Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation cost - expensed	$ 7	$ 7	$ 20	$ 19
Stock-based compensation cost - capitalized	$ 3	$ 2	$ 10	$ 10

Represents the compensation cost capitalized during the period arising from equity-based and liability-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, units, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

No definition available.

Name:	swn_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount
Namespace Prefix:	swn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration