Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 segment		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting
Operating segments number	2
Number of operating subsidiaries representing operating segments	2
Segment Reporting
Operating revenues	$ 760,398		$ 772,386
Operating expense	726,323		800,160
Depreciation and amortization expense	65,691		62,316
Interest expense	18,465		15,676
Segment profit (loss)	15,610	[1]	(43,450)	[1]
Identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill, net	12,186		14,436		12,748
Total assets	4,613,508		4,202,027		4,409,928
Capital expenditures (including non - cash)	269,138		73,524
Corporate/Consolidating
Segment Reporting
Operating revenues	3,772		475
Operating expense	1,053		92
Depreciation and amortization expense	262
Interest expense			775
Segment profit (loss)	2,719	[1]	(392)	[1]
SkyWest Airlines
Segment Reporting
Operating revenues	448,069		447,041
Operating expense	406,019		425,643
Depreciation and amortization expense	43,767		40,001
Interest expense	14,024		10,026
Segment profit (loss)	28,026	[1]	11,372	[1]
Total assets	3,191,465		2,535,901
Capital expenditures (including non - cash)	262,040		66,232
Express Jet Airlines Inc
Segment Reporting
Operating revenues	308,557		324,870
Operating expense	319,251		374,425
Depreciation and amortization expense	21,662		22,315
Interest expense	4,441		4,875
Segment profit (loss)	(15,135)	[1]	(54,430)	[1]
Identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill, net	12,186		14,436
Total assets	1,422,043		1,666,126
Capital expenditures (including non - cash)	$ 7,098		$ 7,292

[1] Segment profit (loss) is equal to operating income (loss) less interest expense