Document and Entity Information |
Nov. 22, 2019 |
|---|---|
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001043509 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 22, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-13395 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 56-2010790 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4401 Colwick Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Charlotte |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 28211 |
| City Area Code | (704) |
| Local Phone Number | 566-2400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | SAH |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Boolean flag that is true when the XBRL content amends previously-filed or accepted submission. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Area code of city No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Cover page. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition The end date of the period reflected on the cover page if a periodic report. For all other reports and registration statements containing historical data, it is the date up through which that historical data is presented. If there is no historical data in the report, use the filing date. The format of the date is CCYY-MM-DD. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition The type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word 'Other'. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Address Line 1 such as Attn, Building Name, Street Name No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Name of the City or Town No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Code for the postal or zip code No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Name of the state or province. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition A unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Indicate if registrant meets the emerging growth company criteria. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Commission file number. The field allows up to 17 characters. The prefix may contain 1-3 digits, the sequence number may contain 1-8 digits, the optional suffix may contain 1-4 characters, and the fields are separated with a hyphen. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Two-character EDGAR code representing the state or country of incorporation. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition The Tax Identification Number (TIN), also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a unique 9-digit value assigned by the IRS. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Local phone number for entity. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Title of a 12(b) registered security. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Name of the Exchange on which a security is registered. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Trading symbol of an instrument as listed on an exchange. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|