XML 51 R40.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.25.3

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Additional Information (Details) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2025 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2025 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2024 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2025 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2025 USD ($) retail_Units | Sep. 30, 2024 USD ($) Business retail_Units | Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Mid-line import franchise |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of franchises disposed | retail_Units |  |  |  |  | 1 |  |
Net cash generated from disposition |  |  |  |  |  | $ 8,200,000 |
Luxury Dealership [Domain] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of franchises disposed | retail_Units |  |  |  |  |  | 2 |
Number of franchises disposed | Business |  |  |  |  |  | 2 |
Net cash generated from disposition |  |  |  |  | $ 9,600,000 |  |
Number of franchises terminated | retail_Units |  |  |  |  | 1 |  |
Proceeds from sales of dealerships |  |  |  |  | $ 9,600,000 | $ 8,200,000 |
Number of acquired franchises | retail_Units |  |  |  |  |  | 0 |
Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Inventory, Current | $ 165,500,000 |  |  |  | 165,500,000 |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Property, Plant, and Equipment | 9,400,000 |  |  |  | 9,400,000 |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Liability Assumed, Other Liability, Current | (1,200,000) |  |  |  | (1,200,000) |  |
PY Acq GW Allocations Fdealer |  |  |  |  | 1,100,000 |  | $ 93,500,000
PY Acq GW Allocations Powersports |  |  |  | $ 0 | 500,000 |  |
number of powersport stores with GW Adjustment |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on Franchise Disposal | 100,000 |  |  |  | 5,500,000 |  |
Excluded non-recurring compensation-related charges |  |  | $ 1,800,000 |  |  |  |
GainLossOnExitOfLeasedDealerships |  |  | 2,300,000 |  |  | $ (3,000,000.0) |
Impairment charges | 0 |  | 0 |  | (173,800,000) | (2,400,000) |
Excluded storm-related physical damage and legal costs |  |  | 1,500,000 |  | 5,000,000.0 | 5,100,000 |
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Pro Forma Revenue |  |  |  |  | 11,639,700,000 |  |
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings |  |  |  |  | 110,200,000 |  |
Business Combination, Acquiree's Revenue, Prior Period |  | $ 14,861,900,000 |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Earnings Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period |  | $ 288,100,000 |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible, Amount | 261,100,000 |  |  |  | 261,100,000 |  |
Business Combination, Acquisition-Related Cost, Expense |  |  |  |  | 0 |  |
Business Combination, Acquiree's Earnings (Loss) since Acquisition Date, Actual |  |  |  |  | 3,500,000 |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Liability Assumed, Lease Obligation | (85,500,000) |  |  |  | (85,500,000) |  |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Acquired |  |  |  | $ 11,400,000 | 263,900,000 |  |
RevenueEarningsIncludedInStatementofOperationsAttributableToAcquisitions |  |  |  |  | 137,600,000 |  |
Payments for Legal Settlements | 700,000 |  |  |  | 700,000 |  |
Excluded non-recurring compensation-related charges |  |  | 1,800,000 |  |  |  |
Excluded storm-related physical damage and legal costs |  |  | 1,500,000 |  | 5,000,000.0 | 5,100,000 |
Gain on Franchise Disposal | 100,000 |  |  |  | 5,500,000 |  |
Impairment charges | 0 |  | 0 |  | (173,800,000) | (2,400,000) |
GainLossOnExitOfLeasedDealerships |  |  | $ 2,300,000 |  |  | (3,000,000.0) |
ROU asset |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Restructuring Costs |  |  |  |  | 86,200,000 |  |
JLR 4 Pack [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Other Asset, Current | 2,000,000.0 |  |  |  | 2,000,000.0 |  |
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross |  |  |  |  | (440,300,000) |  |
number of powersport stores with GW Adjustment |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross |  |  |  |  | (440,300,000) |  |
CDK Outage Impact [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
number of powersport stores with GW Adjustment |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Excluded non-recurring compensation-related charges |  |  |  |  |  | 13,000,000.0 |
Excluded non-recurring compensation-related charges |  |  |  |  |  | 13,000,000.0 |
FranchisedDealershipsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
number of powersport stores with GW Adjustment |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on Franchise Disposal | 2,800,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on Franchise Disposal | $ 2,800,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Powersports Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |
number of powersport stores with GW Adjustment |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Impairment charges |  |  |  |  | 7,200,000 |  |
Other Asset Impairment Charges |  |  |  |  | 400,000 |  |
Impairment charges |  |  |  |  | 7,200,000 |  |
EchoPark Segment [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
number of powersport stores with GW Adjustment |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Impairment charges |  |  |  |  | 200,000 | 1,400,000 |
Impairment charges |  |  |  |  | $ 200,000 | 1,400,000 |
EchoPark Segment [Member] | CDK Outage Impact [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
number of powersport stores with GW Adjustment |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Excluded non-recurring compensation-related charges |  |  |  |  |  | 400,000 |
Excluded non-recurring compensation-related charges |  |  |  |  |  | $ 400,000 |

X
- Definition Business Acquisition, Earnings Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_BusinessAcquisitionEarningsReportedByAcquiredEntityForLastAnnualPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarnings
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_GainLossOnExitOfLeasedDealerships
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gain (Loss) on Franchise Disposal + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_GainLossOnFranchiseDisposal
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Goodwill and Intangible Assets Acquired + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_NonrecurringCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_NumberOfFranchisesDisposed
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_NumberOfFranchisesTerminated
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition number of powersport stores with GW Adjustment + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_NumberOfPowersportStoresWithGWAdjustmentAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition PY Acq GW Allocations Fdealer + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_PYAcqGWAllocationsFdealer
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition PY Acq GW Allocations Powersports + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_PYAcqGWAllocationsPowersports
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Proceeds From Dispositions Of Franchises + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_ProceedsFromDispositionsOfFranchises
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition RevenueEarningsIncludedInStatementofOperationsAttributableToAcquisitions + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_RevenueEarningsIncludedInStatementofOperationsAttributableToAcquisitions
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sah_StormDamageandLegalExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | sah_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 230 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S50 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480095/942-10-S50-1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 6 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480035/942-10-S99-6 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482130/360-10-45-4 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-4 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 47 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479303/805-10-55-47 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (f)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-1 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d)(1)(i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d)(1)(ii) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(3) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-1 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-1 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (d) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-2 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-2 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-1 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (f)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-1 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (e)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-3 Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-4A Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-4 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(3) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-4A Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 27: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 28: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-4A Reference 29: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-4 Reference 30: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(4) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-1 Reference 31: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-1 Reference 32: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-1 Reference 33: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (e)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 34: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 35: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 36: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 Reference 37: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (g) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 Reference 38: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (g)(4) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 Reference 39: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (g)(3) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 Reference 40: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (g)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 Reference 41: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (g)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 Reference 42: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of goodwill arising from a business combination that is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 40 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479303/805-10-55-40 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-2 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of revenue reported by acquiree in fiscal period prior to business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionRevenueReportedByAcquiredEntityForLastAnnualPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of pro forma revenue of combined entity as if acquisition date of business combination occurred as of beginning of period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 49 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479303/805-10-55-49 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(3) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-3 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of expense for acquisition-related cost incurred to effect business combination. Includes, but is not limited to, finder's fee; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional and consulting fees; and general administrative cost, including cost of maintaining internal acquisition department. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 25 -Paragraph 23 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479405/805-10-25-23 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of acquiree's earnings (loss) since acquisition date of business combination included in consolidated statement of income. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 49 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479303/805-10-55-49 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of lease obligation assumed in business combination and recognized at acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of asset acquired in business combination and recognized at acquisition date, classified as other and current. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of liability assumed in business combination and recognized at acquisition date, classified as other and current. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of inventory acquired in business combination and recognized at acquisition date, classified as current. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 41 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479303/805-10-55-41 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-2 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of property, plant, and equipment acquired in business combination and recognized at acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 41 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479303/805-10-55-41 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-2 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of businesses acquired in business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-7 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The charge against earnings resulting from the write down of long lived assets other than goodwill due to the difference between the carrying value and lower fair value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482099/360-10-50-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherAssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of cash paid for the settlement of litigation or for other legal issues during the period. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (g) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 230 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-25 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period. The cash portion only of the acquisition price. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479328/805-10-50-8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 41 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479303/805-10-55-41 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-2 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479581/805-30-50-1 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-13 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents the cash inflow during the period from the sale of a component of the entity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-12 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, after cash payment, of expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 230 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-28 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestructuringCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=sah_MidLineImportFranchiseMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=sah_LuxuryDealershipMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleByTypeAxis=sah_ROUAssetMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis=sah_JLR4PackMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=sah_CDKOutageImpactMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | sah_BusinessSegmentsAxis=sah_FranchisedDealershipsMemberMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=sah_PowersportsSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=sah_EchoParkSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |