency Matters—Translation of Financial Statements, applies to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity. This ASU is effective prospectively for the first annual period beginning after December 15, 2013. We do not expect adoption of ASU No. 2013-05 to affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-10, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) — Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes.” The amendments in ASU No. 2013-10 permit the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815, in addition to UST and LIBOR. This ASU is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. We do not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2013-10 to affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) — Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” ASU No. 2013-11 resolves the diversity in practice regarding the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This ASU is effective for the first annual period beginning after December 15, 2013. We do not expect adoption of ASU No. 2013-11 to affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Discontinued Operations
	We account for dispositions in our retail operations as discontinued operations when it is evident that the operations and cash flows of a franchise being disposed of will be eliminated from on-going operations and that we will not have any significant continuing involvement in its operations.
	In evaluating whether the cash flows of a dealership in our Retail reportable segment will be eliminated from ongoing operations, we consider whether it is likely that customers will migrate to similar franchises that we own in the same geographic market. Our consideration includes an evaluation of the brands sold at other dealerships we operate in the market and their proximity to the disposed dealership. When we dispose of franchises, we typically do not have continuing brand representation in that market. If the franchise being disposed of is located in a complex of PAG owned dealerships, we do not treat the disposition as a discontinued operation if we believe that the cash flows previously generated by the disposed franchise will be replaced by expanded operations of the remaining or replacement franchises.
	Combined financial information regarding entities accounted for as discontinued operations follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	15,158		$	107,391		$	162,953		$	332,878
	Pre-tax income (loss)	(955		)	(817		)	(2,609		)	(13,673		)
	Gain (loss) on disposal	(31		)	285			809			10,445
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Inventories	$	10		$	44,649
	Other assets	1,055			26,458
	Total assets	$	1,065		$	71,107
	Floor plan notes payable (including non-trade)	$	40		$	36,689
	Other liabilities	2,552			14,590
	Total liabilities	$	2,592		$	51,279
	Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The accounts requiring the use of significant estimates include accounts receivable, inventories, income taxes, intangible assets and certain reserves.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and also establishes the following three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted market prices in markets that are not active; or model-derived valuations or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities
	Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, debt, floor plan notes payable, forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps used to hedge future cash flows. Other than our fixed rate debt, the carrying amount of all significant financial instruments approximates fair value due either to length of maturity, the existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates, or as a result of mark to market accounting.
	Our fixed rate debt consists of amounts outstanding under our senior subordinated notes and mortgage facilities. We estimate the fair value of our senior unsecured notes using quoted prices for the identical liability (Level 1), and we estimate the fair value of our mortgage facilities using a present value technique based on our current market interest rates for similar types of financial instruments (Level 2). A summary of the carrying values and fair values of our 5.75% senior subordinated notes and our fixed rate mortgage facilities are as follows:
		September 30, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value
	5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022	$	550,000		$	543,070
	Mortgage facilities	101,445			101,777

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventories
Inventories	2. Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	New vehicles	$	1,497,648	$	1,429,250
	Used vehicles	582,695		484,269
	Commercial vehicles	121,575		—
	Parts, accessories and other	91,472		86,687
	Total inventories	$	2,293,390	$	2,000,206
	We receive credits from certain vehicle manufacturers that reduce cost of sales when the vehicles are sold. Such credits amounted to $26,445 and $23,085 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations
Business Combinations	3. Business Combinations
	We acquired Penske Commercial Vehicles as discussed in Note 1, one Hertz car rental franchise market area and one automotive retail franchise during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. We acquired twenty-one automotive retail franchises during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Our financial statements include the results of operations of the acquired entities from the date of acquisition. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded in our consolidated condensed financial statements, and may be subject to adjustment pending completion of final valuation. A summary of the aggregate consideration paid and the aggregate amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Accounts receivable	$	20,117		$	28,907
	Inventory	124,259			94,627
	Other current assets	2,812			411
	Property and equipment	26,062			34,261
	Indefinite-lived intangibles	133,075			61,686
	Other non-current assets	8,427			745
	Current liabilities	(94,107		)	(58,926		)
	Non-current liabilities	515			(23,906		)
	Total consideration	221,160			137,805
	Seller financed/assumed debt	—			—
	Cash used in acquisitions	$	221,160		$	137,805
	The following unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations of PAG for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, give effect to acquisitions consummated during 2013 and 2012 as if they had occurred effective at the beginning of the period:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Revenues	$	3,892,754		$	3,547,785		$	11,244,562	$	10,419,047
	Income from continuing operations	68,843			50,454			200,498		162,012
	Net income	67,844			49,638			197,544		156,388
	Income from continuing operations per diluted common share	$	0.76		$	0.56		$	2.21	$	1.78
	Net income per diluted common share	$	0.75		$	0.55		$	2.19	$	1.73

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	4. Intangible Assets
	Following is a summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and franchise value during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Goodwill			Franchise
					Value
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	980,438		$	283,152
	Additions	133,075			—
	Deconsolidation of Italian investment	(7,231		)	(2,908		)
	Reconsolidation of Italian investment	7,434			3,068
	Foreign currency translation	4,653			(184		)
	Balance, September 30, 2013	$	1,118,369		$	283,128
	Goodwill additions of $5,780 and $125,596 were related to our Hertz rental car operations and Penske Commercial Vehicles, respectively, within our Other reportable segment. All other changes were within our Retail reportable segment. As of September 30, 2013, the goodwill balance within our Retail and Other reportable segments was $981,060 and $137,309, respectively.

Floor_Plan_Notes_Payable_Trade

Floor Plan Notes Payable - Trade and Non-trade	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Floor Plan Notes Payable - Trade and Non-trade
Floor Plan Notes Payable - Trade and Non-trade	5. Floor Plan Notes Payable — Trade and Non-trade
	We finance substantially all of the commercial vehicles we purchase for distribution, new vehicles for retail sale and a portion of our used vehicle inventories for retail sale under revolving floor plan arrangements with various lenders, including the captive finance companies associated with automotive manufacturers. In the U.S., substantially all of our floor plan arrangements are due on demand; however, we have not historically been required to repay floor plan advances prior to the sale of the vehicles that have been financed. We typically make monthly interest payments on the amount financed. Outside of the U.S., substantially all of the floor plan arrangements are payable on demand or have an original maturity of 90 days or less, and we are generally required to repay floor plan advances at the earlier of the sale of the vehicles that have been financed or the stated maturity.
	The floor plan agreements grant a security interest in substantially all of the assets of our dealership and distribution subsidiaries, and in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand are guaranteed by us. Interest rates under the floor plan arrangements are variable and increase or decrease based on changes in the prime rate, defined London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), the Finance House Bank Rate, the Euro Interbank Offer Rate or the Australian or New Zealand Bank Bill Swap Rate. We classify floor plan notes payable to a party other than the manufacturer of a particular new vehicle or commercial vehicle, and all floor plan notes payable relating to pre-owned vehicles, as floor plan notes payable — non-trade on our consolidated condensed balance sheets and classify related cash flows as a financing activity on our consolidated condensed statements of cash flows.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share	6. Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed using net income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders and the number of weighted average shares of voting common stock outstanding, including outstanding unvested equity awards which contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends. Diluted earnings per share is computed using net income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders and the number of weighted average shares of voting common stock outstanding, adjusted for any dilutive effects. A reconciliation of the number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	90,201,075	90,263,865	90,297,797	90,330,378
	Effect of non-participatory equity compensation	36,000	32,000	36,000	32,000
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including effect of dilutive securities	90,237,075	90,295,865	90,333,797	90,362,378

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-Term Debt
Long-Term Debt	7. Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	U.S. credit agreement - revolving credit line	$	44,000		$	50,000
	U.S. credit agreement - term loan	98,000			110,000
	U.K. credit agreement - revolving credit line	124,625			48,741
	U.K. credit agreement - term loan	31,561			38,993
	U.K. credit agreement - overdraft line of credit	—			6,838
	5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022	550,000			550,000
	Rental car revolver	97,056			23,171
	Mortgage facilities	101,445			104,043
	Other	14,277			5,731
	Total long-term debt	1,060,964			937,517
	Less: current portion	(46,894		)	(19,493		)
	Net long-term debt	$	1,014,070		$	918,024
	U.S. Credit Agreement
	We are party to a credit agreement with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC and Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, as amended (the “U.S. Credit Agreement”), which provides for up to $375,000 in revolving loans for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures, investments and other general corporate purposes, a non-amortizing term loan with a remaining balance of $98,000 and for an additional $10,000 of availability for letters of credit, through September 2016. The revolving loans bear interest at a defined LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to an incremental 1.25% for uncollateralized borrowings in excess of a defined borrowing base. The term loan, which bears interest at defined LIBOR plus 2.25%, may be prepaid at any time, but then may not be re-borrowed.
	The U.S. Credit Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by our domestic subsidiaries and contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, repay other indebtedness, pay dividends, create liens on assets, make investments or acquisitions and engage in mergers or consolidations. We are also required to comply with specified financial and other tests and ratios, each as defined in the U.S. Credit Agreement including: a ratio of current assets to current liabilities, a fixed charge coverage ratio, a ratio of debt to stockholders’ equity and a ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). A breach of these requirements would give rise to certain remedies under the agreement, the most severe of which is the termination of the agreement and acceleration of the amounts owed. As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants under the U.S. Credit Agreement.
	The U.S. Credit Agreement also contains typical events of default, including change of control, non-payment of obligations and cross-defaults to our other material indebtedness. Substantially all of our domestic assets are subject to security interests granted to lenders under the U.S. Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2013, $44,000 of revolver borrowings, $98,000 of term loans and no letters of credit were outstanding under the U.S. Credit Agreement. We repaid $12,000 under the term loan during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	U.K. Credit Agreement
	Our subsidiaries in the U.K. (the “U.K. subsidiaries”) are party to a £100,000 revolving credit agreement with the Royal Bank of Scotland plc (RBS) and BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, and an additional £10,000 demand overdraft line of credit with RBS (collectively, the “U.K. credit agreement”) to be used for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures, investments and general corporate purposes through November 2015. The revolving loans bear interest between defined LIBOR plus 1.35% and defined LIBOR plus 3.0% and the demand overdraft line of credit bears interest at the Bank of England Base Rate plus 1.75%. As of September 30, 2013, £77,000 ($124,625) was outstanding under the U.K. credit agreement.
	The U.K. Credit Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by our U.K. subsidiaries, and contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of our U.K. subsidiaries to pay dividends, dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, repay other indebtedness, create liens on assets, make investments or acquisitions and engage in mergers or consolidations. In addition, our U.K. subsidiaries are required to comply with defined ratios and tests, including: a ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, amortization, and rental payments (“EBITAR”) to interest plus rental payments, a measurement of maximum capital expenditures, and a debt to EBITDA ratio. A breach of these requirements would give rise to certain remedies under the agreement, the most severe of which is the termination of the agreement and acceleration of any amounts owed. As of September 30, 2013, our U.K. subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants under the U.K. credit agreement.
	The U.K. credit agreement also contains typical events of default, including change of control and non-payment of obligations and cross-defaults to other material indebtedness of our U.K. subsidiaries. Substantially all of our U.K. subsidiaries’ assets are subject to security interests granted to lenders under the U.K. credit agreement. In July 2013, we amended the U.K. credit agreement and U.K. term loan to provide the U.K. subsidiaries with covenant flexibility to fund the purchase of Penske Commercial Vehicles (discussed above) and operate the subsidiaries acquired.
	In January 2012, our U.K. subsidiaries entered into a separate agreement with RBS, as agent for National Westminster Bank plc, providing for a £30,000 term loan which was used for working capital and an acquisition. The term loan is repayable in £1,500 quarterly installments through 2015 with a final payment of £7,500 due December 31, 2015. The term loan bears interest between 2.675% and 4.325%, depending on the U.K. subsidiaries’ ratio of net borrowings to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined). As of September 30, 2013, the amount outstanding under the U.K. term loan was £19,500 ($31,561).
	5.75% Senior Subordinated Notes
	In August 2012, we issued $550,000 in aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 (the “5.75% Notes”).
	Interest on the 5.75% Notes is payable semiannually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2013. The 5.75% Notes mature on October 1, 2022, unless earlier redeemed or purchased by us. The 5.75% Notes are our unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are guaranteed on an unsecured senior subordinated basis by our existing 100% owned domestic subsidiaries. The 5.75% Notes also contain customary negative covenants and events of default. As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all negative covenants, and there were no events of default.
	On or after October 1, 2017, we may redeem the 5.75% Notes for cash at the redemption prices noted in the indenture, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. We may also redeem up to 40% of the 5.75% Notes using the proceeds of specified equity offerings at any time prior to October 1, 2015, at a price specified in the indenture.
	If we experience certain “change of control” events specified in the indenture, holders of the 5.75% Notes will have the option to require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if we make certain asset sales and do not reinvest the proceeds thereof or use such proceeds to repay certain debt, we will be required to use the proceeds of such asset sales to make an offer to purchase the notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	Rental Car Revolver
	We are party to a credit agreement with Toyota Motor Credit Corporation that currently provides us with up to $150,000 in revolving loans for the acquisition of rental vehicles. The revolving loans bear interest at three-month LIBOR plus 2.50%. This agreement provides the lender with a secured interest in the vehicles and our rental car operations’ other assets, requires us to make monthly curtailment payments and expires in October 2014. As of September 30, 2013, outstanding loans under the rental car revolver amounted to $97,056.
	Mortgage Facilities
	We are party to several mortgages which bear interest at defined rates and require monthly principal and interest payments. These mortgage facilities also contain typical events of default, including non-payment of obligations, cross-defaults to our other material indebtedness, certain change of control events, and the loss or sale of certain franchises operated at the properties. Substantially all of the buildings and improvements on the properties financed pursuant to the mortgage facilities are subject to security interests granted to the lender. As of September 30, 2013, we owed $101,445 of principal under our mortgage facilities.

Derivatives_and_Hedging

Derivatives and Hedging	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivatives and Hedging
Derivatives and Hedging	8. Derivatives and Hedging
	We periodically use interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk associated with our variable rate floor plan debt. We are party to interest rate swap agreements through December 2014 pursuant to which the LIBOR portion of $300,000 of our floating rate floor plan debt is fixed at 2.135% and $100,000 of our floating rate floor plan debt is fixed at a rate of 1.55%. We may terminate these agreements at any time, subject to the settlement of the then current fair value of the swap arrangements.
	We used Level 2 inputs to estimate the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value of the swaps designated as hedging instruments was estimated to be a liability of $9,379 and $14,337, respectively. During 2013 and 2012, there was no hedge ineffectiveness recorded in our income statement. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the swaps increased the weighted average interest rate on our floor plan borrowings by approximately 35 and 36 basis points, respectively.
	Penske Commercial Vehicles sells vehicles and parts purchased from manufacturers in the U.S., Germany, and United Kingdom. In order to protect against exchange rate movements, we enter into forward foreign exchange contracts against anticipated cash flows. The contracts are timed to mature when major shipments are scheduled to arrive in Australia and when receipt of payment from customers is expected. We classify our forward foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges and state them at fair value. We used Level 2 inputs to estimate the fair value of the forward foreign exchange contracts. The fair value of the contracts designated as hedging instruments was estimated to be an asset of $1,965 as of September 30, 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	9. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
	We are involved in litigation which may relate to claims brought by governmental authorities, issues with customers, and employment related matters, including class action claims and purported class action claims. As of September 30, 2013, we were not party to any legal proceedings, including class action lawsuits, that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
	We have historically structured our operations so as to minimize ownership of real property. As a result, we lease or sublease substantially all of our facilities. These leases are generally for a period between five and 20 years, and are typically structured to include renewal options at our election. Pursuant to the leases for some of our larger facilities, we are required to comply with specified financial ratios, including a “rent coverage” ratio and a debt to EBITDA ratio, each as defined. For these leases, non-compliance with the ratios may require us to post collateral in the form of a letter of credit. A breach of the other lease covenants gives rise to certain remedies by the landlord, the most severe of which include the termination of the applicable lease and acceleration of the total rent payments due under the lease. As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants under these leases.
	We have sold a number of dealerships to third parties and, as a condition to certain of those sales, remain liable for the lease payments relating to the properties on which those businesses operate in the event of non-payment by the buyer. We are also party to lease agreements on properties that we no longer use in our retail operations that we have sublet to third parties. We rely on subtenants to pay the rent and maintain the property at these locations. In the event the subtenant does not perform as expected, we may not be able to recover amounts owed to us and we could be required to fulfill these obligations.
	We hold a 9.0% ownership interest in PTL. Historically General Electric Capital Corporation (“GECC”) has provided PTL with a majority of its financing. PTL has refinanced all of its GECC indebtedness. As part of that refinancing, we and the other PTL partners created a new company (“Holdings”), which, together with GECC, co-issued $700,000 of 3.8% senior unsecured notes due 2019 (the “Holdings Bonds”). A wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings contributed $700,000 derived from the net proceeds from the offering of the Holdings Bonds and a portion of its cash on hand to PTL in exchange for a 21.5% limited partner interest in PTL. PTL used the $700,000 of funds to reduce its outstanding debt owed to GECC. GECC agreed to be a co-obligor of the Holdings Bonds in order to achieve lower interest rates on the Holdings Bonds.
	Additional capital contributions from the members may be required to fund interest and principal payments on the Holdings Bonds. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify GECC for 9.0% of any principal or interest that GECC is required to pay as co-obligor, and pay GECC an annual fee of approximately $950 for acting as co-obligor. The maximum amount of our potential obligations to GECC under this agreement are 9.0% of the required principal repayment due in 2019 (which is expected to be $63,100) and 9.0% of interest payments under the Holdings Bonds, plus fees and default interest, if any.
	Our floor plan credit agreement with Mercedes Benz Financial Services Australia (“MBA”) provides us revolving loans for the acquisition of commercial vehicles for distribution to our retail network. This facility includes a limited parent guarantee and a commitment to repurchase dealer vehicles in the event the dealer’s floor plan agreement with MBA is terminated.
	We have $18,197 of letters of credit outstanding as of September 30, 2013, and have posted $9,154 of surety bonds in the ordinary course of business.

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity
Equity	10. Equity
	Share Repurchase
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we repurchased 410,000 shares of our outstanding common stock for $12,680, or an average of $30.93 per share, under a program approved by our Board of Directors. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we acquired 97,629 shares of our common stock for $3,135, or an average of $32.11, from employees in connection with a net share settlement feature of employee equity awards.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)	11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)
	The following tables below present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss) by component and the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders.
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Interest Rate			Foreign			Other			Total
		Swaps			Currency
					Translation
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	(6,505	)	$	(36,825	)	$	1,825		$	(41,505	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	272			41,811			(4,184		)	37,899
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - net of tax	552			—			—			552
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	824			41,811			(4,184		)	38,451
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(5,681	)	$	4,986		$	(2,359	)	$	(3,054	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Interest Rate			Foreign			Other			Total
		Swaps			Currency
					Translation
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(8,678	)	$	(1,194	)	$	3,039		$	(6,833	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	784			7,064			(5,398		)	2,450
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - net of tax	2,213			(884		)	—			1,329
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	2,997			6,180			(5,398		)	3,779
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(5,681	)	$	4,986		$	(2,359	)	$	(3,054	)
	Within the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, the $552 and $2,213 associated with interest rate swaps is included in floor plan interest expense, and the $(884) associated with foreign currency translation is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information
Segment Information	12. Segment Information
	Our operations are organized by management into operating segments by line of business and geography. We have determined that we have two reportable segments as defined in generally accepted accounting principles for segment reporting: (i) Retail, consisting of our automotive retail operations, and (ii) Other, consisting of our Hertz rental car business operating segment, our investments in non-automotive retail operations operating segment and our Penske Commercial Vehicles operating segment. The Retail reportable segment includes all automotive dealerships and all departments relevant to the operation of the dealerships and the retail automotive joint ventures. The individual dealership operations included in the Retail reportable segment have been grouped into four geographic operating segments: Eastern, Central, and Western United States and International. The geographic operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment as their operations (A) have similar economic characteristics (all are automotive dealerships having similar margins), (B) offer similar products and services (all sell new and used vehicles, service, parts and third-party finance and insurance products), (C) have similar target markets and customers (generally individuals) and (D) have similar distribution and marketing practices (all distribute products and services through dealership facilities that market to customers in similar fashions).
	Three Months Ended September 30
		Retail		Other		Intersegment			Total
						Elimination
	Revenues
	2013	$	3,763,840	$	66,050	$	(5,747	)	$	3,824,143
	2012	3,336,020		—		—			3,336,020
	Segment income
	2013	51,732		13,485		58			65,275
	2012	33,119		7,912		—			41,031
	Nine Months Ended September 30
		Retail		Other		Intersegment			Total
						Elimination
	Revenues
	2013	$	10,867,035	$	88,026	$	(27,144	)	$	10,927,917
	2012	9,814,784		—		—			9,814,784
	Segment income
	2013	162,074		23,178		(271		)	184,981
	2012	117,994		18,947		—			136,941

Consolidating_Condensed_Financ

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidating Condensed Financial Information
Consolidating Condensed Financial Information	13. Consolidating Condensed Financial Information
	The following tables include condensed consolidating financial information as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 for Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (as the issuer of the 5.75% Notes), guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries (primarily representing foreign entities). Guarantor subsidiaries are directly or indirectly 100% owned by PAG, and the guarantees are full and unconditional, and jointly and several. The condensed consolidating financial information includes certain allocations of balance sheet, income statement and cash flow items which are not necessarily indicative of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of these entities on a stand-alone basis.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	September 30, 2013
		Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
		Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
								Group
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	71,101		$	—		$	—		$	7,514		$	63,587
	Accounts receivable, net	588,311			(378,659		)	378,659			292,806			295,505
	Inventories	2,293,390			—			—			1,300,592			992,798
	Other current assets	83,508			—			2,955			32,593			47,960
	Assets held for sale	1,065			—			—			165			900
	Total current assets	3,037,375			(378,659		)	381,614			1,633,670			1,400,750
	Property and equipment, net	1,211,020			—			4,251			814,083			392,686
	Intangible assets	1,401,497			—			—			768,677			632,820
	Equity method investments	333,081			—			280,730			—			52,351
	Other long-term assets	27,831			(1,602,664		)	1,613,941			5,232			11,322
	Total assets	$	6,010,804		$	(1,981,323	)	$	2,280,536		$	3,221,662		$	2,489,929
	Floor plan notes payable	$	1,537,185		$	—		$	—		$	884,700		$	652,485
	Floor plan notes payable — non-trade	802,051			—			128,100			375,983			297,968
	Accounts payable	380,000			—			2,841			128,236			248,923
	Accrued expenses	275,483			(378,659		)	205			142,530			511,407
	Current portion of long-term debt	46,894			—			—			36,236			10,658
	Liabilities held for sale	2,592			—			—			383			2,209
	Total current liabilities	3,044,205			(378,659		)	131,146			1,568,068			1,723,650
	Long-term debt	1,014,070			(96,472		)	692,000			166,262			252,280
	Deferred tax liabilities	338,430			—			—			313,342			25,088
	Other long-term liabilities	156,708			—			—			77,865			78,843
	Total liabilities	4,553,413			(475,131		)	823,146			2,125,537			2,079,861
	Total equity	1,457,391			(1,506,192		)	1,457,390			1,096,125			410,068
	Total liabilities and equity	$	6,010,804		$	(1,981,323	)	$	2,280,536		$	3,221,662		$	2,489,929
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2012
		Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
		Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
								Group
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	43,447		$	—		$	—		$	36,478		$	6,969
	Accounts receivable, net	554,851			(340,917		)	340,917			375,442			179,409
	Inventories	2,000,206			—			—			1,212,521			787,685
	Other current assets	90,485			—			3,546			55,841			31,098
	Assets held for sale	71,107			—			—			28,716			42,391
	Total current assets	2,760,096			(340,917		)	344,463			1,708,998			1,047,552
	Property and equipment, net	1,031,188			—			4,474			662,722			363,992
	Intangible assets	1,263,590			—			—			761,005			502,585
	Equity method investments	303,160			—			252,816			—			50,344
	Other long-term assets	20,956			(1,527,156		)	1,540,447			5,029			2,636
	Total assets	$	5,378,990		$	(1,868,073	)	$	2,142,200		$	3,137,754		$	1,967,109
	Floor plan notes payable	$	1,408,362		$	—		$	—		$	917,391		$	490,971
	Floor plan notes payable — non-trade	725,526			—			112,085			346,683			266,758
	Accounts payable	263,881			—			3,344			124,663			135,874
	Accrued expenses	223,972			(340,917		)	450			114,636			449,803
	Current portion of long-term debt	19,493			—			—			9,745			9,748
	Liabilities held for sale	51,279			—			—			17,766			33,513
	Total current liabilities	2,692,513			(340,917		)	115,879			1,530,884			1,386,667
	Long-term debt	918,024			(38,692		)	710,000			121,618			125,098
	Deferred tax liabilities	287,818			—			—			260,445			27,373
	Other long-term liabilities	164,314			—			—			85,151			79,163
	Total liabilities	4,062,669			(379,609		)	825,879			1,998,098			1,618,301
	Total equity	1,316,321			(1,488,464		)	1,316,321			1,139,656			348,808
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,378,990		$	(1,868,073	)	$	2,142,200		$	3,137,754		$	1,967,109
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
	Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
							Group
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	3,824,143		$	—		$	—		$	2,296,224		$	1,527,919
Cost of sales	3,244,235			—			—			1,933,197			1,311,038
Gross profit	579,908			—			—			363,027			216,881
Selling, general and administrative expenses	454,188			—			5,475			280,222			168,491
Depreciation	15,784			—			417			9,538			5,829
Operating income (loss)	109,936			—			(5,892		)	73,267			42,561
Floor plan interest expense	(10,840		)	—			(2,428		)	(4,951		)	(3,461		)
Other interest expense	(12,370		)	—			(7,159		)	(1,951		)	(3,260		)
Equity in earnings of affiliates	11,240			—			10,035			—			1,205
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(103,153		)	103,153			—			—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	97,966			(103,153		)	97,709			66,365			37,045
Income taxes	(31,692		)	33,458			(31,692		)	(24,116		)	(9,342		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	66,274			(69,695		)	66,017			42,249			27,703
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(742		)	742			(742		)	(151		)	(591		)
Net income (loss)	65,532			(68,953		)	65,275			42,098			27,112
Other comprenhensive income (loss), net of tax	38,449			(38,622		)	38,449			824			37,798
Comprehensive income	103,981			(107,575		)	103,724			42,922			64,910
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	257			—			—			—			257
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	$	103,724		$	(107,575	)	$	103,724		$	42,922		$	64,653
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
	Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
							Group
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	3,336,020		$	—		$	—		$	1,997,423		$	1,338,597
Cost of sales	2,834,536			—			—			1,687,417			1,147,119
Gross profit	501,484			—			—			310,006			191,478
Selling, general and administrative expenses	400,039			—			5,073			244,259			150,707
Depreciation	13,704			—			328			7,580			5,796
Operating income (loss)	87,741			—			(5,401		)	58,167			34,975
Floor plan interest expense	(9,951		)	—			(2,322		)	(4,300		)	(3,329		)
Other interest expense	(11,583		)	—			(7,695		)	(804		)	(3,084		)
Equity in earnings of affiliates	8,814			—			7,784			—			1,030
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(82,373		)	82,373			—			—
Debt redemption costs	(17,753		)	—			(17,753		)	—			—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	57,268			(82,373		)	56,986			53,063			29,592
Income taxes	(15,421		)	22,292			(15,421		)	(14,733		)	(7,559		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	41,847			(60,081		)	41,565			38,330			22,033
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(534		)	534			(534		)	219			(753		)
Net income (loss)	41,313			(59,547		)	41,031			38,549			21,280
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,948			(16,882		)	17,948			175			16,707
Comprehensive income	59,261			(76,429		)	58,979			38,724			37,987
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	489			(207		)	207			—			489
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	$	58,772		$	(76,222	)	$	58,772		$	38,724		$	37,498
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
	Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
							Group
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	10,927,917		$	—		$	—		$	6,616,079		$	4,311,838
Cost of sales	9,244,779			—			—			5,545,896			3,698,883
Gross profit	1,683,138			—			—			1,070,183			612,955
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,308,958			—			15,328			820,249			473,381
Depreciation	45,300			—			1,206			26,743			17,351
Operating income (loss)	328,880			—			(16,534		)	223,191			122,223
Floor plan interest expense	(32,008		)	—			(7,174		)	(15,044		)	(9,790		)
Other interest expense	(36,163		)	—			(20,555		)	(4,214		)	(11,394		)
Equity in earnings of affiliates	22,489			—			18,865			—			3,624
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(307,531		)	307,531			—			—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	283,198			(307,531		)	282,133			203,933			104,663
Income taxes	(95,263		)	103,839			(95,263		)	(77,745		)	(26,094		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	187,935			(203,692		)	186,870			126,188			78,569
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(1,889		)	1,889			(1,889		)	(184		)	(1,705		)
Net income (loss)	186,046			(201,803		)	184,981			126,004			76,864
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,313			(4,516		)	4,313			2,997			1,519
Comprehensive income	190,359			(206,319		)	189,294			129,001			78,383
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	1,599			(534		)	534			—			1,599
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	$	188,760		$	(205,785	)	$	188,760		$	129,001		$	76,784
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
	Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
							Group
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	9,814,784		$	—		$	—		$	5,821,934		$	3,992,850
Cost of sales	8,313,365			—			—			4,897,098			3,416,267
Gross profit	1,501,419			—			—			924,836			576,583
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,188,658			—			14,408			728,842			445,408
Depreciation	40,014			—			936			22,018			17,060
Operating income (loss)	272,747			—			(15,344		)	173,976			114,115
Floor plan interest expense	(29,319		)	—			(6,774		)	(12,247		)	(10,298		)
Other interest expense	(35,155		)	—			(21,986		)	(2,668		)	(10,501		)
Equity in earnings of affiliates	21,392			—			18,538			—			2,854
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(254,241		)	254,241			—			—
Debt redemption costs	(17,753		)	—			(17,753		)	—			—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	211,912			(254,241		)	210,922			159,061			96,170
Income taxes	(69,347		)	83,603			(69,347		)	(59,519		)	(24,084		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	142,565			(170,638		)	141,575			99,542			72,086
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(4,634		)	4,634			(4,634		)	(1,830		)	(2,804		)
Net income (loss)	137,931			(166,004		)	136,941			97,712			69,282
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,758			(15,150		)	17,758			(74		)	15,224
Comprehensive income	155,689			(181,154		)	154,699			97,638			84,506
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	1,197			(207		)	207			—			1,197
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	$	154,492		$	(180,947	)	$	154,492		$	97,638		$	83,309
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Total			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
	Company			Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
				Group
	(In thousands)
Net cash from continuing operating activities	$	297,997		$	59,444		$	56,502		$	182,051
Investing activities:
Purchase of equipment and improvements	(122,952		)	(983		)	(84,506		)	(37,463		)
Purchase of Penske Car Rental vehicles	(82,313		)	—			(82,313		)	—
Acquisitions, net	(221,160		)	—			(22,005		)	(199,155		)
Other	(7,493		)	—			(7,522		)	29
Net cash from continuing investing activities	(433,918		)	(983		)	(196,346		)	(236,589		)
Financing activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) of long-term debt	123,825			(18,000		)	71,147			70,678
Net borrowings (repayments) of floor plan notes payable — non-trade	76,525			16,015			29,300			31,210
Repurchases of common stock	(15,813		)	(15,813		)	—			—
Dividends	(40,663		)	(40,663		)	—			—
Distributions from (to) parent	—			—			1,154			(1,154		)
Other	235			—			—			235
Net cash from continuing financing activities	144,109			(58,461		)	101,601			100,969
Net cash from discontinued operations	19,466			—			9,279			10,187
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	27,654			—			(28,964		)	56,618
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	43,447			—			36,478			6,969
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	71,101		$	—		$	7,514		$	63,587
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Total			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
	Company			Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
				Group
	(In thousands)
Net cash from continuing operating activities	$	262,748		$	95,748		$	40,064		$	126,936
Investing activities:
Purchase of equipment and improvements	(96,380		)	(766		)	(67,233		)	(28,381		)
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	1,584			—			—			1,584
Acquisitions, net	(137,805		)	—			(3,416		)	(134,389		)
Other	3,496			(3,812		)	—			7,308
Net cash from continuing investing activities	(229,105		)	(4,578		)	(70,649		)	(153,878		)
Financing activities:
Repurchase of 3.5% senior subordinated convertible notes	(62,687		)	(62,687		)	—			—
Issuance of 5.75% senior subordinated notes	550,000			550,000			—			—
Repurchase of 7.75% senior subordinated notes	(390,755		)	(390,755		)	—			—
Net borrowings (repayments) of long-term debt	(133,913		)	(149,000		)	(1,598		)	16,685
Net borrowings (repayments) of floor plan notes payable — non-trade	32,410			9,363			11,471			11,576
Repurchases of common stock	(9,829		)	(9,829		)	—			—
Dividends	(29,760		)	(29,760		)	—			—
Payment of deferred financing fees	(8,502		)	(8,502		)	—			—
Distributions from (to) parent	—			—			4,747			(4,747		)
Net cash from continuing financing activities	(53,036		)	(91,170		)	14,620			23,514
Net cash from discontinued operations	18,282			—			6,725			11,557
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(1,111		)	—			(9,240		)	8,129
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	26,997			—			26,767			230
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	25,886		$	—		$	17,527		$	8,359

Interim_Financial_Statements_P

Interim Financial Statements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Interim Financial Statements
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements of PAG have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and disclosures normally included in our annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC rules and regulations. The information presented as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is unaudited, but includes all adjustments which the management of PAG believes to be necessary for the fair presentation of results for the periods presented. The consolidated condensed financial statements for prior periods have been revised for entities which have been treated as discontinued operations through September 30, 2013, and the results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) — Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU No. 2013-02 requires disclosure of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, we are required to present either on the face of the statement of income or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts not reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. We complied with the disclosure requirements of this ASU beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) — Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” ASU No. 2013-05 resolves the diversity in practice about whether Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation—Overall, or Subtopic 830-30, Foreign Currency Matters—Translation of Financial Statements, applies to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity. This ASU is effective prospectively for the first annual period beginning after December 15, 2013. We do not expect adoption of ASU No. 2013-05 to affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-10, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) — Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes.” The amendments in ASU No. 2013-10 permit the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815, in addition to UST and LIBOR. This ASU is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. We do not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2013-10 to affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) — Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” ASU No. 2013-11 resolves the diversity in practice regarding the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This ASU is effective for the first annual period beginning after December 15, 2013. We do not expect adoption of ASU No. 2013-11 to affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations
	We account for dispositions in our retail operations as discontinued operations when it is evident that the operations and cash flows of a franchise being disposed of will be eliminated from on-going operations and that we will not have any significant continuing involvement in its operations.
	In evaluating whether the cash flows of a dealership in our Retail reportable segment will be eliminated from ongoing operations, we consider whether it is likely that customers will migrate to similar franchises that we own in the same geographic market. Our consideration includes an evaluation of the brands sold at other dealerships we operate in the market and their proximity to the disposed dealership. When we dispose of franchises, we typically do not have continuing brand representation in that market. If the franchise being disposed of is located in a complex of PAG owned dealerships, we do not treat the disposition as a discontinued operation if we believe that the cash flows previously generated by the disposed franchise will be replaced by expanded operations of the remaining or replacement franchises.
	Combined financial information regarding entities accounted for as discontinued operations follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	15,158		$	107,391		$	162,953		$	332,878
	Pre-tax income (loss)	(955		)	(817		)	(2,609		)	(13,673		)
	Gain (loss) on disposal	(31		)	285			809			10,445
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Inventories	$	10		$	44,649
	Other assets	1,055			26,458
	Total assets	$	1,065		$	71,107
	Floor plan notes payable (including non-trade)	$	40		$	36,689
	Other liabilities	2,552			14,590
	Total liabilities	$	2,592		$	51,279
Estimates	Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The accounts requiring the use of significant estimates include accounts receivable, inventories, income taxes, intangible assets and certain reserves.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and also establishes the following three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted market prices in markets that are not active; or model-derived valuations or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities
	Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, debt, floor plan notes payable, forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps used to hedge future cash flows. Other than our fixed rate debt, the carrying amount of all significant financial instruments approximates fair value due either to length of maturity, the existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates, or as a result of mark to market accounting.
	Our fixed rate debt consists of amounts outstanding under our senior subordinated notes and mortgage facilities. We estimate the fair value of our senior unsecured notes using quoted prices for the identical liability (Level 1), and we estimate the fair value of our mortgage facilities using a present value technique based on our current market interest rates for similar types of financial instruments (Level 2). A summary of the carrying values and fair values of our 5.75% senior subordinated notes and our fixed rate mortgage facilities are as follows:
		September 30, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value
	5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022	$	550,000		$	543,070
	Mortgage facilities	101,445			101,777

Interim_Financial_Statements_T

Interim Financial Statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Interim Financial Statements
Combined financial information regarding entities accounted for as discontinued operations		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	15,158		$	107,391		$	162,953		$	332,878
	Pre-tax income (loss)	(955		)	(817		)	(2,609		)	(13,673		)
	Gain (loss) on disposal	(31		)	285			809			10,445
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Inventories	$	10		$	44,649
	Other assets	1,055			26,458
	Total assets	$	1,065		$	71,107
	Floor plan notes payable (including non-trade)	$	40		$	36,689
	Other liabilities	2,552			14,590
	Total liabilities	$	2,592		$	51,279
Summary of carrying values and fair values of senior subordinated notes and fixed rate mortgage facilities
		September 30, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value
	5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022	$	550,000		$	543,070
	Mortgage facilities	101,445			101,777

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventories
Inventories Net		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	New vehicles	$	1,497,648	$	1,429,250
	Used vehicles	582,695		484,269
	Commercial vehicles	121,575		—
	Parts, accessories and other	91,472		86,687
	Total inventories	$	2,293,390	$	2,000,206

Business_Combinations_Tables

Business Combinations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations
Summary of the aggregate consideration paid and the aggregate amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Accounts receivable	$	20,117		$	28,907
	Inventory	124,259			94,627
	Other current assets	2,812			411
	Property and equipment	26,062			34,261
	Indefinite-lived intangibles	133,075			61,686
	Other non-current assets	8,427			745
	Current liabilities	(94,107		)	(58,926		)
	Non-current liabilities	515			(23,906		)
	Total consideration	221,160			137,805
	Seller financed/assumed debt	—			—
	Cash used in acquisitions	$	221,160		$	137,805
Summary of unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Revenues	$	3,892,754		$	3,547,785		$	11,244,562	$	10,419,047
	Income from continuing operations	68,843			50,454			200,498		162,012
	Net income	67,844			49,638			197,544		156,388
	Income from continuing operations per diluted common share	$	0.76		$	0.56		$	2.21	$	1.78
	Net income per diluted common share	$	0.75		$	0.55		$	2.19	$	1.73

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Intangible Assets
Summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and franchise value		Goodwill			Franchise
					Value
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	980,438		$	283,152
	Additions	133,075			—
	Deconsolidation of Italian investment	(7,231		)	(2,908		)
	Reconsolidation of Italian investment	7,434			3,068
	Foreign currency translation	4,653			(184		)
	Balance, September 30, 2013	$	1,118,369		$	283,128

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share
Reconciliation of number of shares used in calculation of basic and diluted earning per share
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	90,201,075	90,263,865	90,297,797	90,330,378
	Effect of non-participatory equity compensation	36,000	32,000	36,000	32,000
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including effect of dilutive securities	90,237,075	90,295,865	90,333,797	90,362,378

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-Term Debt
Long Term Debt		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	U.S. credit agreement - revolving credit line	$	44,000		$	50,000
	U.S. credit agreement - term loan	98,000			110,000
	U.K. credit agreement - revolving credit line	124,625			48,741
	U.K. credit agreement - term loan	31,561			38,993
	U.K. credit agreement - overdraft line of credit	—			6,838
	5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022	550,000			550,000
	Rental car revolver	97,056			23,171
	Mortgage facilities	101,445			104,043
	Other	14,277			5,731
	Total long-term debt	1,060,964			937,517
	Less: current portion	(46,894		)	(19,493		)
	Net long-term debt	$	1,014,070		$	918,024

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)
Schedule of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss) by component and the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss) attributable to the entity's common stockholders	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Interest Rate			Foreign			Other			Total
		Swaps			Currency
					Translation
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	(6,505	)	$	(36,825	)	$	1,825		$	(41,505	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	272			41,811			(4,184		)	37,899
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - net of tax	552			—			—			552
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	824			41,811			(4,184		)	38,451
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(5,681	)	$	4,986		$	(2,359	)	$	(3,054	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Interest Rate			Foreign			Other			Total
		Swaps			Currency
					Translation
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(8,678	)	$	(1,194	)	$	3,039		$	(6,833	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	784			7,064			(5,398		)	2,450
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - net of tax	2,213			(884		)	—			1,329
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	2,997			6,180			(5,398		)	3,779
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(5,681	)	$	4,986		$	(2,359	)	$	(3,054	)

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information
Revenues and adjusted segment income by reportable segment	Three Months Ended September 30
		Retail		Other		Intersegment			Total
						Elimination
	Revenues
	2013	$	3,763,840	$	66,050	$	(5,747	)	$	3,824,143
	2012	3,336,020		—		—			3,336,020
	Segment income
	2013	51,732		13,485		58			65,275
	2012	33,119		7,912		—			41,031
	Nine Months Ended September 30
		Retail		Other		Intersegment			Total
						Elimination
	Revenues
	2013	$	10,867,035	$	88,026	$	(27,144	)	$	10,927,917
	2012	9,814,784		—		—			9,814,784
	Segment income
	2013	162,074		23,178		(271		)	184,981
	2012	117,994		18,947		—			136,941

Consolidating_Condensed_Financ1

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidating Condensed Financial Information
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	September 30, 2013
		Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
		Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
								Group
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	71,101		$	—		$	—		$	7,514		$	63,587
	Accounts receivable, net	588,311			(378,659		)	378,659			292,806			295,505
	Inventories	2,293,390			—			—			1,300,592			992,798
	Other current assets	83,508			—			2,955			32,593			47,960
	Assets held for sale	1,065			—			—			165			900
	Total current assets	3,037,375			(378,659		)	381,614			1,633,670			1,400,750
	Property and equipment, net	1,211,020			—			4,251			814,083			392,686
	Intangible assets	1,401,497			—			—			768,677			632,820
	Equity method investments	333,081			—			280,730			—			52,351
	Other long-term assets	27,831			(1,602,664		)	1,613,941			5,232			11,322
	Total assets	$	6,010,804		$	(1,981,323	)	$	2,280,536		$	3,221,662		$	2,489,929
	Floor plan notes payable	$	1,537,185		$	—		$	—		$	884,700		$	652,485
	Floor plan notes payable — non-trade	802,051			—			128,100			375,983			297,968
	Accounts payable	380,000			—			2,841			128,236			248,923
	Accrued expenses	275,483			(378,659		)	205			142,530			511,407
	Current portion of long-term debt	46,894			—			—			36,236			10,658
	Liabilities held for sale	2,592			—			—			383			2,209
	Total current liabilities	3,044,205			(378,659		)	131,146			1,568,068			1,723,650
	Long-term debt	1,014,070			(96,472		)	692,000			166,262			252,280
	Deferred tax liabilities	338,430			—			—			313,342			25,088
	Other long-term liabilities	156,708			—			—			77,865			78,843
	Total liabilities	4,553,413			(475,131		)	823,146			2,125,537			2,079,861
	Total equity	1,457,391			(1,506,192		)	1,457,390			1,096,125			410,068
	Total liabilities and equity	$	6,010,804		$	(1,981,323	)	$	2,280,536		$	3,221,662		$	2,489,929
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2012
		Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
		Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
								Group
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	43,447		$	—		$	—		$	36,478		$	6,969
	Accounts receivable, net	554,851			(340,917		)	340,917			375,442			179,409
	Inventories	2,000,206			—			—			1,212,521			787,685
	Other current assets	90,485			—			3,546			55,841			31,098
	Assets held for sale	71,107			—			—			28,716			42,391
	Total current assets	2,760,096			(340,917		)	344,463			1,708,998			1,047,552
	Property and equipment, net	1,031,188			—			4,474			662,722			363,992
	Intangible assets	1,263,590			—			—			761,005			502,585
	Equity method investments	303,160			—			252,816			—			50,344
	Other long-term assets	20,956			(1,527,156		)	1,540,447			5,029			2,636
	Total assets	$	5,378,990		$	(1,868,073	)	$	2,142,200		$	3,137,754		$	1,967,109
	Floor plan notes payable	$	1,408,362		$	—		$	—		$	917,391		$	490,971
	Floor plan notes payable — non-trade	725,526			—			112,085			346,683			266,758
	Accounts payable	263,881			—			3,344			124,663			135,874
	Accrued expenses	223,972			(340,917		)	450			114,636			449,803
	Current portion of long-term debt	19,493			—			—			9,745			9,748
	Liabilities held for sale	51,279			—			—			17,766			33,513
	Total current liabilities	2,692,513			(340,917		)	115,879			1,530,884			1,386,667
	Long-term debt	918,024			(38,692		)	710,000			121,618			125,098
	Deferred tax liabilities	287,818			—			—			260,445			27,373
	Other long-term liabilities	164,314			—			—			85,151			79,163
	Total liabilities	4,062,669			(379,609		)	825,879			1,998,098			1,618,301
	Total equity	1,316,321			(1,488,464		)	1,316,321			1,139,656			348,808
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,378,990		$	(1,868,073	)	$	2,142,200		$	3,137,754		$	1,967,109
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
		Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
								Group
		(In thousands)
	Revenues	$	3,824,143		$	—		$	—		$	2,296,224		$	1,527,919
	Cost of sales	3,244,235			—			—			1,933,197			1,311,038
	Gross profit	579,908			—			—			363,027			216,881
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	454,188			—			5,475			280,222			168,491
	Depreciation	15,784			—			417			9,538			5,829
	Operating income (loss)	109,936			—			(5,892		)	73,267			42,561
	Floor plan interest expense	(10,840		)	—			(2,428		)	(4,951		)	(3,461		)
	Other interest expense	(12,370		)	—			(7,159		)	(1,951		)	(3,260		)
	Equity in earnings of affiliates	11,240			—			10,035			—			1,205
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(103,153		)	103,153			—			—
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	97,966			(103,153		)	97,709			66,365			37,045
	Income taxes	(31,692		)	33,458			(31,692		)	(24,116		)	(9,342		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	66,274			(69,695		)	66,017			42,249			27,703
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(742		)	742			(742		)	(151		)	(591		)
	Net income (loss)	65,532			(68,953		)	65,275			42,098			27,112
	Other comprenhensive income (loss), net of tax	38,449			(38,622		)	38,449			824			37,798
	Comprehensive income	103,981			(107,575		)	103,724			42,922			64,910
	Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	257			—			—			—			257
	Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	$	103,724		$	(107,575	)	$	103,724		$	42,922		$	64,653
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
		Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
								Group
		(In thousands)
	Revenues	$	3,336,020		$	—		$	—		$	1,997,423		$	1,338,597
	Cost of sales	2,834,536			—			—			1,687,417			1,147,119
	Gross profit	501,484			—			—			310,006			191,478
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	400,039			—			5,073			244,259			150,707
	Depreciation	13,704			—			328			7,580			5,796
	Operating income (loss)	87,741			—			(5,401		)	58,167			34,975
	Floor plan interest expense	(9,951		)	—			(2,322		)	(4,300		)	(3,329		)
	Other interest expense	(11,583		)	—			(7,695		)	(804		)	(3,084		)
	Equity in earnings of affiliates	8,814			—			7,784			—			1,030
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(82,373		)	82,373			—			—
	Debt redemption costs	(17,753		)	—			(17,753		)	—			—
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	57,268			(82,373		)	56,986			53,063			29,592
	Income taxes	(15,421		)	22,292			(15,421		)	(14,733		)	(7,559		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	41,847			(60,081		)	41,565			38,330			22,033
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(534		)	534			(534		)	219			(753		)
	Net income (loss)	41,313			(59,547		)	41,031			38,549			21,280
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,948			(16,882		)	17,948			175			16,707
	Comprehensive income	59,261			(76,429		)	58,979			38,724			37,987
	Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	489			(207		)	207			—			489
	Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	$	58,772		$	(76,222	)	$	58,772		$	38,724		$	37,498
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
		Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
								Group
		(In thousands)
	Revenues	$	10,927,917		$	—		$	—		$	6,616,079		$	4,311,838
	Cost of sales	9,244,779			—			—			5,545,896			3,698,883
	Gross profit	1,683,138			—			—			1,070,183			612,955
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,308,958			—			15,328			820,249			473,381
	Depreciation	45,300			—			1,206			26,743			17,351
	Operating income (loss)	328,880			—			(16,534		)	223,191			122,223
	Floor plan interest expense	(32,008		)	—			(7,174		)	(15,044		)	(9,790		)
Other interest expense	(36,163		)	—			(20,555		)	(4,214		)	(11,394		)
Equity in earnings of affiliates	22,489			—			18,865			—			3,624
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(307,531		)	307,531			—			—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	283,198			(307,531		)	282,133			203,933			104,663
Income taxes	(95,263		)	103,839			(95,263		)	(77,745		)	(26,094		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	187,935			(203,692		)	186,870			126,188			78,569
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(1,889		)	1,889			(1,889		)	(184		)	(1,705		)
Net income (loss)	186,046			(201,803		)	184,981			126,004			76,864
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,313			(4,516		)	4,313			2,997			1,519
Comprehensive income	190,359			(206,319		)	189,294			129,001			78,383
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	1,599			(534		)	534			—			1,599
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	$	188,760		$	(205,785	)	$	188,760		$	129,001		$	76,784
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Total			Eliminations			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
	Company						Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
							Group
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	9,814,784		$	—		$	—		$	5,821,934		$	3,992,850
Cost of sales	8,313,365			—			—			4,897,098			3,416,267
Gross profit	1,501,419			—			—			924,836			576,583
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,188,658			—			14,408			728,842			445,408
Depreciation	40,014			—			936			22,018			17,060
Operating income (loss)	272,747			—			(15,344		)	173,976			114,115
Floor plan interest expense	(29,319		)	—			(6,774		)	(12,247		)	(10,298		)
Other interest expense	(35,155		)	—			(21,986		)	(2,668		)	(10,501		)
Equity in earnings of affiliates	21,392			—			18,538			—			2,854
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(254,241		)	254,241			—			—
Debt redemption costs	(17,753		)	—			(17,753		)	—			—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	211,912			(254,241		)	210,922			159,061			96,170
Income taxes	(69,347		)	83,603			(69,347		)	(59,519		)	(24,084		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	142,565			(170,638		)	141,575			99,542			72,086
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(4,634		)	4,634			(4,634		)	(1,830		)	(2,804		)
Net income (loss)	137,931			(166,004		)	136,941			97,712			69,282
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,758			(15,150		)	17,758			(74		)	15,224
Comprehensive income	155,689			(181,154		)	154,699			97,638			84,506
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	1,197			(207		)	207			—			1,197
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	$	154,492		$	(180,947	)	$	154,492		$	97,638		$	83,309
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Total			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
		Company			Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
					Group
		(In thousands)
	Net cash from continuing operating activities	$	297,997		$	59,444		$	56,502		$	182,051
	Investing activities:
	Purchase of equipment and improvements	(122,952		)	(983		)	(84,506		)	(37,463		)
	Purchase of Penske Car Rental vehicles	(82,313		)	—			(82,313		)	—
	Acquisitions, net	(221,160		)	—			(22,005		)	(199,155		)
	Other	(7,493		)	—			(7,522		)	29
	Net cash from continuing investing activities	(433,918		)	(983		)	(196,346		)	(236,589		)
	Financing activities:
	Net borrowings (repayments) of long-term debt	123,825			(18,000		)	71,147			70,678
	Net borrowings (repayments) of floor plan notes payable — non-trade	76,525			16,015			29,300			31,210
	Repurchases of common stock	(15,813		)	(15,813		)	—			—
	Dividends	(40,663		)	(40,663		)	—			—
	Distributions from (to) parent	—			—			1,154			(1,154		)
	Other	235			—			—			235
	Net cash from continuing financing activities	144,109			(58,461		)	101,601			100,969
	Net cash from discontinued operations	19,466			—			9,279			10,187
	Net change in cash and cash equivalents	27,654			—			(28,964		)	56,618
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	43,447			—			36,478			6,969
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	71,101		$	—		$	7,514		$	63,587
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Total			Penske			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
		Company			Automotive			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
					Group
		(In thousands)
	Net cash from continuing operating activities	$	262,748		$	95,748		$	40,064		$	126,936
	Investing activities:
	Purchase of equipment and improvements	(96,380		)	(766		)	(67,233		)	(28,381		)
	Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	1,584			—			—			1,584
	Acquisitions, net	(137,805		)	—			(3,416		)	(134,389		)
	Other	3,496			(3,812		)	—			7,308
	Net cash from continuing investing activities	(229,105		)	(4,578		)	(70,649		)	(153,878		)
	Financing activities:
	Repurchase of 3.5% senior subordinated convertible notes	(62,687		)	(62,687		)	—			—
	Issuance of 5.75% senior subordinated notes	550,000			550,000			—			—
	Repurchase of 7.75% senior subordinated notes	(390,755		)	(390,755		)	—			—
	Net borrowings (repayments) of long-term debt	(133,913		)	(149,000		)	(1,598		)	16,685
	Net borrowings (repayments) of floor plan notes payable — non-trade	32,410			9,363			11,471			11,576
	Repurchases of common stock	(9,829		)	(9,829		)	—			—
	Dividends	(29,760		)	(29,760		)	—			—
	Payment of deferred financing fees	(8,502		)	(8,502		)	—			—
	Distributions from (to) parent	—			—			4,747			(4,747		)
	Net cash from continuing financing activities	(53,036		)	(91,170		)	14,620			23,514
	Net cash from discontinued operations	18,282			—			6,725			11,557
	Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(1,111		)	—			(9,240		)	8,129
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	26,997			—			26,767			230
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	25,886		$	—		$	17,527		$	8,359

Interim_Financial_Statements_D

Interim Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

item

item

Northern Italy

Penske Commercial Vehicles

Penske Commercial Vehicles

Penske Commercial Vehicles

Hertz car rental franchise

Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P.

Toyota/Lexus

Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge

item

item

item

item

item

Interim Financial Statements

Total number of owned and operated franchises

321

321

Number of owned and operated franchises in US

171

171

Number of owned and operated franchises outside US

150

150

Significant Accounting Policies

Ownership interest in Penske Truck Leasing Co (as a percent)

9.00%

Number of truck retail dealerships owned by the reporting entity

2

Revenue

$3,824,143

$3,336,020

$10,927,917

$9,814,784

$49,426

$38,600

Number of dealerships in a certified network

84

Purchase price

$221,160

$137,805

$200,000

Number of acquired franchises

1

1

Number of franchises awarded to the reporting entity

2

Number of franchises disposed of

26

10

12

Number of different brands represented by franchises awarded to the reporting entity

9

Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)

35.00%

Ownership interest (as a percent)

70.00%

Minimum number of on and off-airport locations in which company operates

50

50

Interim_Financial_Statements_D1

Interim Financial Statements (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Balance Sheet information regarding entities accounted for as discontinued operations
Total liabilities	$2,592		$2,592		$51,279
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Debt instrument, Carrying Value	1,060,964		1,060,964		937,517
5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022
Balance Sheet information regarding entities accounted for as discontinued operations
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.75%	5.75%	5.75%	5.75%	5.75%
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Debt instrument, Carrying Value	550,000		550,000		550,000
5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022 | Level 1
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Debt instrument, Fair Value	543,070		543,070
Mortgage facilities
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Debt instrument, Carrying Value	101,445		101,445		104,043
Mortgage facilities | Level 2
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Debt instrument, Fair Value	101,777		101,777
Retail
Combined financial information regarding entities accounted for as discontinued operations
Revenues	15,158	107,391	162,953	332,878
Pre-tax income (loss)	-955	-817	-2,609	-13,673
Gain on disposal	-31	285	809	10,445
Balance Sheet information regarding entities accounted for as discontinued operations
Inventories	10		10		44,649
Other assets	1,055		1,055		26,458
Total assets	1,065		1,065		71,107
Floor plan notes payable (including non-trade)	40		40		36,689
Other liabilities	2,552		2,552		14,590
Total liabilities	$2,592		$2,592		$51,279

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories Net
New vehicles	$1,497,648	$1,429,250
Used vehicles	582,695	484,269
Commercial vehicles	121,575
Parts, accessories and other	91,472	86,687
Total inventories	$2,293,390	$2,000,206

Inventories_Details_2

Inventories (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Inventories
Interest credits and advertising assistance	$26,445	$23,085

Business_Combinations_Details

Business Combinations (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	item	item
Business combinations
Number of acquired franchises	1
Hertz car rental franchise
Business combinations
Number of acquired franchises	1
Automotive retail franchise
Business combinations
Number of acquired franchises	1	21

Business_Combinations_Details_

Business Combinations (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of the aggregate consideration paid and the aggregate amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Accounts receivable	$20,117	$28,907
Inventory	124,259	94,627
Other current assets	2,812	411
Property and equipment	26,062	34,261
Indefinite-lived intangibles	133,075	61,686
Other non-current assets	8,427	745
Current liabilities	-94,107	-58,926
Non-current liabilities	515	-23,906
Total consideration	221,160	137,805
Cash used in acquisitions	$22,160	$137,805

Business_Combinations_Details_1

Business Combinations (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations
Revenues	$3,892,754	$3,547,785	$11,244,562	$10,419,047
Income from continuing operations	68,843	50,454	200,498	162,012
Net income	$67,844	$49,638	$197,544	$156,388
Income from continuing operations per diluted common share (in dollars per share)	$0.76	$0.56	$2.21	$1.78
Net income per diluted common share (in dollars per share)	$0.75	$0.55	$2.19	$1.73

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and franchise value
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$980,438
Goodwill, Additions	133,075
Goodwill, Deconsolidation of Italian investment	-7,231
Goodwill, Reconsolidation of Italian investment	7,434
Goodwill, Foreign currency translation	4,653
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,118,369
Franchise value, Beginning Balance	283,152
Franchise value, Deconsolidation of Italian investment	-2,908
Franchise value, Reconsolidation of Italian investment	3,068
Franchise value, Foreign currency translation	-184
Franchise value, Ending Balance	283,128
Intangible assets
Goodwill	1,118,369
Goodwill, Additions	133,075
Retail
Summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and franchise value
Goodwill, Ending Balance	981,060
Intangible assets
Goodwill	981,060
Other
Summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and franchise value
Goodwill, Ending Balance	137,309
Intangible assets
Goodwill	137,309
Other | Hertz car rental franchise
Summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and franchise value
Goodwill, Additions	5,780
Intangible assets
Goodwill, Additions	5,780
Other | Penske Commercial Vehicles
Summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and franchise value
Goodwill, Additions	125,596
Intangible assets
Goodwill, Additions	$125,596

Floor_Plan_Notes_Payable_Trade1

Floor Plan Notes Payable - Trade and Non-trade (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Floor plan notes payable - trade and non-trade
Maturity period of floor plan arrangements outside the U.S. if not payable on demand	90 days

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Reconciliation of number of shares used in calculation of basic and diluted earning per share
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	90,201,075	90,263,865	90,297,797	90,330,378
Effect of non-participatory equity compensation (in shares)	36,000	32,000	36,000	32,000
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including effect of dilutive securities	90,237,075	90,295,865	90,333,797	90,362,378

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

USD ($)

USD ($)

US Credit Agreement Revolving Credit Line

US Credit Agreement Revolving Credit Line

US Credit Agreement Term Loan

US Credit Agreement Term Loan

UK Credit Agreement Revolving Credit Line

UK Credit Agreement Revolving Credit Line

UK Credit Agreement Revolving Credit Line

UK Credit Agreement Revolving Credit Line

UK Credit Agreement Revolving Credit Line

U.K. Agreement Term Loan

U.K. Agreement Term Loan

U.K. Agreement Term Loan

U.K. Agreement Term Loan

U.K. Agreement Term Loan

U.K. Agreement Term Loan

UK Credit Agreement Overdraft Line of Credit

UK Credit Agreement Overdraft Line of Credit

UK Credit Agreement Overdraft Line of Credit

5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022

5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022

5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022

5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022

5.75% senior subordinated notes due 2022

Rental Car Revolver

Rental Car Revolver

Mortgage facilities

Mortgage facilities

Other Debt Securities

Other Debt Securities

US Credit Agreement Letters of Credit

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

Minimum

Maximum

GBP (£)

USD ($)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

Minimum

Maximum

GBP (£)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt redemption prior to October 1, 2015

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Long Term Debt

Long-term Debt

$1,060,964

$937,517

$44,000

$50,000

$98,000

$110,000

$124,625

£ 77,000

$48,741

£ 19,500

$31,561

$38,993

$6,838

$550,000

$550,000

$97,056

$23,171

$101,445

$104,043

$14,277

$5,731

Less: current portion

-46,894

-19,493

Net long-term debt

1,014,070

918,024

Interest rate (as a percent)

5.75%

5.75%

5.75%

Maximum credit available

375,000

100,000

30,000

10,000

150,000

10,000

Base rate of interest on loans

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Bank of England Base Rate

Bank of England Base Rate

three-month LIBOR

Line of credit basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)

2.25%

2.25%

1.35%

3.00%

1.75%

1.75%

2.50%

Incremental interest rate for uncollateralized borrowings in excess of maximum limit (as a percent)

1.25%

Letters of credit outstanding

18,197

0

0

Balance outstanding under credit agreement

44,000

98,000

97,056

Repayment of debt

12,000

Repayment of term loan, quarterly installments

1,500

Frequency of principal repayments

Quarterly

Final payment due December 31, 2015

7,500

Low end of interest rate, depending on UK subsidiaries ratios (as a percent)

2.68%

High end of interest rate, depending on UK subsidiaries ratios (as a percent)

4.33%

Debt issued

$550,000

Specified equity offerings, percentage of debt which may be redeemed

40.00%

Change of control, redemption price as a percentage of principal

101.00%

Sale of assets, redemption price as percentage of principal

100.00%

Domestic Subsidiaries ownership guaranteeing obligations (as a percent)

100.00%

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Detail

Derivatives and Hedging (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	Forward foreign exchange contracts
			Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	Floating Rate Floor Plan Debt	Floating Rate Floor Plan Debt	Floating Rate Floor Plan Debt	Floating Rate Floor Plan Debt	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
							LIBOR portion	Fixed rate portion
Derivative
Portion of floating rate floor plan debt fixed by swap agreements							$300,000	$100,000
Interest rate swap, fixed (as a percent)							2.14%	1.55%
Estimated liabilities of swaps designated as hedging instruments, fair value			9,379	14,337
Hedge ineffectiveness recorded	0	0
Increase in the weighted average interest rate on floor plan borrowings due to the swaps (as a percent)					0.35%	0.36%
Estimated asset of contracts designated as hedging instruments, fair value									$1,965

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia1

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Lease period, minimum	5 years
Lease period, maximum	20 years
Loss Contingencies
Letters of credit outstanding	$18,197
Surety bonds posted	9,154
Holdings | Holdings Bond
Loss Contingencies
Senior unsecured notes issued	700,000
Senior subordinated convertible notes, interest rate (as a percent)	3.80%
Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P.
Loss Contingencies
Ownership interest in Penske Truck Leasing Co (as a percent)	9.00%
Funds Used to Reduce Outstanding Debt	700,000
Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. | Holdings
Loss Contingencies
Subsidiary Contributed Capital	700,000
Subsidiary of limited liability company or limited partnership ownership interest given in exchange of amount received percentage	21.50%
Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others | GECC
Loss Contingencies
Percentage of interest agreed to indemnify if GECC required to make any payments of principal or interest	9.00%
Annual fee pay for acting as co-obligor	950
Value of interest payments included in maximum amount of Company's potential obligations	$63,100

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Repurchase Period
Repurchase of common stock	$15,813
Board of Directors
Stock Repurchase Period
Repurchased shares	410,000
Repurchase of common stock	12,680
Repurchased shares, average price (in dollars per share)	$30.93
Employee Equity Awards
Stock Repurchase Period
Repurchased shares	97,629
Repurchase of common stock	$3,135
Repurchased shares, average price (in dollars per share)	$32.11

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at the beginning of the period	($41,505)	($6,833)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	37,899	2,450
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - net of tax	552	1,329
Net current-period other comprehensive income	38,451	3,779
Balance at the end of the period	-3,054	-3,054
Interest Rate Swaps
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at the beginning of the period	-6,505	-8,678
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	272	784
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - net of tax	552	2,213
Net current-period other comprehensive income	824	2,997
Balance at the end of the period	-5,681	-5,681
Interest Rate Swaps | Floor plan interest expense
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - net of tax	552	2,213
Foreign Currency Translation
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at the beginning of the period	-36,825	-1,194
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	41,811	7,064
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - net of tax		-884
Net current-period other comprehensive income	41,811	6,180
Balance at the end of the period	4,986	4,986
Foreign Currency Translation | Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - net of tax		-884
Other
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,825	3,039
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-4,184	-5,398
Net current-period other comprehensive income	-4,184	-5,398
Balance at the end of the period	($2,359)	($2,359)

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	item
Segment Information
Number of reportable Segments	2
Number of geographic operating segments	4

Segment_Information_Details_2

Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues and adjusted segment income by reportable segment
Total revenues	$3,824,143	$3,336,020	$10,927,917	$9,814,784
Segment income	97,966	57,268	283,198	211,912
Operating segments
Revenues and adjusted segment income by reportable segment
Total revenues	3,824,143	3,336,020	10,927,917	9,814,784
Segment income	65,275	41,031	184,981	136,941
Operating segments | Retail
Revenues and adjusted segment income by reportable segment
Total revenues	3,763,840	3,336,020	10,867,035	9,814,784
Segment income	51,732	33,119	162,074	117,994
Operating segments | Other
Revenues and adjusted segment income by reportable segment
Total revenues	66,050		88,026
Segment income	13,485	7,912	23,178	18,947
Intersegment Elimination
Revenues and adjusted segment income by reportable segment
Total revenues	-5,747		-27,144
Segment income	$58		($271)

Consolidating_Condensed_Financ2

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed consolidating balance sheet
Cash and cash equivalents	$71,101	$43,447	$25,886	$26,997
Accounts receivable, net	588,311	554,851
Inventories	2,293,390	2,000,206
Other current assets	83,508	90,485
Assets held for sale	1,065	71,107
Total current assets	3,037,375	2,760,096
Property and equipment, net	1,211,020	1,031,188
Intangible assets	1,401,497	1,263,590
Equity method investments	333,081	303,160
Other long-term assets	27,831	20,956
Total assets	6,010,804	5,378,990
Floor plan notes payable	1,537,185	1,408,362
Floor plan notes payable - non-trade	802,051	725,526
Accounts payable	380,000	263,881
Accrued expenses	275,483	223,972
Current portion of long-term debt	46,894	19,493
Liabilities held for sale	2,592	51,279
Total current liabilities	3,044,205	2,692,513
Long-term debt	1,014,070	918,024
Deferred tax liabilities	338,430	287,818
Other long-term liabilities	156,708	164,314
Total liabilities	4,553,413	4,062,669
Total equity	1,457,391	1,316,321
Total liabilities and equity	6,010,804	5,378,990
5.75% Notes
Condensed consolidating balance sheet
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.75%	5.75%	5.75%
Domestic Subsidiaries ownership guaranteeing obligations (as a percent)	100.00%
Penske Automotive Group | 5.75% Notes
Condensed consolidating balance sheet
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.75%	5.75%
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed consolidating balance sheet
Domestic Subsidiaries ownership guaranteeing obligations (as a percent)	100.00%
Reportable legal entities | Penske Automotive Group
Condensed consolidating balance sheet
Accounts receivable, net	378,659	340,917
Other current assets	2,955	3,546
Total current assets	381,614	344,463
Property and equipment, net	4,251	4,474
Equity method investments	280,730	252,816
Other long-term assets	1,613,941	1,540,447
Total assets	2,280,536	2,142,200
Floor plan notes payable - non-trade	128,100	112,085
Accounts payable	2,841	3,344
Accrued expenses	205	450
Total current liabilities	131,146	115,879
Long-term debt	692,000	710,000
Total liabilities	823,146	825,879
Total equity	1,457,390	1,316,321
Total liabilities and equity	2,280,536	2,142,200
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed consolidating balance sheet
Cash and cash equivalents	7,514	36,478	17,527	26,767
Accounts receivable, net	292,806	375,442
Inventories	1,300,592	1,212,521
Other current assets	32,593	55,841
Assets held for sale	165	28,716
Total current assets	1,633,670	1,708,998
Property and equipment, net	814,083	662,722
Intangible assets	768,677	761,005
Other long-term assets	5,232	5,029
Total assets	3,221,662	3,137,754
Floor plan notes payable	884,700	917,391
Floor plan notes payable - non-trade	375,983	346,683
Accounts payable	128,236	124,663
Accrued expenses	142,530	114,636
Current portion of long-term debt	36,236	9,745
Liabilities held for sale	383	17,766
Total current liabilities	1,568,068	1,530,884
Long-term debt	166,262	121,618
Deferred tax liabilities	313,342	260,445
Other long-term liabilities	77,865	85,151
Total liabilities	2,125,537	1,998,098
Total equity	1,096,125	1,139,656
Total liabilities and equity	3,221,662	3,137,754
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed consolidating balance sheet
Cash and cash equivalents	63,587	6,969	8,359	230
Accounts receivable, net	295,505	179,409
Inventories	992,798	787,685
Other current assets	47,960	31,098
Assets held for sale	900	42,391
Total current assets	1,400,750	1,047,552
Property and equipment, net	392,686	363,992
Intangible assets	632,820	502,585
Equity method investments	52,351	50,344
Other long-term assets	11,322	2,636
Total assets	2,489,929	1,967,109
Floor plan notes payable	652,485	490,971
Floor plan notes payable - non-trade	297,968	266,758
Accounts payable	248,923	135,874
Accrued expenses	511,407	449,803
Current portion of long-term debt	10,658	9,748
Liabilities held for sale	2,209	33,513
Total current liabilities	1,723,650	1,386,667
Long-term debt	252,280	125,098
Deferred tax liabilities	25,088	27,373
Other long-term liabilities	78,843	79,163
Total liabilities	2,079,861	1,618,301
Total equity	410,068	348,808
Total liabilities and equity	2,489,929	1,967,109
Eliminations
Condensed consolidating balance sheet
Accounts receivable, net	-378,659	-340,917
Total current assets	-378,659	-340,917
Other long-term assets	-1,602,664	-1,527,156
Total assets	-1,981,323	-1,868,073
Accrued expenses	-378,659	-340,917
Total current liabilities	-378,659	-340,917
Long-term debt	-96,472	-38,692
Total liabilities	-475,131	-379,609
Total equity	-1,506,192	-1,488,464
Total liabilities and equity	($1,981,323)	($1,868,073)

Consolidating_Condensed_Financ3

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed consolidating statement of income
Revenues	$3,824,143	$3,336,020	$10,927,917	$9,814,784
Cost of sales	3,244,235	2,834,536	9,244,779	8,313,365
Gross profit	579,908	501,484	1,683,138	1,501,419
Selling, general and administrative expenses	454,188	400,039	1,308,958	1,188,658
Depreciation	15,784	13,704	45,300	40,014
Operating Income (Loss)	109,936	87,741	328,880	272,747
Floor plan interest expense	-10,840	-9,951	-32,008	-29,319
Other interest expense	-12,370	-11,583	-36,163	-35,155
Equity in earnings of affiliates	11,240	8,814	22,489	21,392
Debt redemption costs		-17,753		-17,753
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	97,966	57,268	283,198	211,912
Income taxes	-31,692	-15,421	-95,263	-69,347
Income from continuing operations	66,274	41,847	187,935	142,565
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-742	-534	-1,889	-4,634
Net income (loss)	65,532	41,313	186,046	137,931
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes	38,449	17,948	4,313	17,758
Comprehensive Income	103,981	59,261	190,359	155,689
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interests	257	489	1,599	1,197
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	103,724	58,772	188,760	154,492
Reportable legal entities | Penske Automotive Group
Condensed consolidating statement of income
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,475	5,073	15,328	14,408
Depreciation	417	328	1,206	936
Operating Income (Loss)	-5,892	-5,401	-16,534	-15,344
Floor plan interest expense	-2,428	-2,322	-7,174	-6,774
Other interest expense	-7,159	-7,695	-20,555	-21,986
Equity in earnings of affiliates	10,035	7,784	18,865	18,538
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	103,153	82,373	307,531	254,241
Debt redemption costs		-17,753		-17,753
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	97,709	56,986	282,133	210,922
Income taxes	-31,692	-15,421	-95,263	-69,347
Income from continuing operations	66,017	41,565	186,870	141,575
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-742	-534	-1,889	-4,634
Net income (loss)	65,275	41,031	184,981	136,941
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes	38,449	17,948	4,313	17,758
Comprehensive Income	103,724	58,979	189,294	154,699
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interests		207	534	207
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	103,724	58,772	188,760	154,492
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed consolidating statement of income
Revenues	2,296,224	1,997,423	6,616,079	5,821,934
Cost of sales	1,933,197	1,687,417	5,545,896	4,897,098
Gross profit	363,027	310,006	1,070,183	924,836
Selling, general and administrative expenses	280,222	244,259	820,249	728,842
Depreciation	9,538	7,580	26,743	22,018
Operating Income (Loss)	73,267	58,167	223,191	173,976
Floor plan interest expense	-4,951	-4,300	-15,044	-12,247
Other interest expense	-1,951	-804	-4,214	-2,668
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	66,365	53,063	203,933	159,061
Income taxes	-24,116	-14,733	-77,745	-59,519
Income from continuing operations	42,249	38,330	126,188	99,542
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-151	219	-184	-1,830
Net income (loss)	42,098	38,549	126,004	97,712
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes	824	175	2,997	-74
Comprehensive Income	42,922	38,724	129,001	97,638
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	42,922	38,724	129,001	97,638
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed consolidating statement of income
Revenues	1,527,919	1,338,597	4,311,838	3,992,850
Cost of sales	1,311,038	1,147,119	3,698,883	3,416,267
Gross profit	216,881	191,478	612,955	576,583
Selling, general and administrative expenses	168,491	150,707	473,381	445,408
Depreciation	5,829	5,796	17,351	17,060
Operating Income (Loss)	42,561	34,975	122,223	114,115
Floor plan interest expense	-3,461	-3,329	-9,790	-10,298
Other interest expense	-3,260	-3,084	-11,394	-10,501
Equity in earnings of affiliates	1,205	1,030	3,624	2,854
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	37,045	29,592	104,663	96,170
Income taxes	-9,342	-7,559	-26,094	-24,084
Income from continuing operations	27,703	22,033	78,569	72,086
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-591	-753	-1,705	-2,804
Net income (loss)	27,112	21,280	76,864	69,282
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes	37,798	16,707	1,519	15,224
Comprehensive Income	64,910	37,987	78,383	84,506
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interests	257	489	1,599	1,197
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	64,653	37,498	76,784	83,309
Eliminations
Condensed consolidating statement of income
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	-103,153	-82,373	-307,531	-254,241
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	-103,153	-82,373	-307,531	-254,241
Income taxes	33,458	22,292	103,839	83,603
Income from continuing operations	-69,695	-60,081	-203,692	-170,638
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	742	534	1,889	4,634
Net income (loss)	-68,953	-59,547	-201,803	-166,004
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes	-38,622	-16,882	-4,516	-15,150
Comprehensive Income	-107,575	-76,429	-206,319	-181,154
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interests		-207	-534	-207
Comprehensive income attributable to Penske Automotive Group common stockholders	($107,575)	($76,222)	($205,785)	($180,947)

Consolidating_Condensed_Financ4

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Details 3) (USD $)	9 Months Ended									9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			3.5% Notes	5.75% Notes	5.75% Notes	5.75% Notes	7.75% Notes	Penske Automotive Group	Penske Automotive Group	Reportable legal entities	Reportable legal entities	Reportable legal entities	Reportable legal entities	Reportable legal entities	Reportable legal entities
								5.75% Notes	5.75% Notes	Penske Automotive Group	Penske Automotive Group	Guarantor Subsidiaries	Guarantor Subsidiaries	Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows
Net cash from continuing operating activities	$297,997	$262,748								$59,444	$95,748	$56,502	$40,064	$182,051	$126,936
Investing activities:
Purchase of equipment and improvements	-122,952	-96,380								-983	-766	-84,506	-67,233	-37,463	-28,381
Purchase of Penske Car Rental vehicles	-82,313											-82,313
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions		1,584													1,584
Acquisitions, net	-221,160	-137,805										-22,005	-3,416	-199,155	-134,389
Other	-7,493	3,496									-3,812	-7,522		29	7,308
Net cash from continuing investing activities	-433,918	-229,105								-983	-4,578	-196,346	-70,649	-236,589	-153,878
Financing activities:
Repurchase of 3.5% senior subordinated convertible notes		-62,687									-62,687
Issuance of 5.75% senior subordinated notes		550,000									550,000
Repurchase of 7.75% senior subordinated notes		-390,755									-390,755
Net borrowings (repayments) of long-term debt	123,825	-133,913								-18,000	-149,000	71,147	-1,598	70,678	16,685
Net borrowings (repayments) of floor plan notes payable - non-trade	76,525	32,410								16,015	9,363	29,300	11,471	31,210	11,576
Repurchases of common stock	-15,813	-9,829								-15,813	-9,829
Dividends	-40,663	-29,760								-40,663	-29,760
Payment of deferred financing fees		-8,502									-8,502
Distributions from (to) parent												1,154	4,747	-1,154	-4,747
Other	235													235
Net cash from continuing financing activities	144,109	-53,036								-58,461	-91,170	101,601	14,620	100,969	23,514
Net cash from discontinued operations	19,466	18,282										9,279	6,725	10,187	11,557
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	27,654	-1,111										-28,964	-9,240	56,618	8,129
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	43,447	26,997										36,478	26,767	6,969	230
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$71,101	$25,886										$7,514	$17,527	$63,587	$8,359
Interest rate (as a percent)			3.50%	5.75%	5.75%	5.75%	7.75%	5.75%	5.75%