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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) store | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Aug. 01, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Number of stores | store | 171 |  |  |
Number of new vehicle brands | 30 |  |  |
Number of states | 18 |  |  |
Interest costs capitalized | $ (500) | $ (400) | $ (500) |
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle on additional paid in capital | 0 |  |  |
Reclassification between financing and operating cash flows | 148,856 | 90,905 | 79,551 |
Reclassification between financing and operating cash flows | (396,313) | (266,062) | (105,292) |
Long-term debt, outstanding amount | 2,300,000 |  |  |
Accrued warranty balance | $ 400 | 400 |  |
Number of reportable segments | 3 |  |  |
Minimum |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Period that contracts in transit are outstanding | 5 days |  |  |
Long-term debt, variable interest rate (in percent) | 2.75% |  |  |
Maximum |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Period that contracts in transit are outstanding | 10 days |  |  |
Long-term debt, variable interest rate (in percent) | 4.25% |  |  |
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Reclassification between financing and operating cash flows |  | 4,400 | 5,000 |
Reclassification between financing and operating cash flows |  | 4,400 | $ 5,000 |
Tax-affected state net operating loss carryforwards |  | 300 |  |
Credit Facility | Line of Credit |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Number of financial institutions |  |  |  | 18
Number of manufacturer affiliated finance companies |  |  |  | 7
Retained Earnings |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle on additional paid in capital | $ 169 |  |  |
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle on additional paid in capital |  | 200 |  |
Additional Paid-In Capital |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle on additional paid in capital | $ (169) |  |  |
Additional Paid-In Capital | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle on additional paid in capital |  | $ (200) |  |

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