Long-term Incentive Compensation (Schedule of Equity-Classified Stock-Based Compensation Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Equity-classified awards – expensed	$ 1	$ 2	$ 2	$ 4
Equity-classified awards – capitalized	$ 0	$ 1	$ 0	$ 2

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