Financial Derivatives - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum number of days of foreign currency hedge contract	90 days
Maximum amount of loss due to credit risk	$ 2.2

Maximum amount of loss due to credit risk the company would incur if counterparties failed to perform according to the terms of the contracts.

No definition available.

Name:	syke_MaximumAmountOfLossDueToCreditRisk
Namespace Prefix:	syke_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant