GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS AND TERMINATION OF CHARTERS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
May 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Gain/(loss) on sale of assets and termination of charters, net	$ (200)	$ (1,400)	$ 0	$ (1,623)	$ (2,578)
Proceeds from sale of vessels and termination of charters	$ 12,700	17,900	$ 0	$ 30,169	145,654
Compensation in the form of a loan note		$ 4,400			$ 3,400

The gains (losses) included in earnings resulting from the sale or disposal of tangible assets and termination of charters. This item does not include any gain (loss) recognized on the sale of oil and gas property or timber property.

No definition available.

Name:	sfl_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssetsAndTerminationOfCharters
Namespace Prefix:	sfl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration