Lithia Motors (LAD) 10-Q 1 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	1-May-15
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	LITHIA MOTORS INC
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	1023128
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,778,453
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,562,231

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$21,023,000		$29,898,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,977 and $2,191	290,638,000		295,379,000
Inventories, net	1,286,614,000		1,249,659,000
Other current assets	32,498,000		32,010,000
Assets held for sale	4,026,000		8,563,000
Total Current Assets	1,634,799,000		1,615,509,000
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $123,816 and $117,679	828,707,000		816,745,000
Goodwill	199,286,000	[1]	199,375,000	[1]
Franchise value	150,856,000		150,892,000
Other non-current assets	110,737,000		98,411,000
Total Assets	2,924,385,000		2,880,932,000
Current Liabilities:
Floor plan notes payable	42,139,000		41,047,000
Floor plan notes payable: non-trade	1,113,428,000		1,137,632,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	40,543,000		31,912,000
Trade payables	76,517,000		70,853,000
Accrued liabilities	154,786,000		153,661,000
Deferred income taxes	3,140,000		2,603,000
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	2,688,000		4,892,000
Total Current Liabilities	1,433,241,000		1,442,600,000
Long-term debt, less current maturities	621,890,000		609,066,000
Deferred revenue	56,849,000		54,403,000
Deferred income taxes	41,474,000		42,795,000
Other long-term liabilities	63,094,000		58,963,000
Total Liabilities	2,216,548,000		2,207,827,000
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock - no par value; authorized 15,000 shares; none outstanding	0		0
Additional paid-in capital	31,364,000		29,775,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-787,000		-926,000
Retained earnings	404,316,000		367,879,000
Total Stockholders' Equity	707,837,000		673,105,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	2,924,385,000		2,880,932,000
Common Class A [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value issued	272,625,000		276,058,000
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value issued	$319,000		$319,000
[1]	Net of accumulated impairment losses of $299.3 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars)	$1,977	$2,191
Accumulated depreciation (in Dollars)	$123,816	$117,679
Preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)
Preferred stock, shares authorized	15,000	15,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Common stock, shares issued	23,782	23,671
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,782	23,671
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)
Common stock, shares authorized	25,000	25,000
Common stock, shares issued	2,562	2,562
Common stock, shares outstanding	2,562	2,562

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Sales revenue	$1,789,178		$1,078,106
Cost of sales:
Cost of revenue	1,515,803		906,045
Gross profit	273,375		172,061
Asset impairments	4,130		0
Selling, general and administrative	191,618		121,829
Depreciation and amortization	9,726		5,507
Operating income	67,901		44,725
Floor plan interest expense	-4,649		-2,984
Other interest expense	-4,828		-1,974
Other (expense) income, net	-368		937
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	58,056	[1]	40,704	[1]
Income tax provision	-17,403		-16,010
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax	40,653		24,694
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax	0		40
Net income	40,653		24,734
Basic income per share from continuing operations (in Dollars per share)	$1.55		$0.95
Basic income per share from discontinued operations (in Dollars per share)	$0		$0
Basic net income per share (in Dollars per share)	$1.55		$0.95
Shares used in basic per share calculations (in Shares)	26,283		25,973
Diluted income per share from continuing operations (in Dollars per share)	$1.53		$0.94
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations (in Dollars per share)	$0		$0
Diluted net income per share (in Dollars per share)	$1.53		$0.94
Shares used in diluted per share calculations (in Shares)	26,519		26,320
New Vehicle [Member]
Revenues:
Sales revenue	1,007,816		579,522
Cost of sales:
Cost of revenue	946,042		540,498
Used Retail Vehicle [Member]
Revenues:
Sales revenue	462,931		301,893
Cost of sales:
Cost of revenue	403,489		261,097
Used Wholesale Vehicle [Member]
Revenues:
Sales revenue	62,208		42,693
Cost of sales:
Cost of revenue	60,047		41,362
Finance and Insurance [Member]
Revenues:
Sales revenue	64,604		39,631
Service, Body and Parts [Member]
Revenues:
Sales revenue	173,475		104,617
Cost of sales:
Cost of revenue	89,036		53,785
Fleet and Other [Member]
Revenues:
Sales revenue	18,144		9,750
Cost of sales:
Cost of revenue	$17,189		$9,303
[1]	Segment income is defined as operating income less floor plan interest expense.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net income	$40,653	$24,734
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $86 and $93, respectively	139	149
Comprehensive income	$40,792	$24,883

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Gain on cash flow hedges, tax expense	$86	$93

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$40,653	$24,734
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Asset impairments	4,130	0
Depreciation and amortization	9,726	5,507
Stock-based compensation	2,727	1,538
Loss on disposal of other assets	8	20
Gain on disposal of franchise	-3,349
Deferred income taxes	3,863	1,866
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements	-4,733	-5,846
(Increase) decrease (net of acquisitions and dispositions):
Trade receivables, net	7,569	-12,259
Inventories	-39,460	-56,748
Other assets	-2,078	-2,290
Increase (net of acquisitions and dispositions):
Floor plan notes payable	1,092	1,675
Trade payables	6,799	1,774
Accrued liabilities	4,444	12,521
Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue	6,838	5,121
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	38,229	-22,387
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-24,917	-12,630
Proceeds from sales of assets	103	27
Cash paid for other investments	-9,804	-3,530
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		-31,689
Proceeds from sales of stores	3,680
Net cash used in investing activities	-30,938	-47,822
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (repayments), net on floor plan notes payable: non-trade	-21,984	51,783
Borrowings on lines of credit	271,023	233,000
Repayments on lines of credit	-293,960	-209,725
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	50,350
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,039	1,168
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements	4,733	5,846
Dividends paid	-4,216	-3,378
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-16,166	68,863
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-8,875	-1,346
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	29,898	23,686
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	21,023	22,340
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for interest	12,494	5,102
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net	6,542	3,706
Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:
Debt issued in connection with acquisitions		3,161
Floor plan debt paid in connection with store disposals	2,208
Common Class A [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of common stock	-10,343	-7,941
Scheduled Payments [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on long-term debt	-3,619	-1,890
Other Payments [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on long-term debt	-9,189
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	$9,726	$5,507

Note_1_Interim_Financial_State

Note 1 - Interim Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 1. Interim Financial Statements
	Basis of Presentation
	These condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain unaudited information as of March 31, 2015 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements are not included herein. In management’s opinion, these unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the information when read in conjunction with our 2014 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto. The financial information as of December 31, 2014 is derived from our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2015. The interim condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented.
	These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.

Note_2_Accounts_Receivable

Note 2 - Accounts Receivable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 2. Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):
			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
	Contracts in transit		$	164,003		$	162,785
	Trade receivables			37,472			37,194
	Vehicle receivables			31,941			34,876
	Manufacturer receivables			51,717			56,008
	Auto loan receivables			27,931			25,424
	Other receivables			4,501			4,554
				317,565			320,841
	Less: Allowances			(2,996	)		(3,130	)
	Less: Long-term portion of accounts receivable, net			(23,931	)		(22,332	)
	Total accounts receivable, net		$	290,638		$	295,379
	Accounts receivable classifications include the following:
		●	Contracts in transit are receivables from various lenders for the financing of vehicles that we have arranged on behalf of the customer and are typically received within five to ten days of selling a vehicle.
		●	Trade receivables are comprised of amounts due from customers, lenders for the commissions earned on financing and third parties for commissions earned on service contracts and insurance products.
		●	Vehicle receivables represent receivables for the portion of the vehicle sales price paid directly by the customer.
		●	Manufacturer receivables represent amounts due from manufacturers, including holdbacks, rebates, incentives and warranty claims.
		●	Auto loan receivables include amounts due from customers related to retail sales of vehicles and certain finance and insurance products.
	Interest income on auto loan receivables is recognized based on the contractual terms of each loan and is accrued until repayment, charge-off or repossession. Direct costs associated with loan originations are capitalized and expensed as an offset to interest income when recognized on the loans. All other receivables are recorded at invoice and do not bear interest until they are 60 days past due.
	The allowances are estimated based on our historical write-off experience and is reviewed monthly. Consideration is given to recent delinquency trends and recovery rates. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all appropriate means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The annual activity for charges and subsequent recoveries is immaterial.
	The long-term portion of accounts receivable, net, was included as a component of other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note_3_Inventories

Note 3 - Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 3. Inventories
	The components of inventories, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	New vehicles	$	967,485	$	958,876
	Used vehicles		269,681		240,908
	Parts and accessories		49,448		49,875
	Total inventories	$	1,286,614	$	1,249,659

Note_4_Goodwill_and_Franchise_

Note 4 - Goodwill and Franchise Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 4. Goodwill and Franchise Value
	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and franchise value are as follows (in thousands):
			Domestic			Import			Luxury		Consolidated
	Balance as of December 31, 2013(1)		$	22,548		$	16,797		$	10,166	$	49,511
	Additions through acquisitions			68,463			62,804			18,597		149,864
	Balance as of December 31, 2014(1)			91,011			79,601			28,763		199,375
	Reduction related to divestiture			-			(89	)		-		(89	)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015(1)		$	91,011		$	79,512		$	28,763	$	199,286
	-1	Net of accumulated impairment losses of $299.3 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008.
			Franchise Value
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	71,199
	Additions through acquisitions			80,233
	Transfers to assets held for sale			(540	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014			150,892
	Reduction related to divestiture			(36	)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015		$	150,856

Note_5_Stockholders_Equity

Note 5 - Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5. Stockholders’ Equity
	Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss was as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
		March 31,
		2015		2014		Statements of Operations
	Loss on cash flow hedges	$	-125	$	-134	Floor plan interest expense
	Income taxes		48		51	Income tax provision
	Loss on cash flow hedges, net	$	-77	$	-83
	See Note 8 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.
	Repurchasesof Class A Common Stock
	In August 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock and, on July 20, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of our Class A common stock. Through March 31, 2015, we have repurchased 1,538,221 shares under this program at an average price of $32.68 per share. Of this amount, 38,445 shares were repurchased during the first quarter of 2015 at an average price of $90.87 per share for a total of $3.5 million. As of March 31, 2015, 1,461,779 shares remained available for repurchase pursuant to this program. The authority to repurchase does not have an expiration date.
	In addition, during the first quarter of 2015, we repurchased 77,438 shares at an average price of $88.45, for a total of $6.8 million, related to tax withholdings associated with the vesting of restricted stock units. The repurchase of shares related to tax withholdings associated with stock awards does not reduce the number of shares available for repurchase as approved by our Board of Directors.
	Dividends
	Dividends paid on our Class A and Class B common stock were as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31,	Dividend		Total amount
		amount per		of dividend
		share		(in thousands)
	2014	$	0.13	$	3,378
	2015		0.16		4,216
	See Note 14 for a discussion of a dividend related to our first quarter 2015 financial results.

Note_6_Deferred_Compensation_a

Note 6 - Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6. Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan
	We offer a deferred compensation and long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP”) to provide certain employees the ability to accumulate assets for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. We may make discretionary contributions to the LTIP. Discretionary contributions vest over one to seven years depending on the employee’s age and position. Additionally, a participant may defer a portion of his or her compensation and receive the deferred amount upon certain events, including termination or retirement. The following is a summary related to our LTIP:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Compensation expense	$	457		$	700
	Discretionary contribution	$	2,096		$	2,100
	Guaranteed annual return		5.25	%		5.25	%
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the balance due to participants was $15.0 million and $14.2 million, respectively, and was included as a component of other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note_7_Fair_Value_Measurements

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 7. Fair Value Measurements
	Factors used in determining the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities are summarized into three broad categories:
		●	Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;
		●	Level 2 – other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment spreads, credit risk; and
		●	Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs, including our own assumptions in determining fair value.
	The inputs or methodology used for valuing financial assets and liabilities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them.
	We use the income approach to determine the fair value of our interest rate swap using observable Level 2 market expectations at each measurement date and an income approach to convert estimated future cash flows to a single present value amount (discounted) assuming that participants are motivated, but not compelled, to transact. Level 2 inputs for the swap valuation are limited to quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (specifically futures contracts on LIBOR for the first two years) and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (specifically LIBOR cash and swap rates and credit risk at commonly quoted intervals). Mid-market pricing is used as a practical expedient for fair value measurements. Key inputs, including the cash rates for very short term borrowings, futures rates for up to two years and LIBOR swap rates beyond the derivative maturity, are used to predict future reset rates to discount those future cash flows to present value at the measurement date.
	Inputs are collected from Bloomberg on the last market day of the period and used to determine the rate used to discount the future cash flows. The valuation of the interest rate swap also takes into consideration our own, as well as the counterparty’s, risk of non-performance under the contract. See Note 8 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.
	We estimate the value of our equity-method investment that is recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis based on a market valuation approach. We use prices and other relevant information generated primarily by recent market transactions involving similar or comparable assets. Because these valuations contain unobservable inputs, we classified the measurement of fair value of our equity-method investment as Level 3.
	There were no changes to our valuation techniques during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
	Following are the disclosures related to our assets and (liabilities) that are measured at fair value (in thousands):
	Fair Value at March 31, 2015		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Measured on a recurring basis:
	Derivative contracts, net		$	-	$	(1,488	)	$	-
	Measured on a non-recurring basis:
	Equity-method investment		$	-	$	-		$	39,871
	Fair Value at December 31, 2014		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Measured on a recurring basis:
	Derivative contracts, net		$	-	$	(1,750	)	$	-
	Measured on a non-recurring basis:
	Equity-method investment		$	-	$	-		$	33,282
	Based on operating losses recognized by the equity-method investment, we determined that an impairment of our investment had occurred. Accordingly, we performed a fair value calculation for this investment and determined that a $4.1 million impairment was required to be recorded as asset impairments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015. See Note 11.
	Fair Value Disclosures for Financial Assets and Liabilities
	We determined the carrying value of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate their fair values because of the nature of their terms and current market rates of these instruments. We believe the carrying value of our variable rate debt approximates fair value.
	We have fixed rate debt and calculate the estimated fair value of our fixed rate debt using a discounted cash flow methodology. Using estimated current interest rates based on a similar risk profile and duration (Level 2), the fixed cash flows are discounted and summed to compute the fair value of the debt. As of March 31, 2015, this debt had maturity dates between July 2016 and October 2034. A summary of the aggregate carrying values and fair values of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is as follows (in thousands):
			March 31,		December 31,
			2015		2014
	Carrying value		$	312,790	$	257,780
	Fair value			312,097		270,781

Note_8_Derivative_Financial_In

Note 8 - Derivative Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 8. Derivative Financial Instruments

From time to time, we enter into interest rate swaps to fix a portion of our interest expense. We do not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than to manage interest rate exposure to fluctuations in the one-month LIBOR benchmark. That is, we do not engage in interest rate speculation using derivative instruments.

As of March 31, 2015, we had a $25 million interest rate swap outstanding with U.S. Bank Dealer Commercial Services. This interest rate swap matures on June 15, 2016 and has a fixed rate of 5.587% per annum. The variable rate on the interest rate swap is the one-month LIBOR rate. At March 31, 2015, the one-month LIBOR rate was 0.18% per annum, as reported in the Wall Street Journal.

Typically, we designate all interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and, accordingly, we record the change in fair value for the effective portion of these interest rate swaps in comprehensive income rather than net income until the underlying hedged transaction affects net income. If a swap is no longer designated as a cash flow hedge and the forecasted transaction remains probable or reasonably possible of occurring, the gain or loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recognized in income as the forecasted transaction occurs. If the forecasted transaction is probable of not occurring, the gain or loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recognized in income immediately. See Note 7.

The estimated amount that we expect to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income within the next twelve months is $1.1 million at March 31, 2015.

The fair value of our derivative instruments was included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in thousands):

Balance Sheet Information

Fair Value of Liability Derivatives

Derivatives Designated as

Location in Balance Sheet

March 31,

Hedging Instruments

2015

Interest Rate Swap Contract

Accrued liabilities

$

1,194

Other long-term liabilities

294

$

1,488

Balance Sheet Information

Fair Value of Liability Derivatives

Derivatives Designated as

Location in Balance Sheet

December 31,

Hedging Instruments

2014

Interest Rate Swap Contract

Accrued liabilities

$

1,194

Other long-term liabilities

556

$

1,750

The effect of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows (in thousands):

Derivatives in Cash

Amount of

Location of

Amount of loss

Location of loss

Amount of

Flow Hedging

gain

loss

reclassified

recognized in

loss

Relationships

recognized in

reclassified

from

Income on

recognized in

Accumulated

from

Accumulated

derivative

Income on

OCI (effective

Accumulated

OCI into Income

(ineffective

derivative

portion)

OCI into

(effective

portion and

(ineffective

Income

portion)

amount

portion and

(effective

excluded from

amount

portion)

effectiveness

excluded from

testing)

effectiveness

testing)

Three Months Ended

31-Mar-15

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

$

100

Floor plan

$

(125

)

Floor plan

$

(177

)

interest expense

interest expense

Three Months Ended

31-Mar-14

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

$

108

Floor plan

$

(134

)

Floor plan

$

(171

)

interest expense

interest expense

See also Note 7.

Note_9_Assets_Held_for_Sale_an

Note 9 - Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 9. Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
	Assets Held for Sale
	We classify an asset group as held for sale if the location has been sold, we have ceased operations at that location or the store meets the criteria required by U.S. generally accepted accounting standards as follows:
		●	our management team, possessing the necessary authority, commits to a plan to sell the store;
		●	the store is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
		●	an active program to locate buyers and other actions that are required to sell the store are initiated;
		●	a market for the store exists and we believe its sale is likely within one year;
		●	active marketing of the store commences at a price that is reasonable in relation to the estimated fair market value; and
		●	our management team believes it is unlikely changes will be made to the plan or the plan to dispose of the store will be withdrawn.
	As of December 31, 2014, we had two Import stores classified as held for sale. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we completed the sale of one Import store, which was previously classified as held for sale, and recognized a gain of $3.3 million as a component of selling, general and administrative on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	As of March 31, 2015, we had one Import store classified as held for sale. Assets held for sale included the following (in thousands):
			March 31,		December 31,
			2015		2014
	Inventories		$	3,379	$	6,284
	Property, plant and equipment			107		1,739
	Intangible assets			540		540
			$	4,026	$	8,563
	Liabilities related to assets held for sale included the following (in thousands):
			March 31,		December 31,
			2015		2014
	Floor plan notes payable		$	2,688	$	4,892
	Discontinued Operations
	In the third quarter of 2014, we early-adopted guidance that redefined discontinued operations. As a result, we determined that individual stores which met the criteria for held for sale after our adoption date would no longer qualify for classification as discontinued operations. We had previously reclassified a store’s operations to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, on a comparable basis for all periods presented, provided we did not expect to have any significant continuing involvement in the store’s operations after its disposal.
	Certain financial information related to discontinued operations was as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015		2014
	Revenue		$	-	$	8,650
	Pre-tax income from discontinued operations		$	-	$	65
	Income tax expense			-		(25	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense		$	-	$	40

Note_10_Net_Income_Per_Share_o

Note 10 - Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 10. Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock
	We compute net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock using the two-class method. Under this method, basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period excluding unvested common shares subject to repurchase or cancellation. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and unvested restricted shares subject to repurchase or cancellation. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and other grants is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. The computation of the diluted net income per share of Class A common stock assumes the conversion of Class B common stock, while the diluted net income per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares.
	Except with respect to voting and transfer rights, the rights of the holders of our Class A and Class B common stock are identical. Under our Restated Articles of Incorporation, the Class A and Class B common stock must share equally in any dividends, liquidation proceeds or other distribution with respect to our common stock and the Articles of Incorporation can only be amended by a vote of the shareholders. Additionally, Oregon law provides that amendments to our Articles of Incorporation that would adversely alter the rights, powers or preferences of a given class of stock, must be approved by the class of stock adversely affected by the proposed amendment. As a result, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights of the Class A and Class B common shares as if the earnings for the year had been distributed. Because the liquidation and dividend rights are identical, the undistributed earnings are allocated on a proportionate basis.
	Following is a reconciliation of the income from continuing operations and weighted average shares used for our basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):
	Three Months Ended March 31,	2015						2014
	Basic EPS from Continuing Operations	Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	36,690		$	3,963		$	22,258		$	2,436
	Distributed income applicable to common stockholders		(3,805	)		(411	)		(3,045	)		(333	)
	Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	32,885		$	3,552		$	19,213		$	2,103
	Denominator:
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share		23,721			2,562			23,411			2,562
	Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.55		$	1.55		$	0.95		$	0.95
	Basic distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders		(0.16	)		(0.16	)		(0.13	)		(0.13	)
	Basic undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.39		$	1.39		$	0.82		$	0.82
	Three Months Ended March 31,	2015						2014
	Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations	Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B
	Numerator:
	Distributed income applicable to common stockholders	$	3,805		$	411		$	3,045		$	333
	Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options		4			(4	)		4			(4	)
	Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding		407			-			329			-
	Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders	$	4,216		$	407		$	3,378		$	329
	Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	32,885		$	3,552		$	19,213		$	2,103
	Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options		32			(32	)		28			(28	)
	Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A		3,520			-			2,075			-
	Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	36,437		$	3,520		$	21,316		$	2,075
	Denominator:
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share from continuing operations		23,721			2,562			23,411			2,562
	Weighted average number of shares from stock options		236			-			347			-
	Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding		2,562			-			2,562			-
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations		26,519			2,562			26,320			2,562
	Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.53		$	1.53		$	0.94		$	0.94
	Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders		(0.16	)		(0.16	)		(0.13	)		(0.13	)
	Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.37		$	1.37		$	0.81		$	0.81
	Three Months Ended March 31,	2015						2014
	Diluted EPS	Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B
	Antidilutive Securities
	Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive		15			-			16			-

Note_11_EquityMethod_Investmen

Note 11 - Equity-Method Investment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11. Equity-Method Investment
	In October 2014, we acquired a 99.9% membership interest in a limited liability company managed by U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. We made an additional equity contribution to the entity in January 2015. This investment generates new markets tax credits under the New Markets Tax Credit Program (“NMTC Program”). The NMTC Program was established by Congress in 2000 to spur new or increased investments into operating businesses and real estate projects located in low-income communities.
	While U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation exercises management control over the limited liability company, due to the economic interest we hold in the entity, we determined our ownership portion of the entity was appropriately accounted for using the equity method. We are obligated to make $49.8 million of equity contributions to the entity over a two-year period ending October 2016, $9.8 million of which had been contributed as of March 31, 2015.
	The following amounts related to this equity-method investment were recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Carrying value, recorded as a component of other non-current assets	$	39,871	$	33,282
	Present value of obligation associated with future equity contributions, recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities		39,076		32,177
	The following amounts related to this equity-method investment were recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Asset impairments to write investment down to fair value	$	4,130	$	-
	Our portion of the partnership’s operating losses		1,732		-
	Non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the discounted fair value of future equity contributions		211		-
	Tax benefits and credits generated		7,250		-

Note_12_Segments

Note 12 - Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 12. Segments
	While we have determined that each individual store is an operating segment, we have aggregated our operating segments into three reportable segments based on their economic similarities: Domestic, Import and Luxury.
	Our Domestic segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured by Chrysler, General Motors and Ford. Our Import segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured primarily by Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan and Volkswagen. Our Luxury segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured primarily by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. The franchises in each segment also sell used vehicles, parts and automotive services, and automotive finance and insurance products.
	Corporate and other is comprised of our stand-alone collision center; unallocated corporate overhead expenses, such as corporate personnel costs, certain interest expense and depreciation expense, and retrospective commissions for certain finance and insurance transactions that we arrange under agreements with third parties.
	We define our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to be certain members of our executive management group. Historical and forecasted operational performance is evaluated on a store-by-store basis and on a consolidated basis by the CODM. We derive the operating results of the segments directly from our internal management reporting system. The accounting policies used to derive segment results are substantially the same as those used to determine our consolidated results. Management measures the performance of each operating segment based on several metrics, including earnings from operations. Management uses these results, in part, to evaluate the performance of, and to allocate resources to, each of the operating segments.
	Certain financial information on a segment basis is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Domestic	$	691,404		$	568,930
	Import		758,638			351,061
	Luxury		336,922			158,611
			1,786,964			1,078,602
	Corporate and other		2,214			(496	)
		$	1,789,178		$	1,078,106
	Segment income*:
	Domestic	$	27,129		$	22,421
	Import		16,100			9,265
	Luxury		5,899			2,185
			49,128			33,871
	Corporate and other		8,928			6,833
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	58,056		$	40,704
	*Segment income is defined as operating income less floor plan interest expense.
	Floor plan interest expense:
	Domestic	$	4,736		$	4,058
	Import		3,698			1,808
	Luxury		2,062			1,129
			10,496			6,995
	Corporate and other		(5,847	)		(4,011	)
		$	4,649		$	2,984
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Total assets:
	Domestic	$	869,313		$	831,574
	Import		707,736			696,162
	Luxury		399,373			405,222
	Corporate and other		947,963			947,974
		$	2,924,385		$	2,880,932

Note_13_Recent_Accounting_Pron

Note 13 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	Note 13. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting standards update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which amends the accounting guidance related to revenues. This amendment will replace most of the existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect this amendment will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and believe the financial impact will not differ significantly from our current revenue recognition practices. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718).” ASU 2014-12 addresses accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. ASU 2014-12 indicates that, in such situations, the performance target should be treated as a performance condition and, accordingly, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Instead, compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-12 to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810).” ASU 2015-02 amends guidance regarding the consolidation of certain legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-02 to have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30).” ASU 2015-03 amends guidance in order to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-03 to have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note_14_Subsequent_Events

Note 14 - Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note 14. Subsequent Events
	Common Stock Dividend
	On April 20, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.20 per share on our Class A and Class B common stock related to our first quarter 2015 financial results. The dividend will total approximately $5.3 million and will be paid on May 29, 2015 to shareholders of record on May 15, 2015.

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation
	These condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain unaudited information as of March 31, 2015 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements are not included herein. In management’s opinion, these unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the information when read in conjunction with our 2014 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto. The financial information as of December 31, 2014 is derived from our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2015. The interim condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented.
	These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.

Note_2_Accounts_Receivable_Tab

Note 2 - Accounts Receivable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Contracts in transit	$	164,003		$	162,785
	Trade receivables		37,472			37,194
	Vehicle receivables		31,941			34,876
	Manufacturer receivables		51,717			56,008
	Auto loan receivables		27,931			25,424
	Other receivables		4,501			4,554
			317,565			320,841
	Less: Allowances		(2,996	)		(3,130	)
	Less: Long-term portion of accounts receivable, net		(23,931	)		(22,332	)
	Total accounts receivable, net	$	290,638		$	295,379

Note_3_Inventories_Tables

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	New vehicles	$	967,485	$	958,876
	Used vehicles		269,681		240,908
	Parts and accessories		49,448		49,875
	Total inventories	$	1,286,614	$	1,249,659

Note_4_Goodwill_and_Franchise_1

Note 4 - Goodwill and Franchise Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]		Domestic			Import			Luxury		Consolidated
	Balance as of December 31, 2013(1)	$	22,548		$	16,797		$	10,166	$	49,511
	Additions through acquisitions		68,463			62,804			18,597		149,864
	Balance as of December 31, 2014(1)		91,011			79,601			28,763		199,375
	Reduction related to divestiture		-			(89	)		-		(89	)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015(1)	$	91,011		$	79,512		$	28,763	$	199,286
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]		Franchise Value
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	71,199
	Additions through acquisitions		80,233
	Transfers to assets held for sale		(540	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014		150,892
	Reduction related to divestiture		(36	)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	150,856

Note_5_Stockholders_Equity_Tab

Note 5 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended				Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
		March 31,
		2015		2014		Statements of Operations
	Loss on cash flow hedges	$	-125	$	-134	Floor plan interest expense
	Income taxes		48		51	Income tax provision
	Loss on cash flow hedges, net	$	-77	$	-83
Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31,	Dividend		Total amount
		amount per		of dividend
		share		(in thousands)
	2014	$	0.13	$	3,378
	2015		0.16		4,216

Note_6_Deferred_Compensation_a1

Note 6 - Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits by Title of Individual and Type of Deferred Compensation [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Compensation expense	$	457		$	700
	Discretionary contribution	$	2,096		$	2,100
	Guaranteed annual return		5.25	%		5.25	%

Note_7_Fair_Value_Measurements1

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	Fair Value at March 31, 2015	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Measured on a recurring basis:
	Derivative contracts, net	$	-	$	(1,488	)	$	-
	Measured on a non-recurring basis:
	Equity-method investment	$	-	$	-		$	39,871
	Fair Value at December 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Measured on a recurring basis:
	Derivative contracts, net	$	-	$	(1,750	)	$	-
	Measured on a non-recurring basis:
	Equity-method investment	$	-	$	-		$	33,282
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Carrying value	$	312,790	$	257,780
	Fair value		312,097		270,781

Note_8_Derivative_Financial_In1

Note 8 - Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]

Balance Sheet Information

Fair Value of Liability Derivatives

Derivatives Designated as

Location in Balance Sheet

March 31,

Hedging Instruments

2015

Interest Rate Swap Contract

Accrued liabilities

$

1,194

Other long-term liabilities

294

$

1,488

Balance Sheet Information

Fair Value of Liability Derivatives

Derivatives Designated as

Location in Balance Sheet

December 31,

Hedging Instruments

2014

Interest Rate Swap Contract

Accrued liabilities

$

1,194

Other long-term liabilities

556

$

1,750

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]

Derivatives in Cash

Amount of

Location of

Amount of loss

Location of loss

Amount of

Flow Hedging

gain

loss

reclassified

recognized in

loss

Relationships

recognized in

reclassified

from

Income on

recognized in

Accumulated

from

Accumulated

derivative

Income on

OCI (effective

Accumulated

OCI into Income

(ineffective

derivative

portion)

OCI into

(effective

portion and

(ineffective

Income

portion)

amount

portion and

(effective

excluded from

amount

portion)

effectiveness

excluded from

testing)

effectiveness

testing)

Three Months Ended

31-Mar-15

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

$

100

Floor plan

$

(125

)

Floor plan

$

(177

)

interest expense

interest expense

Three Months Ended

31-Mar-14

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

$

108

Floor plan

$

(134

)

Floor plan

$

(171

)

interest expense

interest expense

Note_9_Assets_Held_for_Sale_an1

Note 9 - Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block]		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Inventories	$	3,379	$	6,284
	Property, plant and equipment		107		1,739
	Intangible assets		540		540
		$	4,026	$	8,563
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Floor plan notes payable	$	2,688	$	4,892
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Revenue	$	-	$	8,650
	Pre-tax income from discontinued operations	$	-	$	65
	Income tax expense		-		(25	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense	$	-	$	40

Note_10_Net_Income_Per_Share_o1

Note 10 - Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31,	2015						2014
	Basic EPS from Continuing Operations	Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	36,690		$	3,963		$	22,258		$	2,436
	Distributed income applicable to common stockholders		(3,805	)		(411	)		(3,045	)		(333	)
	Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	32,885		$	3,552		$	19,213		$	2,103
	Denominator:
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share		23,721			2,562			23,411			2,562
	Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.55		$	1.55		$	0.95		$	0.95
	Basic distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders		(0.16	)		(0.16	)		(0.13	)		(0.13	)
	Basic undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.39		$	1.39		$	0.82		$	0.82
	Three Months Ended March 31,	2015						2014
	Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations	Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B
	Numerator:
	Distributed income applicable to common stockholders	$	3,805		$	411		$	3,045		$	333
	Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options		4			(4	)		4			(4	)
	Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding		407			-			329			-
	Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders	$	4,216		$	407		$	3,378		$	329
	Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	32,885		$	3,552		$	19,213		$	2,103
	Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options		32			(32	)		28			(28	)
	Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A		3,520			-			2,075			-
	Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	36,437		$	3,520		$	21,316		$	2,075
	Denominator:
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share from continuing operations		23,721			2,562			23,411			2,562
	Weighted average number of shares from stock options		236			-			347			-
	Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding		2,562			-			2,562			-
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations		26,519			2,562			26,320			2,562
	Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.53		$	1.53		$	0.94		$	0.94
	Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders		(0.16	)		(0.16	)		(0.13	)		(0.13	)
	Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.37		$	1.37		$	0.81		$	0.81
	Three Months Ended March 31,	2015						2014
	Diluted EPS	Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B
	Antidilutive Securities
	Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive		15			-			16			-

Note_11_EquityMethod_Investmen1

Note 11 - Equity-Method Investment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Member]
Note 11 - Equity-Method Investment (Tables) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Carrying value, recorded as a component of other non-current assets	$	39,871	$	33,282
	Present value of obligation associated with future equity contributions, recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities		39,076		32,177
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Member]
Note 11 - Equity-Method Investment (Tables) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Asset impairments to write investment down to fair value	$	4,130	$	-
	Our portion of the partnership’s operating losses		1,732		-
	Non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the discounted fair value of future equity contributions		211		-
	Tax benefits and credits generated		7,250		-

Note_12_Segments_Tables

Note 12 - Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Domestic	$	691,404		$	568,930
	Import		758,638			351,061
	Luxury		336,922			158,611
			1,786,964			1,078,602
	Corporate and other		2,214			(496	)
		$	1,789,178		$	1,078,106
	Segment income*:
	Domestic	$	27,129		$	22,421
	Import		16,100			9,265
	Luxury		5,899			2,185
			49,128			33,871
	Corporate and other		8,928			6,833
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	58,056		$	40,704
	*Segment income is defined as operating income less floor plan interest expense.
	Floor plan interest expense:
	Domestic	$	4,736		$	4,058
	Import		3,698			1,808
	Luxury		2,062			1,129
			10,496			6,995
	Corporate and other		(5,847	)		(4,011	)
		$	4,649		$	2,984
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Total assets:
	Domestic	$	869,313		$	831,574
	Import		707,736			696,162
	Luxury		399,373			405,222
	Corporate and other		947,963			947,974
		$	2,924,385		$	2,880,932

Note_2_Accounts_Receivable_Det

Note 2 - Accounts Receivable (Details) - Accounts Receivable (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	$317,565	$320,841
Less: Allowances	-2,996	-3,130
Less: Long-term portion of accounts receivable, net	-23,931	-22,332
Total accounts receivable, net	290,638	295,379
Contracts in Transit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	164,003	162,785
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	37,472	37,194
Vehicle Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	31,941	34,876
Manufacturer Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	51,717	56,008
Auto Loan Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	27,931	25,424
Other Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	$4,501	$4,554

Note_3_Inventories_Details_Inv

Note 3 - Inventories (Details) - Inventories (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories, net	$1,286,614	$1,249,659
New Vehicle [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories, net	967,485	958,876
Used Vehicle [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories, net	269,681	240,908
Parts and Accessories [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories, net	$49,448	$49,875

Note_4_Goodwill_and_Franchise_2

Note 4 - Goodwill and Franchise Value (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2008
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$299.30

Note_4_Goodwill_and_Franchise_3

Note 4 - Goodwill and Franchise Value (Details) - Goodwill (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	$199,286	[1]	$199,375	[1]	$49,511	[1]
Reduction related to divestiture	-89
Additions through acquisitions			149,864
Domestic [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	91,011	[1]	91,011	[1]	22,548	[1]
Additions through acquisitions			68,463
Import [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	79,512	[1]	79,601	[1]	16,797	[1]
Reduction related to divestiture	-89
Additions through acquisitions			62,804
Luxury [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	28,763	[1]	28,763	[1]	10,166	[1]
Additions through acquisitions			$18,597
[1]	Net of accumulated impairment losses of $299.3 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008.

Note_4_Goodwill_and_Franchise_4

Note 4 - Goodwill and Franchise Value (Details) - Franchise Value (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Franchise Value [Abstract]
Balance	$150,892	$71,199
Additions through acquisitions		80,233
Reduction related to divestiture and transfer to assets held for sale	-36	-540
Balance	$150,856	$150,892

Note_5_Stockholders_Equity_Det

Note 5 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) (Common Class A [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	44 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jul. 20, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Note 5 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased				2,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	38,445	1,538,221
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$90.87	$32.68
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value (in Dollars)	$3.50
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	1,461,779	1,461,779
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Note 5 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$88.45
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	77,438
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	$6.80
Additional Shares Authorized [Member]
Note 5 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased			1,000,000

Note_5_Stockholders_Equity_Det1

Note 5 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Floor Plan Interest Expense [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Loss on cash flow hedges	($125)	($134)
Floor Plan Interest Expense [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Loss on cash flow hedges	125	134
Income Tax Provision [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income taxes	48	51
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Loss on cash flow hedges, net	($77)	($83)

Note_5_Stockholders_Equity_Det2

Note 5 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Paid (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Dividends Paid [Abstract]
Dividend per share	$0.16	$0.13
Dividends paid	$4,216	$3,378

Note_6_Deferred_Compensation_a2

Note 6 - Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Requisite Service Period	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Requisite Service Period	7 years
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Note 6 - Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent	15	$14.20

Note_6_Deferred_Compensation_a3

Note 6 - Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan (Details) - Compensation Expense (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation Expense [Abstract]
Compensation expense	$457	$700
Discretionary contribution	$2,096	$2,100
Guaranteed annual return	5.25%	5.25%

Note_7_Fair_Value_Measurements2

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Asset Impairment Charges	$4,130	$0

Note_7_Fair_Value_Measurements3

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis:
Derivative contracts, net	$0	$0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis:
Derivative contracts, net	-1,488	-1,750
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis:
Derivative contracts, net	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Equity-method investment	$39,871	$33,282

Note_7_Fair_Value_Measurements4

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Long-term Fixed Interest Rate Debt (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Fixed Interest Rate Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value	$312,790	$257,780
Fair value	$312,097	$270,781

Note_8_Derivative_Financial_In2

Note 8 - Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Note 8 - Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount	$25
Derivative, Maturity Date	15-Jun-16
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	5.59%
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$1.10
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Note 8 - Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Variable Interest Rate	0.18%

Note_8_Derivative_Financial_In3

Note 8 - Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate swap contracts	$1,488	$1,750
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate swap contracts	1,194	1,194
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate swap contracts	$294	$556

Note_8_Derivative_Financial_In4

Note 8 - Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Operations (Floor Plan Interest Expense [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Floor Plan Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Contract, Amount of Gain Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion)	$100	$108
Interest Rate Swap Contract, Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-125	-134
Interest Rate Swap Contract, Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	($177)	($171)

Note_9_Assets_Held_for_Sale_an2

Note 9 - Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Note 9 - Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	$3,349
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Import Store [Member]
Note 9 - Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	$3,300

Note_9_Assets_Held_for_Sale_an3

Note 9 - Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) - Assets and Related Liabilities Held for Sale (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$4,026	$8,563
Floor plan notes payable	2,688	4,892
Inventory [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	3,379	6,284
Property Plant and Equipment Held for Sale [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	107	1,739
Intangible Assets [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$540	$540

Note_9_Assets_Held_for_Sale_an4

Note 9 - Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) - Financial Information of Discontinued Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Financial Information of Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Revenue		$8,650
Pre-tax income from discontinued operations		65
Income tax expense		-25
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense	$0	$40

Note_10_Net_Income_Per_Share_o2

Note 10 - Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock (Details) - Earnings Per Share Reconciliation (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$40,653	$24,694
Denominator:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share (in Shares)	26,283	25,973
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations (in Shares)	26,519	26,320
Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	$1.55	$0.95
Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	$1.53	$0.94
Common Class A [Member] | Equity Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities
Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive (in Shares)	15	16
Common Class A [Member] | Distributed [Member]
Numerator:
Reallocation of income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options	4	4
Reallocation of income due to conversion of Class B to Class A shares	407	329
Common Class A [Member] | Diluted [Member]
Numerator:
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders	-4,216	-3,378
Numerator:
Income applicable to common stockholders	4,216	3,378
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	36,437	21,316
Common Class A [Member] | Undistributed [Member]
Numerator:
Reallocation of income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options	32	28
Reallocation of income due to conversion of Class B to Class A shares	3,520	2,075
Common Class A [Member]
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	36,690	22,258
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders	-3,805	-3,045
Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	32,885	19,213
Denominator:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share (in Shares)	23,721	23,411
Weighted average number of shares from stock options (in Shares)	236	347
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding (in Shares)	2,562	2,562
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations (in Shares)	26,519	26,320
Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	$1.55	$0.95
Basic distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	($0.16)	($0.13)
Basic undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	$1.39	$0.82
Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	$1.53	$0.94
Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	($0.16)	($0.13)
Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	$1.37	$0.81
Numerator:
Income applicable to common stockholders	3,805	3,045
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	32,885	19,213
Common Class B [Member] | Distributed [Member]
Numerator:
Reallocation of income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options	-4	-4
Common Class B [Member] | Diluted [Member]
Numerator:
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders	-407	-329
Numerator:
Income applicable to common stockholders	407	329
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	3,520	2,075
Common Class B [Member] | Undistributed [Member]
Numerator:
Reallocation of income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options	-32	-28
Common Class B [Member]
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	3,963	2,436
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders	-411	-333
Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	3,552	2,103
Denominator:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share (in Shares)	2,562	2,562
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations (in Shares)	2,562	2,562
Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	$1.55	$0.95
Basic distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	($0.16)	($0.13)
Basic undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	$1.39	$0.82
Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	$1.53	$0.94
Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	($0.16)	($0.13)
Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	$1.37	$0.81
Numerator:
Income applicable to common stockholders	411	333
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$3,552	$2,103

Note_11_EquityMethod_Investmen2

Note 11 - Equity-Method Investment (Details) (NMTC Program [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
NMTC Program [Member]
Note 11 - Equity-Method Investment (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		99.90%
Equity Method Investment, Equity Contribution Obligation	$49.80
Equity Method Investment, Equity Contribution Obligation, Term	2 years
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	$9.80

Note_11_EquityMethod_Investmen3

Note 11 - Equity-Method Investment (Details) - Equity-Method Investment Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheets (NMTC Program [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value, recorded as a component of other non-current assets	$39,871	$33,282
Accrued Liabilities and Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Present value of obligation associated with future equity contributions, recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities	$39,076	$32,177

Note_11_EquityMethod_Investmen4

Note 11 - Equity-Method Investment (Details) - Equity-Method Investment Recorded in Consolidated Statements of Operations (NMTC Program [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
NMTC Program [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Asset impairments to write investment down to fair value	$4,130	$0
Our portion of the partnershipbs operating losses	1,732	0
Non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the discounted fair value of future equity contributions	211	0
Tax benefits and credits generated	$7,250	$0

Note_12_Segments_Details

Note 12 - Segments (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	3

Note_12_Segments_Details_Certa

Note 12 - Segments (Details) - Certain Segment Financial Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Revenues	$1,789,178		$1,078,106
Segment income*:
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	58,056	[1]	40,704	[1]
Floor plan interest expense:
Floor Plan Interest Expense	4,649		2,984
Operating Segments [Member] | Domestic [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	691,404		568,930
Segment income*:
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	27,129	[1]	22,421	[1]
Floor plan interest expense:
Floor Plan Interest Expense	4,736		4,058
Operating Segments [Member] | Import [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	758,638		351,061
Segment income*:
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	16,100	[1]	9,265	[1]
Floor plan interest expense:
Floor Plan Interest Expense	3,698		1,808
Operating Segments [Member] | Luxury [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	336,922		158,611
Segment income*:
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	5,899	[1]	2,185	[1]
Floor plan interest expense:
Floor Plan Interest Expense	2,062		1,129
Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	1,786,964		1,078,602
Segment income*:
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	49,128	[1]	33,871	[1]
Floor plan interest expense:
Floor Plan Interest Expense	10,496		6,995
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	2,214		-496
Segment income*:
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	8,928	[1]	6,833	[1]
Floor plan interest expense:
Floor Plan Interest Expense	($5,847)		($4,011)
[1]	Segment income is defined as operating income less floor plan interest expense.

Note_12_Segments_Details_Segme

Note 12 - Segments (Details) - Segment Assets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total assets:
Total Assets	$2,924,385	$2,880,932
Operating Segments [Member] | Domestic [Member]
Total assets:
Total Assets	869,313	831,574
Operating Segments [Member] | Import [Member]
Total assets:
Total Assets	707,736	696,162
Operating Segments [Member] | Luxury [Member]
Total assets:
Total Assets	399,373	405,222
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Total assets:
Total Assets	$947,963	$947,974

Note_14_Subsequent_Events_Deta

Note 14 - Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 20, 2015	29-May-15
Note 14 - Subsequent Events (Details) [Line Items]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash (in Dollars)		$5.30
Common Class A [Member]
Note 14 - Subsequent Events (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.20
Common Class B [Member]
Note 14 - Subsequent Events (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.20