Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.8
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Jun. 28, 2013
Feb. 18, 2014
Common Class A [Member]
Feb. 18, 2014
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]        
Document Type 10-K      
Amendment Flag false      
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2013      
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013      
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY      
Entity Registrant Name SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC      
Entity Central Index Key 0001043509      
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31      
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No      
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes      
Entity Voluntary Filers No      
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     40,463,897 12,029,375
Entity Public Float   $ 833.5