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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, 2013
Summary of lease exit accruals |
Beginning, Balance | $ 32,983
Lease exit expense (1) | 1,605
Payments (2) | (4,391)
Ending, Balance | $ 30,197

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- 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

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- 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

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- 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

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