Prepaid Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Prepaid Expenses [Abstract]
Prepaid drilling costs	$ 42,775	$ 21,997
Prepaid insurance	7,275	7,690
Total	$ 50,050	$ 29,687

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of unamortized costs of insurance coverage, which will be ratably expensed or capitalized over the insurance coverage period; such periods expire within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

No definition available.

Name:	swn_PrepaidInsuranceExpense
Namespace Prefix:	swn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant