Sonic (SONC) 10-K 24 Oct 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Oct. 15, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Aug-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SONIC CORP.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000868611	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--08-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	53,018,855	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,050,021,213
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$35,694	$77,896
Restricted cash	13,208	11,823
Accounts and notes receivable, net	32,833	29,142
Income taxes receivable	1,887	7,728
Inventories	3,349	3,678
Prepaid expenses	5,917	5,032
Other current assets	2,824	5,423
Total current assets	95,712	140,722
Noncurrent restricted cash	6,652	6,791
Notes receivable, net	8,155	10,013
Property, equipment and captial leases, net	441,969	399,661
Goodwill	77,093	77,093
Other assets, net	21,391	26,514
Total assets	650,972	660,794
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	17,207	13,100
Franchisee deposits	2,678	4,048
Accrued liabilities	43,681	37,221
Income taxes payable	2,461	4,241
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	13,484	14,320
Total current liabilities	79,511	72,930
Obligations under capital leases due after one year	23,050	22,458
Long-term debt due after one year	427,527	437,380
Deferred income taxes	37,611	34,915
Other non-current liabilities	20,598	15,647
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7,8,15,16)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $.01; 1,000 shares authorized; none outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value $.01; 245,000 shares authorized; shares issued 118,309 in 2014 and 118,309 in 2013	1,183	1,183
Paid-in capital	225,004	224,768
Retained earnings	801,202	758,138
Treasury stock, at cost; 64,505 shares in 2014 and 62,025 shares in 2013	-964,714	-906,625
Total stockholders’ equity	62,675	77,464
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$650,972	$660,794

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	245,000,000	245,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	118,309,000	118,309,000
Treasury stock, shares	64,505,000	62,025,000

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Revenues:	'	'	'
Company Drive-In sales	$405,363	$402,296	$404,443
Franchise Drive-Ins:	'	'	'
Franchise royalties and fees	138,416	130,737	128,013
Lease revenue	4,291	4,785	6,575
Other	4,279	4,767	4,699
Total revenues	552,349	542,585	543,730
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Food and packaging	116,325	114,545	113,775
Payroll and other employee benefits	139,939	142,511	144,531
Other operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below	85,845	86,153	89,164
Total cost of Company Drive-In sales	342,109	343,209	347,470
Selling, general and administrative	69,415	66,022	65,173
Depreciation and amortization	42,210	40,387	41,914
Provision for impairment of long-lived assets	114	1,776	764
Other operating (income) expense, net	-176	1,943	-531
Total costs and expenses	453,672	453,337	454,790
Income from operations	98,677	89,248	88,940
Interest expense	25,382	29,098	31,608
Interest income	-469	-592	-630
Net loss from early extinguishment of debt	'	4,443	'
Net interest expense	24,913	32,949	30,978
Income before income taxes	73,764	56,299	57,962
Provision for income taxes	25,848	19,598	21,877
Net income	$47,916	$36,701	$36,085
Basic income per share	$0.87	$0.65	$0.60
Diluted income per share	$0.85	$0.64	$0.60
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.09	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sto

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders’ Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands
Stockholders' Equity, Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2011	$1,183	$229,399	$687,431	($866,317)	$51,696
Balance, Shares at Aug. 31, 2011	'	'	'	56,316	'
Net income	'	'	36,085	'	36,085
Stock-based compensation expense	'	4,295	'	'	4,295
Purchase of treasury stock	'	'	'	-31,102	-31,102
Purchase of treasury stock, shares	'	'	'	4,157	'
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock	'	-820	-529	1,629	280
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock, Shares	'	'	'	-108	'
Other	'	-2,331	-373	697	-2,007
Other, shares	'	'	'	-40	'
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2012	1,183	230,543	722,614	-895,093	59,247
Balance, Shares at Aug. 31, 2012	'	'	'	60,325	'
Net income	'	'	36,701	'	36,701
Stock-based compensation expense	'	3,630	'	'	3,630
Purchase of treasury stock	'	'	'	-35,480	-35,480
Purchase of treasury stock, shares	'	'	'	3,332	'
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock	'	-6,127	-1,057	23,527	16,343
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock, Shares	'	'	'	-1,607	'
Other	'	-3,278	-120	421	-2,977
Other, shares	'	'	'	-25	'
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	1,183	224,768	758,138	-906,625	77,464
Balance, Shares at Aug. 31, 2013	'	'	'	62,025	62,025
Net income	'	'	47,916	'	47,916
Cash dividends declared per common share	'	'	-4,852	'	-4,852
Stock-based compensation expense	'	3,742	'	'	3,742
Purchase of treasury stock	'	'	'	-80,045	-80,045
Purchase of treasury stock, shares	'	'	'	4,080	'
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock	'	-4,186	'	21,593	17,407
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock, Shares	'	'	'	-1,575	'
Other	'	680	'	363	1,043
Other, shares	'	'	'	-25	'
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2014	$1,183	$225,004	$801,202	($964,714)	$62,675
Balance, Shares at Aug. 31, 2014	'	'	'	64,505	64,505

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	$47,916	$36,701	$36,085
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	42,210	40,387	41,914
Stock-based compensation expense	3,742	3,630	4,295
Net loss from early extinguishment of debt	'	4,443	'
Other	-1,628	2,381	788
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:	'	'	'
Restricted cash	-1,428	-2,431	2,586
Accounts receivable and other assets	-5,977	1,613	-2,591
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts payable	640	2,324	-932
Accrued and other liabilities	7,347	5,129	-828
Income taxes	10,726	-6,338	13,811
Total adjustments	55,632	51,138	59,043
Net cash provided by operating activities	103,548	87,839	95,128
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-79,008	-41,338	-24,175
Proceeds from sale of assets	2,148	33,475	9,929
Other	6,337	6,679	-9,863
Net cash used in investing activities	-70,523	-1,184	-24,109
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Payments on and purchases of debt	-9,976	-189,499	-15,220
Proceeds from borrowings	'	155,000	'
Restricted cash for securitization obligations	181	1,921	269
Purchases of treasury stock	-79,786	-36,582	-30,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	17,407	16,343	280
Debt issuance and extinguishment costs	-151	-5,137	-57
Other	-2,902	-3,452	-3,153
Net cash used in financing activities	-75,227	-61,406	-47,881
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-42,202	25,249	23,138
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	77,896	52,647	29,509
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	35,694	77,896	52,647
Cash paid during the year for:	'	'	'
Interest	23,701	27,352	29,283
Income taxes (net of refunds)	14,143	25,440	11,114
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Change in obligation to acquire treasury stock	259	-1,102	1,102
Notes receivable and direct financing leases from property dispositions	'	8,661	'
Stock options exercised by stock swap	4,634	'	'
Change in obligation for purchase of property and equipment	3,097	-477	-1,061
Dividend payable	$4,852	'	'

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Operations
	Sonic Corp. (the “Company”) operates and franchises a chain of quick-service restaurants in the United States.  It derives its revenues primarily from Company Drive-In sales and royalty fees from franchisees.  The Company also leases signs and real estate, and receives equity earnings in noncontrolling ownership in a number of Franchise Drive‑Ins.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and a number of Company Drive-Ins in which a subsidiary has a controlling ownership interest.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States (“U.S.”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and contingent assets and liabilities disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts reported in previous years, which are not material, have been combined and reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation.
	Segment Reporting
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 280, “Segment Reporting,” the Company uses the management approach for determining its reportable segments.  The management approach is based upon the way that management reviews performance and allocates resources.  There were changes in the management structure and the manner in which Sonic manages the business that were effective for fiscal year 2014.  Additionally, the Company’s chief operating decision maker and his management team review operating results on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating the financial performance of the Sonic brand.  Accordingly, the Company has determined that it has one operating segment, and therefore, one reporting segment.
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments, primarily money market accounts that mature in three months or less from date of purchase, and depository accounts.
	Restricted Cash
	As of August 31, 2014, the Company had restricted cash balances totaling $19.9 million for funds required to be held in trust for the benefit of senior noteholders under the Company’s debt arrangements.  The current portion of restricted cash of $13.2 million represents amounts to be returned to Sonic or paid to service current debt obligations.  The noncurrent portion of $6.7 million represents interest reserves required to be set aside for the duration of the debt.
	Accounts and Notes Receivable
	The Company charges interest on past due accounts receivable and recognizes income as it is collected.  Interest accrues on notes receivable based on the contractual terms of the respective note.  The Company monitors all accounts and notes receivable for delinquency and provides for estimated losses for specific receivables that are not likely to be collected.  The Company assesses credit risk for accounts and notes receivable of specific franchisees based on payment history, current payment patterns, the health of the franchisee’s business, and an assessment of the franchisee’s ability to pay outstanding balances.  In addition to allowances for bad debt for specific franchisee receivables, a general provision for bad debt is estimated for the Company’s accounts receivable based on historical trends.  Account balances generally are charged against the allowance when the Company believes that the collection is no longer reasonably assured.  The Company continually reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Inventories
	Inventories consist principally of food and supplies that are carried at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market.
	Property, Equipment and Capital Leases
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost, and leased assets under capital leases are recorded at the present value of future minimum lease payments.  Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of capital leases are computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or the lease term, including cancelable option periods when appropriate, and are combined for presentation in the financial statements.
	Accounting for Long-Lived Assets
	The Company reviews long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset might not be recoverable.  Assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which generally represents the individual drive-in.  The Company’s primary test for an indicator of potential impairment is operating losses of the related drive-in.  If an indication of impairment is determined to be present, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the asset and its eventual disposal.  If the sum of undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized.  The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying amount.  Fair value is typically determined to be the value of the land, since drive-in buildings and improvements are single-purpose assets and have little value to market participants.  The equipment associated with a store can be easily relocated to another store, and therefore is not adjusted.
	Surplus property assets are carried at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value less cost to sell.  The majority of the value in surplus property is land.  Fair values are estimated based upon management’s assessment as well as independent market value assessments of the assets’ estimated sales values.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill is determined based on acquisition purchase price in excess of the fair value of identified assets.  Intangible assets with lives restricted by contractual, legal, or other means are amortized over their useful lives.  The Company tests goodwill at least annually for impairment using the fair value approach on a reporting unit basis.
	Since the Company is one reporting unit in fiscal year 2014, potential goodwill impairment is evaluated by comparing the fair value of the Company to its carrying value.  The fair value of the Company is determined using a market approach.  If the carrying value of the Company exceeds fair value, a comparison of the fair value of goodwill against the carrying value of goodwill is made to determine whether goodwill has been impaired.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, the annual assessment of recoverability of goodwill was performed and no impairment was indicated.  Prior to fiscal year 2014, the Company had two reporting units.  In comparing the carrying value and the fair value of the reporting units, the company estimated fair value based on a comparison of two approaches: an income approach, using the discounted cash flow method, and a market approach, using the guideline public company method.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the annual assessment of recoverability of goodwill was performed and no impairment was indicated.
	The Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization consist primarily of acquired franchise agreements, intellectual property and other intangibles.  Amortization expense is calculated using the straight-line method over the asset’s expected useful life.  See note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangibles for additional related disclosures.
	Refranchising and Closure of Company Drive-Ins
	Gains and losses from the sale or closure of Company Drive-Ins are recorded as “Other operating (income) expense, net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Revenue Recognition, Franchise Fees and Royalties
	Revenue from Company Drive-In sales is recognized when food and beverage products are sold.  Company Drive-In sales are presented net of sales tax and other sales-related taxes.
	The Company records a liability in the period in which a gift card is sold.  The gift cards do not have expiration dates.  As gift cards are redeemed, the liability is reduced with revenue recognized on redemptions at Company Drive-Ins.  Breakage is the amount on a gift card that is not expected to be redeemed and that the Company is not required to remit to a state under unclaimed property laws.  The Company estimates breakage based upon the historical trend in redemption patterns from previously sold gift cards.  The Company’s policy is to recognize the breakage, using the delayed recognition method, when it is apparent that there is a remote likelihood the gift card balance will be redeemed.  The Company reduces the gift card liability for the estimated breakage and uses that amount to defray the costs of operating the gift card program.  There is no income recognized on unredeemed gift card balances.
	Franchise fees are recognized in income when the Company has substantially performed or satisfied all material services or conditions relating to the sale of the franchise and the fees are nonrefundable.  Development fees are nonrefundable and are recognized in income on a pro-rata basis when the conditions for revenue recognition under the individual development agreements are met.  Both franchise fees and development fees are generally recognized upon the opening of a Franchise Drive-In or upon termination of the agreement between the Company and the franchisee.
	The Company’s franchisees pay royalties based on a percentage of sales.  Royalties are recognized as revenue when they are earned.
	Operating Leases
	Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, including cancelable option periods when it is deemed to be reasonably assured that the Company would incur an economic penalty for not exercising the options.  Within the terms of some of the leases, there are rent holidays and/or escalations in payments over the base lease term, as well as renewal periods.  The effects of the holidays and escalations have been reflected in rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, which includes cancelable option periods when appropriate.  The lease term commences on the date when the Company has the right to control the use of the leased property, which can occur before rent payments are due under the terms of the lease.  Contingent rent is generally based on sales levels and is accrued at the point in time it is probable that such sales levels will be achieved.
	Advertising Costs
	Costs incurred in connection with the advertising and promoting of the Company’s products are included in other operating expenses and are expensed as incurred.  Such costs amounted to $22.4 million in fiscal years 2014 and 2013 and $22.6 million in fiscal year 2012.
	Under the Company’s franchise agreements, both Company Drive-Ins and Franchise Drive-Ins must contribute a minimum percentage of revenues to a national media production fund (“Sonic Brand Fund”) and spend an additional minimum percentage of gross revenues on advertising, either directly or through Company-required participation in advertising cooperatives.  A significant portion of the advertising cooperative contributions is remitted to the System Marketing Fund, which purchases advertising on national cable and broadcast networks and local broadcast networks and funds other national media expenses and sponsorship opportunities.  As stated in the terms of existing franchise agreements, these funds do not constitute assets of the Company, and the Company acts with limited agency in the administration of these funds.  Accordingly, neither the revenues and expenses nor the assets and liabilities of the advertising cooperatives, the Sonic Brand Fund or the System Marketing Fund are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  However, all advertising contributions by Company Drive-Ins are recorded as expense on the Company’s financial statements.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company grants incentive stock options (“ISOs”), non-qualified stock options (“NQs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).  For grants of NQs and RSUs, the Company expects to recognize a tax benefit upon exercise of the option or vesting of the RSU.  As a result, a tax benefit is recognized on the related stock-based compensation expense for these types of awards.  For grants of ISOs, a tax benefit only results if the option holder has a disqualifying disposition.  As a result of the limitation on the tax benefit for ISOs, the tax benefit for stock-based compensation will generally be less than the Company’s overall tax rate and will vary depending on the timing of employees’ exercises and sales of stock.
	Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, generally the vesting period of the grant.  For additional information on stock-based compensation see note 13 - Stockholders’ Equity.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	Income tax benefits credited to equity relate to tax benefits associated with amounts that are deductible for income tax purposes but do not affect earnings.  These benefits are principally generated from employee exercises of NQs, the vesting of RSUs, and disqualifying dispositions of ISOs.
	The threshold for recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position is when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority.  Recognized tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority.  Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are included in income tax expense.
	Additional information regarding the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is provided in note 12 - Income Taxes.
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company’s financial assets and liabilities consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt.  The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates their carrying amounts due to the short term nature of these assets and liabilities.
	The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair values of its financial instruments:
		·	Notes receivable - As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amounts of notes receivable (both current and non-current) approximate fair value due to the effect of the related allowance for doubtful accounts.
		·	Long-term debt - The Company prepares a discounted cash flow analysis for its fixed rate borrowings to estimate fair value each quarter.  This analysis uses Level 2 inputs from market information available for public debt transactions for companies with ratings that are similar to the Company’s ratings and from information gathered from brokers who trade in the Company’s notes.  The fair value estimate required significant assumptions by management.  Management believes this fair value is a reasonable estimate.  For more information regarding the Company’s long-term debt, see note 10 - Debt and note 11 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
	Certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, which means these assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to periodic impairment tests.  For the Company, these items primarily include long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets.  Refer to sections “Accounting for Long-Lived Assets” and “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” discussed above, for inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of these nonfinancial assets.  The fair value was based upon management’s assessment as well as independent market value assessments which involved Level 2 and Level 3 inputs.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires entities to recognize revenue in the way it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.  The ASU will replace most of the existing revenue recognition requirements in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective.  This pronouncement is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period.  The update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method, with early application not permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this pronouncement will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	2.  Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Fiscal year ended
		August 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	47,916	$	36,701	$	36,085
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding– basic		55,164		56,384		60,078
	Effect of dilutive employee stock options and
	unvested restricted stock units		1,455		807		94
	Weighted average common shares – diluted		56,619		57,191		60,172
	Net income per common share – basic	$	0.87	$	0.65	$	0.60
	Net income per common share – diluted	$	0.85	$	0.64	$	0.60
	Anti-dilutive securities excluded(1)		988		3,278		6,705
	—————————
	(1)  Anti-dilutive securities consist of stock options and unvested restricted stock units that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because either the exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price of the common stock or the total assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method resulted in negative incremental shares and thus the inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Impairment_Of_LongLived_Assets

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets [Abstract]	'
Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets	'
	3.  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	During the fiscal years ended August 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, the Company identified impairments for certain brand technology assets and surplus property through regular quarterly reviews of long-lived assets.  The recoverability of Company Drive-Ins is assessed by estimating the undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated over the remaining life of the Company Drive-Ins.  This involves estimating same-store sales and margins for the cash flow periods.  When impairment exists, the carrying value of the asset is written down to fair value.
	In fiscal years 2014 and 2012, the Company recorded $0.1 and $0.8 million, respectively, in provisions for impairment resulting from the assessment of surplus properties.  These write-downs were completed to reduce the carrying amount of these properties to fair value.
	The Company’s assessment in fiscal year 2013 resulted in provisions for impairment totaling $1.8 million.  Of this total, $1.6 million related to the write-off of assets associated with a change in the vendor providing technology for the Sonic system’s new point-of-sale technology.  The remaining $0.2 million reflects reducing the carrying amount of surplus properties to fair value.

Accounts_And_Notes_Receivable

Accounts And Notes Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounts And Notes Receivable [Abstract]	'
Accounts And Notes Receivable	'
	4.  Accounts and Notes Receivable
	Accounts and notes receivable consist of the following:
		August 31,		August 31,
		2014		2013
	Current Accounts and Notes Receivable:
	Royalties and other trade receivables	$	18,292	$	16,506
	Notes receivable from franchisees		1,468		4,003
	Receivables from advertising funds		5,597		5,203
	Other		9,068		4,977
	Accounts and notes receivable, gross		34,425		30,689
	Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable		-1,592		-1,547
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	$	32,833	$	29,142
	Noncurrent Notes Receivable:
	Receivables from franchisees	$	4,688	$	5,003
	Receivables from advertising funds		3,646		5,810
	Allowance for doubtful notes receivable		-179		-800
	Notes receivable, net	$	8,155	$	10,013
	The Company’s receivables are primarily due from franchisees, all of whom are in the restaurant business.  Substantially all of the notes receivable from franchisees are collateralized by real estate or equipment.  During fiscal year 2013, notes receivable from franchisees increased as a result of a franchisee’s purchase of real estate discussed in note 6 – Other Operating Income and Expenses.  The receivables from advertising funds represent transactions in the normal course of business.

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill And Other Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract]	'
Goodwill And Other Intangibles	'
	5.  Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	As of August 31, 2014, the Company had $77.1 million of goodwill.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
		Fiscal year ended
		August 31,
		2014		2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	77,093	$	76,997
	Goodwill acquired during the year		-		96
	Balance at end of year	$	77,093	$	77,093
	The gross carrying amount of franchise agreements, intellectual property, franchise fees and other intangibles subject to amortization was $10.3 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013 and is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Accumulated amortization related to these intangible assets was $5.0 million and $4.1 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Intangible assets amortization expense was $0.9 million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 and $0.8 million for fiscal year 2012.  At August 31, 2014, the remaining weighted-average life of amortizable intangible assets was approximately 11 years.  Estimated intangible assets amortization expense is $0.9 million annually for fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017 and $0.3 million for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

Other_Operating_Income_And_Exp

Other Operating Income And Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Other Operating Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other Operating Income And Expenses	'
	6.  Other Operating Income and Expenses
	During fiscal year 2013, the Company completed an assessment in advance of capital expenditures for planned technology initiatives and closed 12 lower-performing Company Drive-Ins as of August 31, 2013, resulting in a loss of $2.4 million.  The loss included rent accruals for the remaining lease term, write-down of real estate and other costs associated with store closures.  Additionally, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, a franchisee purchased land and buildings leased or subleased from the Company relating to previously refranchised drive-ins.  At the time of the sale, these assets had a carrying value of $38.4 million.  The Company received $29.7 million in cash at closing and received the remaining $8.7 million through the combination of a note receivable and a direct financing lease, all of which were repaid as of August 31, 2014.  In conjunction with the sale and the assignment of third-party leases, the Company removed its escalating lease liability related to the sold properties, which resulted in a small gain and partially offset the drive-in closure loss described above.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases	'
	7.  Leases
	Leasing Arrangements as a Lessor
	The Company’s leasing operations consist principally of leasing certain land, buildings and signs as well as subleasing certain buildings to franchise operators.  The Company has one significant master lease agreement with a franchisee as a result of previously refranchised drive-ins.  The land and building portions of all leases are classified as operating leases with lease terms expiring through September 2030.  These leases include provisions for contingent rentals that may be received on the basis of a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated amounts.  Income is not recognized on contingent rentals until sales exceed the stipulated amounts.  Some leases contain escalation clauses over the lives of the leases.  For property owned by third parties, the lease term runs concurrently with the term of the third-party lease arrangement.  Most of the leases contain renewal options at the end of the initial term for periods of five years.  The sign portions of these leases are classified principally as direct financing leases and expire through November 2021.  Additional direct financing leases, entered into as a result of the franchisee-exercised option discussed in note 6 – Other Operating Income and Expenses, include the assignment of capital leases expiring through March 2018.
	Components of net investment in direct financing leases are as follows at August 31:
		2014		2013
	Minimum lease payments receivable	$	717	$	1,701
	Less unearned income		-82		-170
	Net investment in direct financing leases		635		1,531
	Less amount due within one year		-278		-344
	Amount due after one year	$	357	$	1,187
	Initial direct costs incurred in the negotiations and consummations of direct financing lease transactions have not been material.  Accordingly, no portion of unearned income has been recognized to offset those costs.
	Future minimum rental payments receivable as of August 31, 2014, are as follows:
		Operating		Direct Financing
	Years ended August 31:
	2015	$	6,976	$	319
	2016		6,891		174
	2017		6,919		133
	2018		6,971		65
	2019		6,930		14
	Thereafter		34,254		12
		$	68,941		717
	Less unearned income				-82
				$	635
	Leasing Arrangements as a Lessee
	Certain Company Drive-Ins lease land and buildings from third parties.  These leases, with lease terms expiring through August 2030, include provisions for contingent rents that may be paid on the basis of a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated amounts.  For the majority of leases, the land portions are classified as operating leases, and the building portions are classified as capital leases.
	Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and maturities under capital leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of August 31, 2014, are as follows:
		Operating		Capital
	Years ended August 31:
	2015	$	11,274	$	5,149
	2016		10,631		5,115
	2017		9,815		4,470
	2018		9,410		4,161
	2019		8,232		3,402
	Thereafter		75,609		12,799
	Total minimum lease payments(1)	$	124,971		35,096
	Less amount representing interest averaging 6.5%				-8,353
	Present value of net minimum lease payments				26,743
	Less amount due within one year				-3,693
	Amount due after one year			$	23,050
	—————————
	(1)  Minimum payments have not been reduced by future minimum rentals receivable under noncancelable operating and capital subleases of $10.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively.  They also do not include contingent rentals which may be due under certain leases.  Contingent rentals for capital leases amounted to $0.8 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Total rent expense for all operating leases consists of the following for the years ended August 31:
		2014		2013		2012
	Minimum rentals	$	12,449	$	13,154	$	14,555
	Contingent rentals		161		93		103
	Total rent expense		12,610		13,247		14,658
	Less sublease rentals		-1,905		-1,747		-2,851
	Net rent expense	$	10,705	$	11,500	$	11,807

Property_Equipment_And_Capital

Property, Equipment And Capital Leases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Property, Equipment And Capital Leases [Abstract]	'
Property, Equipment And Capital Leases	'
	8.    Property, Equipment and Capital Leases
	Property, equipment and capital leases consist of the following at August 31:
		Estimated
		Useful Life	2014		2013
	Property, equipment and capital leases:
	Land		$	156,336	$	153,868
	Buildings and improvements	8 – 25 yrs		345,309		336,383
	Drive-In equipment	5 – 7 yrs		136,556		114,990
	Brand technology development and other equipment	2 – 5 yrs		82,575		76,585
	Property and equipment, at cost			720,776		681,826
	Accumulated depreciation			-298,580		-301,236
	Property and equipment, net			422,196		380,590
	Capital leases	Life of lease		50,243		47,371
	Accumulated amortization			-30,470		-28,300
	Capital leases, net			19,773		19,071
	Property, equipment and capital leases, net		$	441,969	$	399,661
	Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $37.6 million, $35.6 million and $37.2 million for fiscal years 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively.  Land, buildings and equipment with a carrying amount of $163.8 million at August 31, 2014, were leased under operating leases to franchisees and other parties.  The accumulated depreciation related to these buildings and equipment was $58.2 million at August 31, 2014.  Amortization expense related to capital leases is included within “Depreciation and amortization” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.  As of August 31, 2014, the Company had two drive-ins under construction with costs to complete.
	Interest incurred in connection with the construction of new drive-ins and technology projects is capitalized.  Capitalized interest was $0.5 million, $0.7 million and $0.3 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	9.  Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following at August 31:
		2014		2013
	Wages and employee benefit costs	$	14,302	$	14,611
	Property taxes, sales and use taxes and employment taxes		9,570		9,219
	Unredeemed gift cards		8,577		8,272
	Dividend payable		4,852		-
	Other		6,380		5,119
		$	43,681	$	37,221

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	10.  Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following at August 31:
		2014		2013
	Class A-2 2013-1 senior secured fixed rate notes	$	155,000	$	155,000
	Class A-2 2011-1 senior secured fixed rate notes		282,238		291,988
	Other		80		306
			437,318		447,294
	Less long-term debt due within one year		-9,791		-9,914
	Long-term debt due after one year	$	427,527	$	437,380
	At August 31, 2014, future maturities of long-term debt were $9.8 million for fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017, $253.0 million for fiscal year 2018 and no maturities in fiscal year 2019.
	On May 20, 2011,  in a private transaction, various subsidiaries of the Company (the “Co-Issuers”) issued $500 million of Series 2011-1 Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes, Class A-2 (the “2011 Fixed Rate Notes”),  which bear interest at 5.4% per annum.  The 2011 Fixed Rate Notes have an expected life of seven years with an anticipated repayment date in May 2018.  The Co-Issuers also entered into a securitized financing facility of Series 2011-1 Senior Secured Variable Funding Notes, Class A-1 (the “2011 Variable Funding Notes” and, together with the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes, the “2011 Notes”).  This revolving credit facility allows for the issuance of up to $100 million of 2011 Variable Funding Notes and certain other credit instruments, including letters of credit.  Interest on the 2011 Variable Funding Notes is based on the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or Commercial Paper (“CP”), depending on the funding source, plus the base spread mentioned below, per annum.  There is a 0.5% annual commitment fee payable monthly on the unused portion of the 2011 Variable Funding Notes facility.
	In the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Co-Issuers made a debt prepayment, at par, of $20.0 million on the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes.  In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, in a private transaction the Co-Issuers refinanced and paid $155 million of the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes with the issuance of $155 million of Series 2013-1 Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes, Class A-2 (the “2013 Fixed Rate Notes”),  which bear interest at 3.75% per annum.  The 2013 Fixed Rate Notes have an expected life of seven years, interest payable monthly, no scheduled principal amortization and an anticipated repayment date in July 2020.  Additionally, the Co-Issuers extended the 2011 Variable Funding Notes’ renewal date by two years to May 2018 and decreased the base spread from 3.75% to 3.50% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013.
	At August 31, 2014, the balance outstanding under the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes and 2013 Fixed Rate Notes, including accrued interest, was $282.6 million and $155.2 million, respectively, and there was no outstanding balance under the 2011 Variable Funding Notes.  As of August 31, 2013, the balance outstanding under the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes and 2013 Fixed Rate Notes, totaled $292.4 million and $155.2 million,  respectively, including accrued interest and there was no outstanding balance under the 2011 Variable Funding Notes.  The weighted-average interest cost of the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes and 2013 Fixed Rate Notes was 5.7% and 4.1%, respectively.  The weighted-average interest cost includes the effect of the loan origination costs.
	In fiscal year 2013, the debt prepayment and the partial debt refinancing resulted in a pro-rata write-off of loan origination costs from the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes, representing a majority of the $4.4 million loss which is reflected in “Net loss from early extinguishment of debt” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.  An additional $4.1 million in debt origination costs were capitalized in conjunction with the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes.  Loan costs are being amortized over each note’s expected life.  The amount of loan costs expected to be amortized over the next 12 months is reflected in “Other current assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	While the 2011 Notes and the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes are structured to provide for seven-year lives from their original issuance dates, they have legal final maturity dates of May 2041 and July 2043, respectively.   The Company intends to repay or refinance the 2011 Notes and the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes on or before the end of their expected lives. If the Company prepays the debt prior to the anticipated repayment date the Company may be required to pay a prepayment penalty under certain circumstances.  In the event the 2011 Notes and the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes are not paid in full by the end of their expected lives,  they are subject to an upward adjustment in the interest rate of at least 5% per annum.  In addition, principal payments will accelerate by applying all of the royalties, lease revenues and other fees securing the debt, after deducting certain expenses, until the debt is paid in full.  Also, any unfunded amount under the 2011 Variable Funding Notes will become unavailable.
	The Co-Issuers and Sonic Franchising LLC (the “Guarantor”) are existing special purpose, bankruptcy remote, indirect subsidiaries of Sonic Corp. that hold substantially all of Sonic's franchising assets and real estate.  As of August 31, 2014, assets for these combined indirect subsidiaries totaled $319.9 million, including receivables for royalties, certain Company and Franchise Drive-In real estate, intangible assets and restricted cash balances of $19.9 million.   The 2011 Notes and the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes are secured by franchise fees, royalty payments and lease payments, and the repayment of the 2011 Notes and the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes is expected to be made solely from the income derived from the Co-Issuer's assets.  In addition, the Guarantor, a Sonic Corp. subsidiary that acts as a franchisor, has guaranteed the obligations of the Co-Issuers under the 2011 Notes and the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes and pledged substantially all of its assets to secure those obligations.
	Neither Sonic Corp., the ultimate parent of the Co-Issuers and the Guarantor, nor any other subsidiary of Sonic, guarantees or is in any way liable for the obligations of the Co-Issuers under the 2011 Notes and the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes.   The Company has, however, agreed to cause the performance of certain obligations of its subsidiaries, principally related to managing the assets included as collateral for the 2011 Notes and the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes and certain indemnity obligations relating to the transfer of the collateral assets to the Co-Issuers.
	The 2011 Notes and the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes are subject to a series of covenants and restrictions customary for transactions of this type, including (i) required actions to better secure collateral upon the occurrence of certain performance-related events, (ii) application of certain disposition proceeds as note prepayments after a set time is allowed for reinvestment, (iii) maintenance of specified reserve accounts, (iv) maintenance of certain debt service coverage ratios, (v) optional and mandatory prepayments upon change in control, (vi) indemnification payments for defective or ineffective collateral, and (vii) covenants relating to recordkeeping, access to information and similar matters.  If certain covenants or restrictions are not met, the 2011 Notes and the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes are subject to customary accelerated repayment events and events of default.  Although management does not anticipate an event of default or any other event of noncompliance with the provisions of the debt, if such event occurred, the unpaid amounts outstanding could become immediately due and payable.

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	'
	11.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.  The Company has no financial liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
	The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities recorded at fair value based upon the following fair value hierarchy established by FASB:
		·	Level 1 valuations use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.  An active market is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
		·	Level 2 valuations use inputs other than actively quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 2 inputs include: (a) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, (b) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, (c) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals and (d) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
		·	Level 3 valuations use unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.  Unobservable inputs are used to the extent observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.
	The Company’s cash equivalents are carried at cost which approximates fair value and totaled $34.4 million and $39.1 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  This fair value is estimated using Level 1 methods.
	At August 31, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s 2011 Fixed Rate Notes and 2013 Fixed Rate Notes approximated the carrying value of $437.8 million, including accrued interest.  At August 31, 2013, the fair value of the Company’s 2011 Fixed Rate Notes and 2013 Fixed Rate Notes approximated the carrying value of $447.6 million, including accrued interest.  The fair value of the 2011 Fixed Rate Notes and the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes is estimated using Level 2 inputs from market information available for public debt transactions for companies with ratings that are similar to the Company’s ratings and from information gathered from brokers who trade in the Company’s notes.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	12.  Income Taxes
	The Company’s income before the provision for income taxes is classified by source as domestic income.
	The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following for the years ended August 31:
		2014		2013		2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	16,580	$	16,741	$	17,851
	State		3,490		2,688		3,892
			20,070		19,429		21,743
	Deferred:
	Federal		5,328		439		180
	State		450		-270		-46
			5,778		169		134
	Provision for income taxes	$	25,848	$	19,598	$	21,877
	The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate due to the following for the fiscal years ended August 31:
		2014		2013		2012
	Amount computed by applying a tax rate of 35%	$	25,818	$	19,705	$	20,287
	State income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit)		2,562		1,572		1,900
	Employment related and other tax credits, net		-1,537		-1,572		-1,291
	Adjustment of prior year deferred tax items		-		-		1,559
	Other		-995		-107		-578
	Provision for income taxes	$	25,848	$	19,598	$	21,877
	During fiscal year 2012, the Company conducted a reconciliation of its tax basis balance sheet and identified certain adjustments which were recorded in fiscal year 2012 to appropriately reflect the Company’s current and deferred tax accounts.  As a result of this reconciliation process, the Company recorded an additional income tax provision of $1.6 million for fiscal year 2012.  Management of the Company evaluated the impact of this adjustment and concluded the effect of this adjustment was immaterial to the current and prior year financial statements.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following at August 31:
		2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable	$	677	$	898
	Leasing transactions		3,252		3,599
	Deferred income		1,773		4,124
	Accrued liabilities		3,399		1,995
	Stock compensation		4,921		8,024
	Other		688		676
	State net operating losses		11,305		8,703
	Total deferred tax assets		26,015		28,019
	Valuation allowance		-11,305		-8,703
	Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	$	14,710	$	19,316
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses	$	-1,498	$	-1,369
	Investment in partnerships, including differences in capitalization,
	depreciation and direct financing leases		-2,954		-2,061
	Property, equipment and capital leases		-24,655		-25,433
	Intangibles and other assets		-19,514		-18,337
	Debt extinguishment		-3,353		-4,191
	Total deferred tax liabilities		-51,974		-51,391
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	-37,264	$	-32,075
	Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as follows:
	Current	$	347	$	2,840
	Noncurrent		-37,611		-34,915
	Total	$	-37,264	$	-32,075
	State net operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in December 2014 through May 2035.  Management does not believe the Company will be able to realize the state net operating loss carryforwards and therefore has provided a valuation allowance of $11.3 million and $8.7 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had approximately $2.5 million and $2.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million of accrued interest and penalty, respectively.  The liability for unrecognized tax benefits decreased $0.1 million in fiscal year 2014.  The decrease was primarily related to the IRS’ acceptance of a federal tax method change offset by a new uncertain position related to a federal credit.  This entire change in balance impacted the Company’s tax rate.
	The Company recognizes estimated interest and penalties as a component of its income tax expense, net of federal benefit, as a component of “Provision for income taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  During the year ended August 31, 2014,  the Company recognized negligible net expenses.   The Company recognized a net benefit of $0.4 million and $0.1 million,  for fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, there are $2.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate.   A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows for fiscal years ended August 31:
		2014		2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	2,583	$	5,451
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		255		628
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		115		960
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-492		-3,816
	Reductions due to statute expiration		-		-640
	Balance at end of year	$	2,461	$	2,583
	The Company or one of its subsidiaries is subject to U.S. federal income tax and income tax in multiple U.S. state jurisdictions.  The Company is currently undergoing examinations or appeals by various state and federal authorities.  The Company anticipates that the finalization of these examinations or appeals, combined with the expiration of applicable statutes of limitations and the additional accrual of interest related to unrecognized benefits on various return positions taken in years still open for examination, could result in a change to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits during the next 12 months ranging from an increase of $0.1 million to a decrease of $1.9 million depending on the timing and terms of the examination resolutions.  At August 31, 2014, the Company was subject to income tax examinations for its U.S. federal income taxes and for state and local income taxes generally after fiscal year 2009.
	At August 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had an income tax receivable of $1.9 million and $9.8 million, respectively, primarily relating to expected refunds from amended tax returns.  Based on information available at August 31, 2014, the Company anticipates receiving or being able to apply a majority of these refunds to other tax obligations during fiscal year 2015.  As a result, the entire amount was classified as current during fiscal year 2014.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders’ Equity	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Stockholders’ Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders’ Equity	'
	13.  Stockholders’ Equity
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Company has an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) that permits eligible employees to purchase the Company’s common stock at a 15% discount from the stock’s fair market value.  Participating employees may purchase shares of common stock each year up to the lesser of 10% of their base compensation or $25 thousand in the stock’s fair market value.  At August 31, 2014,  0.8 million shares were available for grant under the ESPP.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Sonic Corp. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) provides flexibility to award various forms of equity compensation, such as stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, restricted stock and other share-based awards.  At Sonic’s annual meeting of stockholders on January 16, 2014, the stockholders approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan which added an additional 6.6 million shares of common stock available for issuance.  At August 31, 2014,  7.8 million shares were available for grant under the 2006 Plan.  The Company grants stock options with contractual terms of seven to ten years and a vesting period of three years and RSUs also with a vesting period of three years.  Effective in January 2013, awards granted to the Company’s Board of Directors vest over one year.  The Company’s policy is to issue shares from treasury stock to satisfy stock option exercises, the vesting of RSUs and shares issued under the ESPP.
	Total stock-based compensation cost recognized for fiscal years 2014,  2013 and 2012 was $3.7 million, $3.6 million and $4.3 million, respectively, with related income tax benefits of $1.7 million, $1.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  At August 31, 2014, total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based arrangements was $4.9 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.
	The Company measures the compensation cost associated with stock option-based payments by estimating the fair value of stock options as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The Company believes the valuation technique and approach utilized to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate in calculating the fair values of the Company’s stock options granted during 2014,  2013 and 2012.  Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by the employees who receive equity awards.  The fair value of RSUs granted is equal to the Company’s closing stock price on the date of the grant.
	The per share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2014,  2013 and 2012 was $6.82,  $4.69 and $2.88, respectively.  In addition to the exercise and grant date prices of the awards, certain weighted average assumptions that were used to estimate the fair value of stock option grants in the respective periods are listed in the table below:
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected term (years)	4.7			4.9			4.9
	Expected volatility	37	%		48	%		48	%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5	%		0.8	%		0.8	%
	Expected dividend yield	-	%		-	%		-	%
	The Company estimates expected volatility based on historical daily price changes of the Company’s common stock for a period equal to the current expected term of the options.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States treasury yields in effect at the time of grant corresponding with the expected term of the options.  The expected option term is the number of years the Company estimates that options will be outstanding prior to exercise considering vesting schedules and historical exercise patterns.
	Stock Options
	A summary of stock option activity under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans for the year ended August 31, 2014, is presented in the following table:
		Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Yrs.)			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding September 1, 2013	5,562		$	12.25
	Granted	532			20.48
	Exercised	-1,727			12.76
	Forfeited or expired	-207			19.37
	Outstanding at August 31, 2014	4,160		$	12.73		3.30		$	35,255
	Exercisable at August 31, 2014	2,977		$	12.12		2.38		$	27,155
	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options for fiscal years 2014,  2013 and 2012 were $17.4 million, $16.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended August 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012 was $13.0 million,  $3.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Units
	A summary of the Company’s RSU activity during the year ended August 31, 2014 is presented in the following table:
		Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding September 1, 2013	71		$	9.36
	Granted	33			20.59
	Vested	-56			10.03
	Forfeited	-2			6.80
	Outstanding at August 31, 2014	46		$	16.78
	The aggregate fair value of restricted stock that vested during the years ended August 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012 was $1.1 million, $0.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
	Share Repurchase Programs
	In October 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $30 million share repurchase program.  Under that program, the Company was authorized to purchase up to $30 million of its outstanding shares of common stock through August 31, 2012.  During fiscal year 2012, the Company completed this share repurchase program.
	In August 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to purchase up to $40 million of its outstanding shares of common stock.  In January 2013, the Board of Directors increased the repurchase program to $55 million in authorized purchases through August 31, 2013.  During fiscal year 2013, approximately 3.3 million shares were acquired pursuant to this program for a total cost of $35.5 million; this is in addition to the approximately 0.1 million shares that were acquired for a total cost of $1.1 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012.
	In August 2013, the Board of Directors extended the share repurchase program through August 31, 2014, with a total authorization of up to $40 million of its outstanding shares of common stock.  In January 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an incremental $40 million authorization for the program that allowed for up to $80 million of common stock to be repurchased through August 31, 2014.  As part of this program, in February 2014, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreement with a financial institution to purchase $40 million of the Company’s common stock.  In exchange for a $40 million up-front payment, the financial institution delivered approximately 2.1 million shares.  During March 2014, the ASR purchase period concluded with no additional shares delivered, resulting in an average price per share of $19.13.  The Company reflected the ASR transaction as a repurchase of common stock for purposes of calculating earnings per share and as a forward contract indexed to its own common stock.  The forward contract met all of the applicable criteria for equity classification.
	The Company completed this share repurchase program during fiscal year 2014, with approximately 4.1 million shares repurchased, resulting in an average price per share of $19.61.
	In August 2014, the Board of Directors further extended the Company’s share repurchase program, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $105 million of its outstanding shares of common stock beginning September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015.
	Share repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market or otherwise, including through an accelerated share repurchase program, under the terms of a Rule 10b5-1 plan, in privately negotiated transactions or in round lot or block transactions. The share repurchase program may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time.  We plan to fund the share repurchase program from existing cash on hand at August 31, 2014, cash flows from operations and borrowings under our 2011 Variable Funding Notes.
	Dividends
	The Company did not pay any cash dividends on its common stock during its two most recent fiscal years. However, in August 2014, the Board of Directors initiated a cash dividend program under which the Company will pay a regular quarterly cash dividend.  The Board declared the first quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share of common stock to be paid to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 12, 2014, with a payment date of November 21, 2014.  The total dividend payable at August 31, 2014 was $4.9 million and is included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.  Future declaration of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are subject to the final determination of the Company’s Board of Directors.

Employee_Benefit_And_Cash_Ince

Employee Benefit And Cash Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit And Cash Incentive Plans [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit And Cash Incentive Plans	'
	14.  Employee Benefit and Cash Incentive Plans
	The Company sponsors a qualified defined contribution 401(k) plan for employees meeting certain eligibility requirements.  Under the plan, employees are entitled to make pre-tax contributions.  The Company matches an amount equal to the employee’s contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the employee’s salaries depending on years of service.  The Company’s contributions during fiscal years 2014,  2013 and 2012 were $1.3 million,  $1.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
	The Company has cash incentive plans (the “Incentive Plans”) that apply to certain members of management, and grants of awards under the Incentive Plans are at all times subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors.  Under certain awards pursuant to the Incentive Plans, if predetermined earnings goals for a fiscal year are met, a predetermined percentage of the employee’s salary may be paid in the form of a bonus.  The Company recognized as expense incentive bonuses of $6.5 million,  $6.7 million and $4.9 million during fiscal years 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	15.  Commitments and Contingencies
	Litigation
	The Company is involved in various legal proceedings and has certain unresolved claims pending.  Based on the information currently available, management believes that all claims currently pending are either covered by insurance or would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results or financial condition.
	Note Repurchase Agreement
	On December 20, 2013, the Company extended a note purchase agreement to a bank that serves to guarantee the repayment of a franchisee loan, with a term through 2018, and also benefits the franchisee with a lower financing rate.  In the event of default by the franchisee, the Company would purchase the franchisee loan from the bank, thereby becoming the note holder and providing an avenue of recourse with the franchisee.  The Company recorded a liability for this guarantee which was based on the Company’s estimate of fair value.  As of August 31, 2014, the balance of the franchisee’s loan was $6.2 million.
	Lease Commitments
	The Company has obligations under various operating lease agreements with third-party lessors related to the real estate for certain Company Drive-In operations that were sold to franchisees.  Under these agreements, which expire through 2029, the Company remains secondarily liable for the lease payments for which it was responsible as the original lessee.  As of August 31, 2014, the amount remaining under these guaranteed lease obligations totaled $9.3 million.  At this time, the Company does not anticipate any material defaults under the foregoing leases; therefore, no liability has been provided.
	Purchase Obligations
	At August 31, 2014, the Company had purchase obligations of approximately $308 million which primarily related to its estimated share of system-wide commitments for food products.  The Company has excluded agreements that are cancelable without penalty.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	'
	16.  Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
		First Quarter				Second Quarter				Third Quarter					Fourth Quarter
		2014		2013		2014		2013			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Total revenues	$	126,652	$	126,008	$	109,741	$	111,141		$	152,187	$	146,634	$	163,769	$	158,802
	Income from operations		18,359		17,203		12,349		12,018			31,681		29,994		36,288		30,033
	Net income(1)(2)	$	8,208	$	6,133	$	4,107	$	3,577		$	16,776	$	14,793	$	18,825	$	12,198
	Basic income
	per share(3)	$	0.15	$	0.11	$	0.07	$	0.06		$	0.31	$	0.26	$	$       0.35	$	0.22
	Diluted income
	per share(3)	$	0.14	$	0.11	$	0.07	$	0.06		$	0.30	$	0.26	$	$       0.34	$	0.21
	—————————
	(1)  Includes a $0.5 million tax benefit resulting from the IRS’ acceptance of a federal tax method change during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.
	(2)  Includes losses on early extinguishment of debt of $0.5 million and $3.9 million in the second and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, respectively, a tax benefit of $0.7 million from the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (“WOTC”) and resolution of income tax matters in the second quarter of fiscal year 2013.  Also includes a $2.4 million loss on the closure of 12 lower-performing Company Drive-Ins as a result of an assessment in advance of capital expenditures for pending technology initiatives and an impairment charge of $1.6 million related to the write-off of assets associated with a change in the vendor for the Sonic system’s new point-of-sale technology in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013.
	(3)  The sum of per share data may not agree to annual amounts due to rounding.

Valuation_And_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	'
	Sonic Corp.
	Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
				Additions		Amounts
		Balance at		Charged to		Written Off
		Beginning of		Costs and		Against the		(Transfers)		Balance at
	Description	Year		Expenses		Allowance		Recoveries		End of Year
		(In thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable
	Fiscal years ended:
	31-Aug-14	$	2,347		-434		-142		-	$	1,771
	31-Aug-13		2,992		-367		-278		-		2,347
	31-Aug-12	$	3,366		764		-1,152		14	$	2,992
	Accrued carrying costs for drive-in closings and disposals
	Fiscal years ended:
	31-Aug-14	$	1,099		339		-546		-21	$	871
	31-Aug-13		568		809		-249		-29		1,099
	31-Aug-12	$	421		366		-219		-	$	568

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Operations	'
	Operations
	Sonic Corp. (the “Company”) operates and franchises a chain of quick-service restaurants in the United States.  It derives its revenues primarily from Company Drive-In sales and royalty fees from franchisees.  The Company also leases signs and real estate, and receives equity earnings in noncontrolling ownership in a number of Franchise Drive‑Ins.
Principles Of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and a number of Company Drive-Ins in which a subsidiary has a controlling ownership interest.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use Of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States (“U.S.”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and contingent assets and liabilities disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts reported in previous years, which are not material, have been combined and reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation.
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 280, “Segment Reporting,” the Company uses the management approach for determining its reportable segments.  The management approach is based upon the way that management reviews performance and allocates resources.  There were changes in the management structure and the manner in which Sonic manages the business that were effective for fiscal year 2014.  Additionally, the Company’s chief operating decision maker and his management team review operating results on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating the financial performance of the Sonic brand.  Accordingly, the Company has determined that it has one operating segment, and therefore, one reporting segment.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments, primarily money market accounts that mature in three months or less from date of purchase, and depository accounts.
Restricted Cash	'
	Restricted Cash
	As of August 31, 2014, the Company had restricted cash balances totaling $19.9 million for funds required to be held in trust for the benefit of senior noteholders under the Company’s debt arrangements.  The current portion of restricted cash of $13.2 million represents amounts to be returned to Sonic or paid to service current debt obligations.  The noncurrent portion of $6.7 million represents interest reserves required to be set aside for the duration of the debt.
Accounts And Notes Receivable	'
	Accounts and Notes Receivable
	The Company charges interest on past due accounts receivable and recognizes income as it is collected.  Interest accrues on notes receivable based on the contractual terms of the respective note.  The Company monitors all accounts and notes receivable for delinquency and provides for estimated losses for specific receivables that are not likely to be collected.  The Company assesses credit risk for accounts and notes receivable of specific franchisees based on payment history, current payment patterns, the health of the franchisee’s business, and an assessment of the franchisee’s ability to pay outstanding balances.  In addition to allowances for bad debt for specific franchisee receivables, a general provision for bad debt is estimated for the Company’s accounts receivable based on historical trends.  Account balances generally are charged against the allowance when the Company believes that the collection is no longer reasonably assured.  The Company continually reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories consist principally of food and supplies that are carried at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market.
Property, Equipment And Capital Leases	'
	Property, Equipment and Capital Leases
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost, and leased assets under capital leases are recorded at the present value of future minimum lease payments.  Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of capital leases are computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or the lease term, including cancelable option periods when appropriate, and are combined for presentation in the financial statements.
Accounting For Long-Lived Assets	'
	Accounting for Long-Lived Assets
	The Company reviews long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset might not be recoverable.  Assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which generally represents the individual drive-in.  The Company’s primary test for an indicator of potential impairment is operating losses of the related drive-in.  If an indication of impairment is determined to be present, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the asset and its eventual disposal.  If the sum of undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized.  The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying amount.  Fair value is typically determined to be the value of the land, since drive-in buildings and improvements are single-purpose assets and have little value to market participants.  The equipment associated with a store can be easily relocated to another store, and therefore is not adjusted.
	Surplus property assets are carried at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value less cost to sell.  The majority of the value in surplus property is land.  Fair values are estimated based upon management’s assessment as well as independent market value assessments of the assets’ estimated sales values.
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill is determined based on acquisition purchase price in excess of the fair value of identified assets.  Intangible assets with lives restricted by contractual, legal, or other means are amortized over their useful lives.  The Company tests goodwill at least annually for impairment using the fair value approach on a reporting unit basis.
	Since the Company is one reporting unit in fiscal year 2014, potential goodwill impairment is evaluated by comparing the fair value of the Company to its carrying value.  The fair value of the Company is determined using a market approach.  If the carrying value of the Company exceeds fair value, a comparison of the fair value of goodwill against the carrying value of goodwill is made to determine whether goodwill has been impaired.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, the annual assessment of recoverability of goodwill was performed and no impairment was indicated.  Prior to fiscal year 2014, the Company had two reporting units.  In comparing the carrying value and the fair value of the reporting units, the company estimated fair value based on a comparison of two approaches: an income approach, using the discounted cash flow method, and a market approach, using the guideline public company method.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the annual assessment of recoverability of goodwill was performed and no impairment was indicated.
	The Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization consist primarily of acquired franchise agreements, intellectual property and other intangibles.  Amortization expense is calculated using the straight-line method over the asset’s expected useful life.  See note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangibles for additional related disclosures.
Refranchising And Closure Of Company Drive-Ins	'
	Refranchising and Closure of Company Drive-Ins
	Gains and losses from the sale or closure of Company Drive-Ins are recorded as “Other operating (income) expense, net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Revenue Recognition, Franchise Fees And Royalties	'
	Revenue Recognition, Franchise Fees and Royalties
	Revenue from Company Drive-In sales is recognized when food and beverage products are sold.  Company Drive-In sales are presented net of sales tax and other sales-related taxes.
	The Company records a liability in the period in which a gift card is sold.  The gift cards do not have expiration dates.  As gift cards are redeemed, the liability is reduced with revenue recognized on redemptions at Company Drive-Ins.  Breakage is the amount on a gift card that is not expected to be redeemed and that the Company is not required to remit to a state under unclaimed property laws.  The Company estimates breakage based upon the historical trend in redemption patterns from previously sold gift cards.  The Company’s policy is to recognize the breakage, using the delayed recognition method, when it is apparent that there is a remote likelihood the gift card balance will be redeemed.  The Company reduces the gift card liability for the estimated breakage and uses that amount to defray the costs of operating the gift card program.  There is no income recognized on unredeemed gift card balances.
	Franchise fees are recognized in income when the Company has substantially performed or satisfied all material services or conditions relating to the sale of the franchise and the fees are nonrefundable.  Development fees are nonrefundable and are recognized in income on a pro-rata basis when the conditions for revenue recognition under the individual development agreements are met.  Both franchise fees and development fees are generally recognized upon the opening of a Franchise Drive-In or upon termination of the agreement between the Company and the franchisee.
	The Company’s franchisees pay royalties based on a percentage of sales.  Royalties are recognized as revenue when they are earned.
Operating Leases	'
	Operating Leases
	Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, including cancelable option periods when it is deemed to be reasonably assured that the Company would incur an economic penalty for not exercising the options.  Within the terms of some of the leases, there are rent holidays and/or escalations in payments over the base lease term, as well as renewal periods.  The effects of the holidays and escalations have been reflected in rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, which includes cancelable option periods when appropriate.  The lease term commences on the date when the Company has the right to control the use of the leased property, which can occur before rent payments are due under the terms of the lease.  Contingent rent is generally based on sales levels and is accrued at the point in time it is probable that such sales levels will be achieved.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Costs
	Costs incurred in connection with the advertising and promoting of the Company’s products are included in other operating expenses and are expensed as incurred.  Such costs amounted to $22.4 million in fiscal years 2014 and 2013 and $22.6 million in fiscal year 2012.
	Under the Company’s franchise agreements, both Company Drive-Ins and Franchise Drive-Ins must contribute a minimum percentage of revenues to a national media production fund (“Sonic Brand Fund”) and spend an additional minimum percentage of gross revenues on advertising, either directly or through Company-required participation in advertising cooperatives.  A significant portion of the advertising cooperative contributions is remitted to the System Marketing Fund, which purchases advertising on national cable and broadcast networks and local broadcast networks and funds other national media expenses and sponsorship opportunities.  As stated in the terms of existing franchise agreements, these funds do not constitute assets of the Company, and the Company acts with limited agency in the administration of these funds.  Accordingly, neither the revenues and expenses nor the assets and liabilities of the advertising cooperatives, the Sonic Brand Fund or the System Marketing Fund are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  However, all advertising contributions by Company Drive-Ins are recorded as expense on the Company’s financial statements.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company grants incentive stock options (“ISOs”), non-qualified stock options (“NQs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).  For grants of NQs and RSUs, the Company expects to recognize a tax benefit upon exercise of the option or vesting of the RSU.  As a result, a tax benefit is recognized on the related stock-based compensation expense for these types of awards.  For grants of ISOs, a tax benefit only results if the option holder has a disqualifying disposition.  As a result of the limitation on the tax benefit for ISOs, the tax benefit for stock-based compensation will generally be less than the Company’s overall tax rate and will vary depending on the timing of employees’ exercises and sales of stock.
	Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, generally the vesting period of the grant.  For additional information on stock-based compensation see note 13 - Stockholders’ Equity.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	Income tax benefits credited to equity relate to tax benefits associated with amounts that are deductible for income tax purposes but do not affect earnings.  These benefits are principally generated from employee exercises of NQs, the vesting of RSUs, and disqualifying dispositions of ISOs.
	The threshold for recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position is when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority.  Recognized tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority.  Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are included in income tax expense.
	Additional information regarding the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is provided in note 12 - Income Taxes.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company’s financial assets and liabilities consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt.  The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates their carrying amounts due to the short term nature of these assets and liabilities.
	The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair values of its financial instruments:
		·	Notes receivable - As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amounts of notes receivable (both current and non-current) approximate fair value due to the effect of the related allowance for doubtful accounts.
		·	Long-term debt - The Company prepares a discounted cash flow analysis for its fixed rate borrowings to estimate fair value each quarter.  This analysis uses Level 2 inputs from market information available for public debt transactions for companies with ratings that are similar to the Company’s ratings and from information gathered from brokers who trade in the Company’s notes.  The fair value estimate required significant assumptions by management.  Management believes this fair value is a reasonable estimate.  For more information regarding the Company’s long-term debt, see note 10 - Debt and note 11 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
	Certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, which means these assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to periodic impairment tests.  For the Company, these items primarily include long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets.  Refer to sections “Accounting for Long-Lived Assets” and “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” discussed above, for inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of these nonfinancial assets.  The fair value was based upon management’s assessment as well as independent market value assessments which involved Level 2 and Level 3 inputs.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires entities to recognize revenue in the way it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.  The ASU will replace most of the existing revenue recognition requirements in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective.  This pronouncement is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period.  The update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method, with early application not permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this pronouncement will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

Accounts_And_Notes_Receivable_

Accounts And Notes Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounts And Notes Receivable [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Accounts And Notes Receivable	'
		August 31,		August 31,
		2014		2013
	Current Accounts and Notes Receivable:
	Royalties and other trade receivables	$	18,292	$	16,506
	Notes receivable from franchisees		1,468		4,003
	Receivables from advertising funds		5,597		5,203
	Other		9,068		4,977
	Accounts and notes receivable, gross		34,425		30,689
	Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable		-1,592		-1,547
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	$	32,833	$	29,142
	Noncurrent Notes Receivable:
	Receivables from franchisees	$	4,688	$	5,003
	Receivables from advertising funds		3,646		5,810
	Allowance for doubtful notes receivable		-179		-800
	Notes receivable, net	$	8,155	$	10,013

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract]	'
Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill	'
		Fiscal year ended
		August 31,
		2014		2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	77,093	$	76,997
	Goodwill acquired during the year		-		96
	Balance at end of year	$	77,093	$	77,093

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]	'
Components Of Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases	'
		2014		2013
	Minimum lease payments receivable	$	717	$	1,701
	Less unearned income		-82		-170
	Net investment in direct financing leases		635		1,531
	Less amount due within one year		-278		-344
	Amount due after one year	$	357	$	1,187
Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments Receivable	'
		Operating		Direct Financing
	Years ended August 31:
	2015	$	6,976	$	319
	2016		6,891		174
	2017		6,919		133
	2018		6,971		65
	2019		6,930		14
	Thereafter		34,254		12
		$	68,941		717
	Less unearned income				-82
				$	635
Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments	'
		Operating		Capital
	Years ended August 31:
	2015	$	11,274	$	5,149
	2016		10,631		5,115
	2017		9,815		4,470
	2018		9,410		4,161
	2019		8,232		3,402
	Thereafter		75,609		12,799
	Total minimum lease payments(1)	$	124,971		35,096
	Less amount representing interest averaging 6.5%				-8,353
	Present value of net minimum lease payments				26,743
	Less amount due within one year				-3,693
	Amount due after one year			$	23,050
	—————————
	(1)  Minimum payments have not been reduced by future minimum rentals receivable under noncancelable operating and capital subleases of $10.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively.  They also do not include contingent rentals which may be due under certain leases.  Contingent rentals for capital leases amounted to $0.8 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Schedule Of Rent Expense For Operating Leases	'
		2014		2013		2012
	Minimum rentals	$	12,449	$	13,154	$	14,555
	Contingent rentals		161		93		103
	Total rent expense		12,610		13,247		14,658
	Less sublease rentals		-1,905		-1,747		-2,851
	Net rent expense	$	10,705	$	11,500	$	11,807

Property_Equipment_And_Capital1

Property, Equipment And Capital Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Property, Equipment And Capital Leases [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Property, Equipment And Capital Leases	'
		Estimated
		Useful Life	2014		2013
	Property, equipment and capital leases:
	Land		$	156,336	$	153,868
	Buildings and improvements	8 – 25 yrs		345,309		336,383
	Drive-In equipment	5 – 7 yrs		136,556		114,990
	Brand technology development and other equipment	2 – 5 yrs		82,575		76,585
	Property and equipment, at cost			720,776		681,826
	Accumulated depreciation			-298,580		-301,236
	Property and equipment, net			422,196		380,590
	Capital leases	Life of lease		50,243		47,371
	Accumulated amortization			-30,470		-28,300
	Capital leases, net			19,773		19,071
	Property, equipment and capital leases, net		$	441,969	$	399,661

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities	'
		2014		2013
	Wages and employee benefit costs	$	14,302	$	14,611
	Property taxes, sales and use taxes and employment taxes		9,570		9,219
	Unredeemed gift cards		8,577		8,272
	Dividend payable		4,852		-
	Other		6,380		5,119
		$	43,681	$	37,221

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Long-Term Debt	'
		2014		2013
	Class A-2 2013-1 senior secured fixed rate notes	$	155,000	$	155,000
	Class A-2 2011-1 senior secured fixed rate notes		282,238		291,988
	Other		80		306
			437,318		447,294
	Less long-term debt due within one year		-9,791		-9,914
	Long-term debt due after one year	$	427,527	$	437,380

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Components Of Provision For Income Taxes	'
		2014		2013		2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	16,580	$	16,741	$	17,851
	State		3,490		2,688		3,892
			20,070		19,429		21,743
	Deferred:
	Federal		5,328		439		180
	State		450		-270		-46
			5,778		169		134
	Provision for income taxes	$	25,848	$	19,598	$	21,877
Provision For Income Taxes Computed By Applying The Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate	'
		2014		2013		2012
	Amount computed by applying a tax rate of 35%	$	25,818	$	19,705	$	20,287
	State income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit)		2,562		1,572		1,900
	Employment related and other tax credits, net		-1,537		-1,572		-1,291
	Adjustment of prior year deferred tax items		-		-		1,559
	Other		-995		-107		-578
	Provision for income taxes	$	25,848	$	19,598	$	21,877
Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities	'
		2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable	$	677	$	898
	Leasing transactions		3,252		3,599
	Deferred income		1,773		4,124
	Accrued liabilities		3,399		1,995
	Stock compensation		4,921		8,024
	Other		688		676
	State net operating losses		11,305		8,703
	Total deferred tax assets		26,015		28,019
	Valuation allowance		-11,305		-8,703
	Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	$	14,710	$	19,316
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses	$	-1,498	$	-1,369
	Investment in partnerships, including differences in capitalization,
	depreciation and direct financing leases		-2,954		-2,061
	Property, equipment and capital leases		-24,655		-25,433
	Intangibles and other assets		-19,514		-18,337
	Debt extinguishment		-3,353		-4,191
	Total deferred tax liabilities		-51,974		-51,391
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	-37,264	$	-32,075
	Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as follows:
	Current	$	347	$	2,840
	Noncurrent		-37,611		-34,915
	Total	$	-37,264	$	-32,075
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
		2014		2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	2,583	$	5,451
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		255		628
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		115		960
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-492		-3,816
	Reductions due to statute expiration		-		-640
	Balance at end of year	$	2,461	$	2,583

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders’ Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Stockholders’ Equity [Abstract]	'
Weighted Average Assumptions Used To Estimate The Fair Value Of Stock Option Grants	'
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected term (years)	4.7			4.9			4.9
	Expected volatility	37	%		48	%		48	%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5	%		0.8	%		0.8	%
	Expected dividend yield	-	%		-	%		-	%
Summary Of Stock Option Activity	'
		Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Yrs.)			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding September 1, 2013	5,562		$	12.25
	Granted	532			20.48
	Exercised	-1,727			12.76
	Forfeited or expired	-207			19.37
	Outstanding at August 31, 2014	4,160		$	12.73		3.30		$	35,255
	Exercisable at August 31, 2014	2,977		$	12.12		2.38		$	27,155
Summary Of Restricted Stock Units	'
		Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding September 1, 2013	71		$	9.36
	Granted	33			20.59
	Vested	-56			10.03
	Forfeited	-2			6.80
	Outstanding at August 31, 2014	46		$	16.78

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
	segment	segment
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of Operating Segments	1	'	'
Number of Reportable Segments	1	2	'
Total restricted cash	$19,900,000	'	'
Restricted cash (current)	13,208,000	11,823,000	'
Restricted cash (noncurrent)	6,652,000	6,791,000	'
Goodwill impairment	0	0	'
Advertising and promotion costs	$22,400,000	$22,400,000	$22,600,000

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Aug. 31, 2014

31-May-14

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

31-May-13

Feb. 28, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

$18,825

[1],[2]

$16,776

[1],[2]

$4,107

[1],[2]

$8,208

[1],[2]

$12,198

[1],[2]

$14,793

[1],[2]

$3,577

[1],[2]

$6,133

[1],[2]

$47,916

$36,701

$36,085

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,164

56,384

60,078

Effect of dilutive employee stock options and unvested restricted stock units

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,455

807

94

Weighted average common shares - diluted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56,619

57,191

60,172

Net income per common share - basic

$0.35

[3]

$0.31

[3]

$0.07

[3]

$0.15

[3]

$0.22

[3]

$0.26

[3]

$0.06

[3]

$0.11

[3]

$0.87

$0.65

$0.60

Net income per common share - diluted

$0.34

[3]

$0.30

[3]

$0.07

[3]

$0.14

[3]

$0.21

[3]

$0.26

[3]

$0.06

[3]

$0.11

[3]

$0.85

$0.64

$0.60

Anti-dilutive securities excluded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

988

[4]

3,278

[4]

6,705

[4]

[1]

Includes a $0.5 million tax benefit resulting from the IRS’ acceptance of a federal tax method change during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.

[2]

Includes losses on early extinguishment of debt of $0.5 million and $3.9 million in the second and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, respectively, a tax benefit of $0.7 million from the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (“WOTC”) and resolution of income tax matters in the second quarter of fiscal year 2013. Also includes a $2.4 million loss on the closure of 12 lower-performing Company Drive-Ins as a result of an assessment in advance of capital expenditures for pending technology initiatives and an impairment charge of $1.6 million related to the write-off of assets associated with a change in the vendor for the Sonic system’s new point-of-sale technology in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013.

[3]

The sum of per share data may not agree to annual amounts due to rounding.

[4]

Anti-dilutive securities consist of stock options and unvested restricted stock units that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because either the exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price of the common stock or the total assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method resulted in negative incremental shares and thus the inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Impairment_Of_LongLived_Assets1

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'	'
Provisions for impairment of long-lived assets	$114	$1,776	$764
Change in vendor for the Sonic system's new point-of-sale technology [Member]	'	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'	'
Provisions for impairment of long-lived assets	'	1,600	'
Surplus Property [Member]	'	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'	'
Provisions for impairment of long-lived assets	'	$200	'

Accounts_And_Notes_Receivable_1

Accounts And Notes Receivable (Schedule Of Accounts And Notes Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Royalties and other trade receivables	$18,292	$16,506
Current accounts and notes receivable, gross	34,425	30,689
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable, current	-1,592	-1,547
Current Accounts and Notes Receivable, net	32,833	29,142
Receivables from franchisees	4,688	5,003
Receivables from advertising funds	3,646	5,810
Allowance for doubtful notes receivable	-179	-800
Notes receivable, net	8,155	10,013
Notes Receivable From Franchisees [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Current accounts and notes receivable, gross	1,468	4,003
Receivable From Advertising Funds [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Current accounts and notes receivable, gross	5,597	5,203
Other [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Current accounts and notes receivable, gross	$9,068	$4,977

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles2

Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$77,093,000	$77,093,000	$76,997,000
Gross carrying amount of franchise agreements, intellectual property franchise fees and other intangibles	10,300,000	10,300,000	'
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	5,000,000	4,100,000	'
Amortization of intangible assets	900,000	900,000	800,000
Weighted-average life of amortizable intangible assets	'11 years	'	'
Estimated intangible assets amortization expense, 2015	900,000	'	'
Estimated intangible assets amortization expense, 2016	900,000	'	'
Estimated intangible assets amortization expense, 2017	900,000	'	'
Estimated intangible assets amortization expense, 2018	300,000	'	'
Estimated intangible assets amortization expense, 2019	$300,000	'	'

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles3

Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract]	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$77,093	$76,997
Goodwill acquired during the year	'	96
Balance at end of year	$77,093	$77,093

Other_Operating_Income_And_Exp1

Other Operating Income And Expenses (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
			2013 Company Drive-In Closures Member	2013 Company Drive-In Closures Member
			store	store
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loss on closure of Company Drive-Ins	'	'	$2.40	$2.40
Carrying value of assets at time of sale	38.4	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale	$29.70	$8.70	'	'
Number of Restaurants	'	'	12	12

Leases_Narrative_Details

Leases (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
	item
Leases [Line Items]	'
Lease expiration date	30-Sep-30
Lease renewal options, initial term period	'5 years
Number of lease agreements executed	1
Company Drive Ins [Member]	'
Leases [Line Items]	'
Lease expiration date	31-Aug-30
Signs [Member]	'
Leases [Line Items]	'
Lease expiration date	30-Nov-21
Capital Leases [Member]	'
Leases [Line Items]	'
Lease expiration date	1-Mar-18

Leases_Components_Of_Net_Inves

Leases (Components Of Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'	'
Minimum lease payments receivable	$717	$1,701
Less unearned income	-82	-170
Net investment in direct financing leases	635	1,531
Less amount due within one year	-278	-344
Amount due after one year	$357	$1,187

Leases_Schedule_Of_Future_Mini

Leases (Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'	'
Operating, 2015	$6,976	'
Operating, 2016	6,891	'
Operating, 2017	6,919	'
Operating, 2018	6,971	'
Operating, 2019	6,930	'
Operating, Thereafter	34,254	'
Operating, Total	68,941	'
Direct Financing, 2015	319	'
Direct Financing, 2016	174	'
Direct Financing, 2017	133	'
Direct Financing, 2018	65	'
Direct Financing, 2019	14	'
Direct Financing, Thereafter	12	'
Direct Financing, Total	717	1,701
Unearned income, Direct Financing	-82	-170
Net investment in direct financing leases	$635	$1,531

Leases_Schedule_Of_Future_Mini1

Leases (Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Operating, 2015	$11,274,000		'	'
Operating, 2016	10,631,000		'	'
Operating, 2017	9,815,000		'	'
Operating, 2018	9,410,000		'	'
Operating, 2019	8,232,000		'	'
Operating, Thereafter	75,609,000		'	'
Operating, Total minimum lease payments	124,971,000	[1]	'	'
Capital, 2015	5,149,000		'	'
Capital, 2016	5,115,000		'	'
Capital, 2017	4,470,000		'	'
Capital, 2018	4,161,000		'	'
Capital, 2019	3,402,000		'	'
Capital, Thereafter	12,799,000		'	'
Capital, Total minimum lease payments	35,096,000	[1]	'	'
Less amount representing interest averaging 6.3%	-8,353,000		'	'
Capital, Present value of net minimum lease payments	26,743,000		'	'
Less amount due within one year	-3,693,000		'	'
Capital, Amount due after one year	23,050,000		22,458,000	'
Minimum operating rentals receivable under noncancelable subleases	10,600,000		'	'
Minimum capital rentals receivable under noncancelable subleases	1,600,000		'	'
Capital Leases, Contingent Rental Payments	$800,000		$800,000	$800,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'		'	'
Average interest rate	6.50%		'	'
[1]	Minimum payments have not been reduced by future minimum rentals receivable under noncancelable operating and capital subleases of $10.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively. They also do not include contingent rentals which may be due under certain leases. Contingent rentals for capital leases amounted to $0.8 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Leases_Schedule_Of_Rent_Expens

Leases (Schedule Of Rent Expense For Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Minimum rentals	$12,449	$13,154	$14,555
Contingent rentals	161	93	103
Total rent expense	12,610	13,247	14,658
Operating leases, Sublease rentals	-1,905	-1,747	-2,851
Net rent expense	$10,705	$11,500	$11,807

Property_Equipment_And_Capital2

Property, Equipment And Capital Leases (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	$720,776,000	$681,826,000	'
Accumulated depreciation related to buildings and equipment	298,580,000	301,236,000	'
Interest costs capitalized	500,000	700,000	300,000
Property And Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	37,600,000	35,600,000	37,200,000
Leased To Franchisees And Other Parties [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	163,800,000	'	'
Accumulated depreciation related to buildings and equipment	$58,200,000	'	'
Drive-ins under construction	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Drive-ins under construction	2	'	'

Property_Equipment_And_Capital3

Property, Equipment And Capital Leases (Schedule Of Property, Equipment And Capital Leases) (Details) (USD $)

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Land [Member]

Land [Member]

Buildings And Improvements [Member]

Buildings And Improvements [Member]

Drive-In Equipment [Member]

Drive-In Equipment [Member]

Brand Technology Development And Other Equipment [Member]

Brand Technology Development And Other Equipment [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Buildings [Member]

Drive-In Equipment [Member]

Brand Technology Development And Other Equipment [Member]

Buildings [Member]

Drive-In Equipment [Member]

Brand Technology Development And Other Equipment [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment, at cost

$720,776

$681,826

$156,336

$153,868

$345,309

$336,383

$136,556

$114,990

$82,575

$76,585

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated depreciation related to buildings and equipment

-298,580

-301,236

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment, net

422,196

380,590

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital leases

50,243

47,371

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated amortization

-30,470

-28,300

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital leases, net

19,773

19,071

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, equipment and capital leases, net

$441,969

$399,661

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'8 years

'5 years

'2 years

'25 years

'7 years

'5 years

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Wages and employee benefit costs	$14,302	$14,611
Property taxes, sales and use taxes and employment taxes	9,570	9,219
Unredeemed gift cards	8,577	8,272
Dividend payable	4,852	'
Other	6,380	5,119
Accrued liabilities	$43,681	$37,221

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

20-May-11

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

31-May-13

20-May-11

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Co-Issuers And Guarantor [Member]

2013 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]

2013 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]

2011 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]

2011 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]

2011 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]

2011 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]

2011 Variable Rate Notes [Member]

2011 Variable Rate Notes [Member]

2011 Variable Rate Notes [Member]

2011 Variable Rate Notes [Member]

2011 Notes [Member]

Interest Rate Upward Adjustment Due To Nonpayment [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future maturities of long-term debt, 2015

'

'

'

$9,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future maturities of long-term debt, 2016

'

'

'

9,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future maturities of long-term debt, 2017

'

'

'

9,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future maturities of long-term debt, 2018

'

'

'

253,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future maturities of long-term debt, 2019

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

155,000,000

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

Debt issuance date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20-May-11

'

Debt prepayment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

155,000,000

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior secured notes interest rate, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.75%

'

'

5.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

Debt instrument, maturity year

'

'

'

'

'

20-Jul-20

'

'

'

21-May-18

'

21-May-18

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

447,294,000

'

447,294,000

437,318,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

Long term debt fixed rate notes including accrued interest carrying value

447,600,000

'

447,600,000

437,800,000

'

155,200,000

155,200,000

292,400,000

'

282,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average interest cost, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

4.10%

'

'

'

5.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected life of debt instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.50%

'

3.75%

'

'

'

Debt instrument, legal final maturity year

'

'

'

'

'

20-Jul-43

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20-May-41

'

Annual commitment fee payable, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from borrowings

'

'

155,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of loan costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

660,794,000

'

660,794,000

650,972,000

319,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted cash

'

'

'

19,900,000

19,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt

($3,900,000)

($500,000)

($4,443,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Schedule_Of_LongTerm_Debt

Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Other	$80	$306
Total long-term debt	437,318	447,294
Less long-term debt due within one year	-9,791	-9,914
Long-term debt due after one year	427,527	437,380
2013 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	155,000	155,000
2011 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	$282,238	$291,988

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'	'
Cash equivalents carried at cost	$34.40	$39.10
Fixed Rate Notes, fair value	437.8	447.6
Fixed Rate Notes, carrying value, including accrued interest	$437.80	$447.60

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Additional income tax provision	'	'	$1,559,000
State net operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance	11,300,000	8,700,000	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	2,461,000	2,583,000	5,451,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and penalty	400,000	300,000	'
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	100,000	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest net benefit	'	400,000	100,000
Unrecognized tax benefits favorably impact the effective tax rate	2,500,000	2,600,000	'
Possible change in unrecognized tax benefits, lower bound	100,000	'	'
Possible change in unrecognized tax benefits, upper bound	-1,900,000	'	'
Income taxes receivable	'	9,800,000	'
Income taxes receivable, current	$1,887,000	$7,728,000	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	1-Dec-14	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	31-May-35	'	'

Income_Taxes_Components_Of_Pro

Income Taxes (Components Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal, Current	$16,580	$16,741	$17,851
State, Current	3,490	2,688	3,892
Current	20,070	19,429	21,743
Federal, Deferred	5,328	439	180
State, Deferred	450	-270	-46
Deferred	5,778	169	134
Provision for income taxes	$25,848	$19,598	$21,877

Income_Taxes_Provision_For_Inc

Income Taxes (Provision For Income Taxes Computed By Applying The Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amount computed by applying a tax rate of 35%	$25,818	$19,705	$20,287
State income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit)	2,562	1,572	1,900
Employment related and other tax credits, net	-1,537	-1,572	-1,291
Adjustment of prior year deferred tax items	'	'	1,559
Other	-995	-107	-578
Provision for income taxes	$25,848	$19,598	$21,877
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	'	'

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable	$677	$898
Leasing transactions	3,252	3,599
Deferred income	1,773	4,124
Accrued liabilities	3,399	1,995
Stock compensation	4,921	8,024
Other	688	676
State net operating losses	11,305	8,703
Total deferred tax assets	26,015	28,019
Valuation allowance	-11,305	-8,703
Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	14,710	19,316
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Prepaid expenses	-1,498	-1,369
Investment in partnerships, including differences in capitalization, depreciation and direct financing leases	-2,954	-2,061
Property, equipment and capital leases	-24,655	-25,433
Intangibles and other assets	-19,514	-18,337
Debt extinguishment	-3,353	-4,191
Total deferred tax liabilities	-51,974	-51,391
Net deferred tax liabilities	-37,264	-32,075
Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as follows:	'	'
Current	347	2,840
Noncurrent	-37,611	-34,915
Net deferred tax liabilities	($37,264)	($32,075)

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$2,583	$5,451
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	255	628
Additions for tax positions of prior years	115	960
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-492	-3,816
Reductions due to statute expiration	'	-640
Balance at end of year	$2,461	$2,583

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders’ Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Jan. 16, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]

Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]

Incremental authorization to share repurchase program [Member]

Treasury Stock [Member]

Treasury Stock [Member]

Treasury Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

2006 Plan [Member]

2006 Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Board of Director Stock Option [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Employee Stock [Member]

Employee Stock [Member]

2006 Plan [Member]

2006 Plan [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

Stock’s fair market value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25,000

Discount price percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

'

Additional shares authorized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares available for grant

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

800,000

'

Stock-based compensation cost recognized

'

3,742,000

3,630,000

4,295,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess tax benefits

'

1,700,000

1,200,000

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unvested unrecognized compensation cost

'

4,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unvested unrecognized compensation cost, period

'

'1 year 10 months 24 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contractual term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'10 years

'

'

Vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'1 year

'

'

'

'

Weighted average fair value of stock options granted

'

$6.82

$4.69

$2.88

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

'

17,407,000

16,343,000

280,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of options exercised

'

13,000,000

3,800,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate fair value of vested restricted stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

900,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares repurchase authorized amount

40,000,000

105,000,000

40,000,000

40,000,000

80,000,000

55,000,000

30,000,000

'

40,000,000

40,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares acquired through stock repurchase program

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

2,100,000

'

4,080,000

3,332,000

4,157,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total cost for shares acquired through stock repurchase program

1,100,000

80,045,000

35,480,000

31,102,000

'

'

'

'

40,000,000

'

80,045,000

35,480,000

31,102,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Final price paid per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$19.13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average price per share

'

$19.61

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share

'

$0.09

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends Payable

'

$4,852,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends Payable, Date of Record

'

12-Nov-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid

'

21-Nov-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders_Equity_Weighted_A

Stockholders’ Equity (Weighted Average Assumptions Used To Estimate The Fair Value Of Stock Option Grants) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Stockholders’ Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected term	'4 years 8 months 12 days	'4 years 10 months 24 days	'4 years 10 months 24 days
Expected volatility	37.00%	48.00%	48.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	0.80%	0.80%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_Of

Stockholders’ Equity (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Stockholders’ Equity [Abstract]	'
Options, Outstanding at September 1, 2013	5,562
Options, Granted	532
Options, Exercised	-1,727
Options, Forfeited or expired	-207
Options, Outstanding at August 31, 2014	4,160
Options, Exercisable at August 31, 2014	2,977
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at September 1, 2013	$12.25
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$20.48
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$12.76
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or expired	$19.37
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at August 31, 2014	$12.73
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at August 31, 2014	$12.12
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding at August 31, 2014	'3 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Exercisable at August 31, 2014	'2 years 4 months 17 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at August 31, 2014	$35,255
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at August 31, 2014	$27,155

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_Of1

Stockholders’ Equity (Summary Of Restricted Stock Units) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Stockholders’ Equity [Abstract]	'
Restricted Stock Units, Outstanding at September 1, 2013	71
Restricted Stock Units, Granted	33
Restricted Stock Units, Vested	-56
Restricted Stock Units, Forfeited	-2
Restricted Stock Units, Outstanding at August 31, 2014	46
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding at September 1, 2013	$9.36
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$20.59
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$10.03
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$6.80
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding at August 31, 2014	$16.78

Employee_Benefit_And_Cash_Ince1

Employee Benefit And Cash Incentive Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employer contributions	$1.30	$1.90	$1.70
Incentive bonus expense	$6.50	$6.70	$4.90
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employer contributions, percentage	6.00%	'	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
System-wide purchase obligations	$308
Note Repurchase Agreement [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Guarantor Obligations, Term	'2018
Guaranteed obligations	6.2
Guarantee Operating Lease Obligations [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Guarantor Obligations, Term	'2029
Guaranteed obligations	9.3
Guaranteed lease liability	$0

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Schedule Of Selected Quarterly Financial Data) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

31-May-14

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

31-May-13

Feb. 28, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Total revenues

$163,769,000

$152,187,000

$109,741,000

$126,652,000

$158,802,000

$146,634,000

$111,141,000

$126,008,000

$552,349,000

$542,585,000

$543,730,000

Income from operations

36,288,000

31,681,000

12,349,000

18,359,000

30,033,000

29,994,000

12,018,000

17,203,000

98,677,000

89,248,000

88,940,000

Net income

18,825,000

[1],[2]

16,776,000

[1],[2]

4,107,000

[1],[2]

8,208,000

[1],[2]

12,198,000

[1],[2]

14,793,000

[1],[2]

3,577,000

[1],[2]

6,133,000

[1],[2]

47,916,000

36,701,000

36,085,000

Basic income per share

$0.35

[3]

$0.31

[3]

$0.07

[3]

$0.15

[3]

$0.22

[3]

$0.26

[3]

$0.06

[3]

$0.11

[3]

$0.87

$0.65

$0.60

Diluted income per share

$0.34

[3]

$0.30

[3]

$0.07

[3]

$0.14

[3]

$0.21

[3]

$0.26

[3]

$0.06

[3]

$0.11

[3]

$0.85

$0.64

$0.60

Net loss from early extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

3,900,000

'

500,000

'

'

4,443,000

'

Tax benefits

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

Impairment charge related to write-off of assets

'

'

'

'

1,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Provision for impairment of long-lived assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

114,000

1,776,000

764,000

2013 Company Drive-In Closures Member

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on closure of Company Drive-Ins

'

'

'

'

$2,400,000

'

'

'

'

$2,400,000

'

Number of Restaurants

'

'

'

'

12

'

'

'

'

12

'

[1]

Includes a $0.5 million tax benefit resulting from the IRS’ acceptance of a federal tax method change during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.

[2]

Includes losses on early extinguishment of debt of $0.5 million and $3.9 million in the second and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, respectively, a tax benefit of $0.7 million from the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (“WOTC”) and resolution of income tax matters in the second quarter of fiscal year 2013. Also includes a $2.4 million loss on the closure of 12 lower-performing Company Drive-Ins as a result of an assessment in advance of capital expenditures for pending technology initiatives and an impairment charge of $1.6 million related to the write-off of assets associated with a change in the vendor for the Sonic system’s new point-of-sale technology in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013.

[3]

The sum of per share data may not agree to annual amounts due to rounding.

Valuation_And_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts And Notes Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	$2,347	$2,992	$3,366
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	-434	-367	764
Amounts Written Off Against the Allowance	-142	-278	-1,152
(Transfer) Recoveries	'	'	14
Balance at End of Year	1,771	2,347	2,992
Accrued Carrying Costs For Drive-In Closings And Disposals [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	1,099	568	421
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	339	809	366
Amounts Written Off Against the Allowance	-546	-249	-219
(Transfer) Recoveries	-21	-29	'
Balance at End of Year	$871	$1,099	$568