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Property and Equipment (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
Property and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract] |  |  |
Interest capitalized in conjunction with construction projects | $ 1.2 | $ 2.3 | $ 2.3
Commitments for facility construction projects | $ 44.8 |  |

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- Definition Commitments for facility construction projects. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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

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- Definition Amount of interest capitalized during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Allowance for Funds Used during Construction -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6504829 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 34 -Paragraph 21 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration