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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) | 6 Months Ended
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Jun. 30, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of lease exit accruals |
|  | (In thousands) |
Balance, December 31, 2011 |  | $ | 39,118 |
Lease exit expense (1) |  |  | 1,450 |
Payments (2) |  |  | (4,331 | )
Lease buyout (3) |  |  | (1,657 | )
Balance, June 30, 2012 |  | $ | 34,580 |
(1) | Approximately $0.2 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net, approximately $0.1 million is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and approximately $1.2 million is recorded to income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2) | Amount is recorded as reduction of rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $0.8 million in continuing operations and $3.5 million as a reduction to income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(3) | Amount represents write-off of accrual related to an early lease buyout agreement which was completed and paid, relieving Sonic of any future lease obligation.

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