XML 26 R46.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Interest capitalized in conjunction with construction projects	$ 2.5	$ 1.2	$ 2.3
Commitments for facility construction projects	$ 13.4

X

- Definition

Commitments for facility construction projects.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	sah_CommitmentsForFacilityConstructionProjects
Namespace Prefix:	sah_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Amount of interest capitalized during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: 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 2: 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

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration