Sonic Automotive, Inc. Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Cover
- Document and Entity Information
Financial Statements
Notes to Financial Statements
Accounting Policies
- Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
Notes Tables
Notes Details

Employee Benefit Plans - Status of Options Related to Stock Plans (Detail)

v2.4.1.9

Employee Benefit Plans - Status of Options Related to Stock Plans (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding Beginning Balance	1,518,000
Options Outstanding Exercised	(179,000)
Options Outstanding Forfeited	(275,000)
Options Outstanding Ending Balance	1,064,000	1,518,000
Options Outstanding Exercisable	1,064,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Beginning Balance	$ 18.83
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$ 18.33
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited	$ 23.87
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Ending Balance	$ 17.62	$ 18.83
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 17.62
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Beginning Balance	2 years 2 months 12 days	2 years 6 months
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	2 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Beginning Balance	$ 9,831
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Ending Balance	10,444	9,831
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	10,444
Intrinsic value of options exercised	1,187	1,657	7,427
Fair value of options vested			$ 426
Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Per Share, Beginning Balance	$ 1.81
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$ 1.81
Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited	$ 18.73
Exercise Price Per Share, Ending Balance	$ 1.81
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 1.81
Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Per Share, Beginning Balance	$ 30.07
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$ 23.42
Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited	$ 25.05
Exercise Price Per Share, Ending Balance	$ 25.05
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 23.42

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Amount of difference between fair value of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise price of vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable.

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The number of shares into which fully or partially vested stock options outstanding as of the balance sheet date can be currently converted under the option plan.

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Weighted average remaining contractual term for vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable or convertible, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

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The number of shares under options that were cancelled during the reporting period as a result of occurrence of a terminating event specified in contractual agreements pertaining to the stock option plan.

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Amount by which the current fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of options outstanding.

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Number of options outstanding, including both vested and non-vested options.

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Weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan.

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As of the balance sheet date, the weighted-average exercise price (at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance) for exercisable stock options that are fully vested or expected to vest.

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Fair value of options vested. Excludes equity instruments other than options, for example, but not limited to, share units, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock.

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Weighted average price at which option holders acquired shares when converting their stock options into shares.

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