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

Commitments and Contingencies - Financial Covenants Related to Amended Subordination and Guaranty Agreement (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013
Required Ratio [Member]
Subordination Agreement And Additional Financial Covenant [Line Items]
Minimum consolidated liquidity ratio	1.05
Minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio	1.20
Maximum consolidated total lease adjusted leverage ratio	5.50
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio	1.50
Actual Ratio [Member]
Subordination Agreement And Additional Financial Covenant [Line Items]
Minimum consolidated liquidity ratio	1.16
Minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio	1.83
Maximum consolidated total lease adjusted leverage ratio	3.96
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio	3.59