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Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Lease Exit Accruals (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 32,983
Lease exit expense	2,915
Payments	(8,664)
Ending balance	$ 27,234

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