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

Statement of Income (Statement) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Statement of Income (Statement) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges			$ 2,600	$ 4,800
Nonrecurring Compensation Expense		$ 6,300	$ 23,300	$ 9,200		$ 32,500
Pre-tax charge related to the extinguishment of debt	$ 7,200				$ (6,690)	$ 0	$ (14,607)