Impairment of Merchandise Cost of Sales Impairment charges of costs of merchandise sales The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for merchandise cost of sales. Impairment of Service Cost of Sales Impairment charges of costs of service The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for service cost of sales. Furniture Fixtures and Equipment [Member] Furniture, fixtures and equipment Represents furniture, fixtures commonly used in offices and stores that have no permanent connection to the structure of a building or utilities and equipment used to produce goods and services. Document and Entity Information Trade payable program liability Trade Payable Program Liability This element represents the liability towards a program which is funded by various bank participants who have the ability but not the obligation to purchase the account receivables owed by the company directly from its vendors and in the turn the company makes its scheduled full vendor payments to the bank participants. Benefits trust, shares Deferred Compensation Equity, Shares This element represents the number of shares held in benefits trust. Award Type [Axis] Gross profit from merchandise sales Gross Profit from Merchandise Sales Aggregate revenue from merchandise sales less cost of merchandise sales or operating expenses directly attributable to the activity of merchandise sales. Gross (loss) profit from service revenue Gross Profit from Service Revenue Aggregate revenue from services rendered less cost of rendering services or operating expenses directly attributable to the activity of rendering services. Retained Earnings Dividend Reinvested and Other Dividend reinvested and other Represents the amount of dividends reinvested and other transactions affecting retained earnings of the entity during the reporting period. A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Increase (Decrease) in Retained Earnings [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Retained Earnings Amendment Description Shares issued and other Represents the amount of Shares issued and other transactions affecting retained earnings of the entity during the reporting period. Retained Earnings Shares Issued and Other Amendment Flag Retained Earnings, Period Increase (Decrease) Retained Earnings, Period Increase (Decrease) The increase (decrease) in retained earnings during the period. Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies Increase (Decrease) in Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies The net change during the period of cash amounts which could be received based on the terms of the insurance contract upon surrendering life policies owned by the entity. Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets The net change during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services, in the amount of outstanding money paid in advance for goods or services that bring economic benefits for future periods, and other operating assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Decrease in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other The cash outflow for payments to acquire lease property which is recorded as an asset. Cash paid for master lease property Payments to Acquire Master Lease Property The cash inflow from the trade payable program liability funded by various bank participants, who have the ability but not the obligation to buy the account receivables of the company directly from its vendors and in turn the company makes its scheduled vendor payments to the bank participants. Borrowings on trade payable program liability Proceeds from Trade Payable Program Liability Repayments of Trade Payable Program Liability The cash outflow to satisfy the trade payable program liability funded by various bank participants, who have the ability but not the obligation to buy the account receivables of the company directly from its vendors and in turn the company makes its scheduled vendor payments to the bank participants. Payments on trade payable program liability The cash inflow from lease financing activities. Proceeds from lease financing Proceeds from Lease Financing ACQUISITIONS WARRANTY RESERVE WARRANTY RESERVE The entire disclosure for warranty reserves relating to both merchandise warranties which cover costs above the vendor's stipulated allowance and service labor warranties. The disclosure may include a tabular reconciliation of the changes in the guarantor's aggregate warranty reserve for the reporting period. Product and Service Warranty Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Product and Service Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of reserve for warranty cost activity Tabular disclosure of the changes in the guarantor's aggregate product and service warranty liability, including the beginning balance of the aggregate product and service warranty liability, the aggregate reductions in that liability for payments made (in cash or in kind) under the warranty, the aggregate changes in the liability for accruals related to product and service warranties issued during the reporting period, the aggregate changes in the liability for accruals related to preexisting warranties (including adjustments related to changes in estimates), and the ending balance of the aggregate product and service warranty liability. Number of Stores Owned Represents the number of stores which are owned by the entity. Number of operated stores owned Number of Stores Leased Represents the number of stores which are leased by the entity. Number of operated stores leased Tire Stores Group Holding Corporation Represents Tire Stores Group Holding Corporation. Tire Stores Group Holding Corporation [Member] Finite Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities by Major Class [Axis] Represents the information regarding the major type or class of intangible assets and liabilities. Finite Lived Intangible Assets Liabilities Major Class Name [Domain] Represents the information regarding the major type or class of intangible assets and liabilities. Current Fiscal Year End Date Off Market Lease Unfavorable [Member] Unfavorable leases Represents a liability associated with the acquisition of an off-market lease when the terms of the lease are unfavorable to the market terms for the lease at the date of acquisition. Number of Service and Tire Centers Acquired Number of service and tire centers acquired Represents the number of service and tire centers acquired by the entity. Business Acquisition Lease Terms of Favorable and Unfavorable Lease Intangible Assets and Liabilities Lease terms Represents the lease terms of favorable and unfavorable lease intangible assets and liabilities. Movement in Standard Product and Service Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Warranty reserve Product and Service Warranty Accrual Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date for estimated claims under warranty protection rights granted to customers. Beginning balance Ending balance Product and Service Warranty Accrual Warranties Issued Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals related to product and service warranties issued during the reporting period. Additions related to current period sales Product and Service Warranty Accrual Payments Represents the aggregate decrease in the liability satisfying claims for product and service warranties. Warranty costs incurred in current period Senior Subordinated Notes 7.50 Percent Due December 2014 [Member] Represents the 7.50% senior subordinated notes which are due on December 2014. 7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes, due December 2014 Line of Credit Facility, Minimum Borrowing Availability Required to Prevent Triggering of EBITDA Requirement Covenant Represents the minimum borrowing availability required to prevent the triggering of an EBITDA requirement covenant. Minimum borrowing availability required to prevent the triggering of an EBITDA requirement covenant Reclassification of Benefit Trust, Value Value of common shares transferred from the Benefits Trust to Treasury Stock that were previously issued, repurchased by the entity, and held in trust. This stock is issued but not outstanding and has no voting rights and receives no dividends. Reclassification of Benefits Trust Number of common shares transferred from the Benefits Trust to Treasury Stock that were previously issued, repurchased by the entity, and held in trust. This stock is issued but not outstanding and has no voting rights and receives no dividends. Reclassification of Benefits Trust (in shares) Reclassification of Benefit Trust, Shares Document Period End Date This represents the shares received by the company upon termination of the flexible employee benefits trust in exchange for the full satisfaction and discharge of all intercompany indebtedness owed by the trust to the company. Benefit Trust Benefit Trust [Member] STORE CLOSURES AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS STORE CLOSURES AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS The entire disclosure representing store closures and asset impairments charges. Store Closures and Asset Impairments Disclosure [Text Block] IMPAIRMENTS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Disclosure for impairment of long-lived assets held and used by an entity which includes a description of the impaired long-lived asset and facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, aggregate amount of the impairment loss and where the loss is located in the income statement, method(s) for determining fair value, and the segment in which the impaired long-lived asset is reported and includes description of long lived assets held for sale. IMPAIRMENTS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Impairments and Assets Held For Sale Disclosure [Text Block] Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Outstanding Number Represents the number of shares reserved for issuance under equity compensation plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date. Outstanding options and restricted stock units (in shares) Defined Benefit Plan, Minimum Age of Employee to Qualify for Qualified Savings Plan Represents the minimum age of employee to qualify for qualified savings plan. Minimum age of employee to qualify for qualified savings plan Defined Benefit Plan, Minimum Service Period of Employee to Qualify for Qualified Savings Plan Represents the minimum service period of employee to qualify for qualified savings plan. Minimum service period of employee to qualify for qualified savings plan Represents the amount of discretionary contributions made by the employer to the defined benefit pension plan. Discretionary contribution to defined benefit pension plan Defined Benefit Plan Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount Entity [Domain] Performance Based and Market Based Awards RSU [Member] Performance and market based awards Performance based and market based restricted stock units (RSUs) as awarded by the Company to its employees as a form of incentive compensation. Market Based Awards RSU [Member] Market Based Awards Market based restricted stock units (RSUs) as awarded by the Company to its employees as a form of incentive compensation. Other Awards [Member] Other Awards Other restricted stock units (RSUs), not elsewhere specified in the taxonomy, as awarded by the Company to its employees as a form of incentive compensation. Share Based Compensation Arrangements by Share Based Payment Award, Options Expiration Term The period of time, from the grant date until the time at which the share-based [option] award expires. Options expiration term Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Ratio of Award Vested on Each Anniversary Ratio of vesting on each anniversary (as a percent) Represents the fraction of number of awards vested on each anniversary of the grant date. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Number of Grant Date Anniversaries Number of grant date anniversaries Represents the number of grant date anniversaries for vesting the options in each year. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Vesting Rights Percentage Number of underlying shares issued upon vesting (as a percent) Represents award terms as to how many shares or portion of an award are no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, thereby giving the employee the legal right to convert the award to shares, shown as a percentage. Rabbi Trust Assets [Member] Rabbi trust assets Represents the assets related to rabbi trust. Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value Increase (decrease) in fair value of derivative Represents the increase (decrease) in the fair value of interest rate cash flow hedge derivative. Fees Receivable Related to Merger Represents fees due the entity from a third party as part of a merger settlement agreement. Fees due related to merger settlement agreement Fees and merger related expenses received Represents the amount of fees and merger related expenses received by the entity. Fees and Reimbursement Received, Related to Merger Acquired, Finite Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Amortization expense for favorable and unfavorable leases Acquired Finite Lived Intangible, Assets and Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Next Rolling Twelve Months Year one Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized in the next rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented for finite-lived intangible assets and liabilities. Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Amortization Expense Rolling Year Two Year two Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized in the second rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented for finite-lived intangible assets and liabilities. Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Amortization Expense Rolling, Year Three Year three Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized in the third rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented for finite-lived intangible assets and liabilities. Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Amortization Expense Rolling, Year Four Year four Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized in the fourth rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented for finite-lived intangible assets and liabilities. Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Amortization Expense Rolling, Year Five Year five Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized in the fifth rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented for finite-lived intangible assets and liabilities. Off Market Favorable and Unfavorable Lease [Member] Favorable and unfavorable leases This element includes (i) asset established upon acquisition based on a favorable difference between the terms of an acquired lease and the current market terms for that lease and (ii) liability associated with the acquisition of an off-market lease when the terms of the lease are unfavorable to the market terms for the lease at the date of acquisition. Schedule of Merger Agreement [Table] Schedule reflecting information pertaining to the merger agreements. Auto Acquisition Company LLC [Member] Parent Represents information pertaining to Auto Acquisition Company, LLC, a party in a merger agreement. Merger Agreement [Line Items] MERGER UPDATE Represents the Seattle-Tacoma, Washington area. Seattle Tacoma Washington [Member] Seattle-Tacoma Washington Houston Texas [Member] Represents the Houston, Texas area. Houston, Texas Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Period of Continuous Employment to Vest in Award The anniversary, from date of grant, through which an employee must be continuously employed in order to vest in the award Represents the anniversary, from date of grant, through which an employee must be continuously employed in order to vest in the award. Merger Termination Fees, Net Merger termination fees, net Represents revenue from net merger termination fees. Portion of impairment charge included in costs of merchandise sales Portion of Asset Impairment Charge Included in Costs of Merchandise Sales Represents the portion of impairment charge included in costs of merchandise sales. Represents the portion of impairment charge included in costs of service revenues. Portion of impairment charge included in costs of service revenues Portion of Asset Impairment Charge Included in Costs of Service Revenues Amount of availability utilized to support outstanding letters of credit Amount of borrowing capacity available under the credit facility utilized to support outstanding letters of credit. Line of Credit Facility, Available Amount Utilized for Outstanding Letters of Credit Senior Secured Term Loan Due October 2018 [Member] Represents the senior secured term loan which is due on October 2018. Senior Secured Term Loan, due October 2018 Debt Instrument Floor on Variable Rate Basis Floor rate on LIBOR (as a percent) Represents the percentage of floor to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. Senior Secured Term Loan, due October 2013 Represents the senior secured term loan which is due in October 2013. Senior Secured Term Loan Due October 2013 [Member] Expected Pension Expense Future pension expense Represents information related to pension benefit costs recognized in future period. Reversal of Allocated Share Based Compensation Expenses Reversal of compensation expenses recognized Represents the reversal of expenses recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements. Number of Stores Classified as Held and Used Number of stores classified as held and used Represents the number of stores classified as held and used by the entity. Accounts Receivable Securitization Program [Member] Vendor financing program Represents the accounts receivable financing program of the reporting entity. Impaired Stores Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of the impaired stores classified as a level 1 2 or 3 measure Represents the fair value of stores of the entity after impairment charges. Amount transferred to plan administrator to pay participants Represents the amount transferred from plan to the plan administrator to pay participants who elected the temporary lump sum benefit. Defined Benefit Plan Amount Transferred to Plan Administrator Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Period to Acheive Targeted Shareholders Return Period to satisfy targeted total shareholder return Represents the period at the end of which the entity should achieve targeted total shareholders return in order to exercise award. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Number of Three Months Periods from Grant Date Number of quarters following the grant date Represents the number of three months periods from the grant date of stock awards. Debt Instruments Previously Accrued Interest Previously accrued interest paid during redemption of debt Aggregate amount of previously accrued interest paid or due on the long-term debt. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding ACCRUED EXPENSES Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity by Location [Axis] Location [Domain] Legal Entity [Axis] Document Type Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $1,424 and $1,303 Accounts receivable, net Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Defined benefit plan adjustment, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Derivative financial instrument adjustment, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Estimated useful life of intangible assets Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by continuing operations: Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock compensation expense Recognized compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accounts receivable, allowance for uncollectible accounts (in dollars) Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS IMPAIRMENTS Asset Impairment Charges Loss from asset impairment Impairment charges IMPAIRMENTS Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Assets, Current Total current assets Assets. Total assets Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets Held-for-sale, Current Assets held for disposal Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Deferred tax assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Tax Assets, Noncurrent Total net identifiable assets acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Less: total net identifiable assets acquired Preliminary allocation of purchase price Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] MERGER UPDATE Intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Current liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Calculation of consideration transferred net of assets taken over Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity [Abstract] Long-term liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities ACQUISITIONS Business Acquisition [Line Items] Purchase price recognized Total consideration transferred, net of cash acquired Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Other non-current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Sales from acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] ACQUISITIONS Net earnings from acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Contingent consideration reversal Reduction to the contingent consideration Costs related to acquisitions Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Accrued purchases of property and equipment Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense on settlement of interest rate swap Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Interest Expense, Net Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Non-cash investing activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by discontinued operations Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] LEGAL MATTERS LEGAL MATTERS Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock Held in Trust Less cost of shares in benefits trust-2,195,270 shares Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value $1 per share: authorized 500,000,000 shares; issued 68,557,041 shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, issued shares Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, authorized shares Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Cash dividends (in dollars per share) BENEFIT PLANS Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Comprehensive income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Comprehensive Income [Member] Comprehensive Income SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION Consolidation/Elimination Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Cost of Goods Sold Costs of merchandise sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Total costs of revenues Cost of Services Costs of service revenue LIBOR Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Debt and financing arrangements Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS Margin added to derive interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest rate on debt instrument (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Title of Individual [Axis] OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Deferred financing costs Deferred Finance Costs, Gross Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Valuation allowance, net of federal tax Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Deferred income taxes Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Expected contribution to the Plan Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Pension plan expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Change in fair value of de-designated derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT Value of Senior Secured Term Loan Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item Value of Term Loan INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT Fixed percentage to be paid under hedge Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Number of interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedge Derivative, Number of Instruments Held FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block] Non-employee director Director [Member] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Loss from discontinued operations, tax benefit DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividends $.12, $.12, and $.27 per share for the years 2011, 2010, and 2009 respectively Cash dividends ($.12 per share) Basic earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share) Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Additional disclosures Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] EARNINGS PER SHARE EARNINGS PER SHARE Effect on Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Due to Change in Measurement Date, Net of Tax Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs, net of tax of $(1,872), $344 and $352 for year ended 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively Employee stock purchase plan Employee Stock [Member] Equity Component [Domain] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] Non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis: Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Recurring basis Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Information by level for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as Level 2 Value of inventory under FIFO method FIFO Inventory Amount Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Net (loss) gain from dispositions of assets Net loss (gain) from disposition of assets Net loss from dispositions of assets Goodwill Goodwill Gross Profit Total gross profit Subsidiary Guarantors Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES Earnings from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent (Loss) earnings from continuing operations before discontinued operations (Loss) earnings from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest (Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share (Loss) earnings from continuing operations before discontinued operations (Loss) earnings from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share (Loss) earnings from continuing operations before discontinued operations (Loss) earnings from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (benefit) expense Income tax expense (benefit) Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for income taxes Net loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent (Loss) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Increase in accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Decrease in accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions: Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Increase in merchandise inventories Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Decrease in other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Common shares assumed issued upon exercise of dilutive stock options, net of assumed repurchase, at the average market price Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense (income) Interest paid during redemption of debt Interest Expense, Long-term Debt Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Interest Paid, Net Cash paid for interest Fair value of derivative payable Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value Derivative liability Amount of Loss Recognized in Earnings (Effective Portion) Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense on settlement of interest rate swap Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense Effect of interest rate swap on the consolidated financial statements Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract] Inventory adjustments Inventory Adjustments Inventory Write-down Inventory impairment Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES Inventory, Net Merchandise inventories MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES Investment Type Categorization [Domain] Investment Type [Axis] Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Outstanding letters of credit Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Land Land [Member] LEASE AND OTHER COMMITMENTS Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] LEASE AND OTHER COMMITMENTS Letters of credit Letter of Credit [Member] Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Available borrowing capacity remaining Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Amount outstanding under agreement Long-term debt Long-term Debt Term Loan under amended and restated Credit Agreement Long-term debt estimated fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current maturities of long-term debt Current maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt less current maturities Long-term debt less current maturities Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] MERGER UPDATE Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in continuing operations Net earnings Net (loss) earnings Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS Effect of uncertainty for income taxes New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Subsidiary Non-Guarantors Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Nonoperating Gains (Losses) Other income Non-operating income (expense) Notional amount of interest rate swaps Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Number of Businesses Acquired Number of acquisitions Number of Stores Number of operated stores Number of stores collateralized Favorable leases Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] Officer Officer [Member] Operating Income (Loss) Operating profit BASIS OF PRESENTATION Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] BASIS OF PRESENTATION Other liabilities Other Liabilities [Abstract] Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other Assets, Current Other current assets OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Other Assets, Noncurrent Other long-term assets Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined benefit plan adjustment, net of tax Defined benefit plan adjustment Defined benefit plan adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Derivative financial instruments adjustment, net of tax Derivative financial instruments adjustment Derivative loss net of tax recorded to accumulated other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax (Deprecated 2012-01-31) Costs of other revenue Other Cost of Operating Revenue Fair market value adjustment on derivatives, net of tax of $1,499, $48 and ($125) for year ended 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Fair market value adjustment on derivatives, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax (Deprecated 2012-01-31) Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other revenue Other Revenue, Net Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Parent Company [Member] Pep Boys ACCRUED EXPENSES Payment of Financing and Stock Issuance Costs Payment for finance issuance cost Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital expenditures Collateral investment Payments to Acquire Investments Additional investment in restricted accounts as collateral Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Dividends paid Premiums paid on life insurance policies Payments to Acquire Life Insurance Policies Payments of Financing Costs Debt payments Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] BENEFIT PLANS Performance Based Awards Performance Shares [Member] Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid expenses Borrowings under new debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Borrowings under line of credit agreements Proceeds from stock issuance Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Cash received from income tax refunds Proceeds from Life Insurance Policies Life insurance proceeds received Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from dispositions of assets Impairment charge related to stores classified as held and used Production Related Impairments or Charges Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment - net Property and equipment - net Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Purchase Price Allocation Adjustments [Member] Purchase price allocation adjustments Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Recognition of Deferred Revenue Amortization of deferred gain from asset sales Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Debt payments Debt Payments Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Payments under line of credit agreements Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings Revolving Credit Agreement, through January 2016 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Expected life in years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Sale Leaseback Transaction, Deferred Gain, Gross Deferred gain from asset sales Revenue, Net Total revenues Sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Gross Merchandise sales Sales Revenue, Services, Net Service revenue Scenario, Adjustment [Member] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of purchase price allocation Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of options under plan Schedule of Stock Options Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of expense for pension plan Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of units under plan assuming maximum vesting of underlying shares Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of weighted-average assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Schedule of Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Schedule of Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of debt and financing arrangements Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES Schedule of effect of interest rate swap on the consolidated financial statements Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Collateral investments Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member] QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Acquisitions Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Additional disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract] Additional disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Performance and market based award units (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Stock compensation expense Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Fair value at grant date (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Risk-free interest rate range, high (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares) Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in shares) Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Risk-free interest rate range, low (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Expected volatility (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Dividend yield (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued or transferred Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Weighted-average assumptions used for estimated fair value of stock options using Black-Scholes option pricing model Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Award Type [Domain] Shares, Issued Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Statement Statement [Line Items] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Equity Components [Axis] CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Stock Issued During Period, Value, Dividend Reinvestment Plan Dividend reinvestment plan Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Dividend Reinvestment Plan Dividend reinvestment plan (in shares) Options Stock Options [Member] Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Effect of stock options and related tax benefits Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Repurchase of common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Effect of stock options and related tax benefits (in shares) Exercised (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Effect of employee stock purchase plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Effect of restricted stock unit conversions Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Effect of restricted stock unit conversions (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Effect of employee stock purchase plan (in shares) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Effect of Split Dollar accounting, net of tax Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Total stockholders' equity STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) SUBSEQUENT EVENT Subsequent Events [Text Block] SUBSEQUENT EVENT Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Trade names Trade Names [Member] Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost - 15,460,049 shares and 15,803,322 shares Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock Amount of Gain/ (Loss) in Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges, Pretax, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Adjustment in uncertain tax position liabilities as a result of lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Release of valuation allowance (net of federal tax) relating to state net operating loss carryforwards and credits Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES Basic average number of common shares outstanding during period Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted average number of common shares assumed outstanding during period Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Estimated annual pre-acquisition sales Estimated annual pre-acquisition sales Represents estimated annual pre-acquisition revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Vendor financing program Trade Payable Program [Abstract] Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Trade Payable Program Availability Trade payable program availability Amount available under the trade payable program.