Shareholders' Equity (Restricted Stock Grants And Shares Surrendered to Satisfy Tax Withholdings) (Details) | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | |
| Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] | ||||
| Shares issued | 0 | 0 | 163,892 | 188,740 |
| Shares surrendered to AutoNation to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock | 11,688 | 12,796 | 42,985 | 33,485 |