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