Sonic (SONC) 10-K 31 Oct 16 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Oct. 14, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	SONIC CORP.
Entity Central Index Key	868,611
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		45,758,995
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 1,371,951,852
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 72,092	$ 27,191
Restricted cash	15,873	13,246
Accounts and notes receivable, net	35,437	31,577
Inventories	3,321	3,824
Prepaid expenses	4,713	5,544
Other current assets	6,221	4,056
Total current assets	137,657	85,438
Noncurrent restricted cash	140	6,524
Notes receivable, net	12,562	7,216
Property, equipment and captial leases, net	402,162	421,406
Goodwill	76,734	77,076
Debt origination costs, net	14,427	7,056
Other assets, net	16,313	15,308
Total assets	659,995	620,024
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	14,372	13,860
Franchisee deposits	720	870
Accrued liabilities	51,913	50,714
Income taxes payable	2,568	8,910
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	5,090	13,467
Total current liabilities	74,663	87,821
Obligations under capital leases due after one year	17,391	20,763
Long-term debt due after one year	577,521	428,238
Deferred income taxes	42,530	43,549
Other non-current liabilities	23,533	22,220
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6, 7, 13, 14)
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Preferred stock, par value $.01; 1,000 shares authorized; none outstanding
Common stock, par value $.01; 245,000 shares authorized; 118,309 shares issued in 2016 and in 2015	1,183	1,183
Paid-in capital	234,956	232,550
Retained earnings	894,442	851,715
Treasury stock, at cost; 71,670 shares in 2016 and 67,249 shares in 2015	(1,206,224)	(1,068,015)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	(75,643)	17,433
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	$ 659,995	$ 620,024

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
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	71,670,000	67,249,000

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Company Drive-In sales	$ 425,795	$ 436,031	$ 405,363
Franchise Drive-Ins:
Franchise royalties and fees	170,319	161,342	138,416
Lease revenue	7,459	5,583	4,291
Other	2,747	3,133	4,279
Total revenues	606,320	606,089	552,349
Costs and expenses:
Food and packaging	118,136	121,701	116,325
Payroll and other employee benefits	150,260	151,801	139,939
Other operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below	88,424	90,436	85,845
Total cost of Company Drive-In sales	356,820	363,938	342,109
Selling, general and administrative	82,089	79,336	69,415
Depreciation and amortization	44,418	45,892	42,210
Provision for impairment of long-lived assets	232	1,440	114
Other operating income, net	(4,691)	(945)	(176)
Total costs and expenses	478,868	489,661	453,672
Income from operations	127,452	116,428	98,677
Interest expense	26,714	25,114	25,382
Interest income	(516)	(408)	(469)
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	8,750
Net interest expense	34,948	24,706	24,913
Income before income taxes	92,504	91,722	73,764
Provision for income taxes	28,437	27,237	25,848
Net income	$ 64,067	$ 64,485	$ 47,916
Basic income per share	$ 1.32	$ 1.23	$ 0.87
Diluted income per share	1.29	1.20	0.85
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.44	$ 0.27	$ 0.09

Consolidated Statements Of Stoc

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders’ Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit), Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	$ 1,183	$ 224,768	$ 758,138	$ (906,625)	$ 77,464
Balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2013				62,025
Net income			47,916		47,916
Cash dividends			(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 (Deficit), Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2014	1,183	225,004	801,202	$ (964,714)	62,675
Balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2014				64,505
Net income			64,485		64,485
Cash dividends			(13,972)		(13,972)
Stock-based compensation expense		3,520			3,520
Purchase of treasury stock				$ (123,786)	(123,786)
Purchase of treasury stock, shares				4,201
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock		(1,458)		$ 20,190	18,732
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock, shares				(1,438)
Other		5,484		$ 295	5,779
Other, shares				(19)
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit), Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2015	1,183	232,550	851,715	$ (1,068,015)	$ 17,433
Balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2015				67,249	67,249
Net income			64,067		$ 64,067
Cash dividends			(21,340)		(21,340)
Stock-based compensation expense		3,766			3,766
Purchase of treasury stock				$ (148,345)	(148,345)
Purchase of treasury stock, shares				5,209
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock		(5,941)		$ 9,783	3,842
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock, shares				(767)
Other		4,581		$ 353	4,934
Other, shares				(21)
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit), Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2016	$ 1,183	$ 234,956	$ 894,442	$ (1,206,224)	$ (75,643)
Balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2016				71,670	71,670

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 64,067	$ 64,485	$ 47,916
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	44,418	45,892	42,210
Stock-based compensation expense	3,766	3,520	3,742
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	8,750
Other	270	9,366	735
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Restricted cash	(2,829)	(61)	(1,428)
Accounts receivable and other assets	2,109	2,885	(5,977)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable	380	(1,288)	640
Accrued and other liabilities	4,520	10,296	7,347
Income taxes	(9,242)	1,267	8,363
Total adjustments	52,142	71,877	55,632
Net cash provided by operating activities	116,209	136,362	103,548
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(46,553)	(42,153)	(79,008)
Proceeds from sale of assets	16,206	13,701	2,148
Other	(3,713)	3,132	6,337
Net cash used in investing activities	(34,060)	(25,320)	(70,523)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on debt	(422,090)	(90,290)	(9,976)
Proceeds from borrowings	563,000	91,000
Restricted cash for securitization obligations	6,587	151	181
Purchases of treasury stock	(150,444)	(120,463)	(79,786)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	3,842	18,732	17,407
Payment of dividends	(21,309)	(18,808)
Debt issuance and extinguishment costs	(18,420)	(12)	(151)
Other	1,586	145	(2,902)
Net cash used in financing activities	(37,248)	(119,545)	(75,227)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	44,901	(8,503)	(42,202)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	27,191	35,694	77,896
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	72,092	27,191	35,694
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	24,883	23,330	23,701
Income taxes (net of refunds)	27,821	11,360	14,143
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Change in obligation to acquire treasury stock	(2,099)	3,323	259
Stock options exercised by stock swap	6,396	3,385	4,634
Accrued PP&E at period end	3,471	3,346	3,297
Dividend payable	$ 44	$ 13	$ 4,852

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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 (“U.S.”). It derives its revenues primarily from Company Drive-In sales and royalty fees from franchisees. The Company also leases 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) 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. 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, 2016 , the Company had restricted cash balances totaling $16.0 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 $15.9 million represents amounts to be returned to Sonic or paid to service current debt obligations. The noncurrent portion of $0. 1 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 drive-in can be easily relocated to another drive-in 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 an 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, 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 quarters of fiscal years 2016 and 2015, the annual assessment of the 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 4 - 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’s gift card program serves all Sonic Drive-Ins and is administered by the Company on behalf of a system advertising fund. 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. Costs to administer the gift card program, net of breakage, are included in the receivables from advertising funds as set forth in note 3 – Accounts and Notes Receivable. Such costs were not material in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014.  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 generally 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.  Advertising Costs  Costs incurred in connection with advertising and promoting the Company’s products are included in other operating expenses and are expensed as incurred. Such costs amounted to $23.4 million, $ 24.5 million and $ 22.4 million in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  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 also 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 an expense on the Company’s financial statements.  Under the Company’s franchise agreements, the Company is reimbursed by the Sonic Brand Fund for costs incurred to administer the fund at an amount not to exceed 15% of the Sonic Brand Fund’s gross receipts. Reimbursements from the Sonic Brand Fund are offset against selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $5.2 million, $5.0 million and $4.4 million in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Technology Costs  Under the Company’s franchise agreements, both Company Drive-Ins and Franchise Drive-Ins must pay a set technology fee to the Brand Technology Fund (“BTF”), which was established in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016. The BTF administers cybersecurity and other technology programs for the Sonic system. 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 BTF are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, technology fees paid by Company Drive-Ins are recorded as an expense on the Company’s financial statements.  Under the Company’s franchise agreements, the Company is reimbursed by the BTF for costs incurred to administer the fund at an amount not to exceed 15% of the BTF’s gross receipts. Reimbursements from the BTF are offset against selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $2.5 million in fiscal year 2016.  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.  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 12 - Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).  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 11 - 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, 2016 and 2015 , 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 and variable 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 9 - Debt and note 10 - 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 an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard also requires additional disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The ASU will replace most of the existing revenue recognition requirements in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. Further, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net),” which clarifies the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 for evaluating when another party, along with the entity, is involved in providing a good or service to a customer. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” which clarifies the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 regarding assessing whether promises to transfer goods or services are distinct, and whether an entity's promise to grant a license provides a customer with a right to use or right to access the entity's intellectual property. All standards are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, which requires the Company to adopt the standard in fiscal year 2019. The standards are to be applied retrospectively or using a cumulative effect transition method, with early application not permitted. The Company does not believe the new revenue recognition standard will impact our recognition of sales from Company Drive-Ins and our recognition of royalty fees from franchisees. We are currently evaluating the effect that this pronouncement will have on the recognition of other transactions on the financial statements, including the initial franchise fee currently recognized upon the opening of a Franchise Drive-In, and related disclosures and have not yet selected a transition method.  In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This update requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the related liability rather than as an asset. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by this update. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, and is to be applied retrospectively; early adoption is permitted. The update will be adopted in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and will require reclassification of debt issuance costs from other non-current assets to long-term debt within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of August 31, 2016, the carrying amount of unamortized debt issuance costs totaled $14.4 million. Other than this reclassification, the adoption of this ASU will not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” The update provides clarification on whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a software license is included, the customer should account for the license consistent with its accounting of other software licenses. If a software license is not included, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The update will be adopted in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” as part of its simplification initiatives. The update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017; however, early application is permitted. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. The Company’s current deferred tax asset balance of $2.2 million was classified as noncurrent and netted with noncurrent deferred tax liabilities as of November 30, 2015, and all future deferred tax asset balances will be recorded as such. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted, as such the balance of $2.2 million remained in current assets at August 31, 2015. The reclassification did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases.” The new standard, which replaces existing lease guidance, requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset . The guidance also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Accounting guidance for lessors is largely unchanged. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, which will require the Company to adopt the provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early application permitted. This standard requires adoption based upon a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with optional practical expedients. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company expects that most of its operating lease commitments will be subject to the new guidance and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption, resulting in a significant increase in the assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. The Company is continuing its assessment, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-04, “Liabilities—Extinguishments of Liabilities: Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products,” which is intended to eliminate current and future diversity in practice related to derecognition of prepaid stored-value product liability in a way that aligns with the new revenue recognition guidance. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017; however, early application is permitted. The adoption of the update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including excess tax benefits, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification in the statements of cash flows. Upon adoption, any future excess tax benefits or deficiencies will be recorded to the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations, instead of additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016; however, early application is permitted. The transition method to be applied varies depending on the area of update being adopted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this update will have on its financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.” The update was issued to provide more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments. The update replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The update should be adopted using a modified-retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this update will have on its financial statements and related disclosures. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” The update is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified and will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented in the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case the amendments will apply prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this update will have on its financial statements and related disclosures . 

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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,  2016 2015 2014  Numerator:  Net income $ 64,067 $ 64,485 $ 47,916   Denominator:  Weighted average common shares outstanding– basic 48,703 52,572 55,164  Effect of dilutive employee stock options  and unvested RSUs 966 1,381 1,455  Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 49,669 53,953 56,619   Net income per common share – basic $ 1.32 $ 1.23 $ 0.87  Net income per common share – diluted $ 1.29 $ 1.20 $ 0.85   Anti-dilutive securities excluded (1) 615 342 988  ————————— (1) Anti-dilutive securities consist of stock options and unvested RSUs 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 .

Accounts And Notes Receivable

Accounts And Notes Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Accounts And Notes Receivable [Abstract]
Accounts And Notes Receivable	3 . Accounts and Notes Receivable  Accounts and notes receivable consist of the following:     August 31,  2016 2015  Current Accounts and Notes Receivable:  Royalties and other trade receivables $ 19,994 $ 19,713  Notes receivable from franchisees 5,531 996  Receivables from system funds 4,372 4,965  Other 6,507 6,977  Accounts and notes receivable, gross 36,404 32,651  Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable (967) (1,074)  Current accounts and notes receivable, net $ 35,437 $ 31,577   Noncurrent Notes Receivable:  Receivables from franchisees $ 7,170 $ 5,676  Receivables from system funds 5,466 1,571  Allowance for doubtful notes receivable (74) (31)  Noncurrent notes receivable, net $ 12,562 $ 7,216  The Company’s receivables are primarily due from franchisees, all of whom are in the restaurant business. Substantially all of the n otes receivable from franchisees are collateralized by real estate or equipment. The increase in current notes receivable from franchisees is due to short - term financing for refranchised drive-ins and newly constructed drive-ins sold to franchisees. The receivables from system funds represent transactions in the normal course of business. The increase in noncurrent receivables from system funds relates to the BTF established in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, as discussed in note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Goodwill And Other Intangibles

Goodwill And Other Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Goodwill And Other Intangibles	4 . Goodwill and Other Intangibles  As of August 31, 2016 , the Company had $76. 7 million of goodwill. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:     August 31,  2016 2015  Balance at beginning of year $ 77,076 $ 77,093  Goodwill acquired during the year - 65  Goodwill disposed of related to the sale of Company Drive-Ins (342) (82)  Balance at end of year $ 76,734 $ 77,076  The gross carrying amount of franchise agreements, intellectual property, franchise fees and other intangibles subject to amortization was $9.2 million and $10. 4 million at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively . Accumulated amortization related to these intangible assets was $5.7 million and $ 5. 9 million at August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Intangible assets amortization expense was $0.9 million for each of the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. At August 31, 2016 , 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 year 2017 and $0.3 million for fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020 and $0.2 million for fiscal year 2021 .

Refranchising of Company Drive-

Refranchising of Company Drive-Ins	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Disposal Disclosures [Abstract]
Refranchising of Company Drive-Ins Text Block	5. Refranchising of Company Drive-Ins  During fiscal year 2016, the Company refranchised the operations of 38 Company Drive-Ins and recorded a gain of $1.8 million. The Company retained a non-controlling operating interest in 25 of these refranchised drive-ins. Gains and losses are recorded as other operating income (expenses), net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company plans to refranchise other operations as part of its refranchising initiative to move toward an approximately 95% -franchised system . 

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	6 . Leases  Leasing Arrangements as a Lessor  The Company’s leasing activities consist principally of leasing certain land and buildings as well as subleasing certain buildings to franchise operators. The land and building portions of all leases are classified as operating leases with lease terms expiring through August 2031 . 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.  Future minimum rental payments receivable as of August 31, 2016 , are as follows:       Operating  Years ended August 31:  2017 $ 7,738  2018 8,339  2019 8,890  2020 9,382  2021 8,990  Thereafter 50,709  $ 94,048  Leasing Arrangements as a Lessee  Certain Company Drive-Ins lease land and buildings from third parties. These leases, with lease terms expiring through August 2031 , 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 noncancel l able lease terms in excess of one year as of August 31, 2016 , are as follows:      Operating Capital  Years ended August 31:  2017 $ 10,914 $ 5,051  2018 10,864 4,448  2019 10,840 3,596  2020 10,754 3,256  2021 10,030 3,134  Thereafter 63,733 7,018  Total minimum lease payments (1) $ 117,135 26,503  Less amount representing interest averaging 6.2% (5,439)  Present value of net minimum lease payments 21,064  Less amount due within one year (3,673)  Amount due after one year $ 17,391  ————————— (1) Minimum payments have not been reduced by future minimum rentals receivable under noncance l lable operating and capital subleases of $16.8 million and $0.6 million , respectively. They also do not include contingent rentals which may be due under certain leases. Contingent rentals for capital leases amounted to $0.9 million, $ 1.0 million and $0.8 million in fiscal year s 2016, 2015 and 2014 , respectively .  Total rent expense for all operating leases consists of the following for the years ended August 31:     2016 2015 2014  Minimum rentals $ 12,441 $ 12,659 $ 12,449  Contingent rentals 284 174 161  Total rent expense 12,725 12,833 12,610  Less sublease rentals (2,372) (2,235) (1,905)  Net rent expense $ 10,353 $ 10,598 $ 10,705  

Property, Equipment And Capital

Property, Equipment And Capital Leases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Property, Equipment And Capital Leases [Abstract]
Property, Equipment And Capital Leases	7 . Property, Equipment and Capital Leases  Property, equipment and capital leases consist of the following at August 31:      Estimated  Useful Life 2016 2015  Property, equipment and capital leases:  Land $ 154,420 $ 157,861  Buildings and improvements 8 – 25 yrs 341,956 343,598  Drive-In equipment 5 – 7 yrs 132,678 139,494  Brand technology development and other equipment 2 – 5 yrs 110,364 92,825  Property and equipment, at cost 739,418 733,778  Accumulated depreciation (352,390) (330,219)  Property and equipment, net 387,028 403,559   Capital leases Life of lease 43,991 48,079  Accumulated amortization (28,857) (30,232)  Capital leases, net 15,134 17,847  Property, equipment and capital leases, net $ 402,162 $ 421,406  Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $40.4 million, $41.7 million and $37.6 million for fiscal years 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Land, buildings and equipment with a carrying amount of $ 156.6 million at August 31, 2016 , were leased under operating leases to franchisees and other parties. The accumulated depreciation related to these buildings and equipment was $62.5 million at August 31, 2016 . Amortization expense related to capital leases is included within “ d epreciation and amortization” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company had 11 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 $0.6 million, $0.4 million and $ 0.5 million for fiscal years 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	8 . Accrued Liabilities  Accrued liabilities consist of the following at August 31:      2016 2015  Wages and employee benefit costs $ 23,416 $ 20,501  Property taxes, sales and use taxes and employment taxes 8,936 9,282  Unredeemed gift cards 10,571 9,285  Other 8,990 11,646  $ 51,913 $ 50,714  

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	9. Debt  Long-term debt consists of the following at August 31:      2016 2015  Class A-2 2016-1 senior secured fixed rate notes $ 423,938 $ -  Class A-1 2016-1 senior secured variable funding notes - -  Class A-2 2013-1 senior secured fixed rate notes 155,000 155,000  Class A-2 2011-1 senior secured fixed rate notes - 272,488  Class A-1 2011-1 senior secured variable funding notes - 10,500  Other - 40  578,938 438,028  Less long-term debt due within one year (1,417) (9,790)  Long-term debt due after one year $ 577,521 $ 428,238  At August 31, 2016 , future maturities of long-term debt were $1.4 million for fiscal year 2017, no maturities for fiscal years 2018 and 2019, $155.0 million for fiscal year 2020 and no maturities for fiscal year 2021.  During fiscal year 2013, in a private transaction, various subsidiaries of the Company (the “Co-Issuers”) refinanced and paid $155.0 million of the Series 2011 Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes, Class A-2 (the “2011 Fixed Rate Notes”) with the issuance of $155.0 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 .  On May 17, 2016, in a private transaction, the Co-Issuers issued $425.0 million of Series 2016-1 Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes, Class A-2 (the “2016 Fixed Rate Notes”), which bear interest at 4.47% per annum. The 2016 Fixed Rate Notes have an expected life of seven years with an anticipated repayment date in May 2023 .  The Co-Issuers also entered into a securitized financing facility of Series 2016-1 Senior Secured Variable Funding Notes, Class A-1 (the “2016 Variable Funding Notes” and, together with the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes, the “2016 Notes”) to replace the Series 2011-1 Senior Secured Variable Funding Notes, Class A-1 (the “2011 Variable Funding Notes”). The 2016 revolving credit facility provides access to a maximum of $150.0 million of 2016 Variable Funding Notes and certain other credit instruments, including letters of credit. Interest on the 2016 Variable Funding Notes is based on the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate or Commercial Paper, depending on the funding source, plus 2.0% , per annum. An annual commitment fee of 0.5% is payable monthly on the unused portion of the 2016 Variable Funding Notes facility. The 2016 Variable Funding Notes have an expected life of five years with an anticipated repayment date in May 2021 with two one -year extension options available upon certain conditions including meeting a minimum debt service coverage ratio threshold.  Sonic used a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes to repay its existing 2011 Fixed Rate Notes and 2011 Variable Funding Notes in full and to pay the costs associated with the securitized financing transaction, including prepayment premiums.  Loan origination costs associated with the Company’s 2016 transaction totaled $12. 5 million and were allocated among the 2016 Notes. Loan costs are being amortized over each note’s expected life, and the unamortized balance is categorized as “debt origination costs, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  In connection with the 2016 transaction described above, the Company recognized an $8.8 million loss from the early extinguishment of debt during the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, which primarily consisted of a $5.9 million prepayment premium and the $2.9 million write-off of unamortized deferred loan fees remaining from the refinanced debt.  As of August 31, 2016, the weighted-average interest cost of the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes and the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes was 4.1% and 4.8% , respectively. The weighted-average interest cost includes the effect of the loan origination costs. While the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes and the 2016 Fixed Rate Notes are structured to provide for seven-year lives from their original issuance dates, they have legal final maturity dates of July 2043 and May 2046 , respectively. The 2016 Variable Funding Notes are structured to provide for a five-year life with two one-year options available under certain conditions and with a legal final maturity date of May 2046 . The Company intends to repay or refinance the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes and the 2016 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 2013 Fixed Rate Notes and the 2016 Notes are not paid in full by the end of their expected lives, they are subject to an upward adjustment in the annual interest rate of at least 5% . 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 2016 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, 2016 , assets for these combined indirect subsidiaries totaled $308.5 million, including receivables for royalties, certain Company and Franchise Drive-In real estate, intangible assets and restricted cash balances of $16.0 million. The 2013 Fixed Rate Notes and the 2016 Notes are secured by franchise fees, royalty payments and lease payments, and the repayment of the 2013 Fixed Rate Notes and the 2016 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 2013 Fixed Rate Notes and the 2016 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 2013 Fixed Rate and the 2016 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 2013 Fixed Rate Notes and the 2016 Notes and certain indemnity obligations relating to the transfer of the collateral assets to the Co-Issuers.  The 2013 Fixed Rate and the 2016 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 2013 Fixed Rate Notes and the 2016 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 Instrum

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	10 . 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 $ 59.2 million and $ 41 . 1 million at August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. This fair value is estimated using Level 1 methods.  At August 31, 2016 , the fair value of the Company’s 201 3 Fixed Rate Notes and 201 6 Fixed Rate Notes approximated the carrying value of $579.6 million , including accrued interest. The fair value of the 201 3 Fixed Rate Notes and 201 6 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, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	11. 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:     2016 2015 2014  Current:  Federal $ 20,137 $ 14,597 $ 16,580  State 3,791 3,576 3,490  23,928 18,173 20,070   Deferred:  Federal 4,372 10,592 5,328  State 137 (1,528) 450  4,509 9,064 5,778  Provision for income taxes $ 28,437 $ 27,237 $ 25,848  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:     2016 2015 2014  Amount computed by applying a tax rate of 35% $ 32,377 $ 32,103 $ 25,818  State income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit) 2,553 1,330 2,562  Employment related and other tax credits, net (2,324) (2,096) (1,537)  Change in uncertain tax positions (3,027) - -  Federal tax benefit of statutory tax deduction - (4,093) -  Other (1,142) (7) (995)  Provision for income taxes $ 28,437 $ 27,237 $ 25,848  Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following at August 31:     2016 2015  Deferred tax assets:  Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable $ 387 $ 411  Leasing transactions 3,222 3,260  Deferred income 2,991 2,810  Accrued liabilities 6,187 5,630  Stock compensation 2,446 2,831  Other 685 541  State net operating losses 16,303 14,222  Total deferred tax assets 32,221 29,705  Valuation allowance (14,638) (12,041)  Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance $ 17,583 $ 17,664   Deferred tax liabilities:  Prepaid expenses $ (1,119) $ (1,315)  Investment in partnerships, including differences in capitalization,  depreciation and direct financing leases (4,125) (3,711)  Property, equipment and capital leases (31,565) (31,167)  Intangibles and other assets (21,628) (20,341)  Debt extinguishment (1,676) (2,515)  Total deferred tax liabilities (60,113) (59,049)  Net deferred tax liabilities $ (42,530) $ (41,385)   Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as follows:  Current $ - $ 2,164  Noncurrent (42,530) (43,549)  Total $ (42,530) $ (41,385)  State net operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in December 2016 through May 2037 . Management does not believe the Company will be able to realize the state net operating loss carryforwards utilizing future income exclusive of the reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities and therefore has provided a valuation allowance of $14 .6 million and $12.0 million as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.  As of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, the Company had approximately $ 0 . 6 million and $ 3 . 7 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including approximately $0.3 million and $0.4 million of accrued interest and penalty. If recognized, these benefits would favorably impact the effective tax rate. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits decreased $3.0 million in fiscal year 2016 . The de crease was primarily related to the favorable resolution of a federal tax audit and a statute of limitations expiration of a federal tax position . 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 s ended August 31, 201 6 and 2015 , the Company recognized a net benefit of $0.1 million and net expense of $0.1 million, respectively , and negligible net expenses in fiscal year 2014 .  A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows for fiscal years ended August 31:      2016 2015  Balance at beginning of year $ 3,652 $ 2,461  Additions based on tax positions related to the current year - 254  Additions for tax positions of prior years 725 937  Reductions for tax positions of prior years (2,838) -  Reductions due to settlement (212) -  Reductions due to statute expiration (702) -  Balance at end of year $ 625 $ 3,652  The Company or one of its subsidiaries is subject to U.S. federal income tax and income tax in multiple U.S. state jurisdictions. At August 31, 201 6 , 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 20 12 . The Company anticipates that the results of any 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 a negligible increase t o a decrease of $0.6 million depending on the timing and terms of the examination resolutions.

Stockholders_ Equity

Stockholders’ Equity	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Stockholders’ Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders’ Equity	12. Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)  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, 2016 , 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, RSUs and other share-based awards. At August 31, 2016 , 7.0 million shares were available for grant under the 2006 Plan. The Company grants stock options to employees with a seven -year term and a three - year vesting period and grants RSUs to employees with a minimum vesting period of three years. The Company grants stock options to its Board of Directors with a seven -year term and one - year vesting period and also grants RSUs to its Board of Directors that 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 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $3.8 million, $3.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively, net of related income tax benefits of $1.2 million, $1.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively. At August 31, 2016 , the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based arrangements was $7.1 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 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 fiscal year s 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . 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 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $8.23 , $ 8.83 and $6.82 , 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:     2016 2015 2014  Expected term (years) 5.3 5.0 4.7  Expected volatility 34 % 34 % 37 %  Risk-free interest rate 1.4 % 1.3 % 1.5 %  Expected dividend yield 1.5 % 1.2 % - %  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 U.S. 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, 2016 , is presented in the following table:    Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Yrs.) Aggregate Intrinsic Value  Outstanding September 1, 2015 2,873 $ 14.00  Granted 494 29.28  Exercised (976) 10.49  Forfeited or expired (57) 27.51  Outstanding at August 31, 2016 2,334 $ 18.37 3.90 $ 25,279   Exercisable at August 31, 2016 1,548 $ 13.23 2.89 $ 24,304  Proceeds from the exercise of stock options for fiscal years 2016 , 2015 and 2014 were $3.8 million, $18.7 million and $17.4 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $18.9 million, 21.8 million and $13.0 million, respectively. Restricted Stock Units  A summary of the Company’s RSU activity during the year ended August 31, 2016 is presented in the following table:    Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value  Outstanding September 1, 2015 66 $ 28.49  Granted 51 28.07  Vested (13) 31.32  Forfeited (12) 31.69  Outstanding at August 31, 2016 92 $ 28.90  The aggregate fair value of RSUs that vested was $0.4 million during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 and $1.1 million during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014.  Share Repurchase Programs  In August 2014, the Board of Directors extended the Company’s share repurchase program, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $ 105.0 million of its outstanding shares of common stock beginning September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015. In October 2014, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreement with a financial institution to purchase $15.0 million of the Company’s common stock. In exchange for a $15.0 million up-front payment, the financial institution delivered approximately 0.6 million shares. During January 2015, the ASR purchase period concluded. The Company paid an additional $0.1 million with no additional shares delivered, resulting in an average price per share of $26.32 . In February 2015, the Company entered into additional ASR agreements with a financial institution to purchase $75.0 million of the Company’s common stock. In exchange for a $75.0 million up-front payment, the financial institution delivered approximately 2.1 million shares. The ASR transactions completed in July 2015 with 0.3 million additional shares delivered, resulting in an average price per share of $31.38 . The Company reflected the ASR transactions 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. Including shares repurchased through the ASR transactions described above, during the fiscal year 2015, approximately 4.2 million shares were repurchased for a total cost of $123.8 million, resulting in an average price per share of $29.46 .  In August 2015, the Board of Directors extended the Company’s share repurchase program, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $145.0 million of its outstanding shares of common stock through August 31, 2016. The Board of Directors further extended the share repurchase program effective May 2016, authorizing the purchase of up to an additional $155.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock through August 31, 2017. During fiscal year 2016, approximately 5.2 million shares were repurchased for a total cost of $148.3 million, resulting in an average price per share of $28.48 . The total remaining amount authorized under the share repurchase program, as of August 31, 2016, was $132.9 million.  Share repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market or otherwise, including through an ASR transaction, 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, 2016, cash flows from operations and borrowings under our 2016 Variable Funding Notes. Dividends  In August 2014, the Company initiated a quarterly cash dividend program and paid a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share of common stock, totaling $18.8 million for fiscal year 2015, and paid a quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share of common stock, totaling $21.3 million for fiscal year 2016. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2016, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share of common stock to be paid to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 9, 2016 , with a payment date of November 18, 2016 . The 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 Incen

Employee Benefit And Cash Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Employee Benefit And Cash Incentive Plans [Abstract]
Employee Benefit And Cash Incentive Plans	1 3 . 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 2016 , 2015 and 2014 were $ 1.8 million , $1. 6 million and $1. 3 million, respectively.  The Company has short-term and long-term cash incentive plans (the “Incentive Plans”) that apply to certain employees , 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 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 $1 3 .4 million, $ 12.4 million and $ 9 . 5 million during fiscal years 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. 

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	1 4 . 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, 2016 , the balance of the franchisee’s loan was $5.8 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, 2016 , the amount remaining under these guaranteed lease obligations totaled $7.4 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, 2016 , the Company had purchase obligations of approximately $23 5 .8 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 Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	1 5 . Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)      First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter  2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015  Total revenues $ 145,803 $ 139,856 $ 133,160 $ 126,219 $ 165,239 $ 164,748 $ 162,118 $ 175,266  Income from operations 26,045 22,538 22,212 16,991 38,880 36,370 40,315 40,529  Net income (1) $ 12,458 $ 10,085 $ 10,819 $ 7,662 $ 15,353 $ 20,442 $ 25,437 $ 26,296   Basic income  per share (2) $ 0.25 $ 0.19 $ 0.22 $ 0.14 $ 0.32 $ 0.39 $ 0.54 $ 0.51  Diluted income  per share (2) $ 0.24 $ 0.18 $ 0.22 $ 0.14 $ 0.31 $ 0.38 $ 0.53 $ 0.50  ————————— (1 ) For fiscal year 2016, includes the after tax gain on the sale of real estate of $1.2 million and a tax benefit of $0.6 million from the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and resolution of income tax matters in the second quarter, the $5.7 million after tax loss from early extinguishment of debt in the third quarter and the after tax gain on the sale of Company Drive-Ins of $0.7 million and the FIN 48 release of income tax credits and deductions of $3.0 million in the fourth quarter. For fiscal year 2015, includes a tax benefit of $0.7 million from the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and resolution of income tax matters in the second quarter , a federal tax benefit of $1.7 million from the recognition of a prior-year statutory tax deduction and a tax expense of $0.6 million from the retroactive effect of federal tax law change during the third quarter and a federal tax benefit of $1.5 million from the recognition of a prior-year statutory tax deduction and $1.7 million from a change in deferred tax valuation allowance during the fourth quarter. (2) The sum of per share data may not agree to annual amounts due to rounding.

Valuation And Qualifying Accoun

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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:  August 31, 2016 $ 1,105 (53) (13) 2 $ 1,041  August 31, 2015 1,771 (81) (601) 16 $ 1,105  August 31, 2014 $ 2,347 (434) (142) - $ 1,771   Accrued liability for drive-in closings and disposals  Fiscal years ended:  August 31, 2016 $ 807 208 (376) (28) $ 611  August 31, 2015 871 367 (422) (9) $ 807  August 31, 2014 $ 1,099 339 (546) (21) 871  See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Pubic Accounting Firm.

Summary Of Significant Accoun23

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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 (“U.S.”). It derives its revenues primarily from Company Drive-In sales and royalty fees from franchisees. The Company also leases 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) 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. 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, 2016 , the Company had restricted cash balances totaling $16.0 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 $15.9 million represents amounts to be returned to Sonic or paid to service current debt obligations. The noncurrent portion of $0. 1 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 drive-in can be easily relocated to another drive-in 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 an 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, 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 quarters of fiscal years 2016 and 2015, the annual assessment of the 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 4 - 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’s gift card program serves all Sonic Drive-Ins and is administered by the Company on behalf of a system advertising fund. 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. Costs to administer the gift card program, net of breakage, are included in the receivables from advertising funds as set forth in note 3 – Accounts and Notes Receivable. Such costs were not material in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014.  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 generally 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. 
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs  Costs incurred in connection with advertising and promoting the Company’s products are included in other operating expenses and are expensed as incurred. Such costs amounted to $23.4 million, $ 24.5 million and $ 22.4 million in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  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 also 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 an expense on the Company’s financial statements.  Under the Company’s franchise agreements, the Company is reimbursed by the Sonic Brand Fund for costs incurred to administer the fund at an amount not to exceed 15% of the Sonic Brand Fund’s gross receipts. Reimbursements from the Sonic Brand Fund are offset against selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $5.2 million, $5.0 million and $4.4 million in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Technology Costs	Technology Costs  Under the Company’s franchise agreements, both Company Drive-Ins and Franchise Drive-Ins must pay a set technology fee to the Brand Technology Fund (“BTF”), which was established in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016. The BTF administers cybersecurity and other technology programs for the Sonic system. 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 BTF are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, technology fees paid by Company Drive-Ins are recorded as an expense on the Company’s financial statements.  Under the Company’s franchise agreements, the Company is reimbursed by the BTF for costs incurred to administer the fund at an amount not to exceed 15% of the BTF’s gross receipts. Reimbursements from the BTF are offset against selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $2.5 million in fiscal year 2016.
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.
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 12 - Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).
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 11 - 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, 2016 and 2015 , 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 and variable 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 9 - Debt and note 10 - 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 an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard also requires additional disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The ASU will replace most of the existing revenue recognition requirements in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. Further, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net),” which clarifies the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 for evaluating when another party, along with the entity, is involved in providing a good or service to a customer. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” which clarifies the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 regarding assessing whether promises to transfer goods or services are distinct, and whether an entity's promise to grant a license provides a customer with a right to use or right to access the entity's intellectual property. All standards are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, which requires the Company to adopt the standard in fiscal year 2019. The standards are to be applied retrospectively or using a cumulative effect transition method, with early application not permitted. The Company does not believe the new revenue recognition standard will impact our recognition of sales from Company Drive-Ins and our recognition of royalty fees from franchisees. We are currently evaluating the effect that this pronouncement will have on the recognition of other transactions on the financial statements, including the initial franchise fee currently recognized upon the opening of a Franchise Drive-In, and related disclosures and have not yet selected a transition method.  In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This update requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the related liability rather than as an asset. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by this update. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, and is to be applied retrospectively; early adoption is permitted. The update will be adopted in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and will require reclassification of debt issuance costs from other non-current assets to long-term debt within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of August 31, 2016, the carrying amount of unamortized debt issuance costs totaled $14.4 million. Other than this reclassification, the adoption of this ASU will not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” The update provides clarification on whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a software license is included, the customer should account for the license consistent with its accounting of other software licenses. If a software license is not included, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The update will be adopted in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” as part of its simplification initiatives. The update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017; however, early application is permitted. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. The Company’s current deferred tax asset balance of $2.2 million was classified as noncurrent and netted with noncurrent deferred tax liabilities as of November 30, 2015, and all future deferred tax asset balances will be recorded as such. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted, as such the balance of $2.2 million remained in current assets at August 31, 2015. The reclassification did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases.” The new standard, which replaces existing lease guidance, requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset . The guidance also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Accounting guidance for lessors is largely unchanged. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, which will require the Company to adopt the provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early application permitted. This standard requires adoption based upon a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with optional practical expedients. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company expects that most of its operating lease commitments will be subject to the new guidance and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption, resulting in a significant increase in the assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. The Company is continuing its assessment, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-04, “Liabilities—Extinguishments of Liabilities: Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products,” which is intended to eliminate current and future diversity in practice related to derecognition of prepaid stored-value product liability in a way that aligns with the new revenue recognition guidance. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017; however, early application is permitted. The adoption of the update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including excess tax benefits, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification in the statements of cash flows. Upon adoption, any future excess tax benefits or deficiencies will be recorded to the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations, instead of additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016; however, early application is permitted. The transition method to be applied varies depending on the area of update being adopted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this update will have on its financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.” The update was issued to provide more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments. The update replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The update should be adopted using a modified-retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this update will have on its financial statements and related disclosures. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” The update is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified and will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented in the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case the amendments will apply prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this update will have on its financial statements and related disclosures .

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	  Fiscal Year Ended August 31,  2016 2015 2014  Numerator:  Net income $ 64,067 $ 64,485 $ 47,916   Denominator:  Weighted average common shares outstanding– basic 48,703 52,572 55,164  Effect of dilutive employee stock options  and unvested RSUs 966 1,381 1,455  Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 49,669 53,953 56,619   Net income per common share – basic $ 1.32 $ 1.23 $ 0.87  Net income per common share – diluted $ 1.29 $ 1.20 $ 0.85   Anti-dilutive securities excluded (1) 615 342 988  ————————— (1) Anti-dilutive securities consist of stock options and unvested RSUs 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

Accounts And Notes Receivable (

Accounts And Notes Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Accounts And Notes Receivable [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accounts And Notes Receivable	   August 31,  2016 2015  Current Accounts and Notes Receivable:  Royalties and other trade receivables $ 19,994 $ 19,713  Notes receivable from franchisees 5,531 996  Receivables from system funds 4,372 4,965  Other 6,507 6,977  Accounts and notes receivable, gross 36,404 32,651  Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable (967) (1,074)  Current accounts and notes receivable, net $ 35,437 $ 31,577   Noncurrent Notes Receivable:  Receivables from franchisees $ 7,170 $ 5,676  Receivables from system funds 5,466 1,571  Allowance for doubtful notes receivable (74) (31)  Noncurrent notes receivable, net $ 12,562 $ 7,216 

Goodwill And Other Intangibles

Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill	  August 31,  2016 2015  Balance at beginning of year $ 77,076 $ 77,093  Goodwill acquired during the year - 65  Goodwill disposed of related to the sale of Company Drive-Ins (342) (82)  Balance at end of year $ 76,734 $ 77,076 

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments Receivable	   Operating  Years ended August 31:  2017 $ 7,738  2018 8,339  2019 8,890  2020 9,382  2021 8,990  Thereafter 50,709  $ 94,048 
Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments	   Operating Capital  Years ended August 31:  2017 $ 10,914 $ 5,051  2018 10,864 4,448  2019 10,840 3,596  2020 10,754 3,256  2021 10,030 3,134  Thereafter 63,733 7,018  Total minimum lease payments (1) $ 117,135 26,503  Less amount representing interest averaging 6.2% (5,439)  Present value of net minimum lease payments 21,064  Less amount due within one year (3,673)  Amount due after one year $ 17,391  ————————— (1) Minimum payments have not been reduced by future minimum rentals receivable under noncance l lable operating and capital subleases of $16.8 million and $0.6 million , respectively. They also do not include contingent rentals which may be due under certain leases. Contingent rentals for capital leases amounted to $0.9 million, $ 1.0 million and $0.8 million in fiscal year s 2016, 2015 and 2014 , respectively .
Schedule Of Rent Expense For Operating Leases	   2016 2015 2014  Minimum rentals $ 12,441 $ 12,659 $ 12,449  Contingent rentals 284 174 161  Total rent expense 12,725 12,833 12,610  Less sublease rentals (2,372) (2,235) (1,905)  Net rent expense $ 10,353 $ 10,598 $ 10,705 

Property, Equipment And Capit28

Property, Equipment And Capital Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Property, Equipment And Capital Leases [Abstract]
Schedule Of Property, Equipment And Capital Leases	   Estimated  Useful Life 2016 2015  Property, equipment and capital leases:  Land $ 154,420 $ 157,861  Buildings and improvements 8 – 25 yrs 341,956 343,598  Drive-In equipment 5 – 7 yrs 132,678 139,494  Brand technology development and other equipment 2 – 5 yrs 110,364 92,825  Property and equipment, at cost 739,418 733,778  Accumulated depreciation (352,390) (330,219)  Property and equipment, net 387,028 403,559   Capital leases Life of lease 43,991 48,079  Accumulated amortization (28,857) (30,232)  Capital leases, net 15,134 17,847  Property, equipment and capital leases, net $ 402,162 $ 421,406 

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities	   2016 2015  Wages and employee benefit costs $ 23,416 $ 20,501  Property taxes, sales and use taxes and employment taxes 8,936 9,282  Unredeemed gift cards 10,571 9,285  Other 8,990 11,646  $ 51,913 $ 50,714 

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule Of Long-Term Debt	   2016 2015  Class A-2 2016-1 senior secured fixed rate notes $ 423,938 $ -  Class A-1 2016-1 senior secured variable funding notes - -  Class A-2 2013-1 senior secured fixed rate notes 155,000 155,000  Class A-2 2011-1 senior secured fixed rate notes - 272,488  Class A-1 2011-1 senior secured variable funding notes - 10,500  Other - 40  578,938 438,028  Less long-term debt due within one year (1,417) (9,790)  Long-term debt due after one year $ 577,521 $ 428,238 

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Components Of Provision For Income Taxes	   2016 2015 2014  Current:  Federal $ 20,137 $ 14,597 $ 16,580  State 3,791 3,576 3,490  23,928 18,173 20,070   Deferred:  Federal 4,372 10,592 5,328  State 137 (1,528) 450  4,509 9,064 5,778  Provision for income taxes $ 28,437 $ 27,237 $ 25,848 
Provision For Income Taxes Computed By Applying The Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate	  2016 2015 2014  Amount computed by applying a tax rate of 35% $ 32,377 $ 32,103 $ 25,818  State income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit) 2,553 1,330 2,562  Employment related and other tax credits, net (2,324) (2,096) (1,537)  Change in uncertain tax positions (3,027) - -  Federal tax benefit of statutory tax deduction - (4,093) -  Other (1,142) (7) (995)  Provision for income taxes $ 28,437 $ 27,237 $ 25,848 
Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities	  2016 2015  Deferred tax assets:  Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable $ 387 $ 411  Leasing transactions 3,222 3,260  Deferred income 2,991 2,810  Accrued liabilities 6,187 5,630  Stock compensation 2,446 2,831  Other 685 541  State net operating losses 16,303 14,222  Total deferred tax assets 32,221 29,705  Valuation allowance (14,638) (12,041)  Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance $ 17,583 $ 17,664   Deferred tax liabilities:  Prepaid expenses $ (1,119) $ (1,315)  Investment in partnerships, including differences in capitalization,  depreciation and direct financing leases (4,125) (3,711)  Property, equipment and capital leases (31,565) (31,167)  Intangibles and other assets (21,628) (20,341)  Debt extinguishment (1,676) (2,515)  Total deferred tax liabilities (60,113) (59,049)  Net deferred tax liabilities $ (42,530) $ (41,385)   Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as follows:  Current $ - $ 2,164  Noncurrent (42,530) (43,549)  Total $ (42,530) $ (41,385) 
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	   2016 2015  Balance at beginning of year $ 3,652 $ 2,461  Additions based on tax positions related to the current year - 254  Additions for tax positions of prior years 725 937  Reductions for tax positions of prior years (2,838) -  Reductions due to settlement (212) -  Reductions due to statute expiration (702) -  Balance at end of year $ 625 $ 3,652 

Stockholders_ Equity (Tables)

Stockholders’ Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Stockholders’ Equity [Abstract]
Weighted Average Assumptions Used To Estimate The Fair Value Of Stock Option Grants	   2016 2015 2014  Expected term (years) 5.3 5.0 4.7  Expected volatility 34 % 34 % 37 %  Risk-free interest rate 1.4 % 1.3 % 1.5 %  Expected dividend yield 1.5 % 1.2 % - % 
Summary Of Stock Option Activity	  Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Yrs.) Aggregate Intrinsic Value  Outstanding September 1, 2015 2,873 $ 14.00  Granted 494 29.28  Exercised (976) 10.49  Forfeited or expired (57) 27.51  Outstanding at August 31, 2016 2,334 $ 18.37 3.90 $ 25,279   Exercisable at August 31, 2016 1,548 $ 13.23 2.89 $ 24,304 
Summary Of Restricted Stock Units	  Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value  Outstanding September 1, 2015 66 $ 28.49  Granted 51 28.07  Vested (13) 31.32  Forfeited (12) 31.69  Outstanding at August 31, 2016 92 $ 28.90 

Selected Quarterly Financial 33

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule Of Selected Quarterly Financial Data	   First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter  2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015  Total revenues $ 145,803 $ 139,856 $ 133,160 $ 126,219 $ 165,239 $ 164,748 $ 162,118 $ 175,266  Income from operations 26,045 22,538 22,212 16,991 38,880 36,370 40,315 40,529  Net income (1) $ 12,458 $ 10,085 $ 10,819 $ 7,662 $ 15,353 $ 20,442 $ 25,437 $ 26,296   Basic income  per share (2) $ 0.25 $ 0.19 $ 0.22 $ 0.14 $ 0.32 $ 0.39 $ 0.54 $ 0.51  Diluted income  per share (2) $ 0.24 $ 0.18 $ 0.22 $ 0.14 $ 0.31 $ 0.38 $ 0.53 $ 0.50  ————————— 

Summary Of Significant Accoun34

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)segment	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment	1
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Total restricted cash	$ 16,000
Restricted cash (current)	15,873	$ 13,246
Restricted cash (noncurrent)	140	6,524
Goodwill impairment	0	0
Advertising and promotion costs	$ 23,400	24,500	$ 22,400
Reimbursed Sonic Brand Fund administration costs, percent	15.00%
Reimbursed Sonic Brand Fund administration costs	$ 5,200	5,000	$ 4,400
Reimbursed Brand Technology Fund administration costs, percent	15.00%
Reimbursed Brand Technology Fund administration costs	$ 2,500
Current deferred tax assets reclassified to noncurrent		$ 2,164
Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Current deferred tax assets reclassified to noncurrent				$ 2,200

Earnings Per Share (Computation

Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016		May 31, 2016		Feb. 29, 2016		Nov. 30, 2015		Aug. 31, 2015		May 31, 2015		Feb. 28, 2015		Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income		$ 25,437	[1]	$ 15,353	[1]	$ 10,819	[1]	$ 12,458	[1]	$ 26,296	[1]	$ 20,442	[1]	$ 7,662	[1]	$ 10,085	[1]	$ 64,067	$ 64,485	$ 47,916
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic																		48,703	52,572	55,164
Effect of dilutive employee stock options and unvested restricted stock units																		966	1,381	1,455
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted																		49,669	53,953	56,619
Net income per common share - basic		$ 0.54	[2]	$ 0.32	[2]	$ 0.22	[2]	$ 0.25	[2]	$ 0.51	[2]	$ 0.39	[2]	$ 0.14	[2]	$ 0.19	[2]	$ 1.32	$ 1.23	$ 0.87
Net income per common share - diluted		$ 0.53	[2]	$ 0.31	[2]	$ 0.22	[2]	$ 0.24	[2]	$ 0.50	[2]	$ 0.38	[2]	$ 0.14	[2]	$ 0.18	[2]	$ 1.29	$ 1.20	$ 0.85
Anti-dilutive securities excluded	[3]																	615	342	988
[1]	For fiscal year 2016, includes the after tax gain on the sale of real estate of $1.2 million and a tax benefit of $0.6 million from the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and resolution of income tax matters in the second quarter, the $5.7 million after tax loss from early extinguishment of debt in the third quarter and the after tax gain on the sale of Company Drive-Ins of $0.7 million and the FIN 48 release of income tax credits and deductions of $3.0 million in the fourth quarter. For fiscal year 2015, includes a tax benefit of $0.7 million from the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and resolution of income tax matters in the second quarter, a federal tax benefit of $1.7 million from the recognition of a prior-year statutory tax deduction and a tax expense of $0.6 million from the retroactive effect of federal tax law change during the third quarter and a federal tax benefit of $1.5 million from the recognition of a prior-year statutory tax deduction and $1.7 million from a change in deferred tax valuation allowance during the fourth quarter.
[2]	The sum of per share data may not agree to annual amounts due to rounding.
[3]	Anti-dilutive securities consist of stock options and unvested RSUs 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.

Accounts And Notes Receivable36

Accounts And Notes Receivable (Schedule Of Accounts And Notes Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Royalties and other trade receivables	$ 19,994	$ 19,713
Current accounts and notes receivable, gross	36,404	32,651
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable, current	(967)	(1,074)
Current accounts and notes receivable, net	35,437	31,577
Receivables from franchisees	7,170	5,676
Receivables from system funds	5,466	1,571
Allowance for doubtful notes receivable	(74)	(31)
Noncurrent notes receivable, net	12,562	7,216
Notes Receivable From Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current accounts and notes receivable, gross	5,531	996
Receivables From System Funds [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current accounts and notes receivable, gross	4,372	4,965
Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current accounts and notes receivable, gross	$ 6,507	$ 6,977

Goodwill And Other Intangible37

Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 76,734	$ 77,076	$ 77,093
Gross carrying amount of franchise agreements, intellectual property franchise fees and other intangibles	9,200	10,400
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	5,700	5,900
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 900	$ 900	$ 900
Weighted-average life of amortizable intangible assets	11 years
Estimated intangible assets amortization expense, 2017	$ 900
Estimated intangible assets amortization expense, 2018	300
Estimated intangible assets amortization expense, 2019	300
Estimated intangible assets amortization expense, 2020	300
Estimated intangible assets amortization expense, 2021	$ 200

Goodwill And Other Intangible38

Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 77,076	$ 77,093
Goodwill acquired during the year		65
Goodwill disposed of related to the sale of Company Drive-Ins	(342)	(82)
Balance at end of year	$ 76,734	$ 77,076

Refranchising of Company Driv39

Refranchising of Company Drive-Ins (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain on sale of Company Drive-Ins	$ 1.8
Refranchised Company Drive-Ins	38
Franchise restaurant ownership target	95.00%
Non-controlling operating interest [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Refranchised Company Drive-Ins	25

Leases (Narrative) (Details)

Leases (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Leases [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	Aug. 31, 2031
Lease renewal options, initial term period	5 years
Company Drive Ins [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	Aug. 31, 2031

Leases (Schedule Of Future Mini

Leases (Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments Receivable) (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating, 2017	$ 7,738
Operating, 2018	8,339
Operating, 2019	8,890
Operating, 2020	9,382
Operating, 2021	8,990
Operating, Thereafter	50,709
Operating, Total	$ 94,048

Leases (Schedule Of Future Mi42

Leases (Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Operating, 2017		$ 10,914
Operating, 2018		10,864
Operating, 2019		10,840
Operating, 2020		10,754
Operating, 2021		10,030
Operating, Thereafter		63,733
Operating, Total minimum lease payments	[1]	117,135
Capital, 2017		5,051
Capital, 2018		4,448
Capital, 2019		3,596
Capital, 2020		3,256
Capital, 2021		3,134
Capital, Thereafter		7,018
Capital, Total minimum lease payments	[1]	26,503
Less amount representing interest averaging 6.2%		(5,439)
Capital, Present value of net minimum lease payments		21,064
Less amount due within one year		(3,673)
Capital, Amount due after one year		17,391	$ 20,763
Minimum operating rentals receivable under noncancelable subleases		16,800
Minimum capital rentals receivable under noncancelable subleases		600
Capital Leases, Contingent Rental Payments		$ 900	$ 1,000	$ 800
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Average interest rate		6.20%
[1]	Minimum payments have not been reduced by future minimum rentals receivable under noncancellable operating and capital subleases of $16.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively. They also do not include contingent rentals which may be due under certain leases. Contingent rentals for capital leases amounted to $0.9 million, $1.0 million and $0.8 million in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Leases (Schedule Of Rent Expens

Leases (Schedule Of Rent Expense For Operating Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Minimum rentals	$ 12,441	$ 12,659	$ 12,449
Contingent rentals	284	174	161
Total rent expense	12,725	12,833	12,610
Sublease rentals	(2,372)	(2,235)	(1,905)
Net rent expense	$ 10,353	$ 10,598	$ 10,705

Property, Equipment And Capit44

Property, Equipment And Capital Leases (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)item	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 739,418	$ 733,778
Accumulated depreciation related to buildings and equipment	352,390	330,219
Interest costs capitalized	600	400	$ 500
Property And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	40,400	$ 41,700	$ 37,600
Leased To Franchisees And Other Parties [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	156,600
Accumulated depreciation related to buildings and equipment	$ 62,500
Drive-ins under construction
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Drive-ins under construction | item	11

Property, Equipment And Capit45

Property, Equipment And Capital Leases (Schedule Of Property, Equipment And Capital Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 739,418	$ 733,778
Accumulated depreciation	(352,390)	(330,219)
Property and equipment, net	387,028	403,559
Capital leases	43,991	48,079
Accumulated amortization	(28,857)	(30,232)
Capital leases, net	15,134	17,847
Property, equipment and capital leases, net	402,162	421,406
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	154,420	157,861
Buildings And Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	341,956	343,598
Drive-In Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	132,678	139,494
Brand Technology Development And Other Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 110,364	$ 92,825
Minimum [Member] | Buildings And Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	8 years
Minimum [Member] | Drive-In Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Brand Technology Development And Other Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	2 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings And Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	25 years
Maximum [Member] | Drive-In Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	7 years
Maximum [Member] | Brand Technology Development And Other Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years

Accrued Liabilities (Details)

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Wages and employee benefit costs	$ 23,416	$ 20,501
Property taxes, sales and use taxes and employment taxes	8,936	9,282
Unredeemed gift cards	10,571	9,285
Other	8,990	11,646
Accrued liabilities	$ 51,913	$ 50,714

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	May 17, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Future maturities of long-term debt, 2017		$ 1,400,000
Future maturities of long-term debt, 2018		0
Future maturities of long-term debt, 2019		0
Future maturities of long-term debt, 2020		155,000,000
Future maturities of long-term debt, 2021		0
Total assets		659,995,000		$ 620,024,000
Restricted cash		16,000,000
Loss from early extinguishment of debt		(8,750,000)
Prepayment premium		5,900,000
Write-off of unamortized debt origination costs		2,900,000
Debt origination costs, net		14,427,000		$ 7,056,000
Co-Issuers And Guarantor [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total assets		308,500,000
Restricted cash		$ 16,000,000
2016 Variable Funding Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 150,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year		May 20, 2021
Expected life of debt instrument		5 years
Interest rate spread		2.00%
Debt instrument, legal final maturity year		May 20, 2046
Annual commitment fee payable, percentage		0.50%
Debt instruments, number of extensions		2
Debt instrument, extension period		1 year
2016 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 425,000,000
Senior secured notes interest rate, percentage		4.47%
Debt instrument, maturity year		May 20, 2023
Weighted-average interest cost, percentage		4.80%
Expected life of debt instrument		7 years
Debt instrument, legal final maturity year		May 20, 2046
2016 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt origination costs, net		$ 12,500,000
2013 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 155,000,000
Senior secured notes interest rate, percentage		3.75%
Debt instrument, maturity year		Jul. 20, 2020
Weighted-average interest cost, percentage		4.10%
Expected life of debt instrument		7 years
Debt instrument, legal final maturity year		Jul. 20, 2043
2011 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt prepayment	$ 155,000,000
Interest Rate Upward Adjustment Due To Nonpayment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured notes interest rate, percentage		5.00%

Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Deb

Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other		$ 40
Total long-term debt	$ 578,938	438,028
Less long-term debt due within one year	(1,417)	(9,790)
Long-term debt due after one year	577,521	428,238
2016 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	423,938
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		272,488
2011 Variable Rate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		$ 10,500

Fair Value Of Financial Instr49

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Cash equivalents carried at cost	$ 59.2	$ 41.1
2016 and 2013 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]
Long-term debt, fair value	579.6
Long-term debt, carrying value, including accrued interest	$ 579.6

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
State net operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance	$ 14,600	$ 12,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	625	3,652	$ 2,461
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and penalty	300	400
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	(3,000)
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest net benefit	100
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest net expense		$ 100
Possible change in unrecognized tax benefits, upper bound	$ (600)
Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	Dec. 1, 2016
Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	May 31, 2037

Income Taxes (Components Of Pro

Income Taxes (Components Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Federal, Current	$ 20,137	$ 14,597	$ 16,580
State, Current	3,791	3,576	3,490
Current	23,928	18,173	20,070
Federal, Deferred	4,372	10,592	5,328
State, Deferred	137	(1,528)	450
Deferred	4,509	9,064	5,778
Provision for income taxes	$ 28,437	$ 27,237	$ 25,848

Income Taxes (Provision For Inc

Income Taxes (Provision For Income Taxes Computed By Applying The Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Amount computed by applying a tax rate of 35%	$ 32,377	$ 32,103	$ 25,818
State income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit)	2,553	1,330	2,562
Employment related and other tax credits, net	(2,324)	(2,096)	(1,537)
Change in uncertain tax positions	(3,027)
Federal tax benefit of statutory tax deduction		(4,093)
Other	(1,142)	(7)	(995)
Provision for income taxes	$ 28,437	$ 27,237	$ 25,848
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable	$ 387	$ 411
Leasing transactions	3,222	3,260
Deferred income	2,991	2,810
Accrued liabilities	6,187	5,630
Stock compensation	2,446	2,831
Other	685	541
State net operating losses	16,303	14,222
Total deferred tax assets	32,221	29,705
Valuation allowance	(14,638)	(12,041)
Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	17,583	17,664
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses	(1,119)	(1,315)
Investment in partnerships, including differences in capitalization, depreciation and direct financing leases	(4,125)	(3,711)
Property, equipment and capital leases	(31,565)	(31,167)
Intangibles and other assets	(21,628)	(20,341)
Debt extinguishment	(1,676)	(2,515)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(60,113)	(59,049)
Net deferred tax liabilities	(42,530)	(41,385)
Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as follows:
Current		2,164
Noncurrent	(42,530)	(43,549)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (42,530)	$ (41,385)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 3,652	$ 2,461
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		254
Additions for tax positions of prior years	725	937
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(2,838)
Reductions due to settlements	(212)
Reductions due to statute expiration	(702)
Balance at end of year	$ 625	$ 3,652

Stockholders_ Equity (Deficit)

Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Oct. 16, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation cost recognized														$ 3,766	$ 3,520	$ 3,742
Excess tax benefits														1,200	$ 1,000	$ 1,700
Unvested unrecognized compensation cost						$ 7,100								$ 7,100
Unvested unrecognized compensation cost, period														2 years
Weighted average fair value of stock options granted														$ 8.23	$ 8.83	$ 6.82
Proceeds from exercise of stock options														$ 3,842	$ 18,732	$ 17,407
Total intrinsic value of options exercised														18,900	21,800	13,000
Shares repurchase authorized amount							$ 155,000			$ 145,000					145,000	105,000
Total cost for shares acquired through stock repurchase program														$ 148,345	$ 123,786	$ 80,045
Weighted-average price per share														$ 28.48	$ 29.46
Remaining amount authorized for repurchase through stock repurchase program						$ 132,900								$ 132,900
Cash dividends declared per common share						$ 0.11	$ 0.11	$ 0.11	$ 0.11	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.44	$ 0.27	$ 0.09
Payment of dividends														$ 21,309	$ 18,808
Dividends Payable						$ 44				$ 13				44	13	$ 4,852
Treasury Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total cost for shares acquired through stock repurchase program														$ 148,345	$ 123,786	$ 80,045
Shares acquired through stock repurchase program														5,209	4,201	4,080
October 2014 Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares repurchase authorized amount					$ 15,000
Total cost for shares acquired through stock repurchase program					$ 15,000
Shares acquired through stock repurchase program				0	600
Cash payment at completion of accelerated share repurchase program				$ 100
Final price paid per share				$ 26.32
February 2015 Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares repurchase authorized amount			$ 75,000									$ 75,000
Total cost for shares acquired through stock repurchase program			$ 75,000
Shares acquired through stock repurchase program		300	2,100
Final price paid per share		$ 31.38
Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.14
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	Nov. 9, 2016
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Nov. 18, 2016
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period														3 years
Aggregate fair value of vested restricted stock														$ 400	$ 1,100	$ 1,100
2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant						7,000								7,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual term														7 years
Vesting period														3 years
Board of Director Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual term														7 years
Vesting period														1 year
Board of Director Restricted Stock Unit [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period														1 year
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Discount price percentage														15.00%
Shares available for grant						800								800
Employee Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation percentage						10.00%								10.00%
Stock’s fair market value						$ 25								$ 25

Stockholders_ Equity (Deficit56

Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) (Weighted Average Assumptions Used To Estimate The Fair Value Of Stock Option Grants) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Stockholders’ Equity [Abstract]
Expected term	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years	4 years 8 months 12 days
Expected volatility	34.00%	34.00%	37.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.40%	1.30%	1.50%
Expected dividend yield	1.50%	1.20%	0.00%

Stockholders_ Equity (Deficit57

Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stockholders’ Equity [Abstract]
Options, Outstanding at September 1, 2015 | shares	2,873
Options, Granted | shares	494
Options, Exercised | shares	(976)
Options, Forfeited or expired | shares	(57)
Options, Outstanding at August 31, 2016 | shares	2,334
Options, Exercisable at August 31, 2016 | shares	1,548
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at September 1, 2015 | $ / shares	$ 14
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted | $ / shares	29.28
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised | $ / shares	10.49
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or expired | $ / shares	27.51
Weighted Averae Exercise Price, Outstanding at August 31, 2016 | $ / shares	18.37
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at August 31, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 13.23
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding at August 31, 2016	3 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Exercisable at August 31, 2016	2 years 10 months 21 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at August 31, 2016 | $	$ 25,279
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at August 31, 2016 | $	$ 24,304

Stockholders_ Equity (Deficit58

Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) (Summary Of Restricted Stock Units) (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Stockholders’ Equity [Abstract]
Restricted Stock Units, Outstanding at September 1, 2015 | shares	66
Restricted Stock Units, Granted | shares	51
Restricted Stock Units, Vested | shares	(13)
Restricted Stock Units, Forfeited | shares	(12)
Restricted Stock Units, Outstanding at August 31, 2016 | shares	92
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding at September 1, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 28.49
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | $ / shares	28.07
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	31.32
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited | $ / shares	31.69
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding at August 31, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 28.90

Employee Benefit And Cash Inc59

Employee Benefit And Cash Incentive Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
Employer contributions	$ 1.8	$ 1.6	$ 1.3
Incentive bonus expense	$ 13.4	$ 12.4	$ 9.5
Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
Employer contributions, percentage	6.00%

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
System-wide purchase obligations	$ 235.8
Note Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Term	2,018
Guaranteed obligations	$ 5.8
Guarantee Operating Lease Obligations [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Term	2,029
Guaranteed obligations	$ 7.4
Guaranteed lease liability	$ 0

Selected Quarterly Financial 61

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Schedule Of Selected Quarterly Financial Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016		May 31, 2016		Feb. 29, 2016		Nov. 30, 2015		Aug. 31, 2015		May 31, 2015		Feb. 28, 2015		Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 162,118		$ 165,239		$ 133,160		$ 145,803		$ 175,266		$ 164,748		$ 126,219		$ 139,856		$ 606,320	$ 606,089	$ 552,349
Income from operations	40,315		38,880		22,212		26,045		40,529		36,370		16,991		22,538		127,452	116,428	98,677
Net income	$ 25,437	[1]	$ 15,353	[1]	$ 10,819	[1]	$ 12,458	[1]	$ 26,296	[1]	$ 20,442	[1]	$ 7,662	[1]	$ 10,085	[1]	$ 64,067	$ 64,485	$ 47,916
Basic income per share	$ 0.54	[2]	$ 0.32	[2]	$ 0.22	[2]	$ 0.25	[2]	$ 0.51	[2]	$ 0.39	[2]	$ 0.14	[2]	$ 0.19	[2]	$ 1.32	$ 1.23	$ 0.87
Diluted income per share	$ 0.53	[2]	$ 0.31	[2]	$ 0.22	[2]	$ 0.24	[2]	$ 0.50	[2]	$ 0.38	[2]	$ 0.14	[2]	$ 0.18	[2]	$ 1.29	$ 1.20	$ 0.85
After tax gain on sale of real estate [Member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Quarterly charges and credits that affect comparability					$ (1,200)
Retroactive benefit of Work Opportunity Tax Credit and resolution of tax matters [member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Tax expense (benefit)					$ (600)								$ (700)
After tax loss from early extinguishment of debt [Member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Quarterly charges and credits that affect comparability			$ 5,700
After tax gain on sale of Company Drive-Ins [Member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Quarterly charges and credits that affect comparability	$ (700)
FIN 48 release of income tax credits and deductions [Member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Tax expense (benefit)	$ (3,000)
Federal tax benefit of prior-year statutory tax deduction [Member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Tax expense (benefit)									$ (1,500)		$ (1,700)
Retroactive effect of federal tax law change [Member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Tax expense (benefit)											$ 600
Change in deferred tax valuation allowance [Member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Tax expense (benefit)									$ (1,700)
[1]	For fiscal year 2016, includes the after tax gain on the sale of real estate of $1.2 million and a tax benefit of $0.6 million from the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and resolution of income tax matters in the second quarter, the $5.7 million after tax loss from early extinguishment of debt in the third quarter and the after tax gain on the sale of Company Drive-Ins of $0.7 million and the FIN 48 release of income tax credits and deductions of $3.0 million in the fourth quarter. For fiscal year 2015, includes a tax benefit of $0.7 million from the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and resolution of income tax matters in the second quarter, a federal tax benefit of $1.7 million from the recognition of a prior-year statutory tax deduction and a tax expense of $0.6 million from the retroactive effect of federal tax law change during the third quarter and a federal tax benefit of $1.5 million from the recognition of a prior-year statutory tax deduction and $1.7 million from a change in deferred tax valuation allowance during the fourth quarter.
[2]	The sum of per share data may not agree to annual amounts due to rounding.

Valuation And Qualifying Acco62

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts And Notes Receivable [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 1,105	$ 1,771	$ 2,347
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	(53)	(81)	(434)
Amounts Written Off Against the Allowance	(13)	(601)	(142)
(Transfer) Recoveries	2	16
Balance at End of Year	1,041	1,105	1,771
Accrued Carrying Costs For Drive-In Closings And Disposals [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year	807	871	1,099
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	208	367	339
Amounts Written Off Against the Allowance	(376)	(422)	(546)
(Transfer) Recoveries	(28)	(9)	(21)
Balance at End of Year	$ 611	$ 807	$ 871