Name:	sfl_AmountsRepresentingEstimatedExecutoryCostsIncludingProfitThereonIncludedInTotalMinimumLeasePayments
Namespace Prefix:	sfl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The difference between the original historical carrying value of the leased asset and the original net investment in the lease less the amortized portion of this difference, which is presented as a reduction in the net investment in direct financing leases in the balance sheet.

No definition available.

Name:	sfl_DeferredDeemedEquityContribution
Namespace Prefix:	sfl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The estimate of the lease property's economic value at the end of the direct financing lease term, excluding any amounts guaranteed by either the lessee or a third-party.

No definition available.

Name:	sfl_EstimatedResidualValuesOfLeasedPropertyUnGuaranteed
Namespace Prefix:	sfl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

The net investment in direct financing leases as of the balance sheet date consisting of: (a) minimum lease payments due on direct financing leases and (b) unguaranteed residual value; less: (i) executory costs, (ii) unearned income, and (iii) the accumulated allowance for uncollectible minimum lease payments. This amount excludes reductions due to (a) deferred deemed equity contributions and (b) unamortized gains.

No definition available.

Name:	sfl_NetInvestmentInDirectFinancingAndSalesTypeLeasesBeforeDeferredDeemedEquityContributionAndUnamortizedGains
Namespace Prefix:	sfl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of remaining payments as of the balance sheet date that lessees are obligated to make or can be required to make under direct financing and sales-type leases, including any guarantee of residual value, but excluding executory costs. The amount also includes any guaranteed rental payments by an unrelated third-party provided that they are financially capable of making such payments.

No definition available.

Name:	sfl_NetMinimumLeasePaymentsReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	sfl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of remaining payments as of the balance sheet date that lessees are obligated to make or can be required to make under direct financing and sales-type leases, including any guarantee of residual value and executory costs. The amount also includes any guaranteed rental payments by an unrelated third-party provided that they are financially capable of making such payments.

No definition available.

Name:	sfl_TotalMinimumLeasePaymentsToBeReceived
Namespace Prefix:	sfl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

The value of unamortized gains related to direct financing leases, which is accounted for as a reduction of the value of the investment in such leases.

No definition available.

Name:	sfl_UnamortizedGains
Namespace Prefix:	sfl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The remaining (unamortized) difference between the gross investment in a direct financing or sales-type lease and the cost or carrying amount, if different, of the leased property as of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	sfl_UnearnedIncome
Namespace Prefix:	sfl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The net amount due within one year of the balance sheet date or the normal operating cycle, if longer, consisting of: (a) minimum lease payments due on direct financing and sales-type leases, (b) unguaranteed residual value, and (c) any unamortized initial direct costs on direct financing leases; less: (i) executory costs, (ii) unearned income, and (iii) the accumulated allowance for uncollectible minimum lease payments.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496975&loc=d3e45377-112738

Name:	us-gaap_CapitalLeasesLessorBalanceSheetNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingAndSalesTypeLeasesCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

The net amount due after one year of the balance sheet date or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, consisting of: (a) minimum lease payments due on direct financing and sales-type leases, (b) unguaranteed residual value, and (c) any unamortized initial direct costs on direct financing leases; less: (i) executory costs, (ii) unearned income, and (iii) the accumulated allowance for uncollectible minimum lease payments.

Name:	us-gaap_CapitalLeasesLessorBalanceSheetNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingAndSalesTypeLeasesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

The lessor's asset under sales type and direct financing leases. The net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases as of the balance sheet date consisting of: (a) minimum lease payments due on direct financing leases, (b) unguaranteed residual value, and (c) any unamortized initial direct costs on direct financing leases; less: (i) estimated executory costs, (ii) unearned income, and (iii) the accumulated allowance for uncollectible minimum lease payments.