Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Liability-Classified Restricted Stock Units Stock-Based Compensation Costs) (Details) - Liability-Classified Restricted Stock Units [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Liability-classified stock-based compensation cost - expensed	$ 4
Liability-classified stock-based compensation cost - capitalized	$ 3

Represents the compensation cost capitalized during the period arising from 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_LiabilityBasedShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount
Namespace Prefix:	swn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration