Harley-Davidson (HOG) 10-Q 7 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HARLEY DAVIDSON INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000793952	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	29-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	217,464,154

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenue:	'	'	'	'
Motorcycles and Related Products	$1,834,285	$1,631,466	$3,405,973	$3,045,714
Financial Services	166,414	162,841	320,774	319,806
Total revenue	2,000,699	1,794,307	3,726,747	3,365,520
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	1,110,146	1,029,596	2,089,703	1,924,402
Financial Services interest expense	40,741	45,506	79,598	86,060
Financial Services provision for credit losses	15,961	11,297	36,292	24,407
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	286,156	281,384	562,577	552,883
Restructuring benefit	0	-5,297	0	-2,359
Total costs and expenses	1,453,004	1,362,486	2,768,170	2,585,393
Operating income	547,695	431,821	958,577	780,127
Investment income	1,772	1,770	3,431	3,385
Interest expense	393	11,238	4,070	22,629
Income before provision for income taxes	549,074	422,353	957,938	760,883
Provision for income taxes	194,921	150,614	337,868	265,015
Net income	$354,153	$271,739	$620,070	$495,868
Earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.63	$1.22	$2.84	$2.22
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.62	$1.21	$2.82	$2.20
Cash dividends per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.28	$0.21	$0.55	$0.42

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$354,153	$271,739	$620,070	$495,868
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,733	-11,304	8,681	-21,874
Derivative financial instruments	3,150	-90	2,923	10,511
Marketable securities	-74	-383	-116	-627
Pension and postretirement benefit plans	6,069	10,239	12,137	20,478
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	14,878	-1,538	23,625	8,488
Comprehensive income	$369,031	$270,201	$643,695	$504,356

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$999,346	$1,066,612	$1,300,690
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	57,814	99,009	133,631
Accounts receivable, net	289,940	261,065	253,819
Finance receivables, net	2,281,512	1,773,686	2,010,974
Inventories	371,597	424,507	307,717
Restricted cash	154,681	144,807	212,004
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	90,348	103,625	108,806
Other current assets	128,460	115,492	126,830
Total current assets	4,373,698	3,988,803	4,454,471
Finance receivables, net	4,537,405	4,225,877	4,214,612
Property, plant and equipment, net	826,467	842,477	790,563
Prepaid Pension Costs	256,279	244,871	0
Goodwill	30,252	30,452	29,183
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	2,915	3,339	149,880
Other long-term assets	49,280	69,221	68,489
Total assets	10,076,296	9,405,040	9,707,198
Current liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts payable	388,342	239,794	344,423
Accrued liabilities	500,769	427,335	450,247
Short-term debt	619,622	666,317	525,745
Current portion of long-term debt	944,915	1,176,140	776,274
Total current liabilities	2,453,648	2,509,586	2,096,689
Long-term debt	3,794,396	3,416,713	4,234,352
Pension liability	38,174	36,371	148,974
Postretirement healthcare liability	209,312	216,165	271,122
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	38,919	49,499	0
Other long-term liabilities	175,587	167,220	134,822
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'	'
Preferred stock, none issued	0	0	0
Common stock	3,439	3,432	3,414
Additional paid-in-capital	1,231,913	1,175,052	1,128,079
Retained earnings	8,352,168	7,852,729	7,708,238
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-309,051	-332,676	-599,190
Treasury stock, at cost	-5,912,209	-5,689,051	-5,419,302
Total shareholders' equity	3,366,260	3,009,486	2,821,239
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	10,076,296	9,405,040	9,707,198
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'
Finance receivables, net	359,085	352,899	461,978
Restricted cash	141,146	133,053	198,893
Other current assets	2,521	4,149	4,256
Finance receivables, net	1,495,171	1,184,441	1,717,462
Current liabilities:	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	403,891	334,630	433,524
Long-term debt	$1,308,964	$922,002	$1,240,235

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	$570,592	$389,677
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-74,523	-66,589
Origination of finance receivables	-1,904,577	-1,653,232
Collections on finance receivables	1,518,186	1,422,688
Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities	0	4,998
Sales and redemptions of marketable securities	41,010	6,003
Other	145	6,667
Net cash used by investing activities	-419,759	-289,461
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayments of Unsecured Debt	-303,000	0
Repayments of Medium-term Notes	7,220	27,858
Proceeds from Securitization Debt	847,126	647,516
Repayments of Securitization Debt	393,655	423,455
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Credit Facility and Other Unsecured Debt	-48,134	230,761
Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper	36,800	47,061
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	-37,317	-37,642
Net change in restricted cash	-9,874	-23,996
Dividends paid	-120,631	-94,213
Purchase of common stock for treasury	-223,736	-208,699
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	8,652	16,338
Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans	27,907	24,677
Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities	-223,082	150,490
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	4,983	-18,154
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-67,266	232,552
Cash and cash equivalents:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	1,066,612	1,068,138
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-67,266	232,552
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$999,346	$1,300,690

Basis_Of_Presentation_And_Use_

Basis Of Presentation And Use Of Estimates	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates	'
	Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company), including the accounts of the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). In addition, certain variable interest entities (VIEs) related to secured financing are consolidated as the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and material intercompany transactions are eliminated.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six month periods then ended, the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and six month periods then ended and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six month periods then ended.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial reporting. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The Company operates in two business segments: Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) and Financial Services (Financial Services).
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New_Accounting_Standards

New Accounting Standards	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Standards	'
	New Accounting Standards
	Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU No. 2014-09). ASU No. 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is required to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption.
	Accounting Standards Recently Adopted
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11 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). ASU No. 2013-11 amends the guidance within Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 740, "Income Taxes", to require entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The Company adopted ASU No. 2013-11 on January 1, 2014. There were no material presentation changes resulting from the adoption of ASU No. 2013-11.

Additional_Balance_Sheet_and_C

Additional Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Additional Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Information	'
	Additional Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Information
	Marketable Securities
	The Company’s marketable securities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 29,			December 31,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2013
	Available-for-sale: Corporate bonds	$	57,814		$	99,009		$	133,631
	Trading securities: Mutual funds	33,567			30,172			22,193
		$	91,381		$	129,181		$	155,824
	The Company’s available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses reported in other comprehensive income. During the first half of 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized gross unrealized losses of approximately $184,000 and $996,000, respectively, or $116,000 and $627,000 net of taxes, respectively, to adjust amortized cost to fair value. The marketable securities have contractual maturities that generally come due over the next 9 to 23 months.
	The Company's trading securities relate to investments held by the Company to fund certain deferred compensation obligations. The trading securities are carried at fair value with gains and losses recorded in net income and investments are included in other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Substantially all inventories located in the United States are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Other inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		June 29,			December 31,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2013
	Components at the lower of FIFO cost or market
	Raw materials and work in process	$	118,720		$	140,302		$	116,334
	Motorcycle finished goods	179,314			205,416			111,188
	Parts and accessories and general merchandise	122,289			127,515			126,084
	Inventory at lower of FIFO cost or market	420,323			473,233			353,606
	Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost	(48,726		)	(48,726		)	(45,889		)
		$	371,597		$	424,507		$	307,717
	Operating Cash Flow
	The reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities is as follows (in thousands):
		Six months ended
		June 29,			June 30,
		2014			2013
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	620,070		$	495,868
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation	87,123			83,406
	Amortization of deferred loan origination costs	45,713			40,947
	Amortization of financing origination fees	4,284			4,635
	Provision for employee long-term benefits	16,854			33,382
	Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	(14,035		)	(189,116		)
	Stock compensation expense	20,768			21,061
	Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales	(510,200		)	(293,293		)
	Provision for credit losses	36,292			24,407
	Loss on debt extinguishment	1,145			4,947
	Deferred income taxes	(5,084		)	—
	Foreign currency adjustments	(3,894		)	18,529
	Other, net	9,332			(442		)
	Changes in current assets and liabilities:
	Accounts receivable, net	(25,643		)	(34,787		)
	Finance receivables—accrued interest and other	(993		)	699
	Inventories	58,741			69,475
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	226,233			70,721
	Restructuring reserves	—			(22,790		)
	Derivative instruments	968			(1,557		)
	Other	2,918			63,585
	Total adjustments	(49,478		)	(106,191		)
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	570,592		$	389,677

Restructuring_Expense

Restructuring Expense	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Expense	'
	Restructuring Expense
	In 2013, the Company completed the activities related to its 2009, 2010, and 2011 Restructuring Plans.
	2011 Restructuring Plans
	In December 2011, the Company made a decision to cease operations at New Castalloy, its Australian subsidiary and producer of cast motorcycle wheels and wheel hubs, and source those components through other existing suppliers by the end of 2013 (2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan). Under this plan, the Company successfully transitioned a significant amount of wheel production to other existing suppliers. However, during the second quarter of 2013, the Company made a decision to retain limited operations at New Castalloy focused on the production of certain complex, high-finish wheels in a cost-effective and competitive manner. At that time, the Company also entered into a new agreement with the unionized labor force at New Castalloy.
	In connection with the modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan, the New Castalloy workforce was reduced by approximately 100 employees, leaving approximately 100 remaining employees to support the ongoing operations. The original plan would have resulted in a workforce reduction of approximately 200 employees.
	Under the modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and termination costs, accelerated depreciation and other related costs. On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $22.1 million of restructuring expense under the modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan, of which approximately 35% was non-cash. This includes a benefit related to restructuring reserves released in the second quarter of 2013 in connection with the decision to retain a limited operation at the New Castalloy facility, as described above.
	In February 2011, the Company’s unionized employees at its facility in Kansas City, Missouri ratified a new seven-year labor agreement. The new agreement took effect on August 1, 2011. The new contract is similar to the labor agreements ratified at the Company’s Wisconsin facilities in September 2010 and its York, Pennsylvania production facility in December 2009 and allows for similar flexibility, increased production efficiency and the addition of a flexible workforce component.
	The actions to implement the new ratified labor agreement (2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan) resulted in approximately 145 fewer full-time hourly unionized employees in its Kansas City facility than would have been required under the previous contract.
	Under the 2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and termination costs and other related costs. On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $6.0 million of restructuring expense under the 2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan, of which approximately 10% was non-cash.
	The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment’s 2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan and modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances as recorded in accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Six months ended June 30, 2013
		Kansas City								New Castalloy												Consolidated
		Employee			Other		Total			Employee			Accelerated			Other			Total			Total
		Severance and								Severance and			Depreciation
		Termination								Termination
		Costs								Costs
	Balance, beginning of period	$	2,259		$	—	$	2,259		$	9,306		$	—		$	145		$	9,451		$	11,710
	Restructuring expense	—			—		—			860			2,093			577			3,530			3,530
	Utilized—cash	(1,283		)	—		(1,283		)	(4,019		)	—			(589		)	(4,608		)	(5,891		)
	Utilized—non-cash	—			—		—			—			(2,093		)	—			(2,093		)	(2,093		)
	Non-cash reserve release	(376		)	—		(376		)	(5,250		)	—			—			(5,250		)	(5,626		)
	Balance, end of period	$	600		$	—	$	600		$	897		$	—		$	133		$	1,030		$	1,630
	2010 Restructuring Plan
	In September 2010, the Company’s unionized employees in Wisconsin ratified three separate new seven-year labor agreements which took effect in April 2012 when the prior contracts expired. The new contracts are similar to the labor agreement ratified at the Company's York, Pennsylvania production facility in December 2009 and allow for similar flexibility, increased production efficiency and the addition of a flexible workforce component.
	The actions to implement the new ratified labor agreements (2010 Restructuring Plan) resulted in approximately 250 fewer full-time hourly unionized employees in its Milwaukee-area facilities than would have been required under the previous contracts and approximately 75 fewer full-time hourly unionized employees in its Tomahawk, Wisconsin facility than would have been required under the previous contract.
	Under the 2010 Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and termination costs and other related costs. On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $59.2 million of restructuring expense under the 2010 Restructuring Plan, of which approximately 45% was non-cash.
	The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment’s 2010 Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances as recorded in accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Six months ended
		30-Jun-13
		Employee
		Severance and
		Termination Costs
	Balance, beginning of period	$	10,156
	Restructuring expense	—
	Utilized—cash	(9,710		)
	Non-cash reserve release	(336		)
	Balance, end of period	$	110
	2009 Restructuring Plan
	During 2009, in response to the U.S. economic recession and worldwide slowdown in consumer demand, the Company committed to a volume reduction and a combination of restructuring actions (2009 Restructuring Plan) expected to be completed at various dates between 2009 and 2013. The actions were designed to reduce administrative costs, eliminate excess capacity and exit non-core business operations. The Company’s announced actions include the restructuring and transformation of its York, Pennsylvania production facility including the implementation of a new more flexible unionized labor agreement which allows for the addition of a flexible workforce component; consolidation of facilities related to engine and transmission production; outsourcing of certain distribution and transportation activities and exiting the Buell product line. In addition, the Company implemented projects under this plan involving the outsourcing of select information technology activities and the consolidation of an administrative office in Michigan into its corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
	The 2009 Restructuring Plan resulted in a reduction of approximately 2,900 hourly production positions and approximately 800 non-production, primarily salaried positions within the Motorcycles segment and approximately 100 salaried positions in the Financial Services segment.
	Under the 2009 Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and termination costs, accelerated depreciation on the long-lived assets that were exited as part of the 2009 Restructuring Plan and other related costs. On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $393.8 million of restructuring and impairment expense under the 2009 Restructuring Plan, of which approximately 30% was non-cash.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s 2009 Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances recorded in accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Six months ended June 30, 2013
		Motorcycles & Related Products
		Employee			Accelerated		Other			Total
		Severance and			Depreciation
		Termination Costs
	Balance, beginning of period	$	5,196		$	—	$	161		$	5,357
	Restructuring expense	—			—		1,606			1,606
	Utilized—cash	(1,613		)	—		(1,591		)	(3,204		)
	Non-cash reserve release	(1,533		)	—		—			(1,533		)
	Balance, end of period	$	2,050		$	—	$	176		$	2,226
	Other restructuring costs include items such as the exit costs for terminating supply contracts, lease termination costs and moving costs.

Finance_Receivables

Finance Receivables	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Finance Receivables	'
	Finance Receivables
	HDFS provides retail financial services to customers of the Company’s independent dealers in the United States and Canada. The origination of retail loans is a separate and distinct transaction between HDFS and the retail customer, unrelated to the Company’s sale of product to its dealers. Retail finance receivables consist of secured promissory notes and secured installment sales contracts. HDFS holds either titles or liens on titles to vehicles financed by promissory notes and installment sales contracts.
	HDFS offers wholesale financing to the Company’s independent dealers. Wholesale loans to dealers are generally secured by financed inventory or property and are originated in the U.S. and Canada.
	Finance receivables, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 29,			December 31,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2013
	Retail	$	5,603,187		$	5,265,044		$	5,248,289
	Wholesale	1,338,085			845,212			1,088,621
		6,941,272			6,110,256			6,336,910
	Allowance for credit losses	(122,355		)	(110,693		)	(111,324		)
		$	6,818,917		$	5,999,563		$	6,225,586
	A provision for credit losses on finance receivables is charged or credited to earnings in amounts that the Company believes are sufficient to maintain the allowance for credit losses at a level that is adequate to cover losses of principal inherent in the existing portfolio. The allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the finance receivable portfolio as of the balance sheet date. However, due to the use of projections and assumptions in estimating the losses, the amount of losses actually incurred by the Company could differ from the amounts estimated.
	Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables by portfolio were as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended June 29, 2014
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	106,776		$	7,753		$	114,529
	Provision for credit losses	16,258			(297		)	15,961
	Charge-offs	(19,018		)	—			(19,018		)
	Recoveries	10,883			—			10,883
	Balance, end of period	$	114,899		$	7,456		$	122,355
		Three months ended June 30, 2013
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	98,542		$	8,250		$	106,792
	Provision for credit losses	11,993			(696		)	11,297
	Charge-offs	(18,166		)	—			(18,166		)
	Recoveries	11,401			—			11,401
	Balance, end of period	$	103,770		$	7,554		$	111,324
		Six months ended June 29, 2014
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	106,063		$	4,630		$	110,693
	Provision for credit losses	33,466			2,826			36,292
	Charge-offs	(46,361		)	—			(46,361		)
	Recoveries	21,731			—			21,731
	Balance, end of period	$	114,899		$	7,456		$	122,355
		Six months ended June 30, 2013
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	101,442		$	6,225		$	107,667
	Provision for credit losses	23,078			1,329			24,407
	Charge-offs	(43,409		)	—			(43,409		)
	Recoveries	22,659			—			22,659
	Balance, end of period	$	103,770		$	7,554		$	111,324
	Finance receivables are considered impaired when management determines it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the loan agreement. Portions of the allowance for credit losses are established to cover estimated losses on finance receivables specifically identified for impairment. The unspecified portion of the allowance for credit losses covers estimated losses on finance receivables which are collectively reviewed for impairment.
	The retail portfolio primarily consists of a large number of small balance, homogeneous finance receivables. HDFS performs a periodic and systematic collective evaluation of the adequacy of the retail allowance for credit losses. HDFS utilizes loss forecast models which consider a variety of factors including, but not limited to, historical loss trends, origination or vintage analysis, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral, recovery rates, and current economic conditions including items such as unemployment rates. Retail finance receivables are not evaluated individually for impairment prior to charge-off and therefore are not reported as impaired loans.
	The wholesale portfolio is primarily composed of large balance, non-homogeneous loans. The Company’s evaluation for the wholesale allowance for credit losses is first based on a loan-by-loan review. A specific allowance for credit losses is established for wholesale finance receivables determined to be individually impaired when management concludes that the borrower will not be able to make full payment of the contractual amounts due based on the original terms of the loan agreement. The impairment is determined based on the cash that the Company expects to receive discounted at the loan’s original interest rate or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral-dependent. Finance receivables in the wholesale portfolio that are not considered impaired on an individual basis are segregated, based on similar risk characteristics, according to the Company’s internal risk rating system and collectively evaluated for impairment. The related allowance for credit losses is based on factors such as the specific borrower’s financial performance and ability to repay, the Company’s past loan loss experience, current economic conditions, and the value of the underlying collateral.
	Generally, it is the Company’s policy not to change the terms and conditions of finance receivables. However, to minimize the economic loss, the Company may modify certain finance receivables in troubled debt restructurings. Total restructured finance receivables are not significant.
	The allowance for credit losses and finance receivables by portfolio, segregated by those amounts that are individually evaluated for impairment and those that are collectively evaluated for impairment, was as follows (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Allowance for credit losses, ending balance:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	114,899			7,456			122,355
	Total allowance for credit losses	$	114,899		$	7,456		$	122,355
	Finance receivables, ending balance:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,603,187			1,338,085			6,941,272
	Total finance receivables	$	5,603,187		$	1,338,085		$	6,941,272
		31-Dec-13
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Allowance for credit losses, ending balance:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	106,063			4,630			110,693
	Total allowance for credit losses	$	106,063		$	4,630		$	110,693
	Finance receivables, ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,265,044			845,212			6,110,256
Total finance receivables	$	5,265,044		$	845,212		$	6,110,256
	June 30, 2013
	Retail			Wholesale			Total
Allowance for credit losses, ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
Collectively evaluated for impairment	103,770			7,554			111,324
Total allowance for credit losses	$	103,770		$	7,554		$	111,324
Finance receivables, ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,248,289			1,088,621			6,336,910
Total finance receivables	$	5,248,289		$	1,088,621		$	6,336,910
There were no wholesale finance receivables at June 29, 2014, December 31, 2013, or June 30, 2013 that were individually deemed to be impaired under ASC Topic 310, “Receivables.”
Retail finance receivables are contractually delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the specified due date. Retail finance receivables are generally charged-off when the receivable is 120 days or more delinquent, the related asset is repossessed or the receivable is otherwise deemed uncollectible. All retail finance receivables accrue interest until either collected or charged-off. Accordingly, as of June 29, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, all retail finance receivables were accounted for as interest-earning receivables, of which $14.7 million, $24.6 million and $13.9 million, respectively, were 90 days or more past due.
Wholesale finance receivables are delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the contractual due date. Interest continues to accrue on past due finance receivables until the date the finance receivable becomes uncollectible and the finance receivable is placed on non-accrual status. HDFS will resume accruing interest on these accounts when payments are current according to the terms of the loans and future payments are reasonably assured. While on non-accrual status, all cash received is applied to principal or interest as appropriate. Wholesale finance receivables are written down once management determines that the specific borrower does not have the ability to repay the loan in full. There were no wholesale receivables on non-accrual status at June 29, 2014, December 31, 2013 or June 30, 2013. At June 29, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, $0.03 million, $0.2 million, and $0.2 million of wholesale finance receivables were 90 days or more past due and accruing interest, respectively.
An analysis of the aging of past due finance receivables was as follows (in thousands):
	29-Jun-14
	Current			31-60 Days			61-90 Days			Greater than		Total		Total
				Past Due			Past Due			90 Days		Past Due		Finance
										Past Due				Receivables
Retail	$	5,469,796		$	90,617		$	28,088		$	14,686	$	133,391	$	5,603,187
Wholesale	1,337,437			501			113			34		648		1,338,085
Total	$	6,807,233		$	91,118		$	28,201		$	14,720	$	134,039	$	6,941,272
	December 31, 2013
	Current			31-60 Days			61-90 Days			Greater than		Total		Total
				Past Due			Past Due			90 Days		Past Due		Finance
										Past Due				Receivables
Retail	$	5,094,615		$	109,806		$	36,029		$	24,594	$	170,429	$	5,265,044
Wholesale	844,033			791			181			207		1,179		845,212
Total	$	5,938,648		$	110,597		$	36,210		$	24,801	$	171,608	$	6,110,256
	June 30, 2013
	Current			31-60 Days			61-90 Days			Greater than		Total		Total
				Past Due			Past Due			90 Days		Past Due		Finance
										Past Due				Receivables
Retail	$	5,119,572		$	90,790		$	24,023		$	13,904	$	128,717	$	5,248,289
Wholesale	1,087,607			507			281			226		1,014		1,088,621
Total	$	6,207,179		$	91,297		$	24,304		$	14,130	$	129,731	$	6,336,910
A significant part of managing HDFS’ finance receivable portfolios includes the assessment of credit risk associated with each borrower. As the credit risk varies between the retail and wholesale portfolios, HDFS utilizes different credit risk indicators for each portfolio.
HDFS manages retail credit risk through its credit approval policy and ongoing collection efforts. HDFS uses FICO scores, a standard credit rating measurement, to differentiate the expected default rates of retail credit applicants enabling the Company to better evaluate credit applicants for approval and to tailor pricing according to this assessment. Retail loans with a FICO score of 640 or above at origination are considered prime, and loans with a FICO score below 640 are considered sub-prime. These credit quality indicators are determined at the time of loan origination and are not updated subsequent to the loan origination date.
The recorded investment of retail finance receivables, by credit quality indicator, was as follows (in thousands):
	29-Jun-14			31-Dec-13			30-Jun-13
Prime	$	4,407,364		$	4,141,559		$	4,128,450
Sub-prime	1,195,823			1,123,485			1,119,839
Total	$	5,603,187		$	5,265,044		$	5,248,289
HDFS’ credit risk on the wholesale portfolio is different from that of the retail portfolio. Whereas the retail portfolio represents a relatively homogeneous pool of retail finance receivables that exhibit more consistent loss patterns, the wholesale portfolio exposures are less consistent. HDFS utilizes an internal credit risk rating system to manage credit risk exposure consistently across wholesale borrowers and individually evaluates credit risk factors for each borrower.
HDFS uses the following internal credit quality indicators, based on the Company’s internal risk rating system, listed from highest level of risk to lowest level of risk for the wholesale portfolio: Doubtful, Substandard, Special Mention, Medium Risk and Low Risk. Based upon management’s review, the dealers classified in the Doubtful category are the dealers with the greatest likelihood of being charged off, while the dealers classified as Low Risk are least likely to be charged off. The internal rating system considers factors such as the specific borrowers’ ability to repay and the estimated value of any collateral. Dealer risk rating classifications are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis.
The recorded investment of wholesale finance receivables, by internal credit quality indicator, was as follows (in thousands):
	29-Jun-14			31-Dec-13			30-Jun-13
Doubtful	$	4,916		$	—		$	3,958
Substandard	4,192			8,383			14,187
Special Mention	—			2,076			2,929
Medium Risk	16,202			5,205			10,041
Low Risk	1,312,775			829,548			1,057,506
Total	$	1,338,085		$	845,212		$	1,088,621

AssetBacked_Financing

Asset-Backed Financing	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Secured Debt [Abstract]	'
Asset-Backed Financing	'
	Asset-Backed Financing
	HDFS participates in asset-backed financing through both term asset-backed securitization transactions and through asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. HDFS treats these transactions as secured borrowing because either they are transferred to consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) or HDFS maintains effective control over the assets and does not meet the accounting sale requirements under ASC Topic 860, "Transfers and Servicing" (ASC Topic 860). In HDFS' asset-backed financing programs, HDFS transfers retail motorcycle finance receivables to special purpose entities (SPE), which are considered VIEs under U.S. GAAP. Each SPE then converts those assets into cash, through the issuance of debt.
	HDFS is required to consolidate any VIE in which it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary through having power over the significant activities of the entity and having an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE which are potentially significant to the VIE. HDFS is considered to have the power over the significant activities of its term asset-backed securitization and asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility VIEs due to its role as servicer. Servicing fees are typically not considered potentially significant variable interests in a VIE. However, HDFS retains a residual interest in the VIEs in the form of a debt security, which gives HDFS the right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. Therefore, the Company is the primary beneficiary and consolidates all of these VIEs within its consolidated financial statements.
	HDFS is not the primary beneficiary of the asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility VIE; therefore, HDFS does not consolidate this VIE. However, HDFS treats the conduit facility as a secured borrowing as it maintains effective control over the assets transferred to the VIE and therefore does not meet the requirements for sale accounting under ASC Topic 860. As such, the Company retains the transferred assets and the related debt within its Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Servicing fees paid by VIEs to HDFS are eliminated in consolidation and therefore are not recorded on a consolidated basis. HDFS is not required, and does not currently intend, to provide any additional financial support to its VIEs. Investors and creditors only have recourse to the assets held by the VIEs.
	The following table shows the assets and liabilities related to the asset-backed financings that were included in the financial statements (in thousands):
		June 29, 2014
		Finance receivables		Allowance for credit losses			Restricted cash		Other assets		Total assets		Asset-backed debt
	On-balance sheet assets and liabilities
	Consolidated VIEs
	Term asset-backed securitizations	$	1,893,585	$	(39,329	)	$	141,146	$	2,342	$	1,997,744	$	1,712,855
	Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility	—		—			—		179		179		—
	Unconsolidated VIEs
	Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility	203,800		(3,235		)	13,535		240		214,340		173,224
	Total on-balance sheet assets and liabilities	$	2,097,385	$	(42,564	)	$	154,681	$	2,761	$	2,212,263	$	1,886,079
		December 31, 2013
		Finance receivables		Allowance for credit losses			Restricted cash		Other assets		Total assets		Asset-backed debt
	On-balance sheet assets and liabilities
	Consolidated VIEs
	Term asset-backed securitizations	$	1,569,118	$	(31,778	)	$	133,053	$	3,720	$	1,674,113	$	1,256,632
	Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility	—		—			—		429		429		—
	Unconsolidated VIEs
	Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility	204,092		(3,361		)	11,754		589		213,074		174,241
	Total on-balance sheet assets and liabilities	$	1,773,210	$	(35,139	)	$	144,807	$	4,738	$	1,887,616	$	1,430,873
		June 30, 2013
		Finance receivables		Allowance for credit losses			Restricted cash		Other assets		Total assets		Asset-backed debt
	On-balance sheet assets and liabilities
	Consolidated VIEs
	Term asset-backed securitizations	$	2,223,167	$	(43,727	)	$	198,893	$	4,082	$	2,382,415	$	1,673,759
	Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility	—		—			—		174		174		—
	Unconsolidated VIEs
	Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility	202,894		(3,547		)	13,111		109		212,567		175,229
	Total on-balance sheet assets and liabilities	$	2,426,061	$	(47,274	)	$	212,004	$	4,365	$	2,595,156	$	1,848,988
	Term Asset-Backed Securitization VIEs
	The Company transfers U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to SPEs which in turn issue secured notes to investors, with various maturities and interest rates, secured by future collections of the purchased U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables. Each term asset-backed securitization SPE is a separate legal entity and the U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables included in the term asset-backed securitizations are only available for payment of the secured debt and other obligations arising from the term asset-backed securitization transaction and are not available to pay other obligations or claims of the Company’s creditors until the associated secured debt and other obligations are satisfied. Restricted cash balances held by the SPEs are used only to support the securitizations. There are no amortization schedules for the secured notes; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. The secured notes’ contractual lives have various maturities ranging from 2014 to 2021.
	During 2012, the Company issued $89.5 million of secured notes through the sale of notes that had been previously retained as part of certain 2009 and 2011 term asset-backed securitization transactions. These notes were sold at a premium. The unaccreted premium associated with the issuance of these secured notes was $0.4 million and $0.7 million at June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013, respectively.
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Company issued $850.0 million of secured notes through one term asset-backed securitization transaction. During the second quarter of 2013, the Company issued $650.0 million of secured notes through one term asset-backed securitization transaction. There were no other term asset-backed securitization transactions during the six months ended June 29, 2014 or June 30, 2013.
	Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility VIE
	In September 2013, the Company amended and restated its facility (U.S. Conduit) with a third-party bank sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit, which provides for a total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million based on, among other things, the amount of eligible U.S. retail motorcycle loans held by a SPE as collateral. Under the facility, HDFS may transfer U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to a SPE, which in turn may issue debt to third-party bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduits.
	The assets of the SPE are restricted as collateral for the payment of the debt or other obligations arising in the transaction and are not available to pay other obligations or claims of the Company’s creditors. The terms for this debt provide for interest on the outstanding principal generally based on prevailing commercial paper rates plus a program fee based on outstanding principal, or LIBOR plus a specified margin to the extent the advance is not funded by a conduit lender through the issuance of commercial paper. The U.S. Conduit also provides for an unused commitment fee based on the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. There is no amortization schedule; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. Upon expiration of the U.S. Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of HDFS and the lenders, the U.S. Conduit has an expiration date of September 12, 2014.
	The SPE had no borrowings outstanding under the U.S. Conduit at June 29, 2014, December 31, 2013 or June 30, 2013; therefore, U.S. Conduit assets are restricted as collateral for the payment of fees associated with the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment.
	Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility
	In June 2013, HDFS amended its facility agreement (Canadian Conduit) with a Canadian bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit. Under the agreement, the Canadian Conduit is contractually committed, at HDFS' option, to purchase from HDFS eligible Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables for proceeds up to C$200.0 million. The terms for this debt provide for interest on the outstanding principal based on prevailing market interest rates plus a specified margin. The Canadian Conduit also provides for a program fee and an unused commitment fee based on the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of C$200.0 million. There is no amortization schedule; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. Upon expiration of the Canadian Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of HDFS and the lenders, as of June 29, 2014, the Canadian Conduit had an expiration date of June 30, 2014. The Canadian Conduit was renewed on June 30, 2014 with similar terms and for the same amount with an expiration date of June 30, 2015. The contractual maturity of the debt is approximately 5 years.
	As HDFS participates in and does not consolidate the Canadian bank-sponsored, multi-seller conduit VIE, the maximum exposure to loss associated with this VIE, which would only be incurred in the unlikely event that all the finance receivables and underlying collateral have no residual value, was $41.1 million at June 29, 2014. The maximum exposure is not an indication of the Company's expected loss exposure.
	During the second quarter of 2014, HDFS transferred $26.4 million of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit for proceeds of $23.1 million. During the first quarter of 2014, HDFS transferred $15.7 million of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit for proceeds of $13.8 million. During the second quarter of 2013, HDFS transferred $53.8 million of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit for proceeds of $47.1 million. HDFS did not transfer any Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables during the first quarter of 2013. The transferred assets are restricted as collateral for the payment of the debt.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value in the financial statements; some of these are measured on a recurring basis while others are measured on a non-recurring basis. Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value each time a financial statement is prepared. Assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value when a significant event occurs. In determining fair value of assets and liabilities, the Company uses various valuation techniques. The availability of inputs observable in the market varies from instrument to instrument and depends on a variety of factors including the type of instrument, whether the instrument is actively traded, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. For many financial instruments, pricing inputs are readily observable in the market, the valuation methodology used is widely accepted by market participants, and the valuation does not require significant management discretion. For other financial instruments, pricing inputs are less observable in the market and may require management judgment.
	The Company assesses the inputs used to measure fair value using a three-tier hierarchy. The hierarchy indicates the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Level 1 inputs include quoted prices for identical instruments and are the most observable.
	Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity rates and yield curves. The Company uses the market approach to derive the fair value for its level 2 fair value measurements. Foreign currency exchange contracts are valued using publicly quoted spot and forward prices; commodity contracts are valued using publicly quoted prices, where available, or dealer quotes; interest rate swaps are valued using publicized swap curves; and investments in marketable securities and cash equivalents are valued using publicly quoted prices.
	Level 3 inputs are not observable in the market and include management’s judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The use of observable and unobservable inputs is reflected in the hierarchy assessment disclosed in the following tables.
	Recurring Fair Value Measurements
	The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14
		Balance		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	660,520	$	482,780	$	177,740	$	—
	Marketable securities	91,381		33,567		57,814		—
	Derivatives	3,159		—		3,159		—
		$	755,060	$	516,347	$	238,713	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	1,478	$	—	$	1,478	$	—
		31-Dec-13
		Balance		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	836,387	$	516,173	$	320,214	$	—
	Marketable securities	129,181		30,172		99,009		—
	Derivatives	1,932		—		1,932		—
		$	967,500	$	546,345	$	421,155	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	3,925	$	—	$	3,925	$	—
		June 30, 2013
		Balance		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	1,070,329	$	620,947	$	449,382	$	—
	Marketable securities	155,824		22,193		133,631		—
	Derivatives	11,214		—		11,214		—
		$	1,237,367	$	643,140	$	594,227	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	570	$	—	$	570	$	—
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade receivables, finance receivables, net, trade payables, debt, and foreign currency contracts (derivative instruments are discussed further in Note 9).
	The following table summarizes the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14				31-Dec-13				30-Jun-13
		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	999,346	$	999,346	$	1,066,612	$	1,066,612	$	1,300,690	$	1,300,690
	Marketable securities	$	91,381	$	91,381	$	129,181	$	129,181	$	155,824	$	155,824
	Accounts receivable, net	$	289,940	$	289,940	$	261,065	$	261,065	$	253,819	$	253,819
	Derivatives	$	3,159	$	3,159	$	1,932	$	1,932	$	11,214	$	11,214
	Finance receivables, net	$	6,917,698	$	6,818,917	$	6,086,441	$	5,999,563	$	6,314,282	$	6,225,586
	Restricted cash	$	154,681	$	154,681	$	144,807	$	144,807	$	212,004	$	212,004
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	388,342	$	388,342	$	239,794	$	239,794	$	344,423	$	344,423
	Derivatives	$	1,478	$	1,478	$	3,925	$	3,925	$	570	$	570
	Unsecured commercial paper	$	619,622	$	619,622	$	666,317	$	666,317	$	525,745	$	525,745
	Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility	$	173,224	$	173,224	$	174,241	$	174,241	$	175,229	$	175,229
Medium-term notes	$	3,049,735	$	2,853,232	$	3,087,852	$	2,858,980	$	3,100,162	$	2,858,638
Senior unsecured notes	$	—	$	—	$	305,958	$	303,000	$	325,705	$	303,000
Term asset-backed securitization debt	$	1,717,287	$	1,712,855	$	1,259,314	$	1,256,632	$	1,673,645	$	1,673,759
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Accounts Receivable, Net and Accounts Payable – With the exception of certain cash equivalents, the carrying value of these items in the financial statements is based on historical cost. The historical cost basis for these amounts is estimated to approximate their respective fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments. Fair value is based on Level 1 or Level 2 inputs.
Marketable Securities – The carrying value of marketable securities in the financial statements is based on fair value. The fair value of marketable securities is determined primarily based on quoted prices for identical instruments or on quoted market prices of similar financial assets. Fair value is based on Level 1 or Level 2 inputs.
Finance Receivables, Net – The carrying value of retail and wholesale finance receivables in the financial statements is amortized cost less an allowance for credit losses. The fair value of retail finance receivables is generally calculated by discounting future cash flows using an estimated discount rate that reflects current credit, interest rate and prepayment risks associated with similar types of instruments. Fair value is determined based on Level 3 inputs. The amortized cost basis of wholesale finance receivables approximates fair value because they either are short-term or have interest rates that adjust with changes in market interest rates.
Derivatives – Interest rate swaps, foreign currency exchange contracts and commodity contracts are derivative financial instruments and are carried at fair value on the balance sheet. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using pricing models that incorporate quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves. The fair value of foreign currency exchange and commodity contracts is determined using publicly quoted prices. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
Debt – The carrying value of debt in the financial statements is generally amortized cost. The carrying value of unsecured commercial paper approximates fair value due to its short maturity. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
The carrying value of debt provided under the Canadian Conduit approximates fair value since the interest rates charged under the facility are tied directly to market rates and fluctuate as market rates change. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
The fair values of the medium-term notes are estimated based upon rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
The fair value of the senior unsecured notes is estimated based upon rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
The fair value of the debt related to term asset-backed securitization transactions is estimated based on pricing currently available for transactions with similar terms and maturities. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value in the financial statements; some of these are measured on a recurring basis while others are measured on a non-recurring basis. Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value each time a financial statement is prepared. Assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value when a significant event occurs. In determining fair value of assets and liabilities, the Company uses various valuation techniques. The availability of inputs observable in the market varies from instrument to instrument and depends on a variety of factors including the type of instrument, whether the instrument is actively traded, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. For many financial instruments, pricing inputs are readily observable in the market, the valuation methodology used is widely accepted by market participants, and the valuation does not require significant management discretion. For other financial instruments, pricing inputs are less observable in the market and may require management judgment.
	The Company assesses the inputs used to measure fair value using a three-tier hierarchy. The hierarchy indicates the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Level 1 inputs include quoted prices for identical instruments and are the most observable.
	Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity rates and yield curves. The Company uses the market approach to derive the fair value for its level 2 fair value measurements. Foreign currency exchange contracts are valued using publicly quoted spot and forward prices; commodity contracts are valued using publicly quoted prices, where available, or dealer quotes; interest rate swaps are valued using publicized swap curves; and investments in marketable securities and cash equivalents are valued using publicly quoted prices.
	Level 3 inputs are not observable in the market and include management’s judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The use of observable and unobservable inputs is reflected in the hierarchy assessment disclosed in the following tables.
	Recurring Fair Value Measurements
	The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14
		Balance		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	660,520	$	482,780	$	177,740	$	—
	Marketable securities	91,381		33,567		57,814		—
	Derivatives	3,159		—		3,159		—
		$	755,060	$	516,347	$	238,713	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	1,478	$	—	$	1,478	$	—
		31-Dec-13
		Balance		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	836,387	$	516,173	$	320,214	$	—
	Marketable securities	129,181		30,172		99,009		—
	Derivatives	1,932		—		1,932		—
		$	967,500	$	546,345	$	421,155	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	3,925	$	—	$	3,925	$	—
		June 30, 2013
		Balance		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	1,070,329	$	620,947	$	449,382	$	—
	Marketable securities	155,824		22,193		133,631		—
	Derivatives	11,214		—		11,214		—
		$	1,237,367	$	643,140	$	594,227	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	570	$	—	$	570	$	—
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade receivables, finance receivables, net, trade payables, debt, and foreign currency contracts (derivative instruments are discussed further in Note 9).
	The following table summarizes the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14				31-Dec-13				30-Jun-13
		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	999,346	$	999,346	$	1,066,612	$	1,066,612	$	1,300,690	$	1,300,690
	Marketable securities	$	91,381	$	91,381	$	129,181	$	129,181	$	155,824	$	155,824
	Accounts receivable, net	$	289,940	$	289,940	$	261,065	$	261,065	$	253,819	$	253,819
	Derivatives	$	3,159	$	3,159	$	1,932	$	1,932	$	11,214	$	11,214
	Finance receivables, net	$	6,917,698	$	6,818,917	$	6,086,441	$	5,999,563	$	6,314,282	$	6,225,586
	Restricted cash	$	154,681	$	154,681	$	144,807	$	144,807	$	212,004	$	212,004
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	388,342	$	388,342	$	239,794	$	239,794	$	344,423	$	344,423
	Derivatives	$	1,478	$	1,478	$	3,925	$	3,925	$	570	$	570
	Unsecured commercial paper	$	619,622	$	619,622	$	666,317	$	666,317	$	525,745	$	525,745
	Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility	$	173,224	$	173,224	$	174,241	$	174,241	$	175,229	$	175,229
Medium-term notes	$	3,049,735	$	2,853,232	$	3,087,852	$	2,858,980	$	3,100,162	$	2,858,638
Senior unsecured notes	$	—	$	—	$	305,958	$	303,000	$	325,705	$	303,000
Term asset-backed securitization debt	$	1,717,287	$	1,712,855	$	1,259,314	$	1,256,632	$	1,673,645	$	1,673,759
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Accounts Receivable, Net and Accounts Payable – With the exception of certain cash equivalents, the carrying value of these items in the financial statements is based on historical cost. The historical cost basis for these amounts is estimated to approximate their respective fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments. Fair value is based on Level 1 or Level 2 inputs.
Marketable Securities – The carrying value of marketable securities in the financial statements is based on fair value. The fair value of marketable securities is determined primarily based on quoted prices for identical instruments or on quoted market prices of similar financial assets. Fair value is based on Level 1 or Level 2 inputs.
Finance Receivables, Net – The carrying value of retail and wholesale finance receivables in the financial statements is amortized cost less an allowance for credit losses. The fair value of retail finance receivables is generally calculated by discounting future cash flows using an estimated discount rate that reflects current credit, interest rate and prepayment risks associated with similar types of instruments. Fair value is determined based on Level 3 inputs. The amortized cost basis of wholesale finance receivables approximates fair value because they either are short-term or have interest rates that adjust with changes in market interest rates.
Derivatives – Interest rate swaps, foreign currency exchange contracts and commodity contracts are derivative financial instruments and are carried at fair value on the balance sheet. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using pricing models that incorporate quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves. The fair value of foreign currency exchange and commodity contracts is determined using publicly quoted prices. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
Debt – The carrying value of debt in the financial statements is generally amortized cost. The carrying value of unsecured commercial paper approximates fair value due to its short maturity. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
The carrying value of debt provided under the Canadian Conduit approximates fair value since the interest rates charged under the facility are tied directly to market rates and fluctuate as market rates change. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
The fair values of the medium-term notes are estimated based upon rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
The fair value of the senior unsecured notes is estimated based upon rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
The fair value of the debt related to term asset-backed securitization transactions is estimated based on pricing currently available for transactions with similar terms and maturities. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company is exposed to certain risks such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and commodity price risk. To reduce its exposure to such risks, the Company selectively uses derivative financial instruments. All derivative transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to regularly reviewed policies and procedures, which prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
	All derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value (see Note 7). In accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges, along with the gain or loss on the hedged item, are recorded in current period earnings. For derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of gains and losses that result from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments is initially recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged item affects income. The Company assesses, both at the inception of each hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are used in its hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. Any ineffective portion is immediately recognized in earnings. No component of a hedging derivative instrument’s gain or loss is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recorded at fair value, and any changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings.
	The Company sells its products internationally and in most markets those sales are made in the foreign country’s local currency. As a result, the Company’s earnings can be affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currency. The Company’s most significant foreign currency risk relates to the Euro, the Australian dollar, the Japanese yen and the Brazilian real. The Company utilizes foreign currency contracts to mitigate the effects of certain currencies’ fluctuations on earnings. The foreign currency contracts are entered into with banks and allow the Company to exchange a specified amount of foreign currency for U.S. dollars at a future date, based on a fixed exchange rate.
	The Company utilizes commodity contracts to hedge portions of the cost of certain commodities consumed in the Company’s motorcycle production and distribution operations.
	The Company’s foreign currency contracts and commodity contracts generally have maturities of less than one year.
	The Company’s earnings are affected by changes in interest rates. HDFS utilized interest rate swaps to reduce the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on its unsecured commercial paper by converting a portion from a floating rate basis to a fixed rate basis. The swaps expired during the second quarter of 2013, and as of June 29, 2014, HDFS had no interest rate swaps outstanding. The fair value of HDFS’s interest rate swaps at June 30, 2013 was determined using pricing models that incorporate quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves.
	The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14									31-Dec-13								30-Jun-13
	Derivatives Designated As Hedging	Notional			Asset			Liability			Notional			Asset			Liability		Notional		Asset		Liability
	Instruments Under ASC Topic 815	Value			Fair  Value(a)			Fair  Value(b)			Value			Fair  Value(a)			Fair  Value(b)		Value		Fair  Value(a)		Fair  Value(b)
	Foreign currency contracts(c)	$	398,338		$	3,091		$	1,461		$	299,550		$	1,672		$	3,842	$	333,407	$	11,214	$	29
	Commodity	1,411			—			17			1,286			76			—		1,226		—		99
	contracts(c)
	Interest rate swaps(c)	—			—			—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Total	$	399,749		$	3,091		$	1,478		$	300,836		$	1,748		$	3,842	$	334,633	$	11,214	$	128
		June 29, 2014									December 31, 2013								June 30, 2013
	Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging	Notional			Asset			Liability			Notional			Asset			Liability		Notional		Asset		Liability
	Instruments Under ASC Topic 815	Value			Fair  Value(a)			Fair  Value(b)			Value			Fair  Value(a)			Fair  Value(b)		Value		Fair  Value(a)		Fair  Value(b)
	Commodity contracts	$	7,754		$	68		$	—		$	9,855		$	184		$	83	$	11,958	$	—	$	442
		$	7,754		$	68		$	—		$	9,855		$	184		$	83	$	11,958	$	—	$	442
	(a)	Included in other current assets
	(b)	Included in accrued liabilities
	(c)	Derivative designated as a cash flow hedge
	The following tables summarize the amount of gains and losses related to derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges (in thousands):
		Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI, before tax
		Three months ended						Six months ended
	Cash Flow Hedges	June 29,			June 30,			June 29,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Foreign currency contracts	$	3,931		$	723		$	2,493		$	16,444
	Commodity contracts	(24		)	(231		)	191			(72		)
	Interest rate swaps	—			—			—			(2		)
	Total	$	3,907		$	492		$	2,684		$	16,370
		Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income
		Three months ended						Six months ended						Expected to be Reclassified
	Cash Flow Hedges	June 29,			June 30,			June 29,			June 30,			Over the Next Twelve Months
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Foreign currency contracts(a)	$	(1,183	)	$	753		$	(2,241	)	$	13		$	1,990
	Commodity contracts(a)	87			(34		)	283			13			(17		)
	Interest rate swaps(b)	—			(82		)	—			(345		)	—
	Total	$	(1,096	)	$	637		$	(1,958	)	$	(319	)	$	1,973
	(a)	Gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) to income is included in cost of goods sold.
	(b)	Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to income is included in financial services interest expense.
	The following tables summarize the amount of gains and losses related to derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments (in thousands):
		Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
		Three months ended						Six months ended
	Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges	June 29,			June 30,			June 29,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Commodity contracts(a)	$	184		$	21		$	(144	)	$	(609	)
	Total	$	184		$	21		$	(144	)	$	(609	)
	(a)	Gain/(loss) recognized in income is included in cost of goods sold.
	For the three and six months ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013, the cash flow hedges were highly effective and, as a result, the amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not material. No amounts were excluded from effectiveness testing.
	The Company is exposed to credit loss risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties to these derivative financial instruments. Although no assurances can be given, the Company does not expect any of the counterparties to these derivative financial instruments to fail to meet its obligations. To manage credit loss risk, the Company evaluates counterparties based on credit ratings and, on a quarterly basis, evaluates each hedge’s net position relative to the counterparty’s ability to cover its position.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following tables set forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) (in thousands):
			Three months ended June 29, 2014
			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Marketable securities			Derivative financial instruments			Pension and postretirement benefit plans			Total
	Beginning balance		$	36,274		$	(318	)	$	(1,907	)	$	(357,978	)	$	(323,929	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		6,945			(117		)	3,907			—			10,735
	Income tax		(1,212		)	43			(1,448		)	—			(2,617		)
	Net other comprehensive income before reclassifications		5,733			(74		)	2,459			—			8,118
	Reclassifications:
	Realized (gains) losses - foreign currency contracts(a)		—			—			1,183			—			1,183
	Realized (gains) losses - commodities contracts(a)		—			—			(87		)	—			(87		)
	Prior service credits(c)		—			—			—			(684		)	(684		)
	Actuarial losses(c)		—			—			—			10,323			10,323
	Total before tax		—			—			1,096			9,639			10,735
	Income tax expense		—			—			(405		)	(3,570		)	(3,975		)
	Net reclassifications		—			—			691			6,069			6,760
	Other comprehensive (loss) income		5,733			(74		)	3,150			6,069			14,878
	Ending Balance		$	42,007		$	(392	)	$	1,243		$	(351,909	)	$	(309,051	)
			Three months ended June 30, 2013
			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Marketable securities			Derivative financial instruments			Pension and postretirement benefit plans			Total
	Beginning balance		$	40,765		$	433		$	6,764		$	(645,614	)	$	(597,652	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(12,380		)	(608		)	492			—			(12,496		)
	Income tax		1,076			225			(182		)	—			1,119
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(11,304		)	(383		)	310			—			(11,377		)
	Reclassifications:
	Realized (gains) losses - foreign currency contracts(a)		—			—			(753		)	—			(753		)
	Realized (gains) losses - commodities contracts(a)		—			—			34			—			34
	Realized (gains) losses - interest rate swaps(b)		—			—			82			—			82
	Prior service credits(c)		—			—			—			(526		)	(526		)
	Actuarial losses(c)		—			—			—			16,789			16,789
	Total before tax		—			—			(637		)	16,263			15,626
	Income tax expense (benefit)		—			—			237			(6,024		)	(5,787		)
	Net reclassifications		—			—			(400		)	10,239			9,839
	Other comprehensive (loss) income		(11,304		)	(383		)	(90		)	10,239			(1,538		)
	Ending Balance		$	29,461		$	50		$	6,674		$	(635,375	)	$	(599,190	)
			Six months ended June 29, 2014
			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Marketable securities			Derivative financial instruments			Pension and postretirement benefit plans			Total
	Beginning balance		$	33,326		$	(276	)	$	(1,680	)	$	(364,046	)	$	(332,676	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		8,700			(184		)	2,684			—			11,200
	Income tax		(19		)	68			(994		)	—			(945		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		8,681			(116		)	1,690			—			10,255
	Reclassifications:
	Realized (gains) losses - foreign currency contracts(a)		—			—			2,241			—			2,241
	Realized (gains) losses - commodities contracts(a)		—			—			(283		)	—			(283		)
	Prior service credits(c)		—			—			—			(1,368		)	(1,368		)
	Actuarial losses(c)		—			—			—			20,645			20,645
	Total before tax		—			—			1,958			19,277			21,235
	Income tax benefit		—			—			(725		)	(7,140		)	(7,865		)
	Net reclassifications		—			—			1,233			12,137			13,370
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		8,681			(116		)	2,923			12,137			23,625
	Ending Balance		$	42,007		$	(392	)	$	1,243		$	(351,909	)	$	(309,051	)
			Six months ended June 30, 2013
			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Marketable securities			Derivative financial instruments			Pension and postretirement benefit plans			Total
	Beginning balance		$	51,335		$	677		$	(3,837	)	$	(655,853	)	$	(607,678	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(23,852		)	(996		)	16,370			—			(8,478		)
	Income tax		1,978			369			(6,063		)	—			(3,716		)
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(21,874		)	(627		)	10,307			—			(12,194		)
	Reclassifications:
	Realized (gains) losses - foreign currency contracts(a)		—			—			(13		)	—			(13		)
	Realized (gains) losses - commodities contracts(a)		—			—			(13		)	—			(13		)
	Realized (gains) losses - interest rate swaps(b)		—			—			345			—			345
	Prior service credits(c)		—			—			—			(1,052		)	(1,052		)
	Actuarial losses(c)		—			—			—			33,578			33,578
Total before tax		—			—			319			32,526			32,845
Income tax benefit		—			—			(115		)	(12,048		)	(12,163		)
Net reclassifications		—			—			204			20,478			20,682
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(21,874		)	(627		)	10,511			20,478			8,488
Ending Balance		$	29,461		$	50		$	6,674		$	(635,375	)	$	(599,190	)
(a)	Amounts reclassified to net income are included in motorcycles and related products cost of goods sold.
(b)	Amounts reclassified to net income are presented in financial services interest expense.
(c)	Amounts reclassified are included in the computation of net periodic period cost. See note 14 for information related to pension and postretirement benefit plans.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company’s 2014 income tax rate for the six months ended June 29, 2014 was 35.3% compared to 34.8% for the same period last year. The higher effective tax rate in the first half of 2014 primarily reflects the absence of the U.S. Federal Research and Development tax credit that expired at the end of 2013. The effective tax rate for the first half of 2013 also included the full-impact of the 2012 U.S. Federal Research and Development tax credit due to the timing of the enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act.

Product_Warranty_and_Safety_Re

Product Warranty and Safety Recall Campaigns	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Product Warranty and Safety Recall Campaigns	'
	Product Warranty and Safety Recall Campaigns
	The Company currently provides a standard two-year limited warranty on all new motorcycles sold worldwide, except for Japan, where the Company currently provides a standard three-year limited warranty on all new motorcycles sold. In addition, the Company provides a one-year warranty for Parts & Accessories (P&A). The warranty coverage for the retail customer generally begins when the product is sold to a retail customer. The Company maintains reserves for future warranty claims using an estimated cost, which is based primarily on historical Company claim information. Additionally, the Company has from time to time initiated certain voluntary safety recall campaigns. The Company reserves for all estimated costs associated with safety recalls in the period that the safety recalls are announced.
	Changes in the Company’s warranty and safety recall liability were as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		June 29,			June 30,			June 29,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	69,336		$	67,709		$	64,120		$	60,263
	Warranties issued during the period	19,824			19,401			37,186			34,521
	Settlements made during the period	(16,921		)	(16,702		)	(28,494		)	(28,340		)
	Recalls and changes to pre-existing warranty liabilities	3,798			(2		)	3,225			3,962
	Balance, end of period	$	76,037		$	70,406		$	76,037		$	70,406
	The liability for safety recall campaigns was $6.8 million, $4.0 million and $3.0 million as of June 29, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		June 29,		June 30,		June 29,		June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share	$	354,153	$	271,739	$	620,070	$	495,868
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted-average common shares	217,762		223,052		218,367		223,737
	Effect of dilutive securities - employee stock compensation plan	1,399		1,418		1,453		1,569
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding	219,161		224,470		219,820		225,306
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	1.63	$	1.22	$	2.84	$	2.22
	Diluted	$	1.62	$	1.21	$	2.82	$	2.2
	Outstanding options to purchase 0.4 million and 1.2 million shares of common stock for the three months ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013, respectively, and 0.5 million and 1.3 million shares of common stock for the six months ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 were not included in the Company’s computation of dilutive securities because the exercise price was greater than the market price and therefore the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
	The Company has a share-based compensation plan under which employees may be granted share-based awards including shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs). Non-forfeitable dividends are paid on unvested shares of restricted stock and non-forfeitable dividend equivalents are paid on unvested RSUs. As such, shares of restricted stock and RSUs are considered participating securities under the two-class method of calculating earnings per share as described in ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share.” The two-class method of calculating earnings per share did not have a material impact on the Company’s earnings per share calculation for the three and six month periods ending June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013, respectively.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company has a defined benefit pension plan and postretirement healthcare benefit plans that cover certain employees of the Motorcycles segment. The Company also has unfunded supplemental employee retirement plan agreements (SERPA) with certain employees which were instituted to replace benefits lost under the Tax Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. Net periodic benefit costs are allocated among selling, administrative and engineering expense, cost of goods sold and inventory. Amounts capitalized in inventory are not significant. Components of net periodic benefit costs were as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		June 29,			June 30,			June 29,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension and SERPA Benefits
	Service cost	$	7,874		$	8,997		$	15,748		$	17,994
	Interest cost	21,731			19,752			43,462			39,564
	Expected return on plan assets	(34,184		)	(31,832		)	(68,368		)	(63,664		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service cost	279			437			558			874
	Net loss	9,141			14,652			18,281			29,304
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,841		$	12,006		$	9,681		$	24,072
	Postretirement Healthcare Benefits
	Service cost	$	1,754		$	1,965		$	3,508		$	3,930
	Interest cost	4,220			3,900			8,439			7,800
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,607		)	(2,384		)	(5,215		)	(4,768		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service credit	(963		)	(963		)	(1,927		)	(1,926		)
	Net loss	1,182			2,137			2,364			4,274
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	3,586		$	4,655		$	7,169		$	9,310
	During the first six months of 2013, the Company voluntarily contributed $175 million in cash to further fund its pension plans. No pension contributions to qualified plans are required in 2014. The Company expects it will continue to make on-going contributions related to current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segments	'
	Business Segments
	The Company operates in two business segments: Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) and Financial Services. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations. Selected segment information is set forth below (in thousands):
		Three months ended					Six months ended
		June 29,		June 30,			June 29,		June 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Motorcycles net revenue	$	1,834,285	$	1,631,466		$	3,405,973	$	3,045,714
	Gross profit	724,139		601,870			1,316,270		1,121,312
	Selling, administrative and engineering expense	250,883		249,502			495,322		489,245
	Restructuring benefit	—		(5,297		)	—		(2,359		)
	Operating income from Motorcycles	473,256		357,665			820,948		634,426
	Financial Services revenue	166,414		162,841			320,774		319,806
	Financial Services expense	91,975		88,685			183,145		174,105
	Operating income from Financial Services	74,439		74,156			137,629		145,701
	Operating income	$	547,695	$	431,821		$	958,577	$	780,127

Commitment_and_Contingencies

Commitment and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitment and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company is subject to lawsuits and other claims related to environmental, product and other matters. In determining required reserves related to these items, the Company carefully analyzes cases and considers the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as the potential range of possible loss. The required reserves are monitored on an ongoing basis and are updated based on new developments or new information in each matter.
	Environmental Protection Agency Notice
	In December 2009, the Company received formal, written requests for information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding: (i) certificates of conformity for motorcycle emissions and related designations and labels, (ii) aftermarket parts, and (iii) warranty claims on emissions related components. The Company promptly submitted written responses to the EPA’s inquiry and has engaged in discussions with the EPA. Since that time, the EPA has delivered various additional requests for information to which the Company has responded. It is possible that a result of the EPA’s investigation will be some form of enforcement action by the EPA that will seek a fine or other relief. However, at this time the Company does not know and cannot reasonably estimate the impact of any remedies the EPA might seek, if any.
	York Environmental Matters:
	The Company is involved with government agencies and groups of potentially responsible parties in various environmental matters, including a matter involving the cleanup of soil and groundwater contamination at its York, Pennsylvania facility. The York facility was formerly used by the U.S. Navy and AMF prior to the purchase of the York facility by the Company from AMF in 1981. Although the Company is not certain as to the full extent of the environmental contamination at the York facility, it has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) since 1986 in undertaking environmental investigation and remediation activities, including an ongoing site-wide remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS). In January 1995, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the Agreement) with the Navy, and the parties amended the Agreement in 2013 to address ordnance and explosive waste. The Agreement calls for the Navy and the Company to contribute amounts into a trust equal to 53% and 47%, respectively, of future costs associated with environmental investigation and remediation activities at the York facility (Response Costs). The trust administers the payment of the Response Costs incurred at the York facility as covered by the Agreement.
	The Company estimates that its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility will be approximately $3.2 million and has established a reserve for this amount which is included in accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As noted above, the RI/FS is still underway and given the uncertainty that exists concerning the nature and scope of additional environmental investigation and remediation that may ultimately be required under the RI/FS or otherwise at the York facility, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of those additional costs, if any, that may result.
	The estimate of the Company’s future Response Costs that will be incurred at the York facility is based on reports of independent environmental consultants retained by the Company, the actual costs incurred to date and the estimated costs to complete the necessary investigation and remediation activities. Response Costs are expected to be paid primarily over a period of several years ending in 2017 although certain Response Costs may continue for some time beyond 2017.
	Product Liability Matters:
	The Company is involved in product liability suits related to the operation of its business. The Company accrues for claim exposures that are probable of occurrence and can be reasonably estimated. The Company also maintains insurance coverage for product liability exposures. The Company believes that its accruals and insurance coverage are adequate and that product liability suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental_Consolidating_Dat

Supplemental Consolidating Data	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Consolidating Data	'
	Supplemental Consolidating Data
	The supplemental consolidating data for the periods noted is presented for informational purposes. The supplemental consolidating data may be different than segment information presented elsewhere due to the allocation of intercompany eliminations to reporting segments. All supplemental data is presented in thousands.
		Three months ended June 29, 2014
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services Operations
	Revenue:
	Motorcycles and Related Products	$	1,836,974		$	—		$	(2,689	)	$	1,834,285
	Financial Services	—			166,963			(549		)	166,414
	Total revenue	1,836,974			166,963			(3,238		)	2,000,699
	Costs and expenses:
	Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	1,110,146			—			—			1,110,146
	Financial Services interest expense	—			40,741			—			40,741
	Financial Services provision for credit losses	—			15,961			—			15,961
	Selling, administrative and engineering expense	251,432			37,962			(3,238		)	286,156
	Total costs and expenses	1,361,578			94,664			(3,238		)	1,453,004
	Operating income	475,396			72,299			—			547,695
	Investment income	1,772			—			—			1,772
	Interest expense	393			—			—			393
	Income before provision for income taxes	476,775			72,299			—			549,074
	Provision for income taxes	168,303			26,618			—			194,921
	Net income	$	308,472		$	45,681		$	—		$	354,153
		Six months ended June 29, 2014
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services Operations
	Revenue:
	Motorcycles and Related Products	$	3,410,941		$	—		$	(4,968	)	$	3,405,973
	Financial Services	—			321,649			(875		)	320,774
	Total revenue	3,410,941			321,649			(5,843		)	3,726,747
	Costs and expenses:
	Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	2,089,703			—			—			2,089,703
	Financial Services interest expense	—			79,598			—			79,598
	Financial Services provision for credit losses	—			36,292			—			36,292
	Selling, administrative and engineering expense	496,197			72,223			(5,843		)	562,577
	Total costs and expenses	2,585,900			188,113			(5,843		)	2,768,170
	Operating income	825,041			133,536			—			958,577
	Investment income	123,431			—			(120,000		)	3,431
	Interest expense	4,070			—			—			4,070
	Income before provision for income taxes	944,402			133,536			(120,000		)	957,938
	Provision for income taxes	288,876			48,992			—			337,868
	Net income	$	655,526		$	84,544		$	(120,000	)	$	620,070
		Three months ended June 30, 2013
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services Operations
	Revenue:
	Motorcycles and Related Products	$	1,634,165		$	—		$	(2,699	)	$	1,631,466
	Financial Services	—			163,335			(494		)	162,841
	Total revenue	1,634,165			163,335			(3,193		)	1,794,307
	Costs and expenses:
	Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	1,029,596			—			—			1,029,596
	Financial Services interest expense	—			45,506			—			45,506
	Financial Services provision for credit losses	—			11,297			—			11,297
	Selling, administrative and engineering expense	249,996			34,581			(3,193		)	281,384
	Restructuring benefit	(5,297		)	—			—			(5,297		)
	Total costs and expenses	1,274,295			91,384			(3,193		)	1,362,486
	Operating income	359,870			71,951			—			431,821
	Investment income	1,770			—			—			1,770
	Interest expense	11,238			—			—			11,238
	Income before provision for income taxes	350,402			71,951			—			422,353
	Provision for income taxes	124,271			26,343			—			150,614
	Net income	$	226,131		$	45,608		$	—		$	271,739
		Six months ended June 30, 2013
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services Operations
Revenue:
Motorcycles and Related Products	$	3,050,974		$	—		$	(5,260	)	$	3,045,714
Financial Services	—			320,632			(826		)	319,806
Total revenue	3,050,974			320,632			(6,086		)	3,365,520
Costs and expenses:
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	1,924,402			—			—			1,924,402
Financial Services interest expense	—			86,060			—			86,060
Financial Services provision for credit losses	—			24,407			—			24,407
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	490,071			68,898			(6,086		)	552,883
Restructuring benefit	(2,359		)	—			—			(2,359		)
Total costs and expenses	2,412,114			179,365			(6,086		)	2,585,393
Operating income	638,860			141,267			—			780,127
Investment income	188,385			—			(185,000		)	3,385
Interest expense	22,629			—			—			22,629
Income before provision for income taxes	804,616			141,267			(185,000		)	760,883
Provision for income taxes	213,557			51,458			—			265,015
Net income	$	591,059		$	89,809		$	(185,000	)	$	495,868
	29-Jun-14
	Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Products Operations			Services Operations
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	635,705		$	363,641		$	—		$	999,346
Marketable securities	57,814			—			—			57,814
Accounts receivable, net	1,317,297			—			(1,027,357		)	289,940
Finance receivables, net	—			2,281,512			—			2,281,512
Inventories	371,597			—			—			371,597
Restricted cash	—			154,681			—			154,681
Deferred income taxes	52,348			38,000			—			90,348
Other current assets	95,429			33,031			—			128,460
Total current assets	2,530,190			2,870,865			(1,027,357		)	4,373,698
Finance receivables, net	—			4,537,405			—			4,537,405
Property, plant and equipment, net	792,642			33,825			—			826,467
Prepaid pension costs	256,279			—			—			256,279
Goodwill	30,252			—			—			30,252
Deferred income taxes	2,915			—			—			2,915
Other long-term assets	111,229			14,506			(76,455		)	49,280
	$	3,723,507		$	7,456,601		$	(1,103,812	)	$	10,076,296
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	316,707		$	1,098,992		$	(1,027,357	)	$	388,342
Accrued liabilities	423,312			79,205			(1,748		)	500,769
Short-term debt	—			619,622			—			619,622
Current portion of long-term debt	—			944,915			—			944,915
Total current liabilities	740,019			2,742,734			(1,029,105		)	2,453,648
Long-term debt	—			3,794,396			—			3,794,396
Pension liability	38,174			—			—			38,174
Postretirement healthcare benefits	209,312			—			—			209,312
Deferred income taxes	35,597			1,574			1,748			38,919
Other long-term liabilities	152,862			22,725			—			175,587
Shareholders’ equity	2,547,543			895,172			(76,455		)	3,366,260
	$	3,723,507		$	7,456,601		$	(1,103,812	)	$	10,076,296
	31-Dec-13
	Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Products Operations			Services Operations
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	718,912		$	347,700		$	—		$	1,066,612
Marketable securities	99,009			—			—			99,009
Accounts receivable, net	850,248			—			(589,183		)	261,065
Finance receivables, net	—			1,773,686			—			1,773,686
Inventories	424,507			—			—			424,507
Restricted cash	—			144,807			—			144,807
Deferred income taxes	70,557			33,068			—			103,625
Other current assets	82,717			34,573			(1,798		)	115,492
Total current assets	2,245,950			2,333,834			(590,981		)	3,988,803
Finance receivables, net	—			4,225,877			—			4,225,877
Property, plant and equipment, net	808,005			34,472			—			842,477
Prepaid pension costs	244,871			—			—			244,871
Goodwill	30,452			—			—			30,452
Deferred income taxes	3,339			—			—			3,339
Other long-term assets	126,940			17,360			(75,079		)	69,221
	$	3,459,557		$	6,611,543		$	(666,060	)	$	9,405,040
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	203,786		$	625,191		$	(589,183	)	$	239,794
Accrued liabilities	353,618			77,774			(4,057		)	427,335
Short-term debt	—			666,317			—			666,317
Current portion of long-term debt	303,000			873,140			—			1,176,140
Total current liabilities	860,404			2,242,422			(593,240		)	2,509,586
Long-term debt	—			3,416,713			—			3,416,713
Pension liability	36,371			—			—			36,371
Postretirement healthcare benefits	216,165			—			—			216,165
Deferred income taxes	44,584			2,656			2,259			49,499
Other long-term liabilities	146,686			20,534			—			167,220
Shareholders’ equity	2,155,347			929,218			(75,079		)	3,009,486
	$	3,459,557		$	6,611,543		$	(666,060	)	$	9,405,040
	30-Jun-13
	Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Products Operations			Services Operations
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	935,095		$	365,595		$	—		$	1,300,690
Marketable securities	133,631			—			—			133,631
Accounts receivable, net	956,619			—			(702,800		)	253,819
Finance receivables, net	—			2,010,974			—			2,010,974
Inventories	307,717			—			—			307,717
Restricted cash	—			212,004			—			212,004
Other current assets	175,231			60,405			—			235,636
Total current assets	2,508,293			2,648,978			(702,800		)	4,454,471
Finance receivables, net	—			4,214,612			—			4,214,612
Property, plant and equipment, net	758,674			31,889			—			790,563
Goodwill	29,183			—			—			29,183
Other long-term assets	277,409			18,011			(77,051		)	218,369
	$	3,573,559		$	6,913,490		$	(779,851	)	$	9,707,198
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	290,363		$	756,860		$	(702,800	)	$	344,423
Accrued liabilities	392,613			61,015			(3,381		)	450,247
Short-term debt	—			525,745			—			525,745
Current portion of long-term debt	303,000			473,274			—			776,274
Total current liabilities	985,976			1,816,894			(706,181		)	2,096,689
Long-term debt	—			4,234,352			—			4,234,352
Pension liability	148,974			—			—			148,974
Postretirement healthcare liability	271,122			—			—			271,122
Other long-term liabilities	116,645			18,177			—			134,822
Shareholders’ equity	2,050,842			844,067			(73,670		)	2,821,239
	$	3,573,559		$	6,913,490		$	(779,851	)	$	9,707,198
	Six months ended June 29, 2014
	Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations &			Consolidated
	Products Operations			Services  Operations			Adjustments
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	655,526		$	84,544		$	(120,000	)	$	620,070
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	83,348			3,775			—			87,123
Amortization of deferred loan origination costs	—			45,713						45,713
Amortization of financing origination fees	59			4,225			—			4,284
Provision for employee long-term benefits	16,854			—			—			16,854
Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	(14,035		)	—			—			(14,035		)
Stock compensation expense	19,393			1,375			—			20,768
Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales	—			—			(510,200		)	(510,200		)
Provision for credit losses	—			36,292			—			36,292
Loss on debt extinguishment	—			1,145			—			1,145
Deferred income taxes	939			(6,023		)	—			(5,084		)
Foreign currency adjustments	(3,894		)	—			—			(3,894		)
Other, net	4,712			4,620			—			9,332
Change in current assets and current liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(363,817		)	—			338,174			(25,643		)
Finance receivables—accrued interest and other	—			(993		)	—			(993		)
Inventories	58,741			—			—			58,741
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	189,117			375,290			(338,174		)	226,233
Derivative instruments	968			—			—			968
Other	4,962			(2,044		)	—			2,918
Total adjustments	(2,653		)	463,375			(510,200		)	(49,478		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	652,873			547,919			(630,200		)	570,592
	Six months ended June 29, 2014
	Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations &			Consolidated
	Products Operations			Services  Operations			Adjustments
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(71,395		)	(3,128		)	—			(74,523		)
Origination of finance receivables	—			(4,580,910		)	2,676,333			(1,904,577		)
Collections of finance receivables	—			3,684,319			(2,166,133		)	1,518,186
Sales and redemptions of marketable securities	41,010			—			—			41,010
Other	145			—			—			145
Net cash used by investing activities	(30,240		)	(899,719		)	510,200			(419,759		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of senior unsecured notes	(303,000		)	—			—			(303,000		)
Repayments of medium-term notes	—			(7,220		)	—			(7,220		)
Intercompany borrowing activity	(100,000		)	100,000			—			—
Proceeds from securitization debt	—			847,126			—			847,126
Repayments of securitization debt	—			(393,655		)	—			(393,655		)
Net increase in credit facilities and unsecured commercial paper	—			(48,134		)	—			(48,134		)
Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper	—			36,800			—			36,800
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	—			(37,317		)	—			(37,317		)
Net change in restricted cash	—			(9,874		)	—			(9,874		)
Dividends paid	(120,631		)	(120,000		)	120,000			(120,631		)
Purchase of common stock for treasury	(223,736		)	—			—			(223,736		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	8,652			—			—			8,652
Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans	27,907			—			—			27,907
Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities	(710,808		)	367,726			120,000			(223,082		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	4,968			15			—			4,983
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	(83,207	)	$	15,941		$	—		$	(67,266	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	$	718,912		$	347,700		$	—		$	1,066,612
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(83,207		)	15,941			—			(67,266		)
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	635,705		$	363,641		$	—		$	999,346
	Six months ended June 30, 2013
	Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations &			Consolidated
	Products Operations			Services  Operations			Adjustments
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	591,059		$	89,809		$	(185,000	)	$	495,868
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	80,592			2,814			—			83,406
Amortization of deferred loan origination costs	—			40,947			—			40,947
Amortization of financing origination fees	237			4,398			—			4,635
Provision for employee long-term benefits	33,382			—			—			33,382
Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	(189,116		)	—			—			(189,116		)
Stock compensation expense	19,592			1,469			—			21,061
Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales	—			—			(293,293		)	(293,293		)
Provision for credit losses	—			24,407			—			24,407
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			4,947			—			4,947
Foreign currency adjustments	18,529			—			—			18,529
Other, net	(647		)	205			—			(442		)
Change in current assets and current liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(286,024		)	—			251,237			(34,787		)
Finance receivables—accrued interest and other	—			699			—			699
Inventories	69,475			—			—			69,475
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	63,605			258,353			(251,237		)	70,721
Restructuring reserves	(22,790		)	—			—			(22,790		)
Derivative instruments	(1,529		)	(28		)	—			(1,557		)
Other	65,613			(2,028		)	—			63,585
Total adjustments	(149,081		)	336,183			(293,293		)	(106,191		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	441,978			425,992			(478,293		)	389,677
	Six months ended June 30, 2013
	Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations &			Consolidated
	Products Operations			Services  Operations			Adjustments
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(64,282		)	(2,307		)	—			(66,589		)
Origination of finance receivables	—			(4,019,925		)	2,366,693			(1,653,232		)
Collections of finance receivables	—			3,496,088			(2,073,400		)	1,422,688
Purchases of marketable securities	(4,998		)	—			—			(4,998		)
Sales and redemptions of marketable securities	6,003			—			—			6,003
Other	6,667			—			—			6,667
Net cash used by investing activities	(56,610		)	(526,144		)	293,293			(289,461		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of medium-term notes	—			(27,858		)	—			(27,858		)
Intercompany borrowing activity	100,000			(100,000		)	—			—
Proceeds from securitization debt	—			647,516			—			647,516
Repayments of securitization debt	—			(423,455		)	—			(423,455		)
Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper	—			47,061			—			47,061
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	—			(37,642		)	—			(37,642		)
Net increase in credit facilities and unsecured commercial paper	—			230,761			—			230,761
Net change in restricted cash	—			(23,996		)	—			(23,996		)
Dividends paid	(94,213		)	(185,000		)	185,000			(94,213		)
Purchase of common stock for treasury	(208,699		)	—			—			(208,699		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	16,338			—			—			16,338
Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans	24,677			—			—			24,677
Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities	(161,897		)	127,387			185,000			150,490
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(16,092		)	(2,062		)	—			(18,154		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	207,379		$	25,173		$	—		$	232,552
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	$	727,716		$	340,422		$	—		$	1,068,138
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	207,379			25,173			—			232,552
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	935,095		$	365,595		$	—		$	1,300,690

Additional_Balance_Sheet_and_C1

Additional Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities	'
	The Company’s marketable securities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 29,			December 31,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2013
	Available-for-sale: Corporate bonds	$	57,814		$	99,009		$	133,631
	Trading securities: Mutual funds	33,567			30,172			22,193
		$	91,381		$	129,181		$	155,824
Inventories Net	'
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		June 29,			December 31,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2013
	Components at the lower of FIFO cost or market
	Raw materials and work in process	$	118,720		$	140,302		$	116,334
	Motorcycle finished goods	179,314			205,416			111,188
	Parts and accessories and general merchandise	122,289			127,515			126,084
	Inventory at lower of FIFO cost or market	420,323			473,233			353,606
	Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost	(48,726		)	(48,726		)	(45,889		)
		$	371,597		$	424,507		$	307,717
Reconciliation Of Net Income To Net Cash Used By Operating Activities	'
	The reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities is as follows (in thousands):
		Six months ended
		June 29,			June 30,
		2014			2013
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	620,070		$	495,868
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation	87,123			83,406
	Amortization of deferred loan origination costs	45,713			40,947
	Amortization of financing origination fees	4,284			4,635
	Provision for employee long-term benefits	16,854			33,382
	Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	(14,035		)	(189,116		)
	Stock compensation expense	20,768			21,061
	Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales	(510,200		)	(293,293		)
	Provision for credit losses	36,292			24,407
	Loss on debt extinguishment	1,145			4,947
	Deferred income taxes	(5,084		)	—
	Foreign currency adjustments	(3,894		)	18,529
	Other, net	9,332			(442		)
	Changes in current assets and liabilities:
	Accounts receivable, net	(25,643		)	(34,787		)
	Finance receivables—accrued interest and other	(993		)	699
	Inventories	58,741			69,475
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	226,233			70,721
	Restructuring reserves	—			(22,790		)
	Derivative instruments	968			(1,557		)
	Other	2,918			63,585
	Total adjustments	(49,478		)	(106,191		)
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	570,592		$	389,677

Restructuring_Expense_Tables

Restructuring Expense (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Plan Reserve Recorded In Accrued Liabilities	'
	The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment’s 2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan and modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances as recorded in accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Six months ended June 30, 2013
		Kansas City								New Castalloy												Consolidated
		Employee			Other		Total			Employee			Accelerated			Other			Total			Total
		Severance and								Severance and			Depreciation
		Termination								Termination
		Costs								Costs
	Balance, beginning of period	$	2,259		$	—	$	2,259		$	9,306		$	—		$	145		$	9,451		$	11,710
	Restructuring expense	—			—		—			860			2,093			577			3,530			3,530
	Utilized—cash	(1,283		)	—		(1,283		)	(4,019		)	—			(589		)	(4,608		)	(5,891		)
	Utilized—non-cash	—			—		—			—			(2,093		)	—			(2,093		)	(2,093		)
	Non-cash reserve release	(376		)	—		(376		)	(5,250		)	—			—			(5,250		)	(5,626		)
	Balance, end of period	$	600		$	—	$	600		$	897		$	—		$	133		$	1,030		$	1,630
	The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment’s 2010 Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances as recorded in accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Six months ended
		30-Jun-13
		Employee
		Severance and
		Termination Costs
	Balance, beginning of period	$	10,156
	Restructuring expense	—
	Utilized—cash	(9,710		)
	Non-cash reserve release	(336		)
	Balance, end of period	$	110
	The following table summarizes the Company’s 2009 Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances recorded in accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Six months ended June 30, 2013
		Motorcycles & Related Products
		Employee			Accelerated		Other			Total
		Severance and			Depreciation
		Termination Costs
	Balance, beginning of period	$	5,196		$	—	$	161		$	5,357
	Restructuring expense	—			—		1,606			1,606
	Utilized—cash	(1,613		)	—		(1,591		)	(3,204		)
	Non-cash reserve release	(1,533		)	—		—			(1,533		)
	Balance, end of period	$	2,050		$	—	$	176		$	2,226

Finance_Receivables_Tables

Finance Receivables (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Finance Receivables	'
	Finance receivables, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 29,			December 31,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2013
	Retail	$	5,603,187		$	5,265,044		$	5,248,289
	Wholesale	1,338,085			845,212			1,088,621
		6,941,272			6,110,256			6,336,910
	Allowance for credit losses	(122,355		)	(110,693		)	(111,324		)
		$	6,818,917		$	5,999,563		$	6,225,586
Changes In The Allowance For Credit Losses On Finance Receivables	'
	The allowance for credit losses and finance receivables by portfolio, segregated by those amounts that are individually evaluated for impairment and those that are collectively evaluated for impairment, was as follows (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Allowance for credit losses, ending balance:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	114,899			7,456			122,355
	Total allowance for credit losses	$	114,899		$	7,456		$	122,355
	Finance receivables, ending balance:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,603,187			1,338,085			6,941,272
	Total finance receivables	$	5,603,187		$	1,338,085		$	6,941,272
		31-Dec-13
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Allowance for credit losses, ending balance:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	106,063			4,630			110,693
	Total allowance for credit losses	$	106,063		$	4,630		$	110,693
	Finance receivables, ending balance:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,265,044			845,212			6,110,256
	Total finance receivables	$	5,265,044		$	845,212		$	6,110,256
		June 30, 2013
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Allowance for credit losses, ending balance:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	103,770			7,554			111,324
	Total allowance for credit losses	$	103,770		$	7,554		$	111,324
	Finance receivables, ending balance:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,248,289			1,088,621			6,336,910
	Total finance receivables	$	5,248,289		$	1,088,621		$	6,336,910
	Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables by portfolio were as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended June 29, 2014
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	106,776		$	7,753		$	114,529
	Provision for credit losses	16,258			(297		)	15,961
	Charge-offs	(19,018		)	—			(19,018		)
	Recoveries	10,883			—			10,883
	Balance, end of period	$	114,899		$	7,456		$	122,355
		Three months ended June 30, 2013
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	98,542		$	8,250		$	106,792
	Provision for credit losses	11,993			(696		)	11,297
	Charge-offs	(18,166		)	—			(18,166		)
	Recoveries	11,401			—			11,401
	Balance, end of period	$	103,770		$	7,554		$	111,324
		Six months ended June 29, 2014
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	106,063		$	4,630		$	110,693
	Provision for credit losses	33,466			2,826			36,292
	Charge-offs	(46,361		)	—			(46,361		)
	Recoveries	21,731			—			21,731
	Balance, end of period	$	114,899		$	7,456		$	122,355
		Six months ended June 30, 2013
		Retail			Wholesale			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	101,442		$	6,225		$	107,667
	Provision for credit losses	23,078			1,329			24,407
	Charge-offs	(43,409		)	—			(43,409		)
	Recoveries	22,659			—			22,659
	Balance, end of period	$	103,770		$	7,554		$	111,324
Aging Of Past Due Finance Receivables Including Non-Accrual Status Finance Receivables	'
	An analysis of the aging of past due finance receivables was as follows (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14
		Current			31-60 Days			61-90 Days			Greater than		Total		Total
					Past Due			Past Due			90 Days		Past Due		Finance
											Past Due				Receivables
	Retail	$	5,469,796		$	90,617		$	28,088		$	14,686	$	133,391	$	5,603,187
	Wholesale	1,337,437			501			113			34		648		1,338,085
	Total	$	6,807,233		$	91,118		$	28,201		$	14,720	$	134,039	$	6,941,272
		December 31, 2013
		Current			31-60 Days			61-90 Days			Greater than		Total		Total
					Past Due			Past Due			90 Days		Past Due		Finance
											Past Due				Receivables
	Retail	$	5,094,615		$	109,806		$	36,029		$	24,594	$	170,429	$	5,265,044
	Wholesale	844,033			791			181			207		1,179		845,212
	Total	$	5,938,648		$	110,597		$	36,210		$	24,801	$	171,608	$	6,110,256
		June 30, 2013
		Current			31-60 Days			61-90 Days			Greater than		Total		Total
					Past Due			Past Due			90 Days		Past Due		Finance
											Past Due				Receivables
	Retail	$	5,119,572		$	90,790		$	24,023		$	13,904	$	128,717	$	5,248,289
	Wholesale	1,087,607			507			281			226		1,014		1,088,621
	Total	$	6,207,179		$	91,297		$	24,304		$	14,130	$	129,731	$	6,336,910
Recorded Investment Of Retail Finance Receivables By Credit Quality Indicator	'
	The recorded investment of wholesale finance receivables, by internal credit quality indicator, was as follows (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14			31-Dec-13			30-Jun-13
	Doubtful	$	4,916		$	—		$	3,958
	Substandard	4,192			8,383			14,187
	Special Mention	—			2,076			2,929
	Medium Risk	16,202			5,205			10,041
	Low Risk	1,312,775			829,548			1,057,506
	Total	$	1,338,085		$	845,212		$	1,088,621
	The recorded investment of retail finance receivables, by credit quality indicator, was as follows (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14			31-Dec-13			30-Jun-13
	Prime	$	4,407,364		$	4,141,559		$	4,128,450
	Sub-prime	1,195,823			1,123,485			1,119,839
	Total	$	5,603,187		$	5,265,044		$	5,248,289

AssetBacked_Financing_Tables

Asset-Backed Financing (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Secured Debt [Abstract]	'
Assets and Liabilities Of Variable Interest Entities	'
	The following table shows the assets and liabilities related to the asset-backed financings that were included in the financial statements (in thousands):
		June 29, 2014
		Finance receivables		Allowance for credit losses			Restricted cash		Other assets		Total assets		Asset-backed debt
	On-balance sheet assets and liabilities
	Consolidated VIEs
	Term asset-backed securitizations	$	1,893,585	$	(39,329	)	$	141,146	$	2,342	$	1,997,744	$	1,712,855
	Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility	—		—			—		179		179		—
	Unconsolidated VIEs
	Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility	203,800		(3,235		)	13,535		240		214,340		173,224
	Total on-balance sheet assets and liabilities	$	2,097,385	$	(42,564	)	$	154,681	$	2,761	$	2,212,263	$	1,886,079
		December 31, 2013
		Finance receivables		Allowance for credit losses			Restricted cash		Other assets		Total assets		Asset-backed debt
	On-balance sheet assets and liabilities
	Consolidated VIEs
	Term asset-backed securitizations	$	1,569,118	$	(31,778	)	$	133,053	$	3,720	$	1,674,113	$	1,256,632
	Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility	—		—			—		429		429		—
	Unconsolidated VIEs
	Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility	204,092		(3,361		)	11,754		589		213,074		174,241
	Total on-balance sheet assets and liabilities	$	1,773,210	$	(35,139	)	$	144,807	$	4,738	$	1,887,616	$	1,430,873
		June 30, 2013
		Finance receivables		Allowance for credit losses			Restricted cash		Other assets		Total assets		Asset-backed debt
	On-balance sheet assets and liabilities
	Consolidated VIEs
	Term asset-backed securitizations	$	2,223,167	$	(43,727	)	$	198,893	$	4,082	$	2,382,415	$	1,673,759
	Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility	—		—			—		174		174		—
	Unconsolidated VIEs
	Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility	202,894		(3,547		)	13,111		109		212,567		175,229
	Total on-balance sheet assets and liabilities	$	2,426,061	$	(47,274	)	$	212,004	$	4,365	$	2,595,156	$	1,848,988

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14
		Balance		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	660,520	$	482,780	$	177,740	$	—
	Marketable securities	91,381		33,567		57,814		—
	Derivatives	3,159		—		3,159		—
		$	755,060	$	516,347	$	238,713	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	1,478	$	—	$	1,478	$	—
		31-Dec-13
		Balance		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	836,387	$	516,173	$	320,214	$	—
	Marketable securities	129,181		30,172		99,009		—
	Derivatives	1,932		—		1,932		—
		$	967,500	$	546,345	$	421,155	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	3,925	$	—	$	3,925	$	—
		June 30, 2013
		Balance		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	1,070,329	$	620,947	$	449,382	$	—
	Marketable securities	155,824		22,193		133,631		—
	Derivatives	11,214		—		11,214		—
		$	1,237,367	$	643,140	$	594,227	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	570	$	—	$	570	$	—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Summary Of The Fair Value And Carrying Value Of The Company's Financial Instruments	'
	The following table summarizes the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14				31-Dec-13				30-Jun-13
		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	999,346	$	999,346	$	1,066,612	$	1,066,612	$	1,300,690	$	1,300,690
	Marketable securities	$	91,381	$	91,381	$	129,181	$	129,181	$	155,824	$	155,824
	Accounts receivable, net	$	289,940	$	289,940	$	261,065	$	261,065	$	253,819	$	253,819
	Derivatives	$	3,159	$	3,159	$	1,932	$	1,932	$	11,214	$	11,214
	Finance receivables, net	$	6,917,698	$	6,818,917	$	6,086,441	$	5,999,563	$	6,314,282	$	6,225,586
	Restricted cash	$	154,681	$	154,681	$	144,807	$	144,807	$	212,004	$	212,004
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	388,342	$	388,342	$	239,794	$	239,794	$	344,423	$	344,423
	Derivatives	$	1,478	$	1,478	$	3,925	$	3,925	$	570	$	570
	Unsecured commercial paper	$	619,622	$	619,622	$	666,317	$	666,317	$	525,745	$	525,745
	Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility	$	173,224	$	173,224	$	174,241	$	174,241	$	175,229	$	175,229
	Medium-term notes	$	3,049,735	$	2,853,232	$	3,087,852	$	2,858,980	$	3,100,162	$	2,858,638
	Senior unsecured notes	$	—	$	—	$	305,958	$	303,000	$	325,705	$	303,000
	Term asset-backed securitization debt	$	1,717,287	$	1,712,855	$	1,259,314	$	1,256,632	$	1,673,645	$	1,673,759

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instrument Fair Value	'
	The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments (in thousands):
		29-Jun-14									31-Dec-13								30-Jun-13
	Derivatives Designated As Hedging	Notional			Asset			Liability			Notional			Asset			Liability		Notional		Asset		Liability
	Instruments Under ASC Topic 815	Value			Fair  Value(a)			Fair  Value(b)			Value			Fair  Value(a)			Fair  Value(b)		Value		Fair  Value(a)		Fair  Value(b)
	Foreign currency contracts(c)	$	398,338		$	3,091		$	1,461		$	299,550		$	1,672		$	3,842	$	333,407	$	11,214	$	29
	Commodity	1,411			—			17			1,286			76			—		1,226		—		99
	contracts(c)
	Interest rate swaps(c)	—			—			—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Total	$	399,749		$	3,091		$	1,478		$	300,836		$	1,748		$	3,842	$	334,633	$	11,214	$	128
		June 29, 2014									December 31, 2013								June 30, 2013
	Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging	Notional			Asset			Liability			Notional			Asset			Liability		Notional		Asset		Liability
	Instruments Under ASC Topic 815	Value			Fair  Value(a)			Fair  Value(b)			Value			Fair  Value(a)			Fair  Value(b)		Value		Fair  Value(a)		Fair  Value(b)
	Commodity contracts	$	7,754		$	68		$	—		$	9,855		$	184		$	83	$	11,958	$	—	$	442
		$	7,754		$	68		$	—		$	9,855		$	184		$	83	$	11,958	$	—	$	442
	(a)	Included in other current assets
	(b)	Included in accrued liabilities
	(c)	Derivative designated as a cash flow hedge
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following tables summarize the amount of gains and losses related to derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges (in thousands):
		Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI, before tax
		Three months ended						Six months ended
	Cash Flow Hedges	June 29,			June 30,			June 29,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Foreign currency contracts	$	3,931		$	723		$	2,493		$	16,444
	Commodity contracts	(24		)	(231		)	191			(72		)
	Interest rate swaps	—			—			—			(2		)
	Total	$	3,907		$	492		$	2,684		$	16,370
		Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income
		Three months ended						Six months ended						Expected to be Reclassified
	Cash Flow Hedges	June 29,			June 30,			June 29,			June 30,			Over the Next Twelve Months
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Foreign currency contracts(a)	$	(1,183	)	$	753		$	(2,241	)	$	13		$	1,990
	Commodity contracts(a)	87			(34		)	283			13			(17		)
	Interest rate swaps(b)	—			(82		)	—			(345		)	—
	Total	$	(1,096	)	$	637		$	(1,958	)	$	(319	)	$	1,973
	(a)	Gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) to income is included in cost of goods sold.
	(b)	Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to income is included in financial services interest expense.
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	'
	The following tables summarize the amount of gains and losses related to derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments (in thousands):
		Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
		Three months ended						Six months ended
	Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges	June 29,			June 30,			June 29,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Commodity contracts(a)	$	184		$	21		$	(144	)	$	(609	)
	Total	$	184		$	21		$	(144	)	$	(609	)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following tables set forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) (in thousands):
			Three months ended June 29, 2014
			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Marketable securities			Derivative financial instruments			Pension and postretirement benefit plans			Total
	Beginning balance		$	36,274		$	(318	)	$	(1,907	)	$	(357,978	)	$	(323,929	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		6,945			(117		)	3,907			—			10,735
	Income tax		(1,212		)	43			(1,448		)	—			(2,617		)
	Net other comprehensive income before reclassifications		5,733			(74		)	2,459			—			8,118
	Reclassifications:
	Realized (gains) losses - foreign currency contracts(a)		—			—			1,183			—			1,183
	Realized (gains) losses - commodities contracts(a)		—			—			(87		)	—			(87		)
	Prior service credits(c)		—			—			—			(684		)	(684		)
	Actuarial losses(c)		—			—			—			10,323			10,323
	Total before tax		—			—			1,096			9,639			10,735
	Income tax expense		—			—			(405		)	(3,570		)	(3,975		)
	Net reclassifications		—			—			691			6,069			6,760
	Other comprehensive (loss) income		5,733			(74		)	3,150			6,069			14,878
	Ending Balance		$	42,007		$	(392	)	$	1,243		$	(351,909	)	$	(309,051	)
			Three months ended June 30, 2013
			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Marketable securities			Derivative financial instruments			Pension and postretirement benefit plans			Total
	Beginning balance		$	40,765		$	433		$	6,764		$	(645,614	)	$	(597,652	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(12,380		)	(608		)	492			—			(12,496		)
	Income tax		1,076			225			(182		)	—			1,119
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(11,304		)	(383		)	310			—			(11,377		)
	Reclassifications:
	Realized (gains) losses - foreign currency contracts(a)		—			—			(753		)	—			(753		)
	Realized (gains) losses - commodities contracts(a)		—			—			34			—			34
	Realized (gains) losses - interest rate swaps(b)		—			—			82			—			82
	Prior service credits(c)		—			—			—			(526		)	(526		)
	Actuarial losses(c)		—			—			—			16,789			16,789
	Total before tax		—			—			(637		)	16,263			15,626
	Income tax expense (benefit)		—			—			237			(6,024		)	(5,787		)
	Net reclassifications		—			—			(400		)	10,239			9,839
	Other comprehensive (loss) income		(11,304		)	(383		)	(90		)	10,239			(1,538		)
	Ending Balance		$	29,461		$	50		$	6,674		$	(635,375	)	$	(599,190	)
			Six months ended June 29, 2014
			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Marketable securities			Derivative financial instruments			Pension and postretirement benefit plans			Total
	Beginning balance		$	33,326		$	(276	)	$	(1,680	)	$	(364,046	)	$	(332,676	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		8,700			(184		)	2,684			—			11,200
	Income tax		(19		)	68			(994		)	—			(945		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		8,681			(116		)	1,690			—			10,255
	Reclassifications:
	Realized (gains) losses - foreign currency contracts(a)		—			—			2,241			—			2,241
	Realized (gains) losses - commodities contracts(a)		—			—			(283		)	—			(283		)
	Prior service credits(c)		—			—			—			(1,368		)	(1,368		)
	Actuarial losses(c)		—			—			—			20,645			20,645
	Total before tax		—			—			1,958			19,277			21,235
	Income tax benefit		—			—			(725		)	(7,140		)	(7,865		)
	Net reclassifications		—			—			1,233			12,137			13,370
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		8,681			(116		)	2,923			12,137			23,625
	Ending Balance		$	42,007		$	(392	)	$	1,243		$	(351,909	)	$	(309,051	)
			Six months ended June 30, 2013
			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Marketable securities			Derivative financial instruments			Pension and postretirement benefit plans			Total
	Beginning balance		$	51,335		$	677		$	(3,837	)	$	(655,853	)	$	(607,678	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(23,852		)	(996		)	16,370			—			(8,478		)
	Income tax		1,978			369			(6,063		)	—			(3,716		)
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(21,874		)	(627		)	10,307			—			(12,194		)
	Reclassifications:
	Realized (gains) losses - foreign currency contracts(a)		—			—			(13		)	—			(13		)
	Realized (gains) losses - commodities contracts(a)		—			—			(13		)	—			(13		)
	Realized (gains) losses - interest rate swaps(b)		—			—			345			—			345
	Prior service credits(c)		—			—			—			(1,052		)	(1,052		)
	Actuarial losses(c)		—			—			—			33,578			33,578
	Total before tax		—			—			319			32,526			32,845
Income tax benefit		—			—			(115		)	(12,048		)	(12,163		)
Net reclassifications		—			—			204			20,478			20,682
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(21,874		)	(627		)	10,511			20,478			8,488
Ending Balance		$	29,461		$	50		$	6,674		$	(635,375	)	$	(599,190	)
(a)	Amounts reclassified to net income are included in motorcycles and related products cost of goods sold.
(b)	Amounts reclassified to net income are presented in financial services interest expense.
(c)	Amounts reclassified are included in the computation of net periodic period cost. See note 14 for information related to pension and postretirement benefit plans.

Product_Warranty_and_Safety_Re1

Product Warranty and Safety Recall Campaigns (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Warranty And Safety Recall Liability	'
	Changes in the Company’s warranty and safety recall liability were as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		June 29,			June 30,			June 29,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	69,336		$	67,709		$	64,120		$	60,263
	Warranties issued during the period	19,824			19,401			37,186			34,521
	Settlements made during the period	(16,921		)	(16,702		)	(28,494		)	(28,340		)
	Recalls and changes to pre-existing warranty liabilities	3,798			(2		)	3,225			3,962
	Balance, end of period	$	76,037		$	70,406		$	76,037		$	70,406

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted	'
	The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		June 29,		June 30,		June 29,		June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share	$	354,153	$	271,739	$	620,070	$	495,868
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted-average common shares	217,762		223,052		218,367		223,737
	Effect of dilutive securities - employee stock compensation plan	1,399		1,418		1,453		1,569
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding	219,161		224,470		219,820		225,306
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	1.63	$	1.22	$	2.84	$	2.22
	Diluted	$	1.62	$	1.21	$	2.82	$	2.2

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	Components of net periodic benefit costs were as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		June 29,			June 30,			June 29,			June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension and SERPA Benefits
	Service cost	$	7,874		$	8,997		$	15,748		$	17,994
	Interest cost	21,731			19,752			43,462			39,564
	Expected return on plan assets	(34,184		)	(31,832		)	(68,368		)	(63,664		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service cost	279			437			558			874
	Net loss	9,141			14,652			18,281			29,304
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,841		$	12,006		$	9,681		$	24,072
	Postretirement Healthcare Benefits
	Service cost	$	1,754		$	1,965		$	3,508		$	3,930
	Interest cost	4,220			3,900			8,439			7,800
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,607		)	(2,384		)	(5,215		)	(4,768		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service credit	(963		)	(963		)	(1,927		)	(1,926		)
	Net loss	1,182			2,137			2,364			4,274
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	3,586		$	4,655		$	7,169		$	9,310

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Selected segment information is set forth below (in thousands):
		Three months ended					Six months ended
		June 29,		June 30,			June 29,		June 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Motorcycles net revenue	$	1,834,285	$	1,631,466		$	3,405,973	$	3,045,714
	Gross profit	724,139		601,870			1,316,270		1,121,312
	Selling, administrative and engineering expense	250,883		249,502			495,322		489,245
	Restructuring benefit	—		(5,297		)	—		(2,359		)
	Operating income from Motorcycles	473,256		357,665			820,948		634,426
	Financial Services revenue	166,414		162,841			320,774		319,806
	Financial Services expense	91,975		88,685			183,145		174,105
	Operating income from Financial Services	74,439		74,156			137,629		145,701
	Operating income	$	547,695	$	431,821		$	958,577	$	780,127

Supplemental_Consolidating_Dat1

Supplemental Consolidating Data (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Operations	'
		Three months ended June 29, 2014
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services Operations
	Revenue:
	Motorcycles and Related Products	$	1,836,974		$	—		$	(2,689	)	$	1,834,285
	Financial Services	—			166,963			(549		)	166,414
	Total revenue	1,836,974			166,963			(3,238		)	2,000,699
	Costs and expenses:
	Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	1,110,146			—			—			1,110,146
	Financial Services interest expense	—			40,741			—			40,741
	Financial Services provision for credit losses	—			15,961			—			15,961
	Selling, administrative and engineering expense	251,432			37,962			(3,238		)	286,156
	Total costs and expenses	1,361,578			94,664			(3,238		)	1,453,004
	Operating income	475,396			72,299			—			547,695
	Investment income	1,772			—			—			1,772
	Interest expense	393			—			—			393
	Income before provision for income taxes	476,775			72,299			—			549,074
	Provision for income taxes	168,303			26,618			—			194,921
	Net income	$	308,472		$	45,681		$	—		$	354,153
		Six months ended June 29, 2014
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services Operations
	Revenue:
	Motorcycles and Related Products	$	3,410,941		$	—		$	(4,968	)	$	3,405,973
	Financial Services	—			321,649			(875		)	320,774
	Total revenue	3,410,941			321,649			(5,843		)	3,726,747
	Costs and expenses:
	Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	2,089,703			—			—			2,089,703
	Financial Services interest expense	—			79,598			—			79,598
	Financial Services provision for credit losses	—			36,292			—			36,292
	Selling, administrative and engineering expense	496,197			72,223			(5,843		)	562,577
	Total costs and expenses	2,585,900			188,113			(5,843		)	2,768,170
	Operating income	825,041			133,536			—			958,577
	Investment income	123,431			—			(120,000		)	3,431
	Interest expense	4,070			—			—			4,070
	Income before provision for income taxes	944,402			133,536			(120,000		)	957,938
	Provision for income taxes	288,876			48,992			—			337,868
	Net income	$	655,526		$	84,544		$	(120,000	)	$	620,070
		Three months ended June 30, 2013
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services Operations
	Revenue:
	Motorcycles and Related Products	$	1,634,165		$	—		$	(2,699	)	$	1,631,466
	Financial Services	—			163,335			(494		)	162,841
	Total revenue	1,634,165			163,335			(3,193		)	1,794,307
	Costs and expenses:
	Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	1,029,596			—			—			1,029,596
	Financial Services interest expense	—			45,506			—			45,506
	Financial Services provision for credit losses	—			11,297			—			11,297
	Selling, administrative and engineering expense	249,996			34,581			(3,193		)	281,384
	Restructuring benefit	(5,297		)	—			—			(5,297		)
	Total costs and expenses	1,274,295			91,384			(3,193		)	1,362,486
	Operating income	359,870			71,951			—			431,821
	Investment income	1,770			—			—			1,770
	Interest expense	11,238			—			—			11,238
	Income before provision for income taxes	350,402			71,951			—			422,353
	Provision for income taxes	124,271			26,343			—			150,614
	Net income	$	226,131		$	45,608		$	—		$	271,739
		Six months ended June 30, 2013
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services Operations
	Revenue:
	Motorcycles and Related Products	$	3,050,974		$	—		$	(5,260	)	$	3,045,714
Financial Services	—			320,632			(826		)	319,806
Total revenue	3,050,974			320,632			(6,086		)	3,365,520
Costs and expenses:
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	1,924,402			—			—			1,924,402
Financial Services interest expense	—			86,060			—			86,060
Financial Services provision for credit losses	—			24,407			—			24,407
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	490,071			68,898			(6,086		)	552,883
Restructuring benefit	(2,359		)	—			—			(2,359		)
Total costs and expenses	2,412,114			179,365			(6,086		)	2,585,393
Operating income	638,860			141,267			—			780,127
Investment income	188,385			—			(185,000		)	3,385
Interest expense	22,629			—			—			22,629
Income before provision for income taxes	804,616			141,267			(185,000		)	760,883
Provision for income taxes	213,557			51,458			—			265,015
Net income	$	591,059		$	89,809		$	(185,000	)	$	495,868
Balance Sheet	'
		29-Jun-14
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services Operations
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	635,705		$	363,641		$	—		$	999,346
	Marketable securities	57,814			—			—			57,814
	Accounts receivable, net	1,317,297			—			(1,027,357		)	289,940
	Finance receivables, net	—			2,281,512			—			2,281,512
	Inventories	371,597			—			—			371,597
	Restricted cash	—			154,681			—			154,681
	Deferred income taxes	52,348			38,000			—			90,348
	Other current assets	95,429			33,031			—			128,460
	Total current assets	2,530,190			2,870,865			(1,027,357		)	4,373,698
	Finance receivables, net	—			4,537,405			—			4,537,405
	Property, plant and equipment, net	792,642			33,825			—			826,467
	Prepaid pension costs	256,279			—			—			256,279
	Goodwill	30,252			—			—			30,252
	Deferred income taxes	2,915			—			—			2,915
	Other long-term assets	111,229			14,506			(76,455		)	49,280
		$	3,723,507		$	7,456,601		$	(1,103,812	)	$	10,076,296
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	316,707		$	1,098,992		$	(1,027,357	)	$	388,342
	Accrued liabilities	423,312			79,205			(1,748		)	500,769
	Short-term debt	—			619,622			—			619,622
	Current portion of long-term debt	—			944,915			—			944,915
	Total current liabilities	740,019			2,742,734			(1,029,105		)	2,453,648
	Long-term debt	—			3,794,396			—			3,794,396
	Pension liability	38,174			—			—			38,174
	Postretirement healthcare benefits	209,312			—			—			209,312
	Deferred income taxes	35,597			1,574			1,748			38,919
	Other long-term liabilities	152,862			22,725			—			175,587
	Shareholders’ equity	2,547,543			895,172			(76,455		)	3,366,260
		$	3,723,507		$	7,456,601		$	(1,103,812	)	$	10,076,296
		31-Dec-13
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services Operations
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	718,912		$	347,700		$	—		$	1,066,612
	Marketable securities	99,009			—			—			99,009
	Accounts receivable, net	850,248			—			(589,183		)	261,065
	Finance receivables, net	—			1,773,686			—			1,773,686
	Inventories	424,507			—			—			424,507
	Restricted cash	—			144,807			—			144,807
	Deferred income taxes	70,557			33,068			—			103,625
	Other current assets	82,717			34,573			(1,798		)	115,492
	Total current assets	2,245,950			2,333,834			(590,981		)	3,988,803
	Finance receivables, net	—			4,225,877			—			4,225,877
	Property, plant and equipment, net	808,005			34,472			—			842,477
	Prepaid pension costs	244,871			—			—			244,871
	Goodwill	30,452			—			—			30,452
	Deferred income taxes	3,339			—			—			3,339
	Other long-term assets	126,940			17,360			(75,079		)	69,221
		$	3,459,557		$	6,611,543		$	(666,060	)	$	9,405,040
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	203,786		$	625,191		$	(589,183	)	$	239,794
	Accrued liabilities	353,618			77,774			(4,057		)	427,335
	Short-term debt	—			666,317			—			666,317
	Current portion of long-term debt	303,000			873,140			—			1,176,140
	Total current liabilities	860,404			2,242,422			(593,240		)	2,509,586
Long-term debt	—			3,416,713			—			3,416,713
Pension liability	36,371			—			—			36,371
Postretirement healthcare benefits	216,165			—			—			216,165
Deferred income taxes	44,584			2,656			2,259			49,499
Other long-term liabilities	146,686			20,534			—			167,220
Shareholders’ equity	2,155,347			929,218			(75,079		)	3,009,486
	$	3,459,557		$	6,611,543		$	(666,060	)	$	9,405,040
	30-Jun-13
	Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Products Operations			Services Operations
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	935,095		$	365,595		$	—		$	1,300,690
Marketable securities	133,631			—			—			133,631
Accounts receivable, net	956,619			—			(702,800		)	253,819
Finance receivables, net	—			2,010,974			—			2,010,974
Inventories	307,717			—			—			307,717
Restricted cash	—			212,004			—			212,004
Other current assets	175,231			60,405			—			235,636
Total current assets	2,508,293			2,648,978			(702,800		)	4,454,471
Finance receivables, net	—			4,214,612			—			4,214,612
Property, plant and equipment, net	758,674			31,889			—			790,563
Goodwill	29,183			—			—			29,183
Other long-term assets	277,409			18,011			(77,051		)	218,369
	$	3,573,559		$	6,913,490		$	(779,851	)	$	9,707,198
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	290,363		$	756,860		$	(702,800	)	$	344,423
Accrued liabilities	392,613			61,015			(3,381		)	450,247
Short-term debt	—			525,745			—			525,745
Current portion of long-term debt	303,000			473,274			—			776,274
Total current liabilities	985,976			1,816,894			(706,181		)	2,096,689
Long-term debt	—			4,234,352			—			4,234,352
Pension liability	148,974			—			—			148,974
Postretirement healthcare liability	271,122			—			—			271,122
Other long-term liabilities	116,645			18,177			—			134,822
Shareholders’ equity	2,050,842			844,067			(73,670		)	2,821,239
	$	3,573,559		$	6,913,490		$	(779,851	)	$	9,707,198
Cash Flows	'
		Six months ended June 29, 2014
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations &			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services  Operations			Adjustments
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	655,526		$	84,544		$	(120,000	)	$	620,070
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation	83,348			3,775			—			87,123
	Amortization of deferred loan origination costs	—			45,713						45,713
	Amortization of financing origination fees	59			4,225			—			4,284
	Provision for employee long-term benefits	16,854			—			—			16,854
	Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	(14,035		)	—			—			(14,035		)
	Stock compensation expense	19,393			1,375			—			20,768
	Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales	—			—			(510,200		)	(510,200		)
	Provision for credit losses	—			36,292			—			36,292
	Loss on debt extinguishment	—			1,145			—			1,145
	Deferred income taxes	939			(6,023		)	—			(5,084		)
	Foreign currency adjustments	(3,894		)	—			—			(3,894		)
	Other, net	4,712			4,620			—			9,332
	Change in current assets and current liabilities:
	Accounts receivable	(363,817		)	—			338,174			(25,643		)
	Finance receivables—accrued interest and other	—			(993		)	—			(993		)
	Inventories	58,741			—			—			58,741
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	189,117			375,290			(338,174		)	226,233
	Derivative instruments	968			—			—			968
	Other	4,962			(2,044		)	—			2,918
	Total adjustments	(2,653		)	463,375			(510,200		)	(49,478		)
	Net cash provided by operating activities	652,873			547,919			(630,200		)	570,592
		Six months ended June 29, 2014
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations &			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services  Operations			Adjustments
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	(71,395		)	(3,128		)	—			(74,523		)
	Origination of finance receivables	—			(4,580,910		)	2,676,333			(1,904,577		)
	Collections of finance receivables	—			3,684,319			(2,166,133		)	1,518,186
	Sales and redemptions of marketable securities	41,010			—			—			41,010
	Other	145			—			—			145
	Net cash used by investing activities	(30,240		)	(899,719		)	510,200			(419,759		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Repayments of senior unsecured notes	(303,000		)	—			—			(303,000		)
	Repayments of medium-term notes	—			(7,220		)	—			(7,220		)
	Intercompany borrowing activity	(100,000		)	100,000			—			—
	Proceeds from securitization debt	—			847,126			—			847,126
	Repayments of securitization debt	—			(393,655		)	—			(393,655		)
	Net increase in credit facilities and unsecured commercial paper	—			(48,134		)	—			(48,134		)
	Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper	—			36,800			—			36,800
	Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	—			(37,317		)	—			(37,317		)
	Net change in restricted cash	—			(9,874		)	—			(9,874		)
	Dividends paid	(120,631		)	(120,000		)	120,000			(120,631		)
	Purchase of common stock for treasury	(223,736		)	—			—			(223,736		)
	Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	8,652			—			—			8,652
	Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans	27,907			—			—			27,907
	Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities	(710,808		)	367,726			120,000			(223,082		)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	4,968			15			—			4,983
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	(83,207	)	$	15,941		$	—		$	(67,266	)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	$	718,912		$	347,700		$	—		$	1,066,612
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(83,207		)	15,941			—			(67,266		)
	Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	635,705		$	363,641		$	—		$	999,346
		Six months ended June 30, 2013
		Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations &			Consolidated
		Products Operations			Services  Operations			Adjustments
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	591,059		$	89,809		$	(185,000	)	$	495,868
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	80,592			2,814			—			83,406
Amortization of deferred loan origination costs	—			40,947			—			40,947
Amortization of financing origination fees	237			4,398			—			4,635
Provision for employee long-term benefits	33,382			—			—			33,382
Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	(189,116		)	—			—			(189,116		)
Stock compensation expense	19,592			1,469			—			21,061
Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales	—			—			(293,293		)	(293,293		)
Provision for credit losses	—			24,407			—			24,407
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			4,947			—			4,947
Foreign currency adjustments	18,529			—			—			18,529
Other, net	(647		)	205			—			(442		)
Change in current assets and current liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(286,024		)	—			251,237			(34,787		)
Finance receivables—accrued interest and other	—			699			—			699
Inventories	69,475			—			—			69,475
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	63,605			258,353			(251,237		)	70,721
Restructuring reserves	(22,790		)	—			—			(22,790		)
Derivative instruments	(1,529		)	(28		)	—			(1,557		)
Other	65,613			(2,028		)	—			63,585
Total adjustments	(149,081		)	336,183			(293,293		)	(106,191		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	441,978			425,992			(478,293		)	389,677
	Six months ended June 30, 2013
	Motorcycles & Related			Financial			Eliminations &			Consolidated
	Products Operations			Services  Operations			Adjustments
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(64,282		)	(2,307		)	—			(66,589		)
Origination of finance receivables	—			(4,019,925		)	2,366,693			(1,653,232		)
Collections of finance receivables	—			3,496,088			(2,073,400		)	1,422,688
Purchases of marketable securities	(4,998		)	—			—			(4,998		)
Sales and redemptions of marketable securities	6,003			—			—			6,003
Other	6,667			—			—			6,667
Net cash used by investing activities	(56,610		)	(526,144		)	293,293			(289,461		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of medium-term notes	—			(27,858		)	—			(27,858		)
Intercompany borrowing activity	100,000			(100,000		)	—			—
Proceeds from securitization debt	—			647,516			—			647,516
Repayments of securitization debt	—			(423,455		)	—			(423,455		)
Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper	—			47,061			—			47,061
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	—			(37,642		)	—			(37,642		)
Net increase in credit facilities and unsecured commercial paper	—			230,761			—			230,761
Net change in restricted cash	—			(23,996		)	—			(23,996		)
Dividends paid	(94,213		)	(185,000		)	185,000			(94,213		)
Purchase of common stock for treasury	(208,699		)	—			—			(208,699		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	16,338			—			—			16,338
Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans	24,677			—			—			24,677
Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities	(161,897		)	127,387			185,000			150,490
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(16,092		)	(2,062		)	—			(18,154		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	207,379		$	25,173		$	—		$	232,552
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	$	727,716		$	340,422		$	—		$	1,068,138
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	207,379			25,173			—			232,552
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	935,095		$	365,595		$	—		$	1,300,690

Basis_Of_Presentation_And_Use_1

Basis Of Presentation And Use Of Estimates Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
	segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Number of businss segments	2

Recovered_Sheet1

Additional Balance Sheet And Cash Flow Information (Marketable Securities) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	$57,814	$99,009	$133,631
Trading Securities	33,567	30,172	22,193
Marketable Securities	$91,381	$129,181	$155,824

Additional_Balance_Sheet_and_C2

Additional Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Information (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Gross unrealized gains (losses)	($184,000)	($996,000)
Gross unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes	($116,000)	($627,000)
Contractual maturities period of marketable securities, minimum (in months)	'9 months	'
Contractual maturities period of marketable securities, maximum (in months)	'23 months	'

Recovered_Sheet2

Additional Balance Sheet And Cash Flow Information (Inventories, Net) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'	'
Raw materials and work in process	$118,720	$140,302	$116,334
Inventory at lower of FIFO cost or market	420,323	473,233	353,606
Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost	-48,726	-48,726	-45,889
Inventories, net	371,597	424,507	307,717
Motorcycle Finished Goods [Member]	'	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finished goods	179,314	205,416	111,188
Parts and Accessories Finished Goods [Member]	'	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finished goods	$122,289	$127,515	$126,084

Recovered_Sheet3

Additional Balance Sheet And Cash Flow Information (Reconciliation Of Net Income To Net Cash Used By Operating Activities) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$354,153	$271,739	$620,070	$495,868
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	'	'	87,123	83,406
Amortization of deferred loan origination costs	'	'	45,713	40,947
Amortization of financing origination fees	'	'	4,284	4,635
Provision for employee long-term benefits	'	'	16,854	33,382
Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	'	'	-14,035	-189,116
Stock compensation expense	'	'	20,768	21,061
Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales	'	'	-510,200	-293,293
Provision for credit losses	15,961	11,297	36,292	24,407
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	-1,145	-4,947
Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits	'	'	-5,084	0
Foreign currency adjustments	'	'	-3,894	18,529
Other, net	'	'	9,332	-442
Changes in current assets and liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	'	'	-25,643	-34,787
Finance receivables-accrued interest and other	'	'	-993	699
Inventories	'	'	58,741	69,475
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	'	226,233	70,721
Restructuring reserves	'	'	0	-22,790
Derivative instruments	'	'	968	-1,557
Other	'	'	2,918	63,585
Total adjustments	'	'	-49,478	-106,191
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	$570,592	$389,677

Restructuring_Expense_Narrativ

Restructuring Expense (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Feb. 28, 2011

Jun. 29, 2014

Sep. 30, 2010

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Motorcycles [Member]

Motorcycles [Member]

Motorcycles [Member]

Motorcycles [Member]

2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Original 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Two Thousand And Eleven New Castalloy Restructuring Plan [Member]

Two Thousand And Eleven Kansas City Restructuring Plan [Member]

Two Thousand And Eleven Kansas City Restructuring Plan [Member]

2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]

2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]

2009 Restructuring Plan [Member]

2009 Restructuring Plan [Member]

2009 Restructuring Plan [Member]

2009 Restructuring Plan [Member]

2009 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Tomahawk Facilities [Member]

Milwaukee Facilities [Member]

employee

employee

employee

employee

agreement

Production [Member]

Motorcycles [Member]

Motorcycles [Member]

Financial Services [Member]

2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]

2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]

employee

Non-Production [Member]

Salaried [Member]

employee

employee

employee

employee

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Document Fiscal Year Focus

'

'

'2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated reduction in workforce

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100

200

'

'

145

'

'

'

2,900

'

800

100

75

250

Restructuring benefit

$0

($5,297)

$0

($2,359)

$0

($5,297)

$0

($2,359)

'

'

$22,100

'

$6,000

'

$59,200

$393,800

'

$1,606

'

'

'

'

Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number Of Workforce Positions Retained

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-cash charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

'

'

30.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Labor agreement period (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost incurred to date, non-cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

45.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of labor agreements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring_Expense_Restruct

Restructuring Expense (Restructuring Plan Reserve Recorded in Accrued Liabilities) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring expense	$0	($5,297)	$0	($2,359)
2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring expense	'	'	6,000	'
2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring expense	'	'	22,100	'
2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring expense	'	'	59,200	'
2009 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring expense	'	'	393,800	'
Non-cash reserve release	'	'	'	-1,533
Motorcycles [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring expense	0	-5,297	0	-2,359
Motorcycles [Member] | 2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	2,259
Restructuring expense	'	'	'	0
Utilized—cash	'	'	'	-1,283
Utilized—non-cash	'	'	'	0
Non-cash reserve release	'	'	'	-376
Motorcycles [Member] | 2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	0
Restructuring expense	'	'	'	0
Utilized—cash	'	'	'	0
Utilized—non-cash	'	'	'	0
Non-cash reserve release	'	'	'	0
Motorcycles [Member] | 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	9,306
Restructuring expense	'	'	'	860
Utilized—cash	'	'	'	-4,019
Utilized—non-cash	'	'	'	0
Non-cash reserve release	'	'	'	-5,250
Motorcycles [Member] | 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	145
Restructuring expense	'	'	'	577
Utilized—cash	'	'	'	-589
Utilized—non-cash	'	'	'	0
Non-cash reserve release	'	'	'	0
Motorcycles [Member] | 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan [Member] | Accelerated Depreciation [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	0
Restructuring expense	'	'	'	2,093
Utilized—cash	'	'	'	0
Utilized—non-cash	'	'	'	-2,093
Non-cash reserve release	'	'	'	0
Motorcycles [Member] | 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	10,156
Restructuring expense	'	'	'	0
Utilized—cash	'	'	'	-9,710
Non-cash reserve release	'	'	'	-336
Balance, end of period	'	110	'	110
Motorcycles [Member] | 2009 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	5,357
Restructuring expense	'	'	'	1,606
Utilized—cash	'	'	'	-3,204
Balance, end of period	'	2,226	'	2,226
Motorcycles [Member] | 2009 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	5,196
Restructuring expense	'	'	'	0
Utilized—cash	'	'	'	-1,613
Non-cash reserve release	'	'	'	-1,533
Balance, end of period	'	2,050	'	2,050
Motorcycles [Member] | 2009 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	161
Restructuring expense	'	'	'	1,606
Utilized—cash	'	'	'	-1,591
Non-cash reserve release	'	'	'	0
Balance, end of period	'	176	'	176
Motorcycles [Member] | 2009 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Accelerated Depreciation [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	0
Restructuring expense	'	'	'	0
Utilized—cash	'	'	'	0
Non-cash reserve release	'	'	'	0
Balance, end of period	'	$0	'	$0

Finance_Receivables_Finance_Re

Finance Receivables (Finance Receivables) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	$6,941,272	'	$6,110,256	$6,336,910	'	'
Allowance for credit losses	-122,355	-114,529	-110,693	-111,324	-106,792	-107,667
Total Finance Receivables, Net	6,818,917	'	5,999,563	6,225,586	'	'
Retail [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,603,187	'	5,265,044	5,248,289	'	'
Allowance for credit losses	-114,899	-106,776	-106,063	-103,770	-98,542	-101,442
Wholesale [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,338,085	'	845,212	1,088,621	'	'
Allowance for credit losses	($7,456)	($7,753)	($4,630)	($7,554)	($8,250)	($6,225)

Finance_Receivables_Narrative_

Finance Receivables (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	$0	$0	$0
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	14,720,000	24,801,000	14,130,000
Retail [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	0	0
Wholesale finance receivables, gross	14,700,000	24,600,000	13,900,000
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	14,686,000	24,594,000	13,904,000
Wholesale [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	0	0
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	34,000	207,000	226,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0	0	0
Nonperforming Financing Receivable [Member] | Wholesale [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	'	$0	$0

Finance_Receivables_Changes_In

Finance Receivables (Changes In Allowance For Credit Losses On Finance Receivables) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	$15,961	$11,297	$36,292	$24,407
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	114,529	106,792	110,693	107,667
Charge-offs	-19,018	-18,166	-46,361	-43,409
Recoveries	10,883	11,401	21,731	22,659
Balance, end of period	122,355	111,324	122,355	111,324
Retail [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	16,258	11,993	33,466	23,078
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	106,776	98,542	106,063	101,442
Charge-offs	-19,018	-18,166	-46,361	-43,409
Recoveries	10,883	11,401	21,731	22,659
Balance, end of period	114,899	103,770	114,899	103,770
Wholesale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	-297	-696	2,826	1,329
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	7,753	8,250	4,630	6,225
Charge-offs	0	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	$7,456	$7,554	$7,456	$7,554

Finance_Receivables_Allowance_

Finance Receivables (Allowance For Credit Losses And Finance Receivables By Portfolio Individually And Collectively Evaluated For Impairment) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	$0	'	$0	$0	'	'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	122,355,000	'	110,693,000	111,324,000	'	'
Total allowance for credit losses	122,355,000	114,529,000	110,693,000	111,324,000	106,792,000	107,667,000
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	'	0	0	'	'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	6,941,272,000	'	6,110,256,000	6,336,910,000	'	'
Total Finance Receivables	6,941,272,000	'	6,110,256,000	6,336,910,000	'	'
Wholesale [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	'	0	0	'	'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	7,456,000	'	4,630,000	7,554,000	'	'
Total allowance for credit losses	7,456,000	7,753,000	4,630,000	7,554,000	8,250,000	6,225,000
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	'	0	0	'	'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,338,085,000	'	845,212,000	1,088,621,000	'	'
Total Finance Receivables	1,338,085,000	'	845,212,000	1,088,621,000	'	'
Retail [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	'	0	0	'	'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	114,899,000	'	106,063,000	103,770,000	'	'
Total allowance for credit losses	114,899,000	106,776,000	106,063,000	103,770,000	98,542,000	101,442,000
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	'	0	0	'	'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,603,187,000	'	5,265,044,000	5,248,289,000	'	'
Total Finance Receivables	$5,603,187,000	'	$5,265,044,000	$5,248,289,000	'	'

Finance_Receivables_Aging_Of_P

Finance Receivables (Aging Of Past Due Finance Receivables Including Non Accrual Status Finance Receivables) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current	$6,807,233	$5,938,648	$6,207,179
31-60 Days Past Due	91,118	110,597	91,297
61-90 Days Past Due	28,201	36,210	24,304
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	14,720	24,801	14,130
Total Past Due	134,039	171,608	129,731
Total Finance Receivables	6,941,272	6,110,256	6,336,910
Retail [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current	5,469,796	5,094,615	5,119,572
31-60 Days Past Due	90,617	109,806	90,790
61-90 Days Past Due	28,088	36,029	24,023
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	14,686	24,594	13,904
Total Past Due	133,391	170,429	128,717
Total Finance Receivables	5,603,187	5,265,044	5,248,289
Wholesale [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current	1,337,437	844,033	1,087,607
31-60 Days Past Due	501	791	507
61-90 Days Past Due	113	181	281
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	34	207	226
Total Past Due	648	1,179	1,014
Total Finance Receivables	$1,338,085	$845,212	$1,088,621

Finance_Receivables_Recorded_I

Finance Receivables (Recorded Investment Of Retail and Wholesale Finance Receivables By Credit Quality Indicator) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	$6,941,272	$6,110,256	$6,336,910
Retail [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,603,187	5,265,044	5,248,289
Retail [Member] | Prime [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,407,364	4,141,559	4,128,450
Retail [Member] | Sub-Prime [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,195,823	1,123,485	1,119,839
Wholesale [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,338,085	845,212	1,088,621
Wholesale [Member] | Doubtful [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,916	0	3,958
Wholesale [Member] | Substandard [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,192	8,383	14,187
Wholesale [Member] | Special Mention [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	2,076	2,929
Wholesale [Member] | Risk Level, Medium [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	16,202	5,205	10,041
Wholesale [Member] | Risk Level, Low [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	$1,312,775	$829,548	$1,057,506

AssetBacked_Financing_Narrativ

Asset-Backed Financing (Narrative) (Detail)

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Term Asset-Backed Securitization VIEs [Member]

Term Asset-Backed Securitization VIEs [Member]

Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member]

Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member]

Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member]

Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Third-party Bank [Member]

Third-party Bank [Member]

Third-party Bank [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Foreign Line of Credit [Member]

Foreign Line of Credit [Member]

Foreign Line of Credit [Member]

Foreign Line of Credit [Member]

Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member]

Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member]

Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

SPEs [Member]

SPEs [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Foreign Line of Credit [Member]

Foreign Line of Credit [Member]

Foreign Line of Credit [Member]

Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility VIE [Member]

Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility VIE [Member]

Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility VIE [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

SPEs [Member]

SPEs [Member]

SPEs [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unaccreted premium

$400,000

$700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

600,000,000

'

'

Debt Instrument, Term

'

'

'5 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowings outstanding under conduit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount

'

'

41,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition

'

'

26,400,000

'

15,700,000

53,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Flows Between Transferor and Transferee, Proceeds from New Transfers

'

'

'

'

'

'

$23,100,000

$13,800,000

$47,100,000

'

'

'

AssetBacked_Financing_Assets_A

Asset-Backed Financing (Assets And Liabilities Of Variable Interest Entities) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	$2,097,385	$1,773,210	$2,426,061
Financing Receivable [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	1,893,585	1,569,118	2,223,167
Financing Receivable [Member] | Asset-backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	0	0	0
Financing Receivable [Member] | Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	203,800	204,092	202,894
Allowance for Credit Loss [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Amount	-42,564	-35,139	-47,274
Allowance for Credit Loss [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Amount	-39,329	-31,778	-43,727
Allowance for Credit Loss [Member] | Asset-backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Amount	0	0	0
Allowance for Credit Loss [Member] | Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Amount	-3,235	-3,361	-3,547
Restricted Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	154,681	144,807	212,004
Restricted Cash [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	141,146	133,053	198,893
Restricted Cash [Member] | Asset-backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	0	0	0
Restricted Cash [Member] | Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	13,535	11,754	13,111
Other Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	2,761	4,738	4,365
Other Assets [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	2,342	3,720	4,082
Other Assets [Member] | Asset-backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	179	429	174
Other Assets [Member] | Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	240	589	109
Assets, Total [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	2,212,263	1,887,616	2,595,156
Assets, Total [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	1,997,744	1,674,113	2,382,415
Assets, Total [Member] | Asset-backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	179	429	174
Assets, Total [Member] | Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	214,340	213,074	212,567
Asset-backed debt [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	1,886,079	1,430,873	1,848,988
Asset-backed debt [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	1,712,855	1,256,632	1,673,759
Asset-backed debt [Member] | Asset-backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | SPEs [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	0	0	0
Asset-backed debt [Member] | Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount	$173,224	$174,241	$175,229

Fair_Value_Measurements_Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary Of Assets And Liabilities Measured at Fair Value) (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash equivalents	$660,520	$836,387	$1,070,329
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	91,381	129,181	155,824
Derivative Asset, Current	3,159	1,932	11,214
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	755,060	967,500	1,237,367
Derivatives, liabilities	1,478	3,925	570
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash equivalents	482,780	516,173	620,947
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	33,567	30,172	22,193
Derivative Asset, Current	0	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	516,347	546,345	643,140
Derivatives, liabilities	0	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash equivalents	177,740	320,214	449,382
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	57,814	99,009	133,631
Derivative Asset, Current	3,159	1,932	11,214
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	238,713	421,155	594,227
Derivatives, liabilities	1,478	3,925	570
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0	0
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Derivative Asset, Current	0	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Derivatives, liabilities	$0	$0	$0

Recovered_Sheet4

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Summary Of Fair Value And Carrying Value Of Company Financial Instruments) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'	'
Restricted cash	$154,681	$144,807	$212,004
Fair Value [Member]	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'
Cash equivalents	999,346	1,066,612	1,300,690
Marketable securities	91,381	129,181	155,824
Accounts receivable, net	289,940	261,065	253,819
Derivatives	3,159	1,932	11,214
Finance receivables, net	6,917,698	6,086,441	6,314,282
Restricted cash	154,681	144,807	212,004
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts payable	388,342	239,794	344,423
Derivatives	1,478	3,925	570
Carrying Value [Member]	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'
Cash equivalents	999,346	1,066,612	1,300,690
Marketable securities	91,381	129,181	155,824
Accounts receivable, net	289,940	261,065	253,819
Derivatives	3,159	1,932	11,214
Finance receivables, net	6,818,917	5,999,563	6,225,586
Restricted cash	154,681	144,807	212,004
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts payable	388,342	239,794	344,423
Derivatives	1,478	3,925	570
Unsecured Commercial Paper [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	619,622	666,317	525,745
Unsecured Commercial Paper [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	619,622	666,317	525,745
Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	173,224	174,241	175,229
Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	173,224	174,241	175,229
Medium-term Notes [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	3,049,735	3,087,852	3,100,162
Medium-term Notes [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	2,853,232	2,858,980	2,858,638
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	0	305,958	325,705
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	0	303,000	303,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	1,717,287	1,259,314	1,673,645
Secured Debt [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	$1,712,855	$1,256,632	$1,673,759

Recovered_Sheet5

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Derivative Instrument Fair Value) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$399,749		$300,836		$334,633
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Asset, Current	3,091	[1]	1,748	[1]	11,214	[1]
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Liability, Current	1,478	[2]	3,842	[2]	128	[2]
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Currency Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative, Notional Amount	398,338	[3]	299,550	[3]	333,407	[3]
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Currency Contracts [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Asset, Current	3,091	[1],[3]	1,672	[1],[3]	11,214	[1],[3]
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Currency Contracts [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Liability, Current	1,461	[2],[3]	3,842	[2],[3]	29	[2],[3]
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,411	[3]	1,286	[3]	1,226	[3]
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Asset, Current	0	[1],[3]	76	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Liability, Current	17	[2],[3]	0	[2],[3]	99	[2],[3]
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative, Notional Amount	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Asset, Current	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Liability, Current	0	[2],[3]	0	[2],[3]	0	[2],[3]
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative, Notional Amount	7,754		9,855		11,958
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Asset, Current	68	[1]	184	[1]	0	[1]
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Liability, Current	0	[2]	83	[2]	442	[2]
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative, Notional Amount	7,754		9,855		11,958
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Asset, Current	68	[1]	184	[1]	0	[1]
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Liability, Current	$0	[2]	$83	[2]	$442	[2]
[1]	Included in other current assets
[2]	Included in accrued liabilities
[3]	Derivative designated as a cash flow hedge

Recovered_Sheet6

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Gain Loss On Derivative Cash Flow Hedges Recognized In OCI) (Detail) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI, before tax	$3,907	$492	$2,684	$16,370
Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI, before tax	3,931	723	2,493	16,444
Commodity Contract [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI, before tax	-24	-231	191	-72
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI, before tax	$0	$0	$0	($2)

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed2

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Gain Loss On Derivative Cash Flow Hedges Reclassified From AOCI Into Income) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 29, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	($1,096)		$637		($1,958)		($319)
Expected to be Reclassified Over the Next Twelve Months	1,973		'		'		'
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	-1,183	[1]	753	[1]	-2,241	[1]	13	[1]
Expected to be Reclassified Over the Next Twelve Months	1,990	[1]	'		'		'
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	87	[1]	-34	[1]	283	[1]	13	[1]
Expected to be Reclassified Over the Next Twelve Months	-17	[1]	'		'		'
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	0	[2]	-82	[2]	0	[2]	-345	[2]
Expected to be Reclassified Over the Next Twelve Months	0	[2]	'		'		'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Loss	184		21		-144		-609
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Loss	$184	[3]	$21	[3]	($144)	[3]	($609)	[3]
[1]	Gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) to income is included in cost of goods sold.
[2]	Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to income is included in financial services interest expense.
[3]	(a)Gain/(loss) recognized in income is included in cost of goods sold.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Changes In Other Comprehensinve Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 29, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	($323,929)		($597,652)		($332,676)		($607,678)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	10,735		-12,496		11,200		-8,478
Income tax	2,617		-1,119		-945		-3,716
Net other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	8,118		-11,377		10,255		-12,194
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	10,735		-15,626		21,235		32,845
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassifications, Tax	3,975		5,787		-7,865		-12,163
Net reclassifications	6,760		-9,839		13,370		20,682
Other comprehensive income (loss)	14,878		-1,538		23,625		8,488
Ending Balance	-309,051		-599,190		-309,051		-599,190
Prior Service Costs [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	684	[1]	526	[1]	-1,368	[1]	-1,052	[1]
Actuarial Losses [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	-10,323	[1]	-16,789	[1]	20,645	[1]	33,578	[1]
Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	-1,183	[2]	753	[2]	2,241	[2]	-13	[2]
Commodity Contract [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	87	[2]	-34	[2]	-283	[2]	-13	[2]
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	'		-82	[3]	'		345	[3]
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	36,274		40,765		33,326		51,335
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	6,945		-12,380		8,700		-23,852
Income tax	1,212		-1,076		-19		1,978
Net other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5,733		-11,304		8,681		-21,874
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0		0		0		0
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassifications, Tax	0		0		0		0
Net reclassifications	0		0		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,733		-11,304		8,681		-21,874
Ending Balance	42,007		29,461		42,007		29,461
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	-318		433		-276		677
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-117		-608		-184		-996
Income tax	-43		-225		68		369
Net other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-74		-383		-116		-627
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0		0		0		0
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassifications, Tax	0		0		0		0
Net reclassifications	0		0		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-74		-383		-116		-627
Ending Balance	-392		50		-392		50
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	-1,907		6,764		-1,680		-3,837
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	3,907		492		2,684		16,370
Income tax	1,448		182		-994		-6,063
Net other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	2,459		310		1,690		10,307
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	1,096		637		1,958		319
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassifications, Tax	405		-237		-725		-115
Net reclassifications	691		400		1,233		204
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,150		-90		2,923		10,511
Ending Balance	1,243		6,674		1,243		6,674
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	-1,183	[2]	753	[2]	2,241	[2]	-13	[2]
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	87	[2]	-34	[2]	-283	[2]	-13	[2]
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	'		-82	[3]	'		345	[3]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	-357,978		-645,614		-364,046		-655,853
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	0		0		0		0
Income tax	0		0		0		0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0		0		0		0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	9,639		-16,263		19,277		32,526
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassifications, Tax	3,570		6,024		-7,140		-12,048
Net reclassifications	6,069		-10,239		12,137		20,478
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,069		10,239		12,137		20,478
Ending Balance	-351,909		-635,375		-351,909		-635,375
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] | Prior Service Costs [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	684		526	[1]	-1,368	[1]	-1,052	[1]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] | Actuarial Losses [Member]	'		'		'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	($10,323)		($16,789)	[1]	$20,645	[1]	$33,578	[1]
[1]	Amounts reclassified are included in the computation of net periodic period cost. See note 14 for information related to pension and postretirement benefit plans.
[2]	Amounts reclassified to net income are included in motorcycles and related products cost of goods sold.
[3]	Amounts reclassified to net income are presented in financial services interest expense.

Income_Taxes_Detail

Income Taxes (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Income tax rate	35.30%	34.80%

Recovered_Sheet7

Product Warranty And Safety Recall Campaigns (Warranty And Safety Recall Liability) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$69,336	$67,709	$64,120	$60,263
Warranties issued during the period	19,824	19,401	37,186	34,521
Settlements made during the period	-16,921	-16,702	-28,494	-28,340
Recalls and changes to pre-existing warranty liabilities	3,798	-2	3,225	3,962
Balance, end of period	$76,037	$70,406	$76,037	$70,406

Recovered_Sheet8

Product Warranty And Safety Recall Campaigns (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
	Motorcycles [Member]	Parts and Accessories Finished Goods [Member]	Japan [Member]	Safety Recall [Member]	Safety Recall [Member]	Safety Recall [Member]
			Motorcycles [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Standard product warranty, period	'2 years	'1 year	'3 years	'	'	'
Liability for safety recall campaigns	'	'	'	$6.80	$4	$3

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliation Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$354,153	$271,739	$620,070	$495,868
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted-average common shares	217,762	223,052	218,367	223,737
Effect of dilutive securities - employee stock compensation plan	1,399	1,418	1,453	1,569
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding	219,161	224,470	219,820	225,306
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.63	$1.22	$2.84	$2.22
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.62	$1.21	$2.82	$2.20

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Detail) (Stock Option [Member])	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Shares considered anti-dilutive and excluded from computation	0.4	1.2

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Compone

Employee Benefit Plans (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Pension Plans and Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$7,874	$8,997	$15,748	$17,994
Interest cost	21,731	19,752	43,462	39,564
Expected return on plan assets	-34,184	-31,832	-68,368	-63,664
Prior service cost	279	437	558	874
Net loss	9,141	14,652	18,281	29,304
Net periodic benefit cost	4,841	12,006	9,681	24,072
Postretirement Healthcare Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1,754	1,965	3,508	3,930
Interest cost	4,220	3,900	8,439	7,800
Expected return on plan assets	-2,607	-2,384	-5,215	-4,768
Prior service cost	-963	-963	-1,927	-1,926
Net loss	1,182	2,137	2,364	4,274
Net periodic benefit cost	$3,586	$4,655	$7,169	$9,310

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Company contributions	$0	$175

Business_Segments_Information_

Business Segments (Information By Strategic Business Units) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Motorcycles net revenue	$1,834,285	$1,631,466	$3,405,973	$3,045,714
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	286,156	281,384	562,577	552,883
Restructuring benefit	0	-5,297	0	-2,359
Financial Services revenue	166,414	162,841	320,774	319,806
Operating income	547,695	431,821	958,577	780,127
Motorcycles [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Motorcycles net revenue	1,834,285	1,631,466	3,405,973	3,045,714
Gross profit	724,139	601,870	1,316,270	1,121,312
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	250,883	249,502	495,322	489,245
Restructuring benefit	0	-5,297	0	-2,359
Operating income	473,256	357,665	820,948	634,426
Financial Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Financial Services revenue	166,414	162,841	320,774	319,806
Financial services expense	91,975	88,685	183,145	174,105
Operating income	$74,439	$74,156	$137,629	$145,701

Business_Segments_Narrative_De

Business Segments Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of businss segments	2

Commitment_And_Contingencies_D

Commitment And Contingencies (Detail) (York, Pennsylvania Facility [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014
York, Pennsylvania Facility [Member]	'
Site Contingency [Line Items]	'
Site contingency third party cost percentage of total cost	53.00%
Site contingency portion of total cost	47.00%
Estimate of Company's share of York environmental matters	$3.20

Supplemental_Consolidating_Dat2

Supplemental Consolidating Data (Operations) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Motorcycles and Related Products	$1,834,285	$1,631,466	$3,405,973	$3,045,714
Financial Services	166,414	162,841	320,774	319,806
Total revenue	2,000,699	1,794,307	3,726,747	3,365,520
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	1,110,146	1,029,596	2,089,703	1,924,402
Financial Services interest expense	40,741	45,506	79,598	86,060
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	15,961	11,297	36,292	24,407
Provision for credit losses	15,961	11,297	36,292	24,407
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	286,156	281,384	562,577	552,883
Restructuring benefit	0	-5,297	0	-2,359
Total costs and expenses	1,453,004	1,362,486	2,768,170	2,585,393
Operating income	547,695	431,821	958,577	780,127
Investment income	1,772	1,770	3,431	3,385
Interest expense	393	11,238	4,070	22,629
Income before provision for income taxes	549,074	422,353	957,938	760,883
Provision for income taxes	194,921	150,614	337,868	265,015
Net Income	354,153	271,739	620,070	495,868
Motorcycles And Related Products Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Motorcycles and Related Products	1,836,974	1,634,165	3,410,941	3,050,974
Financial Services	0	0	0	0
Total revenue	1,836,974	1,634,165	3,410,941	3,050,974
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	1,110,146	1,029,596	2,089,703	1,924,402
Financial Services interest expense	0	0	0	0
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	'	'	0	0
Provision for credit losses	0	0	0	0
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	251,432	249,996	496,197	490,071
Restructuring benefit	'	-5,297	'	-2,359
Total costs and expenses	1,361,578	1,274,295	2,585,900	2,412,114
Operating income	475,396	359,870	825,041	638,860
Investment income	1,772	1,770	123,431	188,385
Interest expense	393	11,238	4,070	22,629
Income before provision for income taxes	476,775	350,402	944,402	804,616
Provision for income taxes	168,303	124,271	288,876	213,557
Net Income	308,472	226,131	655,526	591,059
Financial Services Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Motorcycles and Related Products	0	0	0	0
Financial Services	166,963	163,335	321,649	320,632
Total revenue	166,963	163,335	321,649	320,632
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	0	0	0	0
Financial Services interest expense	40,741	45,506	79,598	86,060
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	'	'	36,292	24,407
Provision for credit losses	15,961	11,297	36,292	24,407
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	37,962	34,581	72,223	68,898
Restructuring benefit	'	0	'	0
Total costs and expenses	94,664	91,384	188,113	179,365
Operating income	72,299	71,951	133,536	141,267
Investment income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income before provision for income taxes	72,299	71,951	133,536	141,267
Provision for income taxes	26,618	26,343	48,992	51,458
Net Income	45,681	45,608	84,544	89,809
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Motorcycles and Related Products	-2,689	-2,699	-4,968	-5,260
Financial Services	-549	-494	-875	-826
Total revenue	-3,238	-3,193	-5,843	-6,086
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold	0	0	0	0
Financial Services interest expense	0	0	0	0
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	'	'	0	0
Provision for credit losses	0	0	0	0
Selling, administrative and engineering expense	-3,238	-3,193	-5,843	-6,086
Restructuring benefit	'	0	'	0
Total costs and expenses	-3,238	-3,193	-5,843	-6,086
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Investment income	0	0	-120,000	-185,000
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income before provision for income taxes	0	0	-120,000	-185,000
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net Income	$0	$0	($120,000)	($185,000)

Supplemental_Consolidating_Dat3

Supplemental Consolidating Data (Balance Sheet) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$999,346	$1,066,612	$1,300,690	$1,068,138
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	57,814	99,009	133,631	'
Accounts receivable, net	289,940	261,065	253,819	'
Finance receivables, net	2,281,512	1,773,686	2,010,974	'
Inventories	371,597	424,507	307,717	'
Restricted cash	154,681	144,807	212,004	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	90,348	103,625	108,806	'
Other current assets	128,460	115,492	235,636	'
Total current assets	4,373,698	3,988,803	4,454,471	'
Finance receivables, net	4,537,405	4,225,877	4,214,612	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	826,467	842,477	790,563	'
Prepaid Pension Costs	256,279	244,871	0	'
Goodwill	30,252	30,452	29,183	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	2,915	3,339	149,880	'
Other long-term assets	49,280	69,221	218,369	'
Total assets	10,076,296	9,405,040	9,707,198	'
Accounts payable	388,342	239,794	344,423	'
Accrued liabilities	500,769	427,335	450,247	'
Short-term debt	619,622	666,317	525,745	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	944,915	1,176,140	776,274	'
Total current liabilities	2,453,648	2,509,586	2,096,689	'
Long-term debt	3,794,396	3,416,713	4,234,352	'
Pension liability	38,174	36,371	148,974	'
Postretirement healthcare benefits	209,312	216,165	271,122	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	38,919	49,499	0	'
Other long-term liabilities	175,587	167,220	134,822	'
Total shareholders' equity	3,366,260	3,009,486	2,821,239	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	10,076,296	9,405,040	9,707,198	'
Motorcycles And Related Products Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	635,705	718,912	935,095	727,716
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	57,814	99,009	133,631	'
Accounts receivable, net	1,317,297	850,248	956,619	'
Finance receivables, net	0	0	0	'
Inventories	371,597	424,507	307,717	'
Restricted cash	0	0	0	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	52,348	70,557	'	'
Other current assets	95,429	82,717	175,231	'
Total current assets	2,530,190	2,245,950	2,508,293	'
Finance receivables, net	0	0	0	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	792,642	808,005	758,674	'
Prepaid Pension Costs	256,279	244,871	'	'
Goodwill	30,252	30,452	29,183	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	2,915	3,339	'	'
Other long-term assets	111,229	126,940	277,409	'
Total assets	3,723,507	3,459,557	3,573,559	'
Accounts payable	316,707	203,786	290,363	'
Accrued liabilities	423,312	353,618	392,613	'
Short-term debt	0	0	0	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	0	303,000	303,000	'
Total current liabilities	740,019	860,404	985,976	'
Long-term debt	0	0	0	'
Pension liability	38,174	36,371	148,974	'
Postretirement healthcare benefits	209,312	216,165	271,122	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	35,597	44,584	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	152,862	146,686	116,645	'
Total shareholders' equity	2,547,543	2,155,347	2,050,842	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	3,723,507	3,459,557	3,573,559	'
Financial Services Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	363,641	347,700	365,595	340,422
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	0	0	0	'
Accounts receivable, net	0	0	0	'
Finance receivables, net	2,281,512	1,773,686	2,010,974	'
Inventories	0	0	0	'
Restricted cash	154,681	144,807	212,004	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	38,000	33,068	'	'
Other current assets	33,031	34,573	60,405	'
Total current assets	2,870,865	2,333,834	2,648,978	'
Finance receivables, net	4,537,405	4,225,877	4,214,612	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	33,825	34,472	31,889	'
Prepaid Pension Costs	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	0	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	0	0	'	'
Other long-term assets	14,506	17,360	18,011	'
Total assets	7,456,601	6,611,543	6,913,490	'
Accounts payable	1,098,992	625,191	756,860	'
Accrued liabilities	79,205	77,774	61,015	'
Short-term debt	619,622	666,317	525,745	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	944,915	873,140	473,274	'
Total current liabilities	2,742,734	2,242,422	1,816,894	'
Long-term debt	3,794,396	3,416,713	4,234,352	'
Pension liability	0	0	0	'
Postretirement healthcare benefits	0	0	0	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	1,574	2,656	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	22,725	20,534	18,177	'
Total shareholders' equity	895,172	929,218	844,067	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	7,456,601	6,611,543	6,913,490	'
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	0	0	0	'
Accounts receivable, net	-1,027,357	-589,183	-702,800	'
Finance receivables, net	0	0	0	'
Inventories	0	0	0	'
Restricted cash	0	0	0	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	0	0	'	'
Other current assets	0	-1,798	0	'
Total current assets	-1,027,357	-590,981	-702,800	'
Finance receivables, net	0	0	0	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0	0	'
Prepaid Pension Costs	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	0	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	0	0	'	'
Other long-term assets	-76,455	-75,079	-77,051	'
Total assets	-1,103,812	-666,060	-779,851	'
Accounts payable	-1,027,357	-589,183	-702,800	'
Accrued liabilities	-1,748	-4,057	-3,381	'
Short-term debt	0	0	0	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	0	0	0	'
Total current liabilities	-1,029,105	-593,240	-706,181	'
Long-term debt	0	0	0	'
Pension liability	0	0	0	'
Postretirement healthcare benefits	0	0	0	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	1,748	2,259	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	0	0	0	'
Total shareholders' equity	-76,455	-75,079	-73,670	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	($1,103,812)	($666,060)	($779,851)	'

Supplemental_Consolidating_Dat4

Supplemental Consolidating Data (Cash Flows) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Repayments of Medium-term Notes	'	'	($7,220)	($27,858)
Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits	'	'	-5,084	0
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Net Income	354,153	271,739	620,070	495,868
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	'	'	87,123	83,406
Amortization of deferred loan origination costs	'	'	45,713	40,947
Amortization Of Financing Origination Fees	'	'	4,284	4,635
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense	'	'	16,854	33,382
Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	'	'	-14,035	-189,116
Stock compensation expense	'	'	20,768	21,061
Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales	'	'	-510,200	-293,293
Provision for credit losses	15,961	11,297	36,292	24,407
Foreign currency adjustments	'	'	-3,894	18,529
Other, net	'	'	9,332	-442
Changes in current assets and liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	-25,643	-34,787
Finance receivables-accrued interest and other	'	'	-993	699
Inventories	'	'	58,741	69,475
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	'	226,233	70,721
Restructuring reserves	'	'	0	-22,790
Derivative instruments	'	'	968	-1,557
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expenses, Other	'	'	-2,918	-63,585
Total adjustments	'	'	-49,478	-106,191
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	570,592	389,677
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	'	-74,523	-66,589
Origination of finance receivables	'	'	-1,904,577	-1,653,232
Collections of finance receivables	'	'	1,518,186	1,422,688
Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities	'	'	0	4,998
Sales and redemptions of marketable securities	'	'	41,010	6,003
Other	'	'	145	6,667
Net cash (used by) provided by investing activities	'	'	-419,759	-289,461
Repayments of Unsecured Debt	'	'	-303,000	0
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany Borrowing Activity	'	'	0	0
Proceeds from Securitization Debt	'	'	847,126	647,516
Proceeds from Other Debt	'	'	'	647,516
Repayments of Securitization Debt	'	'	-393,655	-423,455
borrowings of asset backed commercial paper	'	'	36,800	47,061
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Credit Facility and Other Unsecured Debt	'	'	-48,134	230,761
Net repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	'	'	37,317	'
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	'	'	-37,317	-37,642
Net change in restricted cash	'	'	-9,874	-23,996
Dividends paid	'	'	-120,631	-94,213
Purchase of common stock for treasury	'	'	-223,736	-208,699
Excess tax benefits from share based payments	'	'	8,652	16,338
Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans	'	'	27,907	24,677
Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities	'	'	-223,082	150,490
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	'	4,983	-18,154
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	-67,266	232,552
Cash and cash equivalents:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	'	'	1,066,612	1,068,138
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	-67,266	232,552
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	999,346	1,300,690	999,346	1,300,690
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	1,145	4,947
Motorcycles And Related Products Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Repayments of Medium-term Notes	'	'	0	0
Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits	'	'	939	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Net Income	308,472	226,131	655,526	591,059
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	'	'	83,348	80,592
Amortization of deferred loan origination costs	'	'	0	0
Amortization Of Financing Origination Fees	'	'	59	237
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense	'	'	16,854	33,382
Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	'	'	-14,035	-189,116
Stock compensation expense	'	'	19,393	19,592
Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales	'	'	0	0
Provision for credit losses	0	0	0	0
Foreign currency adjustments	'	'	-3,894	18,529
Other, net	'	'	4,712	-647
Changes in current assets and liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	-363,817	-286,024
Finance receivables-accrued interest and other	'	'	0	0
Inventories	'	'	58,741	69,475
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	'	189,117	63,605
Restructuring reserves	'	'	'	-22,790
Derivative instruments	'	'	968	-1,529
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expenses, Other	'	'	-4,962	-65,613
Total adjustments	'	'	-2,653	-149,081
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	652,873	441,978
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	'	-71,395	-64,282
Origination of finance receivables	'	'	0	0
Collections of finance receivables	'	'	0	0
Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities	'	'	'	4,998
Sales and redemptions of marketable securities	'	'	41,010	6,003
Other	'	'	145	6,667
Net cash (used by) provided by investing activities	'	'	-30,240	-56,610
Repayments of Unsecured Debt	'	'	-303,000	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany Borrowing Activity	'	'	-100,000	100,000
Proceeds from Securitization Debt	'	'	0	'
Proceeds from Other Debt	'	'	'	0
Repayments of Securitization Debt	'	'	0	0
borrowings of asset backed commercial paper	'	'	0	0
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Credit Facility and Other Unsecured Debt	'	'	0	0
Net repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	'	'	0	'
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	'	'	'	0
Net change in restricted cash	'	'	0	0
Dividends paid	'	'	-120,631	-94,213
Purchase of common stock for treasury	'	'	-223,736	-208,699
Excess tax benefits from share based payments	'	'	8,652	16,338
Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans	'	'	27,907	24,677
Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities	'	'	-710,808	-161,897
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	'	4,968	-16,092
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	-83,207	207,379
Cash and cash equivalents:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	'	'	718,912	727,716
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	-83,207	207,379
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	635,705	935,095	635,705	935,095
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	0	0
Financial Services Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Repayments of Medium-term Notes	'	'	-7,220	-27,858
Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits	'	'	-6,023	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Net Income	45,681	45,608	84,544	89,809
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	'	'	3,775	2,814
Amortization of deferred loan origination costs	'	'	45,713	40,947
Amortization Of Financing Origination Fees	'	'	4,225	4,398
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense	'	'	0	0
Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	'	'	0	0
Stock compensation expense	'	'	1,375	1,469
Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales	'	'	0	0
Provision for credit losses	15,961	11,297	36,292	24,407
Foreign currency adjustments	'	'	0	0
Other, net	'	'	4,620	205
Changes in current assets and liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	0	0
Finance receivables-accrued interest and other	'	'	-993	699
Inventories	'	'	0	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	'	375,290	258,353
Restructuring reserves	'	'	'	0
Derivative instruments	'	'	0	-28
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expenses, Other	'	'	2,044	2,028
Total adjustments	'	'	463,375	336,183
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	547,919	425,992
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	'	-3,128	-2,307
Origination of finance receivables	'	'	-4,580,910	-4,019,925
Collections of finance receivables	'	'	3,684,319	3,496,088
Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities	'	'	'	0
Sales and redemptions of marketable securities	'	'	0	0
Other	'	'	0	0
Net cash (used by) provided by investing activities	'	'	-899,719	-526,144
Repayments of Unsecured Debt	'	'	0	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany Borrowing Activity	'	'	100,000	-100,000
Proceeds from Securitization Debt	'	'	847,126	'
Proceeds from Other Debt	'	'	'	647,516
Repayments of Securitization Debt	'	'	-393,655	-423,455
borrowings of asset backed commercial paper	'	'	36,800	47,061
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Credit Facility and Other Unsecured Debt	'	'	-48,134	230,761
Net repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	'	'	37,317	'
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	'	'	'	-37,642
Net change in restricted cash	'	'	-9,874	-23,996
Dividends paid	'	'	-120,000	-185,000
Purchase of common stock for treasury	'	'	0	0
Excess tax benefits from share based payments	'	'	0	0
Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans	'	'	0	0
Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities	'	'	367,726	127,387
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	'	15	-2,062
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	15,941	25,173
Cash and cash equivalents:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	'	'	347,700	340,422
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	15,941	25,173
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	363,641	365,595	363,641	365,595
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	1,145	4,947
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents:	'	'	'	'
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	'	0
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Repayments of Medium-term Notes	'	'	0	0
Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits	'	'	0	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Net Income	0	0	-120,000	-185,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	'	'	0	0
Amortization of deferred loan origination costs	'	'	'	0
Amortization Of Financing Origination Fees	'	'	0	0
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense	'	'	0	0
Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	'	'	0	0
Stock compensation expense	'	'	0	0
Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales	'	'	-510,200	-293,293
Provision for credit losses	0	0	0	0
Foreign currency adjustments	'	'	0	0
Other, net	'	'	0	0
Changes in current assets and liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	338,174	251,237
Finance receivables-accrued interest and other	'	'	0	0
Inventories	'	'	0	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	'	-338,174	-251,237
Restructuring reserves	'	'	'	0
Derivative instruments	'	'	0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expenses, Other	'	'	0	0
Total adjustments	'	'	-510,200	-293,293
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	-630,200	-478,293
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	'	0	0
Origination of finance receivables	'	'	2,676,333	2,366,693
Collections of finance receivables	'	'	-2,166,133	-2,073,400
Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities	'	'	'	0
Sales and redemptions of marketable securities	'	'	0	0
Other	'	'	0	0
Net cash (used by) provided by investing activities	'	'	510,200	293,293
Repayments of Unsecured Debt	'	'	0	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany Borrowing Activity	'	'	0	0
Proceeds from Securitization Debt	'	'	0	'
Proceeds from Other Debt	'	'	'	0
Repayments of Securitization Debt	'	'	0	0
borrowings of asset backed commercial paper	'	'	0	0
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Credit Facility and Other Unsecured Debt	'	'	0	0
Net repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	'	'	0	'
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper	'	'	'	0
Net change in restricted cash	'	'	0	0
Dividends paid	'	'	120,000	185,000
Purchase of common stock for treasury	'	'	0	0
Excess tax benefits from share based payments	'	'	0	0
Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans	'	'	0	0
Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities	'	'	120,000	185,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	'	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	'	'	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	0	0	0	0
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	$0	'