Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Feb. 19, 2013
Common Class A
Feb. 19, 2013
Common Class B
Entity Registrant Name SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC      
Entity Central Index Key 0001043509      
Document Type 10-K      
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012      
Amendment Flag false      
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012      
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY      
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31      
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No      
Entity Voluntary Filers No      
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes      
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer      
Entity Public Float   $ 548.1    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     40,982,054 12,029,375