Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Jul. 18, 2012
Common Class A
Jul. 18, 2012
Common Class B
Entity Registrant Name SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0001043509    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2012    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   41,129,794 12,029,375