Name:	skyw_InventoryAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	skyw_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The amount of the valuation account as of the balance sheet date which reduces the carrying amount of airline related inventory (including expendable merchandise, goods, commodities, or supplies to be used primarily in air transport of passengers or freight) to net realizable value; takes into consideration such factors as market value, excessive quantities based on expected sales, technological obsolescence, and shrinkage.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AirlineRelatedInventoryValuationReserves
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Stated as a percentage, the estimated or actual value of the asset at the end of its useful life or when it is no longer serviceable (cannot be used for its original purpose) divided by its [historical] capitalized cost.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentSalvageValuePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The average useful life of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeAverage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The maximum useful life of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The minimum useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified			12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012 Aircraft and rotable spares Y	Dec. 31, 2012 Aircraft and rotable spares Maximum	Dec. 31, 2012 Aircraft and rotable spares Minimum	Dec. 31, 2012 Ground equipment Y	Dec. 31, 2012 Office equipment Y	Dec. 31, 2012 Leasehold improvements Y	Dec. 31, 2012 Buildings Y
Inventories
Inventory allowance	$ 9.2	$ 8.2
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life, minimum (in years)			10			5	5		20
Depreciable Life, maximum (in years)			18			10	7		39.5
Depreciable Life (in years)								15
Residual Value (as a percent)				30.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%