Sonic Automotive (SAH) 10-Q31 Jul 202020 Q2 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Jun. 30, 2020	Jul. 29, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001043509
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	SAH
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
City Area Code	(704)
Entity Address, Address Line One	4401 Colwick Road
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	28211
Entity Tax Identification Number	56-2010790
Local Phone Number	566-2400
Entity File Number	1-13395
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Address, City or Town	Charlotte,
Entity Address, State or Province	NC
Document Quarterly Report	true
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,582,890
Class B common stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,029,375

Details

Details	6 Months Ended
Details	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Document Transition Report	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 2,111,886,000	$ 2,614,081,000	$ 4,419,942,000	$ 5,003,219,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(1,804,503,000)	(2,232,770,000)	(3,761,981,000)	(4,262,897,000)
Gross profit	307,383,000	381,311,000	657,961,000	740,322,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(230,359,000)	(294,532,000)	(512,515,000)	(541,626,000)
Impairment charges	(833,000)	0	(268,833,000)	(1,952,000)
Depreciation and amortization	(22,647,000)	(23,806,000)	(44,944,000)	(46,456,000)
Operating income (loss)	53,544,000	62,973,000	(168,331,000)	150,288,000
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan	(6,314,000)	(12,518,000)	(16,822,000)	(25,744,000)
Interest expense, other, net	(9,797,000)	(13,628,000)	(20,762,000)	(26,481,000)
Other income (expense), net	0	(5,000)	100,000	95,000
Total other income (expense)	(16,111,000)	(26,151,000)	(37,484,000)	(52,130,000)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	37,433,000	36,822,000	(205,815,000)	98,158,000
Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)	(6,437,000)	(10,071,000)	37,680,000	(29,058,000)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	30,996,000	26,751,000	(168,135,000)	69,100,000
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes	(289,000)	(213,000)	(573,000)	(393,000)
Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations - benefit (expense)	84,000	61,000	166,000	114,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(205,000)	(152,000)	(407,000)	(279,000)
Net income (loss)	$ 30,791,000	$ 26,599,000	$ (168,542,000)	$ 68,821,000
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (usd per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.62	$ (3.93)	$ 1.61
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	0	(0.01)	(0.01)
Earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.62	$ (3.94)	$ 1.60
Weighted average common shares outstanding	42,940	43,066	42,779	42,953
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (usd per share)	$ 0.71	$ 0.62	$ (3.93)	$ 1.60
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	(0.01)	(0.01)	0
Earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.71	$ 0.61	$ (3.94)	$ 1.60
Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,575	43,230	42,779	43,060
Total vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 1,742,055,000	$ 2,140,420,000	$ 3,600,140,000	$ 4,081,890,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(1,669,724,000)	(2,048,004,000)	(3,450,421,000)	(3,899,937,000)
New vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	900,003,000	1,204,754,000	1,859,492,000	2,271,088,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(854,617,000)	(1,148,354,000)	(1,768,690,000)	(2,160,892,000)
Used vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	808,877,000	885,627,000	1,658,930,000	1,705,992,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(781,506,000)	(848,898,000)	(1,599,428,000)	(1,632,256,000)
Wholesale vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	33,175,000	50,039,000	81,718,000	104,810,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(33,601,000)	(50,752,000)	(82,303,000)	(106,789,000)
Parts, service and collision repair
Revenues:
Revenues	259,058,000	355,312,000	593,738,000	696,742,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(134,779,000)	(184,766,000)	(311,560,000)	(362,960,000)
Finance, insurance and other, net
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 110,773,000	$ 118,349,000	$ 226,064,000	$ 224,587,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 30,791	$ 26,599	$ (168,542)	$ 68,821
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements	419	(1,400)	780	(3,748)
Amortization of terminated interest rate swap agreements	(835)	(632)	(1,632)	(921)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes	(416)	(2,032)	(852)	(4,669)
Provision for income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	161	620	325	1,396
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(255)	(1,412)	(527)	(3,273)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 30,536	$ 25,187	$ (169,069)	$ 65,548

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 115,724	$ 29,103
Receivables, net	322,703	432,742
Inventories	1,176,506	1,517,875
Other current assets	124,170	37,890
Total current assets	1,739,103	2,017,610
Property and Equipment, net	1,112,873	1,097,247
Goodwill	207,791	475,791
Other Intangible Assets, net	64,300	64,300
Right-of-use asset	341,410	337,842
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	38,513	34,691
Other Assets	91,435	43,554
Total Assets	3,595,425	4,071,035
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	603,211	860,871
Notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	614,102	678,223
Trade accounts payable	105,784	135,217
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	44,739	43,332
Finance Lease, Liability, Current	1,243	1,564
Accrued interest	13,341	10,830
Other accrued liabilities	293,714	266,211
Current maturities of long-term debt	72,043	69,908
Total current liabilities	1,748,177	2,066,156
Long-Term Debt	677,488	636,978
Other Long-Term Liabilities	75,344	73,746
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	307,528	304,151
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	40,274	36,313
Deferred Income Taxes	1,912	8,927
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Class A convertible preferred stock, none issued	0	0
Paid-in capital	761,293	755,904
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	613,033	790,158
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,589)	(2,062)
Treasury stock, at cost; 33,476,159 Class A common stock shares held at September 30, 2018 and 32,290,493 Class A common stock shares held at December 31, 2017	(627,812)	(600,004)
Total Stockholders' Equity	744,702	944,764
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	3,595,425	4,071,035
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value	656	647
Class B common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value	$ 121	$ 121

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Convertible preferred stock issued	0	0
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	65,603,746	64,733,667
Common stock, shares outstanding	30,965,255	31,105,000
Treasury stock, shares	34,638,491	33,628,667
Class B common stock
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	12,029,375

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Class A Common Stock	Class A Common StockCommon Stock	Class A Common StockTreasury Stock	Class A Common StockRetained Earnings	Class B Common Stock	Class B Common StockCommon Stock	Class B Common StockRetained Earnings
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 823,116	$ 745,052	$ 670,691	$ 4,233		$ 642	$ (597,623)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2018						64,197	33,476			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock amortization	2,612
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019	852,286	747,920	701,182	2,372		$ 647	$ (599,956)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2019						64,677	33,625			12,029
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	823,116	745,052	670,691	4,233		$ 642	$ (597,623)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2018						64,197	33,476			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	59	54				$ 5
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						531
Purchase of treasury stock	(2,381)						$ (2,381)
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							(153)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	(3,273)			(3,273)
Restricted stock amortization		5,426
Net income (loss)	68,821		68,821
Dividends, Common Stock					$ 6,209			$ 6,209	$ 2,406		$ 2,406
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2019	875,725	750,532	723,469	960		$ 647	$ (600,004)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Jun. 30, 2019						64,728	33,629			12,029
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2019	852,286	747,920	701,182	2,372		$ 647	$ (599,956)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2019						64,677	33,625			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	0	0				$ 0
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						51
Purchase of treasury stock	(48)						$ (48)
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							(4)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	(1,412)			(1,412)
Restricted stock amortization		2,612
Net income (loss)	26,599		26,599
Dividends, Common Stock					3,109			3,109	1,203		1,203
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2019	875,725	750,532	723,469	960		$ 647	$ (600,004)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Jun. 30, 2019						64,728	33,629			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	(7,428)		(7,428)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	790,158
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	944,764	755,904	790,158	(2,062)		$ 647	$ (600,004)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2019						64,734	33,629			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	(527)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2020	721,987	758,327	586,511	(2,334)		$ 652	$ (621,290)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2020						65,199	34,364			12,029
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	944,764	755,904	790,158	(2,062)		$ 647	$ (600,004)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2019						64,734	33,629			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	1	(8)				$ 9
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						870
Purchase of treasury stock	(27,808)						$ (27,808)
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							(1,009)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	(527)			(527)
Restricted stock amortization		5,397
Net income (loss)	(168,542)		(168,542)
Dividends, Common Stock					6,177			6,177	2,406		2,406
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2020	744,702	761,293	613,033	(2,589)		$ 656	$ (627,812)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Jun. 30, 2020						65,604	34,638			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition		5,397
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2020	721,987	758,327	586,511	(2,334)		$ 652	$ (621,290)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2020						65,199	34,364			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	(1)	(5)				$ 4
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						405
Purchase of treasury stock	(6,522)						$ (6,522)
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							(274)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	(255)			(255)
Restricted stock amortization	2,971
Net income (loss)	30,791		30,791
Dividends, Common Stock					$ 3,066			$ 3,066	$ 1,203		$ 1,203
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2020	744,702	761,293	$ 613,033	$ (2,589)		$ 656	$ (627,812)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Jun. 30, 2020						65,604	34,638			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition		$ 2,971
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	$ 613,033

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)	$ (168,542)	$ 68,821
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	43,462	44,884
Provision for bad debt expense	345	205
Debt issuance cost amortization	1,182	1,189
Stock-based compensation expense	5,397	5,426
Deferred income taxes	(60,035)	(5,560)
Net distributions from equity investee	465	205
Asset impairment charges	268,833	1,952
Loss (gain) on disposal of dealerships and property and equipment	2,364	(46,065)
Loss (gain) on exit of leased dealerships	0	(170)
Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations:
Receivables	139,305	82,537
Inventories	341,340	(31,566)
Other assets	(45,013)	(65,637)
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	(257,660)	(67,835)
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities	(43,695)	(45,245)
Total adjustments	396,290	(125,680)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	227,748	(56,859)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of land, property and equipment	(61,733)	(51,234)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	163	2,301
Proceeds from sales of dealerships	(886)	121,337
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(62,456)	72,404
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	64,121	1,643
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	460,916	303,235
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	(460,916)	(303,235)
Debt issuance costs	1,252	2
Principal payments and repurchase of long-term debt	(10,423)	(11,715)
Purchases of treasury stock	(27,808)	(2,381)
Finance Lease, Principal Payments	19,620	0
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans	1	59
Dividends paid	(8,583)	(6,867)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(78,671)	(19,259)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	86,621	(3,714)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	29,103	5,854
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	115,724	2,140
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements (net of tax expense of $1,563 and $1,099 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively)	(527)	(3,273)
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest, including amount capitalized	34,939	53,143
Income taxes	$ 79	$ 41,305

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	$ 325	$ 1,396

Business Acquisitions and Dispo

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions	6 Months Ended
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions	Jun. 30, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions	Business Dispositions We did not dispose of any dealerships during the six months ended June 30, 2020. We terminated one luxury franchised dealership during the six months ended June 30, 2020. We disposed of one luxury franchised dealership and three mid-line import franchised dealerships during the six months ended June 30, 2019 that generated net cash of approximately $121.3 million. The results of operations of each of these terminated or disposed dealerships remain in continuing operations in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Revenues and other activities associated with terminated or disposed franchised dealerships that remain in continuing operations were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Income (loss) from operations $ (1,038) $ 225 $ (1,317) $ (2,200) Gain (loss) on disposal (1,117) (356) (1,115) 46,394 Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges — — — 170 Pre-tax income (loss) $ (2,155) $ (131) $ (2,432) $ 44,364 Total revenues $ — $ 100,597 $ 6,615 $ 216,110 Revenues and other activities associated with terminated or disposed franchised dealerships classified as discontinued operations were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Income (loss) from operations $ (289) $ (213) $ (573) $ (393) Pre-tax income (loss) $ (289) $ (213) $ (573) $ (393) Total revenues $ — $ — $ — $ —

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
Inventories	Jun. 30, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories Inventories consist of the following: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) New vehicles $ 699,760 $ 983,123 Used vehicles 297,931 319,791 Service loaners 127,018 152,278 Parts, accessories and other 51,797 62,683 Net inventories $ 1,176,506 $ 1,517,875

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Jun. 30, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible AssetsPursuant to the applicable accounting pronouncements, we were required to evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets during the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and market value. Based on this evaluation, we determined the carrying value of our franchised dealership reporting unit goodwill was greater than the fair value of the reporting unit. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $268.0 million and a corresponding income tax benefit of $55.8 million to reduce the carrying value to fair value as of March 31, 2020. We utilized the Discounted Cash Flows ("DCF") method, using unobservable inputs (Level 3) to estimate Sonic's enterprise value as of March 31, 2020 and reconciled the discounted cash flows to Sonic's market capitalization, using quoted market price inputs (Level 1). The significant assumptions in our DCF model include projected earnings, a discount rate (and estimates in the discount rate inputs), control premium factors and residual growth rates. Based on the improvement in our business operations and market value during the second quarter of 2020, as well as our future forecast expectations, no further impairment assessment was required.The carrying amount of goodwill was approximately $207.8 million and $475.8 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The carrying amount of goodwill for our franchised dealership reporting unit was $147.8 million and $415.8 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The carrying amount of goodwill for our EchoPark reporting unit was $60.0 million as of both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The total carrying amount of goodwill is net of accumulated impairment losses of approximately $1.1 billion and $797.6 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The carrying amount of franchise assets was approximately $64.3 million as of both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Jun. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Legal and Other Proceedings Sonic is involved, and expects to continue to be involved, in various legal and administrative proceedings arising out of the conduct of its business, including regulatory investigations and private civil actions brought by plaintiffs purporting to represent a potential class or for which a class has been certified. Although Sonic vigorously defends itself in all legal and administrative proceedings, the outcomes of pending and future proceedings arising out of the conduct of Sonic’s business, including litigation with customers, employment-related lawsuits, contractual disputes, class actions, purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities, cannot be predicted with certainty. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on Sonic’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020 was approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in reserves that Sonic was holding for pending proceedings. Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 was approximately $1.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for such reserves. Except as reflected in such reserves, Sonic is currently unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss, or a range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, for pending proceedings. Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations In accordance with the terms of Sonic’s operating lease agreements, Sonic’s dealership subsidiaries, acting as lessees, generally agree to indemnify the lessor from certain exposure arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental exposure and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease. In addition, Sonic has generally agreed to indemnify the lessor in the event of a breach of the lease by the lessee. In connection with dealership dispositions and facility relocations, certain of Sonic’s subsidiaries have assigned or sublet to the buyer their interests in real property leases associated with such dealerships or facilities. In general, the subsidiaries retain responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases, including rent payments and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease, to the extent that the assignee or sublessee does not perform. In the event an assignee or a sublessee does not perform its obligations, Sonic remains liable for such obligations. In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of Sonic’s dealerships, Sonic generally agrees to indemnify the buyer from certain liabilities and costs arising subsequent to the date of sale, including environmental exposure and exposure resulting from the breach of representations or warranties made in accordance with the agreements. While Sonic’s exposure with respect to environmental remediation and repairs is difficult to quantify, Sonic’s maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications was approximately $42.0 million and $46.5 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. These indemnifications typically expire within a period of one Sonic also guarantees the floor plan commitments of its 50%-owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $4.3 million at both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements	Jun. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements In determining fair value, Sonic uses various valuation approaches, including market, income and/or cost approaches. “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” in the ASC establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of Sonic. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect Sonic’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows: Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Sonic has the ability to access. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include marketable securities that are actively traded, including Sonic’s stock or public bonds. Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include cash flow swap instruments and deferred compensation plan balances. Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Asset and liability measurements utilizing Level 3 inputs include those used in estimating fair value of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities in purchase acquisitions, those used in assessing impairment of right-of-use assets ("ROU assets"), property, plant and equipment and other intangibles and those used in the reporting unit valuation in the goodwill impairment evaluation. The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment required by Sonic in determining fair value is greatest for assets and liabilities categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input (Level 3 being the lowest level) that is significant to the fair value measurement. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, Sonic’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Sonic uses inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods when the market may be abnormally high or abnormally low. Accordingly, fair value measurements can be volatile based on various factors that may or may not be within Sonic’s control. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows: Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Assets: Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1) $ 32,805 $ 32,799 Interest rate caps designated as hedges (2) 53 97 Total assets $ 32,858 $ 32,896 Liabilities: Deferred compensation plan (3) $ 18,107 $ 17,890 Total liabilities $ 18,107 $ 17,890 (1) Included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. (2) As of both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, approximately $0.1 million was included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of each such date. (3) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. There were $268.8 million of impairment charges related to indefinite and long-lived assets assessed during the six months ended June 30, 2020 which required a fair value measurement of assets ordinarily measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Goodwill and property and equipment, net balances have been adjusted for fair value through impairment charges using Level 1 and Level 3 fair value inputs as discussed in Note 4, "Property and Equipment," and Note 5, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets." Remaining intangible and long-lived assets will be evaluated as of the annual valuation assessment date of October 1, 2020 or as events or changes in circumstances require. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the fair values of Sonic’s financial instruments, including receivables, notes receivable from finance contracts, notes payable – floor plan, trade accounts payable, borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and certain mortgage notes, approximated their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s significant fixed rate long-term debt were as follows: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value (In thousands) 6.125% Notes (1) $ 247,500 $ 250,000 $ 261,250 $ 250,000 Mortgage Notes (2) $ 230,669 $ 224,929 $ 195,962 $ 194,535 (1) As determined by market quotations as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (Level 1). (2) As determined by discounted cash flows (Level 3) based on estimated current market interest rates for comparable instruments.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Jun. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the six months ended June 30, 2020 are as follows: Gains and Defined Total (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (1,326) $ (736) $ (2,062) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1) 632 — 632 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2) (1,159) — (1,159) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (527) — (527) Balance at June 30, 2020 $ (1,853) $ (736) $ (2,589) (1) Net of tax expense of $148 related to cash flow hedges. (2) Net of tax benefit of $473 related to cash flow hedges. See the heading “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” for further discussion of Sonic’s cash flow hedges. For further discussion of Sonic’s defined benefit pension plan, see Note 10, “Employee Benefit Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
Segment Information	Jun. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	10. Segment Information As of June 30, 2020, Sonic had two operating segments comprised of: (1) retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles and buy and sell used vehicles, sell replacement parts, perform vehicle repair and maintenance services, and arrange finance and insurance products (the “Franchised Dealerships Segment”); and (2) pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations that provide customers an opportunity to search our nationwide inventory, purchase a pre-owned vehicle, select finance and insurance products and sell their current vehicle to us (the “EchoPark Segment”). Sonic has determined that its operating segments also represent its reportable segments. The reportable segments identified above are the business activities of Sonic for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by Sonic's chief operating decision maker to assess operating performance and allocate resources. Sonic’s chief operating decision maker is a group of three individuals consisting of: (1) the Company’s Chief Executive Officer; (2) the Company’s President; and (3) the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Reportable segment financial information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Segment Revenues: Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues: New vehicles $ 900,003 $ 1,204,754 $ 1,859,492 $ 2,271,088 Used vehicles 535,699 637,090 1,102,587 1,241,039 Wholesale vehicles 28,509 43,720 70,948 96,253 Parts, service and collision repair 251,998 347,337 576,499 683,563 Finance, insurance and other, net 80,401 89,507 163,429 170,028 Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues $ 1,796,610 $ 2,322,408 $ 3,772,955 $ 4,461,971 EchoPark Segment revenues: Used vehicles $ 273,178 $ 248,537 $ 556,343 $ 464,953 Wholesale vehicles 4,666 6,319 10,770 8,557 Parts, service and collision repair 7,060 7,975 17,239 13,179 Finance, insurance and other, net 30,372 28,842 62,635 54,559 EchoPark Segment revenues $ 315,276 $ 291,673 $ 646,987 $ 541,248 Total consolidated revenues $ 2,111,886 $ 2,614,081 $ 4,419,942 $ 5,003,219 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands, except unit data) Segment Income (Loss) (1): Franchised Dealerships Segment (2) $ 35,689 $ 35,129 $ 58,346 $ 96,310 EchoPark Segment 2,577 1,693 4,672 3,800 Total segment income (loss) $ 38,266 $ 36,822 $ 63,018 $ 100,110 Impairment charges (3) (833) — (268,833) (1,952) Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes $ 37,433 $ 36,822 $ (205,815) $ 98,158 Retail New and Used Vehicle Unit Sales Volume: Franchised Dealerships Segment 43,864 57,067 91,626 109,676 EchoPark Segment 13,207 12,587 27,193 23,638 Total retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume 57,071 69,654 118,819 133,314 (1) Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and impairment charges. (2) For the six months ended June 30, 2019 , the above amount includes a pre-tax net gain on the disposal of franchised dealerships of approximately $46.7 million, offset partially by approximately $6.3 million of pre-tax executive transition costs. (3) For the three months ended June 30, 2020, the above amount includes a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $0.8 million related to the abandonment of certain construction projects. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 , the above amount includes a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $268.0 million related to adjustments in fair value of goodwill for the Franchised Dealerships Segment as a result of the economic disruptions due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19 which has adversely affected our business, as well as a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $0.8 million related to the abandonment of certain construction projects. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the above amount includes approximately $1.9 million of pre-tax fair value adjustments to real estate at former EchoPark locations classified as held for sale. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Impairment Charges: Franchised Dealerships Segment $ 833 $ — $ 268,833 $ 26 EchoPark Segment — — — 1,926 Total impairment charges $ 833 $ — $ 268,833 $ 1,952 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Depreciation and Amortization: Franchised Dealerships Segment $ 19,895 $ 21,144 $ 39,484 $ 41,381 EchoPark Segment 2,752 2,662 5,460 5,075 Total depreciation and amortization $ 22,647 $ 23,806 $ 44,944 $ 46,456 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Floor Plan Interest Expense: Franchised Dealerships Segment $ 5,675 $ 11,597 $ 15,283 $ 24,102 EchoPark Segment 639 921 1,539 1,642 Total floor plan interest expense $ 6,314 $ 12,518 $ 16,822 $ 25,744 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Interest Expense, Other, Net: Franchised Dealerships Segment $ 9,557 $ 13,192 $ 20,156 $ 25,606 EchoPark Segment 240 436 606 875 Total interest expense, other, net $ 9,797 $ 13,628 $ 20,762 $ 26,481 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Capital Expenditures: Franchised Dealerships Segment $ 35,388 $ 16,449 $ 52,637 $ 41,678 EchoPark Segment 6,540 4,165 9,096 9,556 Total capital expenditures $ 41,928 $ 20,614 $ 61,733 $ 51,234

Leases, Codification Topic 842

Leases, Codification Topic 842	6 Months Ended
Leases, Codification Topic 842	Jun. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	11. Lease Accounting The majority of our leases are related to dealership properties that are subject to long-term lease arrangements. In addition, we have certain equipment leases and contracts containing embedded leased assets that have been evaluated and included in the recorded ROU asset and lease liabilities as appropriate. As a result of the adoption of ASC 842, “Leases,” on January 1, 2019, we are required to recognize a ROU asset and a lease liability in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at the lease commencement date. For operating leases, the lease liability is initially and subsequently measured at the present value of the unpaid lease payments at the lease commencement date. For finance leases, the lease liability is initially measured in the same manner and date as for operating leases and is subsequently measured at reduced cost using the effective interest method. The ROU asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for lease payments made at or before the lease commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred or previously recognized favorable lease assets, less any lease incentives received or previously recognized lease exit accruals. For operating leases, the ROU asset is subsequently measured throughout the lease term at the carrying amount of the lease liability, plus initial direct costs, plus (minus) any prepaid (accrued) lease payments, less the unamortized balance of lease incentives received. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, the ROU asset is reduced using the straight-line method from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the end of its useful life or the end of the lease term unless the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to us or we are reasonably certain to exercise an option to purchase the underlying asset. In those cases, the ROU asset is reduced over the expected useful life of the underlying asset. Expense related to the reduction of the ROU asset is recognized and presented separately from interest expense on the lease liability. Variable lease payments associated with our leases are recognized when the event, activity or circumstance in the lease agreement on which those payments are assessed occurs. Variable lease payments are presented as operating expense in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations in the same line item as expense arising from fixed lease payments (operating leases) or expense related to the reduction of the ROU asset (finance leases). ROU assets for operating and finance leases are periodically reduced by impairment losses. We use the long-lived assets impairment guidance in ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” to determine whether the ROU asset is impaired and, if so, the amount of the impairment loss to recognize. We regularly monitor events or changes in circumstances that may require a reassessment of one of our leases. When a reassessment results in the remeasurement of a lease liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the corresponding ROU asset unless doing so would reduce the carrying amount of the ROU asset to an amount less than zero. In that case, the amount of the adjustment that would result in a negative ROU asset balance is recorded in profit or loss. Key estimates and judgments related to the measurement and recording of ROU assets and lease liabilities include how we determine: (1) the discount rate used to discount the unpaid lease payments to present value; and (2) the expected lease term, including any extension options. ASC 842, “Leases,” requires a lessee to discount its unpaid lease payments using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, its incremental borrowing rate. Generally, we cannot determine the interest rate implicit in the lease because we do not have access to the lessor’s estimated residual value or the amount of the lessor’s deferred initial direct costs. Therefore, we generally use our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for the lease. We determined the discount rate for our leases based on the risk-free rate as of the measurement date for varying maturities corresponding to the remaining lease term, adjusted for the risk-premium attributed to Sonic’s corporate credit rating for a secured or collateralized instrument. Many of our lease arrangements have one or more existing renewal options to extend the lease term (typically in five- to ten-year increments), which were considered in the calculation of the ROU assets and lease liabilities if we determined that it was reasonably certain that an extension option would be exercised. The lease term for all the Company’s leases includes the non-cancelable period of the lease plus any additional periods covered by our option to extend the lease that we are reasonably certain to exercise. We determined the probability of the exercise of a lease extension option based on our long-term strategic business outlook and the condition and remaining useful life of the fixed assets at the location subject to the lease agreement, among other factors. The majority of our lease agreements require fixed monthly payments (subject to either specific or index-based escalations in future periods) while other agreements require variable lease payments based on changes in LIBOR or any replacement thereof. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the: (1) fixed lease payments, including in-substance fixed payments, owed over the lease term, which include termination penalties we would owe if the estimated lease term assumes that we would be likely to exercise a termination option prior to the earliest expiration date; (2) variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the lease commencement date; and (3) the exercise price of our option to purchase the underlying asset if we are reasonably certain to exercise the option. Our leases do not typically contain residual value guarantees. In certain situations, we have entered into sublease agreements whereby we sublease all or a portion of a leased real estate asset to a third party. To the extent that we have a sublease related to a lease agreement for an asset that we are no longer using in operations, we have reduced the ROU asset by any applicable net deficiency in expected cash flows from that sublease (either due to partial monthly sublease proceeds or a sublease term less than the remaining master lease term). Following is information related to changes in our ROU asset and lease liability balances and other financial information for the six months ended June 30, 2020: December 31, 2019 New Modifications (1) Reduction / Amortization June 30, 2020 (In thousands) ROU Assets: Finance Leases $ 34,691 $ — $ 5,305 $ (1,483) $ 38,513 Operating Leases 337,842 23 25,293 (21,748) 341,410 Total ROU Assets $ 372,533 $ 23 $ 30,598 $ (23,231) $ 379,923 Current Lease Liabilities: Finance Leases $ 1,564 $ — $ 18,566 $ (18,887) $ 1,243 Operating Leases 43,332 70 1,504 (167) 44,739 Total Current Lease Liabilities $ 44,896 $ 70 $ 20,070 $ (19,054) $ 45,982 Long-Term Lease Liabilities: Finance Leases $ 36,313 $ — $ 4,694 $ (733) $ 40,274 Operating Leases 304,151 — 24,604 (21,227) 307,528 Total Long-Term Lease Liabilities $ 340,464 $ — $ 29,298 $ (21,960) $ 347,802 (1) Includes the impact of remeasurements related to lease terminations and changes in assumptions around the probability of exercise of extension options. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Lease Expense: Finance lease expense: Reduction of ROU assets $ 727 $ 862 $ 1,483 $ 1,572 Interest on lease liabilities 1,337 1,339 2,681 2,515 Operating lease expense (1) 16,546 17,057 33,156 35,054 Short-term lease expense (1) 337 473 757 900 Variable lease expense 244 683 962 797 Sublease income (3,074) (3,806) (6,174) (7,384) Total $ 16,117 $ 16,608 $ 32,865 $ 33,454 (1) Included in operating cash flows in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows as of June 30, 2020. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Other Information: Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Financing cash flows for finance leases $ 19,283 $ 502 $ 19,620 $ 782 Operating cash flows for finance leases $ 1,337 $ 1,339 $ 2,681 $ 2,515 Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 16,049 $ 18,315 $ 32,801 $ 36,784 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities Finance leases $ 7,359 $ 9,290 $ 14,088 $ 19,273 Operating leases (1) $ 8,172 $ 1,541 $ 35,397 $ (9,170) (1) Includes the impact of reclassification of ROU assets from operating leases to finance leases due to remeasurement. June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019 Other Information: Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) Finance leases 11.5 11.2 Operating leases 9.4 9.7 Weighted-average discount rate Finance leases 17.57 % 18.33 % Operating leases 6.59 % 6.87 % Undiscounted Lease Cash Flows Under ASC 842 as of June 30, 2020 Finance Operating Receipts from Subleases Year Ending December 31, (In thousands) Remainder of 2020 $ 3,469 $ 33,143 $ (6,036) 2021 7,069 62,679 (8,811) 2022 7,077 56,081 (6,103) 2023 7,138 54,206 (6,103) 2024 7,257 48,783 (5,042) Thereafter 49,430 225,538 (4,270) Total $ 81,440 $ 480,430 $ (36,365) Less: Present value discount (39,923) (128,163) Lease liabilities $ 41,517 $ 352,267

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	1 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Jun. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation				Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Sonic,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal, recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year or future interim periods, because the first quarter historically has contributed less operating profit than the second and third quarters, while the fourth quarter historically has contributed the highest operating profit of any quarter. Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could impact earnings for the remainder of 2020 and beyond. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Principles of Consolidation				Principles of Consolidation – All of our dealership and non-dealership subsidiaries are wholly owned and consolidated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, except for one 50%-owned dealership that is accounted for under the equity method. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Revenue from Contract with Customers				Revenue Recognition – Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” applies a five-step model that includes: (1) identifying the contract(s) with the customer; (2) identifying the performance obligation(s) in the contract(s); (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) in the contract(s); and (5) recognizing revenue as the performance obligation(s) are satisfied. The standard also requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We do not include the cost of obtaining contracts within the related revenue streams since we elected the practical expedient to expense the costs to obtain a contract when incurred. Management has evaluated our established business processes, revenue transaction streams and accounting policies, and identified our material revenue streams to be: (1) the sale of new vehicles; (2) the sale of used vehicles to retail customers; (3) the sale of wholesale used vehicles at third-party auctions; (4) the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service, warranty and other insurance contracts; and (5) the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services and the sale of related parts and accessories. Generally, performance conditions are satisfied when the associated vehicle is either delivered or returned to a customer and customer acceptance has occurred, or over time as the maintenance and repair services are performed. We do not have any revenue streams with significant financing components as payments are typically received within a short period of time following completion of the performance obligation(s). Certain retrospective finance and insurance revenue is earned in periods subsequent to the completion of the initial performance obligation (“F&I retro revenues”). F&I retro revenues are recognized when the product contract has been executed with the end customer and are estimated each reporting period based on the expected value method using historical and projected data, which results in the acceleration of revenue recognition. F&I retro revenues, which represent variable consideration, subject to constraint, are to be included in the transaction price and recognized when or as the performance obligation is satisfied. F&I retro revenues can vary based on a variety of factors, including number of contracts and history of cancellations and claims. Accordingly, we utilize this historical and projected data to constrain the consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. We record revenue when vehicles are delivered to customers, when vehicle service work is performed and when parts are delivered. Conditions for completing a sale include having an agreement with the customer, including pricing, and the sales price must be reasonably expected to be collected. Receivables, net in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 include approximately $4.6 million and $5.1 million, respectively, related to work in process and contract assets related to F&I retro revenues of approximately $8.5 million and $12.9 million, respectively. Changes in contract assets from December 31, 2019 to June 30, 2020 were primarily due to ordinary business activity, including the receipt of cash for amounts earned and recognized in prior periods. Please refer to Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for further discussion of our revenue recognition policies and processes.
Unit Sale Decline Min		30.00%	30.00%
Unit Sale Decline Max		40.00%	50.00%
Fixed Ops Decline Min			15.00%
Fixed Ops Decline Max			30.00%
Fixed Ops Decline		45.00%
New Unit Sale Decline	15.00%
Fixed Ops Gross Profit Decline	2.00%
Used Unit Sale Decline	9.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Unusual Risks and Uncertainties	COVID 19 – The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the global economy beginning in the first quarter of 2020. During the first half of 2020, the impact on the economy affected both consumer demand and supply of manufactured goods as many countries around the world and states in the United States (the "U.S.") mandated restrictions on citizen movements (i.e. shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders) or on retail trade or manufacturing activities at physical locations. As a result, many businesses curtailed operations and furloughed or terminated many positions. In the U.S., the government passed several measures through the legislature that were signed by the President and enacted into law. Those measures include the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Both such acts attempt to provide short-term relief to families and businesses as a result of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the pandemic and related shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders, we have transitioned many of our teammates to remote work arrangements. In situations where a teammate's role does not permit remote work (i.e., service repair technicians), we have implemented staggered work hours and other social distancing measures to promote the health and safety of our teammates and guests. As a result of the systems and infrastructure we had in place prior to the pandemic, we have been able to effectively maintain our back-office operations, financial reporting and internal control processes with minimal disruption. All of our store operations have been impacted by the crisis to varying degrees. As of March 31, 2020, the majority of our stores were not permitted to conduct retail sales of new and used vehicles at our physical locations. Those locations could offer virtual sales transactions with “contactless” delivery to customers. As of June 30, 2020, most of such restrictions have been relaxed; however, our stores remain subject to certain health and safety policies and practices that may affect the way we sell vehicles and interact with our guests. Due to the critical nature of automotive repair, our fixed operations were deemed “essential” by governmental agencies and have been able to continue to conduct business throughout the pandemic to date, but must maintain certain local standards for social distancing to promote the health and safety of our teammates and guests. As a result of these restrictions and their effect on consumer behavior, in the last several weeks of March 2020, we experienced 30%-50% declines in unit sales of new and used vehicles (as compared to the prior year period) and 15%-30% reductions in repair order activity in fixed operations. The entire month of April 2020 was more severely impacted, with new and used vehicle same store unit sales volume 30%-40% below the prior year period and fixed operations same store gross profit approximately 45% below the prior year period. Beginning in May 2020, new and used vehicle unit sales volume and fixed operations repair activity began to improve as state and local jurisdictions relaxed their shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders and consumer activity began to recover. For the month of June 2020, new vehicle same store unit sales volume was down approximately 15%, used vehicle same store unit sales volume was up approximately 9%, and fixed operations same store gross profit was down approximately 2%, in each case when compared to the prior year period. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve. While we currently expect to see continued recovery in the second half of 2020, the outbreak may cause changes in customer behaviors, including a potential reduction in consumer spending for vehicles and automotive repairs. This may lead to increased asset recovery and valuation risks, such as impairment of additional long-lived assets. In addition, uncertainties in the global economy may negatively impact our suppliers and other business partners, which may interrupt our supply chain and require other changes to our operations. These and other factors may adversely impact our revenues, operating income and earnings per share financial measures. Based on the events and circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic, during the first quarter of 2020, we evaluated our long-lived assets for impairment. This evaluation included reviews of fixed assets and related right-of-use assets, franchise assets and goodwill. As a result of this evaluation, we determined the carrying values of all long-lived assets to be recoverable at March 31, 2020 with the exception of goodwill related to our franchised dealership reporting unit, resulting in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $268.0 million. One of the primary factors which contributed to the conclusion that goodwill was impaired was the decline in the market value of Sonic's stock between the announcement date of the pandemic on March 11, 2020 to March 31, 2020. See Note 5 for further discussion. Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The amendment in this update replaced the previous incurred loss impairment methodology of recognizing credit losses when a loss is probable, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to assess credit loss estimates. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2020 and the effects of this ASU did not materially impact our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Business Acquisitions and Dis_2

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Revenues and Other Activities Associated with Disposed Dealerships Classified as Discontinued Operations	Revenues and other activities associated with terminated or disposed franchised dealerships classified as discontinued operations were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Income (loss) from operations $ (289) $ (213) $ (573) $ (393) Pre-tax income (loss) $ (289) $ (213) $ (573) $ (393) Total revenues $ — $ — $ — $ —

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Inventories (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventories	Inventories consist of the following: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) New vehicles $ 699,760 $ 983,123 Used vehicles 297,931 319,791 Service loaners 127,018 152,278 Parts, accessories and other 51,797 62,683 Net inventories $ 1,176,506 $ 1,517,875

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Property and Equipment, Net	Property and equipment, net consists of the following: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Land $ 389,467 $ 373,301 Building and improvements 1,012,537 969,609 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 357,129 346,260 Construction in progress 31,122 50,928 Total, at cost 1,790,255 1,740,098 Less accumulated depreciation (651,142) (616,611) Subtotal 1,139,113 1,123,487 Less assets held for sale (1) (26,240) (26,240) Property and equipment, net $ 1,112,873 $ 1,097,247 (1) Classified in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) 2016 Revolving Credit Facility (1) $ — $ — 6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 (the “6.125% Notes”) 250,000 250,000 2019 Mortgage Facility (2) 109,088 109,088 Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03% 224,929 194,535 Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50 to 2.90 percentage points above one-month or three-month LIBOR 173,667 161,345 Subtotal $ 757,684 $ 714,968 Debt issuance costs (8,153) (8,082) Total debt 749,531 706,886 Less current maturities (72,043) (69,908) Long-term debt $ 677,488 $ 636,978 (1) The interest rate on the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) was 150 basis points above the London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") at both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. (2) The interest rate on the 2019 Mortgage Facility (as defined below) was 150 and 200 basis points above LIBOR at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Financial Covenants Include Required Specified Ratios	were in compliance with the financial covenants under the 2016 Credit Facilities, the 2019 Mortgage Facility and the 2020 Line of Credit Facility as of June 30, 2020. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2016 Credit Facilities, the 2019 Mortgage Facility and the 2020 Line of Credit Facility) of: Covenant Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio Required ratio 1.05 1.20 5.75 June 30, 2020 actual 1.13 2.10 3.23
Summary of Interest Received and Paid under Term of Cash Flow Swap	Under the terms of the interest rate cap agreements, to the extent that the stated receive rate exceeds the stated cap rate, we will receive interest based on the following: Notional Cap Rate (1) Receive Rate (1) (2) Start Date End Date (In millions) $ 312.5 2.000% one-month LIBOR July 1, 2019 June 30, 2020 $ 250.0 3.000% one-month LIBOR July 1, 2019 June 30, 2020 $ 225.0 3.000% one-month LIBOR July 1, 2020 June 30, 2021 $ 150.0 2.000% one-month LIBOR July 1, 2020 July 1, 2021 $ 250.0 3.000% one-month LIBOR July 1, 2021 July 1, 2022 (1) Under these interest rate caps, no payment from the counterparty will occur unless the stated receive rate exceeds the stated cap rate, in which case a net payment to us from the counterparty, based on the spread between the receive rate and the cap rate, will be recognized as a reduction of interest expense, other, net in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. (2) The one-month LIBOR rate was approximately 0.162% at June 30, 2020.
6.125% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption	We may redeem the 6.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 15, 2022 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount: Redemption Price Beginning on March 15, 2022 103.063 % Beginning on March 15, 2023 102.042 % Beginning on March 15, 2024 101.021 % Beginning on March 15, 2025 and thereafter 100.000 %

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value	Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows: Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Assets: Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1) $ 32,805 $ 32,799 Interest rate caps designated as hedges (2) 53 97 Total assets $ 32,858 $ 32,896 Liabilities: Deferred compensation plan (3) $ 18,107 $ 17,890 Total liabilities $ 18,107 $ 17,890 (1) Included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. (2) As of both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, approximately $0.1 million was included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of each such date. (3) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Fair Value and Carrying Value of Significant Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt	At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s significant fixed rate long-term debt were as follows: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value (In thousands) 6.125% Notes (1) $ 247,500 $ 250,000 $ 261,250 $ 250,000 Mortgage Notes (2) $ 230,669 $ 224,929 $ 195,962 $ 194,535 (1) As determined by market quotations as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (Level 1). (2) As determined by discounted cash flows (Level 3) based on estimated current market interest rates for comparable instruments.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the six months ended June 30, 2020 are as follows: Gains and Defined Total (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (1,326) $ (736) $ (2,062) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1) 632 — 632 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2) (1,159) — (1,159) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (527) — (527) Balance at June 30, 2020 $ (1,853) $ (736) $ (2,589) (1) Net of tax expense of $148 related to cash flow hedges.

Leases, Codification Topic 842

Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Tables) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Tables) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Lease Expense [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization	$ 727,000	$ 862,000	$ 1,483,000	$ 1,572,000
Finance Lease, Interest Expense	1,337,000	1,339,000	2,681,000	2,515,000
Operating Lease, Cost	16,546,000	17,057,000	33,156,000	35,054,000
Short-term Lease, Cost	337,000	473,000	757,000	900,000
Variable Lease, Cost	244,000	683,000	962,000	797,000
Sublease Income	3,074,000	3,806,000	6,174,000	7,384,000
Lease, Cost	$ 16,117,000	$ 16,608,000	$ 32,865,000	$ 33,454,000
Lease Other Information [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Finance leases	11 years 6 months	11 years 2 months 12 days	11 years 6 months	11 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases	9 years 4 months 24 days	9 years 8 months 12 days	9 years 4 months 24 days	9 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted-average discount rate: Finance leases	17.57%	18.33%	17.57%	18.33%
Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases	6.59%	6.87%	6.59%	6.87%
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	$ 3,469,000		$ 3,469,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	7,069,000		7,069,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	7,077,000		7,077,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	7,138,000		7,138,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	7,257,000		7,257,000
Thereafter	49,430,000		49,430,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due	81,440,000		81,440,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	39,923,000		39,923,000
Finance Lease, Liability	41,517,000		41,517,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	33,143,000		33,143,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	62,679,000		62,679,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	56,081,000		56,081,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	54,206,000		54,206,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	48,783,000		48,783,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five	225,538,000		225,538,000
Total	480,430,000		480,430,000
Less: Present value discount	128,163,000		128,163,000
Lease liabilities	352,267,000		352,267,000
Lease, Cost [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Principal Payments	19,283,000		19,620,000	$ 0
Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability	1,337,000	$ 1,339,000	2,681,000	2,515,000
Operating Lease, Payments	16,049,000	18,315,000	32,801,000	36,784,000
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: Finance leases	7,359,000	9,290,000	14,088,000	19,273,000
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: Operating leases	8,172,000	1,541,000	35,397,000	(9,170,000)
2019 Finance Lease Principal Payments		502,000
2019 Finance Lease Principal Payments YTD				782,000
Leases [Abstract]
Right of Use Assets Total	379,923,000		379,923,000		$ 372,533,000
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	38,513,000		38,513,000		34,691,000
Lease Right of Use Asset New Lease Total			23,000
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, New Leases	0		0
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, New Leases	23,000		23,000
Lease Liability Current New Lease Total			70,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, New Leases	0		0
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, New Leases	70,000		70,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, New Leases	0		0
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, New Leases	0		0
Lease Liability Noncurrent New Lease Total			0
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Modifications	5,305,000		5,305,000
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Modifications	25,293,000		25,293,000
Lease Right of Use Asset Modifications Total			30,598,000
Lease Right of Use Asset Amortization Total			(23,231,000)
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Modifications	18,566,000		18,566,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Modifications	1,504,000		1,504,000
Lease, Liability Current, Modifications Total			20,070,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Modifications	4,694,000		4,694,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Modifications	24,604,000		24,604,000
Lease, Liability Noncurrent, Modifications Total			29,298,000
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization			21,748,000
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization	727,000	$ 862,000	1,483,000	$ 1,572,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Amortization			18,887,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Amortization			167,000
Lease, Liability, Current, Amortization Total			(19,054,000)
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Amortization			733,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Amortization			21,227,000
Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Amortization Total			(21,960,000)
Lease Liability Current Total	45,982,000		45,982,000		44,896,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	44,739,000		44,739,000		43,332,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Current	1,243,000		1,243,000		1,564,000
Lease Liability Noncurrent Total	347,802,000		347,802,000		340,464,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	307,528,000		307,528,000		304,151,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	40,274,000		40,274,000		$ 36,313,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Next Twelve Months	6,036,000		6,036,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years	8,811,000		8,811,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years	6,103,000		6,103,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years	6,103,000		6,103,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years	5,042,000		5,042,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter	4,270,000		4,270,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received	$ 36,365,000		$ 36,365,000

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cumulative Effect of Adjustments for Adoption of ASC 606 (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 2,111,886,000	$ 2,614,081,000	$ 4,419,942,000	$ 5,003,219,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(1,804,503,000)	(2,232,770,000)	(3,761,981,000)	(4,262,897,000)
Operating income (loss)	53,544,000	62,973,000	(168,331,000)	150,288,000
Assets:
Receivables, net	322,703,000		322,703,000		$ 432,742,000
Liabilities:
Other accrued liabilities	293,714,000		293,714,000		266,211,000
Deferred income taxes	1,912,000		1,912,000		8,927,000
Stockholders' Equity:
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	613,033,000		613,033,000		790,158,000
Parts, service and collision repair
Revenues:
Revenues	259,058,000	355,312,000	593,738,000	696,742,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(134,779,000)	(184,766,000)	(311,560,000)	(362,960,000)
Finance, insurance and other, net
Revenues:
Revenues	110,773,000	$ 118,349,000	226,064,000	$ 224,587,000
ASU 2014-09 \| Finance, insurance and other, net
Assets:
Contract assets	$ 8,500,000		$ 8,500,000		$ 12,900,000

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization		$ 38,513,000	$ 34,691,000
Finance Lease, Liability		41,517,000
Intangible assets		64,300,000	64,300,000
Right-of-use asset		$ 341,410,000	$ 337,842,000
Fixed Ops Decline	45.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	$ 38,513		$ 38,513		$ 34,691
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	341,410		341,410		$ 337,842
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization	$ (727)	$ (862)	$ (1,483)	$ (1,572)

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: Finance leases	$ 7,359	$ 9,290	$ 14,088	$ 19,273
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: Operating leases	$ (8,172)	$ (1,541)	$ (35,397)	$ 9,170

Summary of Significant Accoun_7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Undiscounted Lease Cash Flows (Details)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Total	$ 81,440,000
Finance Lease, Liability	41,517,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five	225,538,000
Lease liabilities	$ 352,267,000

Summary of Significant Accoun_8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Discrete charge for non-deductible executive compensation, transition costs						$ 1,500
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, State and Local, Amount		$ 3,400		$ 400	$ 200	$ 400
Percentage of dealership that is accounted for under the equity method		50.00%			50.00%
Contract work in process	$ 5,100		$ 4,600
Effective tax rate from continuing operations		17.20%	18.30%	27.40%		29.60%
Tax expense for uncertain tax positions					$ 1,400	$ 200
Discrete benefit related to vested or exercised stock compensation					200	200
Discrete charge related to non-deductible asset impairment charge		$ 300
Income benefit		(6,437)		$ (10,071)	37,680	(29,058)
Impairment charges		833	$ (800)	0	268,833	1,952
Goodwill, Impairment Loss					268,000
Income Tax Benefit Goodwill Impairment					55,800
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, State and Local, Amount		$ 3,400		$ 400	$ 200	$ 400
Dealership
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of dealership that is accounted for under the equity method		50.00%			50.00%
ASU 2014-09 \| Finance, insurance and other, net
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Contract assets	$ 12,900	$ 8,500			$ 8,500

Business Acquisitions and Dis_3

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020Business	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)Business	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)Business
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of acquired franchises			0
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of franchises disposed				3
Number of franchises terminated	0
Proceeds from sales of dealerships \| $			$ (886)	$ 121,337
Luxury franchise
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of franchises terminated				1
Mid-line import franchise
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net cash generated from disposition \| $		$ 121,300

Business Acquisitions and Dis_4

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Revenues and Other Activities Associated with Disposed Dealerships Classified as Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Pre-tax income (loss)	$ (289)	$ (213)	$ (573)	$ (393)
Disposed dealerships classified as discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income (loss) from operations	(289)	(213)	(573)	(393)
Pre-tax income (loss)	(289)	(213)	(573)	(393)
Total revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Business Acquisitions and Dis_5

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Revenues and Other Activities Associated with Disposed Dealerships That Remain in Continuing Operations (Details) - Disposed dealerships that remain in continuing operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income (loss) from operations	$ (1,038)	$ 225	$ (1,317)	$ (2,200)
Gain (loss) on disposal	(1,117)	(356)	(1,115)	46,394
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges	0	0	0	170
Pre-tax income (loss)	(2,155)	(131)	(2,432)	44,364
Total revenues	$ 0	$ 100,597	$ 6,615	$ 216,110

Inventories - Components of Inv

Inventories - Components of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
New vehicles	$ 699,760	$ 983,123
Used vehicles	297,931	319,791
Service loaners	127,018	152,278
Parts, accessories and other	51,797	62,683
Net inventories	$ 1,176,506	$ 1,517,875

Property and Equipment - Compon

Property and Equipment - Components of Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Less accumulated depreciation	$ (651,142)	$ (616,611)
Subtotal	1,139,113	1,123,487
Less assets held for sale	(26,240)	(26,240)
Property and equipment, net	1,112,873	1,097,247
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	389,467	373,301
Building and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,012,537	969,609
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	357,129	346,260
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	31,122	50,928
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Excluding Capital Leased Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 1,790,255	$ 1,740,098

Property and Equipment - Additi

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Capital expenditures	$ 41,900		$ 20,600		$ 61,700	$ 51,200
Impairment charges	$ 833	$ (800)	$ 0		$ 268,833	$ 1,952
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of				$ 2,000

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 207,791			$ 207,791		$ 475,791
Net of accumulated impairment losses	1,100,000			1,100,000		797,600
Income Tax Benefit Goodwill Impairment				55,800
Goodwill - Franchise Segment	147,800			147,800		415,800
Goodwill - Preowned Segment	60,000			60,000		60,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	207,791			207,791		$ 475,791
Impairment charges	833	$ (800)	$ 0	268,833	$ 1,952
Franchise assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Franchise assets	$ 64,300			$ 64,300

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 10, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 757,684	$ 714,968
Debt issuance costs	(8,153)	(8,082)
Total debt	749,531	706,886
Less current maturities	(72,043)	(69,908)
Long-term debt	677,488	636,978
Mortgage notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%	224,929	194,535
Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50 to 2.90 percentage points above one-month or three-month LIBOR	173,667	161,345
Subtotal	$ 398,600
Mortgage notes \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, percentage	3.51%
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, percentage	1.50%
Mortgage notes \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, percentage	7.03%
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, percentage	2.90%
2016 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2016 Revolving Credit Facility	$ 0	$ 0
Interest rate	2.50%	2.25%
5.0% Senior Subordinate Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.00%
6.125% Senior Subordinate Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Subordinated Notes	$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Total debt	$ 250,000	250,000
Stated interest rate	6.125%		6.125%
2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Subordinated Notes	$ 109,088	$ 109,088
Stated interest rate	2.50%

Long-Term Debt - Debt Redemptio

Long-Term Debt - Debt Redemption (Details) - 6.125% Notes	6 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt - Debt Redemption (Details) - 6.125% Notes	Jun. 30, 2020
Period One
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption percentage of principal amount	103.063%
Period Two
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption percentage of principal amount	102.042%
Period Three
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption percentage of principal amount	101.021%
Period Four
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption percentage of principal amount	100.00%

Long-Term Debt - 2016 Credit Fa

Long-Term Debt - 2016 Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
2016 Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
2016 Revolving Credit Facility			$ 0	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility \| 2016 Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net	$ 25,000,000
Current borrowing capacity			250,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity			300,000,000
Borrowing base			196,400,000
Letters of credit outstanding amount			13,000,000
Borrowing availability amount			183,400,000
Revolving Credit Facility \| 2016 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility and 2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity			966,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 1,216,000,000
Maximum aggregate commitments allocated to commitments under the 2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility		40.00%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Two Thousand Sixteen Vehicle Floor Plan Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net	$ 215,000,000

Long-Term Debt - Notes Narrativ

Long-Term Debt - Notes Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 10, 2017	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Percentage Of Outstanding Principal Amount Redeemable Upon Event Of Default		25.00%
Debt outstanding		$ 757,684,000	$ 757,684,000	$ 714,968,000
Maximum Borrowing 2019 Mortgage Facility		$ 112,200,000	$ 112,200,000
Mortgage notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate on note		3.56%	3.56%
Debt outstanding		$ 398,600,000	$ 398,600,000
5.0% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.00%	5.00%
6.125% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Redemption Price Percentage Of Par Value Due To Change Of Control	101.00%
Stated interest rate	6.125%	6.125%	6.125%
Principal amount	$ 250,000,000
Notes issued, percent of principal	100.00%
Maximum dividend (usd per share)		$ 0.12	$ 0.12
2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.50%	2.50%
Maximum dividend (usd per share)		$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Long Term Debt Prepayment		$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount		$ 3,100,000	$ 3,100,000
Percent of Collateralized Real Estate		75.00%	75.00%
Minimum \| 5.0% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Other Outstanding Indebtedness In Excess		$ 50,000,000
Minimum \| 2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread LIBOR			1.50%
Maximum \| 2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.75%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread LIBOR			2.75%

Long-Term Debt - Covenants (Det

Long-Term Debt - Covenants (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	113.00%
Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	210.00%
Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	323.00%
2016 Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Net income and retained earnings free of restrictions	$ 284.9
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio	588.00%
Required ratio
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	105.00%
Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	120.00%
Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	575.00%
Required ratio \| 2016 Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio	150.00%

Long-Term Debt - Derivative Ins

Long-Term Debt - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Cash Premium Paid	$ 2,500,000		$ 2,800,000
Derivative Instrument, Unamortized Premium					$ 2,900,000	$ 3,700,000
Incremental interest expense	0	$ 500,000		$ 900,000
Net benefit expected to be reclassified					200,000
Interest rate swap and interest rate cap \| Derivative instruments and hedging activities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative					$ 100,000		$ 100,000
Net cash proceeds	$ 4,800,000

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Int

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Interest Received and Paid under Term of Cash Flow Swap (Details)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
One month LIBOR rate	0.162%
Cash Flow Swap D
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 312,500,000
Pay Rate	2.00%
Cash Flow Swap E
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Pay Rate	3.00%
Cash Flow Swap F
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 225,000,000
Pay Rate	3.00%
Cash Flow Swap G
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000
Pay Rate	2.00%
Cash Flow Swap H
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Pay Rate	3.00%

Long-Term Debt - 2019 Mortgage

Long-Term Debt - 2019 Mortgage Facility (Details)	Jun. 30, 2020$ / shares
6.125% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum dividend (usd per share)	$ 0.12
2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum dividend (usd per share)	$ 0.10

Per Share Data and Stockholders

Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity - Dilutive Effect on Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Weighted Average Shares
Weighted average common shares outstanding	42,940	43,066	42,779	42,953
Diluted earnings (loss) (shares)	43,575	43,230	42,779	43,060
From Continuing Operations
Earnings (loss)	$ 30,996	$ 26,751	$ (168,135)	$ 69,100
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.62	$ (3.93)	$ 1.61
From Discontinued Operations
Earnings (loss)	$ (205)	$ (152)	$ (407)	$ (279)
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)
Net Income (Loss)
Earnings (loss)	$ 30,791	$ 26,599	$ (168,542)	$ 68,821
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.62	$ (3.94)	$ 1.60
Effect of dilutive securities:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (usd per share)	0.71	0.62	(3.93)	1.60
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	(0.01)	(0.01)	0
Earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.71	$ 0.61	$ (3.94)	$ 1.60

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Maximum exposure associated with general indemnifications		$ 42	$ 46.5
General indemnifications minimum expiration period	1 year
General indemnifications maximum expiration period	3 years
Percentage of dealership that is accounted for under the equity method		50.00%
Contingent liability reserve balance after reduction		$ 4.3
Other accrued liabilities
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Amount reserved for pending proceedings		0.3	1.2
Other long-term liabilities
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Amount reserved for pending proceedings		$ 0.2	$ 0.3

Fair Value Measurements - Asset

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	$ 268,800
Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		$ 32,805	$ 32,799
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges		53	97
Total assets		32,858	32,896
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan		18,107	17,890
Total liabilities		18,107	17,890
Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Other assets
Assets:
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges		$ 100
Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Other accrued liabilities
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges			0
Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Other long-term liabilities
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges			$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value and Carrying Value of Significant Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 10, 2017
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 749,531	$ 706,886
Mortgage Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	230,669	195,962
Carrying Value	$ 224,929	194,535
5.0% Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.00%
6.125% Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 247,500	261,250
Carrying Value	$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Stated interest rate	6.125%		6.125%

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 721,987,000	$ 944,764,000	$ 852,286,000	$ 944,764,000	$ 823,116,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		632,000
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,159,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(255,000)	(527,000)	(1,412,000)	(527,000)	(3,273,000)
Ending balance	744,702,000	721,987,000	875,725,000	744,702,000	875,725,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax expense		148
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax expense		(473)
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(1,326,000)		(1,326,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		632,000
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,159,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(527,000)
Ending balance	(1,853,000)			(1,853,000)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(736,000)		(736,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		0
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0
Ending balance	(736,000)			(736,000)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(2,334,000)	(2,062,000)	2,372,000	(2,062,000)	4,233,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(255,000)		(1,412,000)	(527,000)	(3,273,000)
Ending balance	$ (2,589,000)	$ (2,334,000)	$ 960,000	$ (2,589,000)	$ 960,000

Segment Information - Additiona

Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended
Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	Mar. 31, 2020Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2

Segment Information - Summary o

Segment Information - Summary of Reportable Operating Segment (Details)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)retail_Units	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)retail_Units	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)retail_Units	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)retail_Units	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	$ 2,111,886,000		$ 2,614,081,000		$ 4,419,942,000	$ 5,003,219,000
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	53,544,000		62,973,000		(168,331,000)	150,288,000
Interest expense, other, net	(9,797,000)		(13,628,000)		(20,762,000)	(26,481,000)
Other income (expense), net	0		(5,000)		100,000	95,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	37,433,000		36,822,000		(205,815,000)	98,158,000
Executive transition costs			6,300,000
Impairment charges	$ (833,000)	$ 800,000	$ 0		$ (268,833,000)	$ (1,952,000)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of				$ 2,000,000
Retail Units \| retail_Units	57,071		69,654		118,819	133,314
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$ 22,647,000		$ 23,806,000		$ 44,944,000	$ 46,456,000
FloorPlanInterestExpense	6,314,000		12,518,000		16,822,000	25,744,000
Interest Expense, Other	9,797,000		13,628,000		20,762,000	26,481,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	41,928,000		20,614,000		61,733,000	51,234,000
Cash and cash equivalents	115,724,000		2,140,000		115,724,000	2,140,000	$ 29,103,000	$ 5,854,000
Assets	3,595,425,000				3,595,425,000		4,071,035,000
Gain on Franchise Disposal			46,700,000
Executive transition costs			6,300,000
Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	1,796,610,000		2,322,408,000		3,772,955,000	4,461,971,000
Segment income (loss):
Interest expense, other, net	(9,557,000)		(13,192,000)		(20,156,000)	(25,606,000)
Impairment charges	$ (800,000)		$ 0		$ 268,000,000	$ (26,000)
Retail Units \| retail_Units	43,864		57,067		91,626	109,676
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$ 19,895,000		$ 21,144,000		$ 39,484,000	$ 41,381,000
FloorPlanInterestExpense	5,675,000		11,597,000		15,283,000	24,102,000
Interest Expense, Other	9,557,000		13,192,000		20,156,000	25,606,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	35,388,000		16,449,000		52,637,000	41,678,000
Assets	3,072,380,000				3,072,380,000		3,797,878,000
EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	315,276,000		291,673,000		646,987,000	541,248,000
Segment income (loss):
Interest expense, other, net	(240,000)		(436,000)		(606,000)	(875,000)
Impairment charges	$ 0		0		$ 0	$ (1,926,000)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of			$ 1,900,000
Retail Units \| retail_Units	13,207		12,587		27,193	23,638
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$ 2,752,000		$ 2,662,000		$ 5,460,000	$ 5,075,000
FloorPlanInterestExpense	639,000		921,000		1,539,000	1,642,000
Interest Expense, Other	240,000		436,000		606,000	875,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	6,540,000		4,165,000		9,096,000	9,556,000
Assets	407,321,000				407,321,000		$ 244,054,000
Operating segments
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	38,266,000			36,822,000	63,018,000	100,110,000
Operating segments \| Franchised Dealerships Segment
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	35,689,000		35,129,000		58,346,000	96,310,000
Operating segments \| EchoPark Segment
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	2,577,000			1,693,000	4,672,000	3,800,000
Reconciling items
Segment income (loss):
Interest expense, other, net					(268,833,000)	(1,952,000)
Other income (expense), net	37,433,000			36,822,000	(205,815,000)	98,158,000
Impairment charges	833,000			$ 0
Interest Expense, Other					268,833,000	1,952,000
New vehicles
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	900,003,000		1,204,754,000		1,859,492,000	2,271,088,000
New vehicles \| Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	900,003,000		1,204,754,000		1,859,492,000	2,271,088,000
Used vehicles
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	808,877,000		885,627,000		1,658,930,000	1,705,992,000
Used vehicles \| Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	535,699,000		637,090,000		1,102,587,000	1,241,039,000
Used vehicles \| EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	273,178,000		248,537,000		556,343,000	464,953,000
Wholesale vehicles
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	33,175,000		50,039,000		81,718,000	104,810,000
Wholesale vehicles \| Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	28,509,000		43,720,000		70,948,000	96,253,000
Wholesale vehicles \| EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	4,666,000		6,319,000		10,770,000	8,557,000
Parts, service and collision repair
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	259,058,000		355,312,000		593,738,000	696,742,000
Parts, service and collision repair \| Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	251,998,000		347,337,000		576,499,000	683,563,000
Parts, service and collision repair \| EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	7,060,000		7,975,000		17,239,000	13,179,000
Finance, insurance and other, net
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	110,773,000		118,349,000		226,064,000	224,587,000
Finance, insurance and other, net \| Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	80,401,000		89,507,000		163,429,000	170,028,000
Finance, insurance and other, net \| EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	$ 30,372,000		$ 28,842,000		$ 62,635,000	$ 54,559,000

Leases, Codification Topic 84_2

Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	$ 38,513,000		$ 38,513,000		$ 34,691,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years	5,042,000		5,042,000
Right-of-use asset	341,410,000		341,410,000		$ 337,842,000
Lease, Cost	$ 16,117,000	$ 16,608,000	$ 32,865,000	$ 33,454,000

Uncategorized Items - sah-20200

Label	Element	Value
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt	$ 0
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt	$ 53,135,000