XML 17 R46.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Jul. 02, 2012 | May 09, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total debt | $ 794,625,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount |  |  |  | $ 773,412,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Incremental interest expense | 2,300,000 sah_InterestExpenseNetCashFlowSwaps | 2,900,000 sah_InterestExpenseNetCashFlowSwaps |  |  |
Net expense expected to be reclassified | 4,300,000 us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet |  |  |  |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of swap positions | 12,500,000 us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability / us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis = us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember |  |  |  | 11,100,000 us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability / us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis = us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
Benefits and charges related to cash flow swaps not designated as hedges | 100,000 sah_CashFlowSwapsNotDesignatedAsHedgeBenefitsAndCharges / us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis = us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember |  |  |  |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of swap positions | 7,000,000 us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis = us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember |  |  |  | 8,200,000 us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis = us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of swap positions | 5,500,000 us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = sah_OtherLongTermLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis = us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember |  |  |  | 3,500,000 us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = sah_OtherLongTermLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis = us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other Assets [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of swap positions |  |  |  |  | 600,000 us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember / us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis = us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
2014 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Current borrowing capacity | 225,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_TwoThousandFourteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember |  |  |  |
Maximum borrowing capacity | 275,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_TwoThousandFourteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember |  |  |  |
Borrowing base | 181,800,000 sah_RevolvingBorrowingBase / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_TwoThousandFourteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember |  |  |  |
Letters of credit outstanding amount | 25,500,000 us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_TwoThousandFourteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember |  |  |  |
Total debt | 0 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_TwoThousandFourteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember |  |  |  |
Borrowing availability amount | 156,300,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_TwoThousandFourteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember |  |  |  |
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total debt | 200,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_SevenPercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember |  |  |  | 200,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_SevenPercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember
Principal amount |  |  | 200,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_SevenPercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember |  |
Stated interest rate on debt agreement | 7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_SevenPercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember |  | 7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_SevenPercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember |  | 7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_SevenPercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember
Notes maturity date | Jul. 15, 2022 |  |  |  |
Interest payable description | semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year |  |  |  |
Subordinated Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Notes issued at a price of principal amount |  |  | 99.11%sah_NotesIssuedAtPriceOfPrincipalAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_SeniorSubordinatedNotesMember |  |
Notes issued yield maturity, percentage |  |  | 7.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_SeniorSubordinatedNotesMember |  |
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total debt | 300,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember |  |  |  | 300,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember
Principal amount |  |  |  | 300,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember |
Stated interest rate on debt agreement | 5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember |  |  | 5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember | 5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember
Notes issued at a price of principal amount |  |  |  | 100.00%sah_NotesIssuedAtPriceOfPrincipalAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember |
Notes maturity date | May 15, 2023 |  |  |  |
Interest payable description | semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year |  |  |  |
Assumed Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total debt | 3,500,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_AssumedNotesMember |  |  |  |
Stated interest rate on debt agreement | 5.35%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_AssumedNotesMember |  |  |  |
Premium recorded on notes payable | 7,300,000 sah_DebtInstrumentsFairValueDisclosurePremiumRecorded / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_AssumedNotesMember |  |  |  |
Premium associated with notes | 100,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedPremium / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_AssumedNotesMember |  |  |  |
Notes payable due date | October 2015 and August 2016 |  |  |  |
Mortgage Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Notes payable due date | Between 2015 and 2033 |  |  |  |
Debt weighted average interest rate on note | 3.57%us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_MortgageNotesMember |  |  |  |
Mortgage financing aggregate | $ 288,000,000 us-gaap_SecuredDebt / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_MortgageNotesMember |  |  |  |
Percentage of operating properties related to mortgage financing | 30.00%sah_PercentageOfMortgageOperatingProperties / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_MortgageNotesMember |  |  |  |
2014 Credit Facility [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Maturity date of revolving credit facility and floor plan facility | Aug. 15, 2019 |  |  |  |
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio | 359.00%sah_MinimumEbtdarToRentRatio / us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis = sah_TwoThousandFourteenCreditFacilityMember |  |  |  |
2014 Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
EBTDAR to rent ratio | 100.00%sah_EbtdarToRentRatio / us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis = sah_TwoThousandFourteenCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |
2014 Credit Facility [Member] | Required Ratio [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio | 150.00%sah_MinimumEbtdarToRentRatio / us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis = sah_TwoThousandFourteenCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_RequiredRatioMember |  |  |  |
2014 Credit Facility [Member] | Required Ratio [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
EBTDAR to rent ratio | 100.00%sah_EbtdarToRentRatio / us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis = sah_TwoThousandFourteenCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = sah_RequiredRatioMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Certain benefits and charges included in interest expense, other, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the cash flow swaps not designated as hedges and amortization of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to terminated cash flow swaps. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_CashFlowSwapsNotDesignatedAsHedgeBenefitsAndCharges
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Premium recorded for notes payable assumed by the entity in connection with a prior year acquisition. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_DebtInstrumentsFairValueDisclosurePremiumRecorded
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition EBTDAR to rent ratio. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_EbtdarToRentRatio
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The incremental interest expense (the difference between interest paid and interest received) related to the cash flow swaps that qualify as cash flow hedges. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_InterestExpenseNetCashFlowSwaps
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_MinimumEbtdarToRentRatio
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition As a total of the principal notes amount, the percentage for which the notes were issued. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_NotesIssuedAtPriceOfPrincipalAmount
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of mortgage operating properties. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_PercentageOfMortgageOperatingProperties
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Availability under the an entity's credit facility calculated as the lesser of a specified flate amount or a borrowing base calculated based on certain eligible assets, less the aggregate face amount of any outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Facility. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_RevolvingBorrowingBase
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Description of the frequency of periodic payments (monthly, quarterly, annual). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 470 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Date when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid, in CCYY-MM-DD format. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Description of the maturity date of the debt instrument including whether the debt matures serially and, if so, a brief description of the serial maturities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateDescription
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of debt premium that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedPremium
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets elected not to be offset. Excludes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4B -Subparagraph (a),(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624163-113959 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226000-175313 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes liabilities elected not to be offset. Excludes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4B -Subparagraph (a),(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624163-113959 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226000-175313 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The estimated net amount of unrealized gains or losses on interest rate cash flow hedges as of the balance sheet date expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736893&loc=d3e80748-113994 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of current borrowing capacity under the credit facility considering any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed (for example, borrowings may be limited by the amount of current assets), but without considering any amounts currently outstanding under the facility. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Date the credit facility terminates, in CCYY-MM-DD format. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date, including the current and noncurrent portions, of collateralized debt obligations (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer). Such obligations include mortgage loans, chattel loans, and any other borrowings secured by assets of the borrower. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 20, 22 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=sah_TwoThousandFourteenCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis=us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=sah_AssumedNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=sah_MortgageNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=sah_SevenPercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=sah_TwoThousandFourteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorSubordinatedNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |