Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Apr. 15, 2013
Common Class A
Apr. 15, 2013
Common Class B
Entity Registrant Name SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0001043509    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2013    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   40,932,510 12,029,375