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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 6 Months Ended
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Jun. 30, 2012
Summary of lease exit accruals |
Balance, December 31, 2011 | $ 39,118
Lease exit expense | 1,450
Payments | (4,331)
Lease buyout | (1,657)
Balance, June 30, 2012 | $ 34,580

X
- Definition Lease buyout. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_LeaseBuyout
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Lease exit accruals. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_LeaseExitAccruals
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Lease exit expense. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_LeaseExitExpense
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Lease exit payment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_LeaseExitPayment
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | sah_OperatingLeaseAndOtherAccrualsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration