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, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Feb. 21, 2012
Common Class A [Member]
Feb. 21, 2012
Common Class B [Member]
Entity Registrant Name SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC      
Entity Central Index Key 0001043509      
Document Type 10-K      
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011      
Amendment Flag false      
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011      
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   $ 363.5    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     40,623,650 12,029,375