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 (Details)

v2.4.0.6

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Status of options related to Stock Plans
Options Outstanding Beginning Balance	2,734
Options Outstanding Exercised	(625)
Options Outstanding Forfeited	(354)
Options Outstanding Ending Balance	1,755	2,734
Options Outstanding Exercisable	1,755
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Beginning Balance	$ 17.74
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$ 6.33
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited	$ 32.68
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Ending Balance	$ 18.67	$ 17.74
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 18.67
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Beginning balance	3 years 4 months 24 days	4 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Ending balance	3 years 4 months 24 days	4 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	3 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Beginning Balance	$ 10,715
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Ending Balance	8,372	10,715
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	8,372
Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised	7,427	4,039	2,235
Fair Value of Shares Vested	$ 426	$ 444	$ 555
Maximum [Member]
Status of options related to Stock Plans
Exercise Price Per Share, Beginning Balance	$ 37.50
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$ 19.23
Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited	$ 37.50
Exercise Price Per Share, Ending Balance	$ 30.07
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 30.07
Minimum [Member]
Status of options related to Stock Plans
Exercise Price Per Share, Beginning Balance	$ 1.81
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$ 1.81
Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited	$ 15.90
Exercise Price Per Share, Ending Balance	$ 1.81
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 1.81

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