Represents the number of years after which the rate will reset.

No definition available.

Name:	skyw_AdditionalYearsAfterWhichRateResets
Namespace Prefix:	skyw_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

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

Anniversary of agreements which contractual rates shall not exceed the second lowest rate for all carriers.

No definition available.

Name:	skyw_AnniversaryContractualRatesSecondLowest
Namespace Prefix:	skyw_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Contractual Rate shall not exceed this number of rates from other carriers.

No definition available.

Name:	skyw_ContractualRateMaximumOfAverageAllCarriers
Namespace Prefix:	skyw_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the number of agreements required for cross-termination rights.

No definition available.

Name:	skyw_CrossTerminationRightsNumberOfAgreements
Namespace Prefix:	skyw_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the amount of receivables withheld by the other entity in pursuant with discrepancy in providing services under the agreements.

No definition available.

Name:	skyw_LossContingenciesReimbursedExpensesWithheld
Namespace Prefix:	skyw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Represents the number of aircrafts operated under the agreement.

No definition available.

Name:	skyw_NumberOfAircraftsOperated
Namespace Prefix:	skyw_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Represents the period of agreement entered into by the entity.

No definition available.

Passenger and Ground Handling Revenue (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2007 Delta Connection Agreements	Jun. 30, 2012 Delta Connection Agreements rate agreement Y	Feb. 28, 2010 United Express Agreements Y aircraft	Nov. 12, 2010 ExpressJet Capacity Purchase Agreements aircraft
Agreements with other airlines
Term of agreement (in years)		15	5
Number of agreements for cross-termination rights		2
Number of years after which the rate resets		5
Anniversary of agreements which contractual rates shall not exceed the second lowest rate for all carriers (in years)		5
Contractual Rate shall not exceed this number of rates from other carriers		2
Approximate amount of receivables withheld related to certain irregular operations pre-tax expenses	$ 25
Number of aircraft operated			14	227