SFL (SFL) 20-F27 Mar 202019 FY Annual report (foreign)Financial data

Company Profile

COVER

COVER	12 Months Ended
COVER	Dec. 31, 2019shares
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	20-F
Document Registration Statement	false
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Document Shell Company Report	false
Entity File Number	001-32199
Entity Registrant Name	SFL Corporation Ltd.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	D0
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Par-la-Ville Place
Entity Address, Address Line One	14 Par-la-Ville Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Hamilton
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	HM 08
Entity Address, Country	BM
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares, $0.01 Par Value
Trading Symbol	SFL
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Security Reporting Obligation	15(d)
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	119,391,310
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Document Accounting Standard	U.S. GAAP
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001289877
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Business Contact
Entity Information [Line Items]
Contact Personnel Name	James Ayers
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Par-la-Ville Place
Entity Address, Address Line One	14 Par-la-Ville Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Hamilton
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	HM 08
Entity Address, Country	BM
City Area Code	+1 (441)
Local Phone Number	295-9500
Contact Personnel Fax Number	+1 (441) 295-3494

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating revenues
Interest income related parties – direct financing leases	$ 3,796	$ 9,623	$ 16,362
Interest income other – sales-type, direct financing leases and leaseback assets	56,524	30,055	21,903
Service revenue related parties – direct financing leases	9,855	22,095	35,010
Profit sharing revenues – related parties	5,615	1,779	5,753
Profit sharing revenues – other	0	0	61
Time charter revenues – related parties	51,132	53,258	51,832
Time charter revenues – other	288,019	239,468	186,577
Bareboat charter revenues – related parties	0	0	5,736
Bareboat charter revenues – other	23,490	36,222	34,860
Voyage charter revenues – other	17,617	24,339	21,037
Other operating income	2,801	1,873	1,747
Total operating revenues	458,849	418,712	380,878
Gain/(Loss) on sale of assets and termination of charters, net	0	(2,578)	1,124
Gain/(Loss) on sale of subsidiaries and disposal groups	0	7,613	0
Operating expenses
Vessel operating expenses – related parties	33,092	45,266	57,714
Vessel operating expenses – other	101,342	83,282	74,080
Depreciation	116,381	104,079	88,150
Vessel impairment charge	60,054	64,338	0
Administrative expenses – related parties	1,484	1,072	831
Administrative expenses – other	8,719	8,095	6,601
Total operating expenses	321,072	306,132	227,376
Net operating income	137,777	117,615	154,626
Non-operating income / (expense)
Interest income – related parties, long term loans to associated companies	14,128	14,128	15,265
Interest income – related parties, other	1,642	880	422
Interest income – other	4,294	2,943	3,643
Interest expense – related parties	0	(6,378)	0
Interest expense – other	(145,058)	(107,508)	(90,414)
Gain/(Loss) on purchase of bonds	1,802	1,146	(2,305)
Dividend income – related parties	2,590	0	3,300
Gain/(Loss) on investments in debt and equity securities	67,701	25,754	(4,410)
Other financial items, net	(12,753)	10,407	(2,684)
Net income before equity in earnings of associated companies	72,123	58,987	77,443
Equity in earnings of associated companies	17,054	14,635	23,766
Net income	$ 89,177	$ 73,622	$ 101,209
Per share information:
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.83	$ 0.70	$ 1.06
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	107,614	105,898	95,597
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.83	$ 0.69	$ 1.03
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)	107,696	107,606	102,900
Cash dividend per share declared and paid (in dollars per share)	$ 1.40	$ 1.40	$ 1.60

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 89,177	$ 73,622	$ 101,209
Fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments	(12,748)	(3,433)	9,974
Earnings reclassification of previously deferred fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments	0	(3,127)	1,555
Fair value adjustments to investment securities classified as available-for-sale	(2,190)	2,244	(23,528)
Earnings reclassification of previously deferred fair value adjustments to investment securities classified as available-for-sale securities	2,181	0	2,106
Fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments in associated companies	0	(206)	1,182
Other items of comprehensive (loss)/income	(6)	(74)	60
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax	(12,763)	(4,596)	(8,651)
Comprehensive income	$ 76,414	$ 69,026	$ 92,558

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 199,521	$ 211,394
Restricted cash	3,495	1,000
Investment in debt and equity securities	74,079	87,174
Trade accounts receivable	4,583	2,976
Due from related parties	22,399	41,771
Other receivables	20,132	13,041
Inventories	7,934	8,547
Prepaid expenses and accrued income	1,635	2,593
Investment in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets – current portion	56,189
Investment in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets – current portion		39,804
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	520	5,279
Total current assets	390,487	413,579
Vessels and equipment, net	1,404,705	1,559,712
Vessels under finance lease, net	714,476	749,889
Investment in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets – long term	938,198
Investment in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets – long term		762,355
Investment in associated companies	42,161	25,107
Loans to related parties - associated companies, long term	314,000	310,144
Long term receivables from related parties	13,616	15,616
Other long term assets	64,248	30,810
Financial instruments at fair value, long term	3,479	10,633
Total assets	3,885,370	3,877,845
Current liabilities
Short-term debt and current portion of long term debt	253,059	267,149
Finance lease liability, current portion	68,874
Finance lease liability, current portion		67,793
Trade accounts payable	3,445	1,945
Due to related parties	3,980	1,349
Accrued expenses	17,132	12,510
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	6,067	45,047
Other current liabilities	13,279	8,332
Total current liabilities	365,836	404,125
Long term liabilities
Long term debt	1,355,029	1,169,931
Finance lease liability, long term	1,037,553
Finance lease liability, long term		1,104,258
Financial instruments at fair value, long term	20,579	16,213
Other long term liabilities	4	3,286
Total liabilities	2,779,001	2,697,813
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Stockholders' equity
Share capital ($0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 119,391,310 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019). ($0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 119,373,064 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018).	1,194	1,194
Additional paid-in capital	469,426	468,844
Contributed surplus	648,764	680,703
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(13,015)	(220)
Retained earnings	0	29,511
Total stockholders' equity	1,106,369	1,180,032
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,885,370	$ 3,877,845

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' equity
Share capital, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Share Capital, shares authorized (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Share Capital, shares issued (in shares)	119,391,310	119,373,064
Share Capital, shares outstanding (in shares)	119,391,310	119,373,064

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating activities
Net income	$ 89,177	$ 73,622	$ 101,209
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	116,381	104,079	88,150
Amortization of deferred charges	8,085	10,187	9,013
Amortization of seller's credit	(103)	(447)	(1,249)
Amortization of charter related deferred asset and straightlining of operating leases	5,406	1,699	0
Vessel impairment charge	60,054	64,338	0
Impairment of long-term receivables	9,168	1,730	0
Equity in earnings of associated companies	(17,054)	(14,635)	(23,766)
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters	0	2,578	(1,124)
Gain on sale of subsidiary and disposal groups	0	(7,613)	0
Adjustment of derivatives to fair value recognized in net income	3,449	(13,898)	(8,208)
(Gain)/loss on investments in debt and equity securities	(67,701)	(25,754)	4,410
Repayments from investment in sales-type, direct financing and leaseback assets	44,143	0	0
(Gain)/loss on repurchase of bonds	(1,802)	(1,146)	2,305
Interest receivable in form of notes	0	0	(635)
Other, net	(4,620)	1,108	3,959
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Trade accounts receivable	(1,608)	9,607	(9,034)
Due from related parties	5,652	(1,308)	10,543
Other receivables	(7,090)	(3,870)	2,418
Other current assets	2	(157)	0
Inventories	613	(3,423)	(42)
Prepaid expenses and accrued income	958	(301)	1,317
Trade accounts payable	1,500	2,370	(742)
Accrued expenses	4,622	(433)	(1,188)
Other current liabilities	475	2,642	460
Net cash provided by operating activities	249,707	200,975	177,796
Investing activities
Repayments from investment in direct financing and sales-type leases	0	33,486	31,929
Additions to newbuildings	0	0	(81,664)
Purchase of vessels	(39,326)	(1,137,703)	0
Other long-term assets acquired	(211,065)	0	0
Proceeds from sale of vessels and termination of charters	0	145,654	74,791
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed of	0	83,485	0
Proceeds from sale of Frontline shares	82,783	0	0
Net amounts received from/(paid to) associated companies	15,925	(24,161)	27,322
Other investments and long-term assets, net	(18,198)	32,675	(4,016)
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities	(169,881)	(866,564)	48,362
Financing activities
Proceeds from shares issued, net of issuance costs	0	0	88
Principal settlements of cross currency swaps, net	(41,769)	0	(29,186)
Proceeds from finance leases	0	944,097	0
Repurchase of bonds	(80,749)	(97,248)	(68,383)
Proceeds from issuance of short-term and long-term debt	458,781	825,984	302,104
Repayments of short-term and long-term debt	(208,538)	(778,731)	(179,354)
Discount received on debt repurchased	1,654	0	0
Debt fees paid	(4,261)	(8,257)	(2,554)
Repayments of lease obligation liability	(63,663)	(11,653)	(5,296)
Cash dividends paid	(150,659)	(149,261)	(152,907)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(89,204)	724,931	(135,488)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	(9,378)	59,342	90,670
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at start of the year	212,394	153,052	62,382
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of the year	203,016	212,394	153,052
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$ 72,344	$ 104,620	$ 88,201

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Share capital	Additional paid-in capital	Contributed surplus	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Accumulated other comprehensive loss – associated companies	Retained earnings	Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds Due 2018Additional paid-in capital	Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023	Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023Additional paid-in capital	Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds Due 2021 and 2023 [Member]Additional paid-in capital	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]Cross Currency Swaps [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Balance, at beginning of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		101,504,575
Balance, at beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2016		$ 1,015	$ 282,502	$ 680,703	$ (84,779)	$ (976)	$ 255,630
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares issued (in shares)		9,426,298
Amortization of stock-based compensation			374
Stock-based compensation forfeitures			0
Shares issued, exercises of share options		$ 94	88
Shares issued, consideration paid on vessel acquisition			0
Shares issued, conversion of 3.25% convertible bonds due 2018			137,063
Adjustment to equity component of convertible bonds arising from reacquisition of bonds								$ (16,368)			$ 0
Recognition of equity component arising from issuance of 4.875% convertible bonds due 2023										$ 0
Fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments	$ 9,974				9,974
Earnings reclassification of previously deferred fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments					1,555
Fair value adjustments to available-for-sale securities					(23,528)
Earnings reclassification of previously deferred fair value adjustments to available-for-sale securities	2,106				2,106
Reclassification of of unrealised losses upon adoption of new ASU \| Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]					0		0
Reclassification of of unrealised losses upon adoption of new ASU \| Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 [Member]					0
Other comprehensive loss	60				60
Fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments in associated companies	1,182					1,182
Net income	101,209						101,209
Dividends declared				0			(152,907)
Balance, at end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		110,930,873
Balance, at end of year at Dec. 31, 2017	1,194,997	$ 1,109	403,659	680,703	(94,612)	206	203,932
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments												$ 2,942	$ 0	$ 3,130
Reclassification of unrealized losses upon adoption of ASU 2017-12	0
Fair value adjustments to available-for-sale securities	(100,382)
Other items	(302)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(94,612)
Shares issued (in shares)		8,442,191
Amortization of stock-based compensation			454
Stock-based compensation forfeitures			(33)
Shares issued, exercises of share options		$ 85	0
Shares issued, consideration paid on vessel acquisition	58,000		57,960
Shares issued, conversion of 3.25% convertible bonds due 2018			9,927
Adjustment to equity component of convertible bonds arising from reacquisition of bonds								(9,933)			(1,096)
Recognition of equity component arising from issuance of 4.875% convertible bonds due 2023									$ 7,400
Fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments	(3,433)				(3,433)
Earnings reclassification of previously deferred fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments					(3,127)
Fair value adjustments to available-for-sale securities					2,244
Earnings reclassification of previously deferred fair value adjustments to available-for-sale securities	0				0
Reclassification of of unrealised losses upon adoption of new ASU \| Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]					98,782		(98,782)
Reclassification of of unrealised losses upon adoption of new ASU \| Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 [Member]					0
Other comprehensive loss	(74)				(74)
Fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments in associated companies	(206)					(206)
Net income	$ 73,622						73,622
Dividends declared				0			(149,261)
Balance, at end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	119,373,064	119,373,064
Balance, at end of year at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1,180,032	$ 1,194	468,844	680,703	(220)	0	29,511
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Retained earnings	29,511
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments												6,714	(7,076)	(126)
Reclassification of unrealized losses upon adoption of ASU 2017-12	0
Fair value adjustments to available-for-sale securities	644
Other items	(376)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(220)
Shares issued (in shares)		18,246
Amortization of stock-based compensation			896
Stock-based compensation forfeitures			(83)
Shares issued, exercises of share options		$ 0	0
Shares issued, consideration paid on vessel acquisition			0
Shares issued, conversion of 3.25% convertible bonds due 2018			0
Adjustment to equity component of convertible bonds arising from reacquisition of bonds								$ 0			$ (231)
Recognition of equity component arising from issuance of 4.875% convertible bonds due 2023									$ 7,100	$ 0
Fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments	(12,748)				(12,748)
Earnings reclassification of previously deferred fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments					0
Fair value adjustments to available-for-sale securities					(2,190)
Earnings reclassification of previously deferred fair value adjustments to available-for-sale securities	2,181				2,181
Reclassification of of unrealised losses upon adoption of new ASU \| Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]					0		0
Reclassification of of unrealised losses upon adoption of new ASU \| Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 [Member]					(32)
Other comprehensive loss	(6)				(6)
Fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments in associated companies	0					0
Net income	$ 89,177						89,177
Dividends declared				(31,939)			(118,720)
Balance, at end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	119,391,310	119,391,310
Balance, at end of year at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 1,106,369	$ 1,194	$ 469,426	$ 648,764	$ (13,015)	$ 0	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Retained earnings	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Fair value adjustments to hedging financial instruments												$ (1,514)	$ (7,289)	$ (4,433)
Reclassification of unrealized losses upon adoption of ASU 2017-12	(32)
Fair value adjustments to available-for-sale securities	635
Other items	(382)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (13,015)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CH_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)	Apr. 30, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds Due 2018
Interest rate		3.25%
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023
Interest rate	4.875%

GENERAL

GENERAL	12 Months Ended
GENERAL	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
GENERAL	GENERAL SFL Corporation Ltd. ("SFL" or the "Company") is an international ship and offshore asset owning and chartering company, incorporated in October 2003 in Bermuda as a Bermuda exempted company. The Company's common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SFL". The Company is primarily engaged in the ownership, operation and chartering out of vessels and offshore related assets on medium and long-term charters. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company owned three very large crude oil carriers ("VLCCs"), two Suezmax crude oil carriers, five Supramax dry bulk carriers, seven Handysize dry bulk carriers, two Kamsarmax dry bulk carriers, eight Capesize dry bulk carriers, 45 container vessels (including four chartered-in 19,200 and 19,400 twenty-foot equivalent units ("TEU") container vessels and seven 10,600 TEU and 13,800 TEU container vessels financed through sale and leaseback), two car carriers, one jack-up drilling rig, two ultra-deepwater drilling units, five offshore support vessels, two chemical tankers and two oil product tankers. In addition, the Company has three VLCCs and three container vessels which are accounted for as leaseback assets (see Note 16 Investment in direct financing, sales-type and leaseback assets). The two ultra-deepwater drilling units and the one jack-up drilling rig referred to above are owned by wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that are accounted for using the equity method (see Note 17: Investment in associated companies). Since the Company's incorporation in 2003 and public listing in 2004, SFL has established itself as a leading international ship and offshore asset owning and chartering company, expanding both its asset and customer base.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Accounting The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP"). The consolidated financial statements include the assets and liabilities and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation. Where necessary, comparative figures for previous years have been reclassified to conform to changes in presentation in the current year. Consolidation of variable interest entities A variable interest entity is defined in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 810 "Consolidation" ("ASC 810") as a legal entity where either (a) the total equity at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated support; (b) equity interest holders as a group lack either i) the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact on its economic success, ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the voting rights of some investors in the entity are not proportional to their economic interests and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest. ASC 810 requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary, being the interest holder, if any, which has both (1) the power to direct the activities of the entity which most significantly impact on the entity's economic performance, and (2) the right to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses from the entity which could potentially be significant to the entity. The Company evaluates its subsidiaries, and any other entities in which it holds a variable interest, in order to determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of the entity, and where it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary the Company fully consolidate the entity. Investments in associated companies Investments in companies over which the Company exercises significant influence but which it does not consolidate are accounted for using the equity method. The Company records its investments in equity-method investees on the consolidated balance sheets as "Investment in associated companies" and its share of the investees' earnings or losses in the consolidated statements of operations as "Equity in earnings of associated companies." At December 31, 2019 , two ultra-deepwater drilling units and one jack-up drilling rig are owned by three wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that are accounted for using the equity method. Use of accounting estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Foreign currencies The Company's functional currency is the U.S. dollar as the majority of revenues are received in U.S. dollars and the majority of the Company's expenditures are made in U.S. dollars. The Company's reporting currency is also the U.S. dollar. Most of the Company's subsidiaries report in U.S. dollars. Transactions in foreign currencies during the year are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated using rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated using historical rates of exchange. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are included under "Other financial items" in the consolidated statements of operations. Revenue and expense recognition Effective from January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new accounting standard ASC Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" using the modified retrospective method, which resulted in no adjustment to our retained earnings on adoption and comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company generates its revenues from the charter hire of its vessels and offshore related assets, and freight billings. Revenues are generated from time charter hire, bareboat charter hire, direct financing lease interest income, sales-type lease interest income, finance lease service revenues, profit sharing arrangements, voyage charters and other freight billings. In a time charter voyage, the vessel is hired by the charterer for a specified period of time in exchange for consideration which is based on a daily hire rate. Generally, the charterer has the discretion over the ports visited, shipping routes and vessel speed. The contract/charter party generally provides typical warranties regarding the speed and performance of the vessel. The charter party generally has some owner protective restrictions such that the vessel is sent only to safe ports by the charterer and carries only lawful or non hazardous cargo. In a time charter contract, we are responsible for all the costs incurred for running the vessel such as crew costs, vessel insurance, repairs and maintenance and lubes. The charterer bears the voyage related costs such as bunker expenses, port charges, and canal tolls during the hire period. The performance obligations in a time charter contract are satisfied over the term of the contract beginning when the vessel is delivered to the charterer until it is redelivered back to us. The charterer generally pays the charter hire in advance of the upcoming contract period. The time charter contracts are either operating or direct financing or sales type leases. Where time charters and bareboat charters are considered operating leases, revenues are recorded over the term of the charter as a service is provided. When a time charter contract is linked to an index, we recognize revenue for the applicable period based on the actual index for that period. Rental payments from either direct financing leases or sales-type leases, are allocated between lease service revenue, if applicable, lease interest income and repayment of net investment in leases. The amount allocated to lease service revenue is based on the estimated fair value, at the time of entering the lease agreement, of the services provided which consist of ship management and operating services. In a voyage charter contract, the charterer hires the vessel to transport a specific agreed-upon cargo for a single voyage. The consideration in such a contract is determined on the basis of a freight rate per metric ton of cargo carried or occasionally on a lump sum basis. The charterer is responsible for any short loading of cargo or "dead" freight. The voyage charter party generally has standard payment terms with freight paid on completion of discharge. The voyage charter party generally has a "demurrage" clause. As per this clause, the charterer reimburses us for any potential delays exceeding the allowed laytime as per the charter party clause at the ports visited, which is recorded as voyage revenue. Estimates and judgments are required in ascertaining the most likely outcome of a particular voyage and actual outcomes may differ from estimates. Such estimate is reviewed and updated over the term of the voyage charter contract. In a voyage charter contract, the performance obligations begin to be satisfied once the vessel begins loading the cargo. We have determined that our voyage charter contracts consist of a single performance obligation of transporting the cargo within a specified time period. Therefore, the performance obligation is met evenly as the voyage progresses, and the revenue is recognized on a straight line basis over the voyage days from the commencement of loading to completion of discharge. Contract assets with regards to voyage revenues are reported as "Voyages in progress" as the performance obligation is satisfied over time. Voyage revenues typically become billable and due for payment on completion of the voyage and discharge of the cargo, at which point the receivable is recognized as "Trade accounts receivable, net". In a voyage contract, the Company bears all voyage related costs such as fuel costs, port charges and canal tolls. To recognize costs incurred to fulfill a contract as an asset, the following criteria shall be met: (i) the costs relate directly to the contract, (ii) the costs generate or enhance resources of the entity that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future and (iii) the costs are expected to be recovered. The costs incurred during the period prior to commencement of loading the cargo, primarily bunkers, are deferred as they represent setup costs and recorded as a current asset and are subsequently amortized on a straight-line basis as we satisfy the performance obligations under the contract. Costs incurred to obtain a contract, such as commissions, are also deferred and expensed over the same period. For our vessels operating under revenue sharing agreements, or in pools, revenues and voyage expenses are pooled and allocated to each pool’s participants in accordance with an agreed-upon formula. Revenues generated through revenue sharing agreements are presented gross when we are considered the principal under the charter parties with the net income allocated under the revenue sharing agreement presented as within voyage charter income. For revenue sharing agreements that meet the definition of a lease, we account for such contracts as variable rate operating leases and recognize revenue for the applicable period based on the actual net revenue distributed by the pool. As detailed in Note 24: Related party transactions, the Company has, or has had, profit sharing arrangements with Frontline Shipping Limited ("Frontline Shipping"), Golden Ocean Group Limited ("Golden Ocean"). The Company also had profit sharing agreements with Deep Sea Supply Shipowning II AS (the “Solstad Charterer”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Solship Invest 3 AS (“Solship”, formerly Deep Sea Supply Plc, or Deep Sea). Amounts receivable under these arrangements are accrued on the basis of amounts earned at the reporting date. Any contingent elements of rental income, such as profit share, fuel saving payments and interest rate adjustments, are recognized when the contingent conditions have materialized. Cash and cash equivalents For the purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, all demand and time deposits and highly liquid, low risk investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered equivalent to cash. Restricted cash Restricted cash consists of cash which may only be used for certain purposes and is held under a contractual arrangement. Investment in debt and equity securities Investments in debt and equity securities include share investments and interest-earning listed and unlisted corporate bonds. Any premium paid on their acquisition is amortized over the life of the bond. Investments in debt securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Investments in equity securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. If circumstances arise which lead the Company to believe that the issuer of a corporate bond may be unable meet its payment obligations in full, or that the fair value at acquisition of the share investment or corporate bond may otherwise not be fully recoverable, then to the extent that a loss is expected to arise that unrealized loss is recorded as an impairment in the statement of operations, with an adjustment if necessary to any unrealized gains or losses previously recorded in other comprehensive income. In determining whether the Company has an other-than-temporary impairment in its investment in bonds, in addition to the Company’s intention and ability to hold the investments until the market recovers, the Company considers the period of decline, the amount and the severity of the decline and the ability of the investment to recover in the near to medium term. The Company also evaluates if the underlying security provided by the bonds is sufficient to ensure that the decline in fair value of these bonds did not result in an other-than-temporary impairment. The cost of disposals or reclassifications from other comprehensive income is calculated on an average cost basis, where applicable. The fair value of unlisted corporate bonds is determined from an analysis of projected cash flows, based on factors including the terms, provisions and other characteristics of the bonds, credit ratings and default risk of the issuing entity, the fundamental financial and other characteristics of that entity, and the current economic environment and trading activity in the debt market. Trade accounts receivable The amount shown as trade accounts receivable at each balance sheet date includes receivables due from customers for hire of vessels and offshore related assets, net of allowance for doubtful balances. At each balance sheet date, all potentially uncollectable accounts are assessed individually to determine any allowance for doubtful receivables. Inventories Inventories are comprised principally of fuel and lubricating oils and are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined on a first-in first-out basis. Vessels and equipment (including operating lease assets) Vessels and equipment are recorded at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and, if appropriate, impairment charges. The cost of these assets less estimated residual value is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining economic useful life of the asset. The estimated economic useful life of our offshore assets, including drilling rigs and drillships, is 30 years and for all other vessels it is 25 years. Where an asset is subject to an operating lease that includes fixed price purchase options, the projected net book value of the asset is compared to the option price at the various option dates. If any option price is less than the projected net book value at an option date, the initial depreciation schedule is amended so that the carrying value of the asset is written down on a straight line basis to the option price at the option date. If the option is not exercised, this process is repeated so as to amortize the remaining carrying value, on a straight line basis, to the estimated scrap value or the option price at the next option date, as appropriate. This accounting policy for fixed assets has the effect that if an option is exercised there will be either a) no gain or loss on the sale of the asset or b) in the event that the option is exercised at a price in excess of the net book value at the option date, a gain will be reported in the statement of operations at the date of delivery to the new owners, under the heading "gain on sale of assets and termination of charters". The Company capitalizes and depreciates the costs of significant replacements, renewals and upgrades to its vessels over the shorter of the vessel’s remaining useful life or the life of the renewal or upgrade. The amount capitalized is based on management’s judgment as to expenditures that extend a vessel’s useful life or increase the operational efficiency of a vessel. Costs that are not capitalized are recorded as a component of direct vessel operating expenses during the period incurred. Expenses for routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Advances paid in respect of vessel upgrades in relation to Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems ("EGCS" or "scrubbers") and Ballast water treatment systems ("BWTS") are included within "other long-term assets", until such time as the equipment is installed on a vessel, at which point it is transferred to "Vessels and equipment, net". Office equipment is depreciated at 20% per annum on a reducing balance basis. Vessels and equipment under finance lease The Company charters-in certain vessels and equipment under leasing agreements. Leases of vessels and equipment, where the Company has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, are classified as "vessels under finance lease", with corresponding lease liabilities recorded. The Company capitalizes and depreciates the costs of significant replacements, renewals and upgrades to its vessels over the shorter of the vessel’s remaining useful life or the life of the renewal or upgrade. The amount capitalized is based on management’s judgment as to expenditures that extend a vessel’s useful life or increase the operational efficiency of a vessel. Costs that are not capitalized are recorded as a component of direct vessel operating expenses during the period incurred. Expenses for routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Advances paid in respect of vessel upgrades in relation to EGCS and BWTS are included within "other long-term assets", until such time as the equipment is installed on a vessel, at which point it is transferred to "Vessels under finance lease, net". Depreciation of vessels and equipment under capital lease is included within "Depreciation" in the consolidated statement of operations. Vessels and equipment under finance lease are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the vessels' remaining economic useful lives or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The method applied is determined by the criteria by which the lease has been assessed to be a finance lease. Newbuildings The carrying value of vessels under construction ("newbuildings") represents the accumulated costs to the balance sheet date which the Company has paid by way of purchase installments and other capital expenditures together with capitalized loan interest and associated finance costs. No charge for depreciation is made until a newbuilding is put into operation. Capitalized interest Interest expense is capitalized during the period of construction of newbuilding vessels based on accumulated expenditures for the applicable vessel at the Company's capitalization rate of interest. The amount of interest capitalized in an accounting period is determined by applying an interest rate (the "capitalization rate") to the average amount of accumulated expenditures for the vessel during the period. The capitalization rate used in an accounting period is based on the rates applicable to borrowings outstanding during the period. The Company does not capitalize amounts in excess of actual interest expense incurred in the period. No interest was capitalized in the cost of newbuildings in the year ended December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $1.2 million ). Investment in sales-type leases and direct financing leases Leases (charters) of our vessels where we are the lessor are classified as either direct financing, sales-type leases, operating leases, or leaseback assets based on an assessment of the terms of the lease. For charters classified as direct financing leases, the minimum lease payments (reduced in the case of time-chartered vessels by projected vessel operating costs) plus the estimated residual value of the vessel are recorded as the gross investment in the direct financing lease. For direct financing leases, the difference between the gross investment in the lease and the carrying value of the vessel is recorded as unearned lease interest income. The net investment in the lease consists of the gross investment less the unearned income. Over the period of the lease each charter payment received, net of vessel operating costs if applicable, is allocated between "lease interest income" and "repayment of investment in lease" in such a way as to produce a constant percentage rate of return on the balance of the net investment in the direct financing lease. Thus, as the balance of the net investment in each direct financing lease decreases, a lower proportion of each lease payment received is allocated to lease interest income and a greater proportion is allocated to lease repayment. For direct financing leases relating to time chartered vessels, the portion of each time charter payment received that relates to vessel operating costs is classified as "service revenue - direct financing leases". For sales-type leases, the difference between the gross investment in the lease and the present value of its components, i.e. the minimum lease payments and the estimated residual value, is recorded as unearned lease interest income. The discount rate used in determining the present values is the interest rate implicit in the lease. The present value of the minimum lease payments, computed using the interest rate implicit in the lease, is recorded as the sales price, from which the carrying value of the vessel at the commencement of the lease is deducted in order to determine the profit or loss on sale. As is the case for direct financing leases, the unearned lease interest income is amortized to income over the period of the lease so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease. For leases entered into on or after January 1, 2019, any difference between the fair value of the leased asset and the costs results in a selling profit or loss. A selling profit is recognized at lease commencement for sales-type leases and over the lease term for direct financing leases. Selling loss is recognized at lease commencement for both sales-type and direct financing leases. The fair value is considered to be the cost of acquiring the vessel unless a significant period has elapsed between the acquisition of the vessel and the commencement of the lease. Where a sales-type lease, direct financing lease or leaseback asset charter arrangement containing fixed price purchase options, the projected carrying value of the net investment in the lease is compared to the option price at the various option dates. If any option price is less than the projected net investment in the lease at an option date, the rate of amortization of unearned lease interest income is adjusted to reduce the net investment to the option price at the option date. If the option is not exercised, this process is repeated so as to reduce the net investment in the lease to the un-guaranteed residual value or the option price at the next option date, as appropriate. This accounting policy for investments in direct financing or sales-type leases or lease back assets has the effect that if an option is exercised there will either be a) no gain or loss on the exercise of the option or b) in the event that an option is exercised at a price in excess of the net investment in the lease at the option date, a gain will be reported in the statement of operations at the date of delivery to the new owners. If the terms of an existing lease are agreed to be amended, the modification is evaluated to consider if it is a contract which occurs when the modification grants the lessee an additional right-of-use not included in the original lease and the lease payments increase commensurate with the standalone price for the additional right of use, adjusted for the circumstances of the particular contract. If both conditions are met, the amendments are treated as a separate lease. If the conditions are not met, the lease is re-evaluated under ASC 842 as a new lease with the new terms. Leaseback assets From January 1, 2019, any vessels purchased and leased back to the same party are evaluated under ASC 842. If control is deemed to have not to have passed to the Company as purchaser, due for example to the lessee having purchase options, the transaction is accounted for under ASC 310 where the purchase price paid is accounted for as loan receivable and described as a leaseback asset. Interest income is recognised on the aggregate loan receivable based on the imputed interest rate and the part of the rental income received is allocated as a reduction of the vessel loan balance. Any purchase and leaseback transactions entered into before January 1, 2019, were accounted for as leases under ASC 840 and no changes have been made as the Company applied the practical expedients in ASC 842. Finance lease liability The Company charters-in and out four container vessels on a bareboat basis under long term leasing agreements with corresponding assets classified as investments in direct financing leases. The Company also charters-in seven container vessels through sale and leaseback financing arrangements with corresponding lease assets classified as "vessels under finance lease". Leases of vessels and equipment, where the Company has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, are classified as finance lease liabilities. Each lease payment is allocated between reduction in liability and finance charges to achieve a constant rate on the capital balance outstanding. The interest element of the capital cost is charged to the Consolidated Statement of Operations over the lease period. Impairment of long-lived assets, including other long-term investments The carrying value of long-lived assets, including other long-term investments, that are held by the Company are reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For vessels, such indicators may include historically low spot charter rates and second hand vessel values. The Company assesses recoverability of the carrying value of the asset by estimating the future net cash flows expected to result from the asset, including eventual disposition, taking into account the possibility of any existing medium and long-term charter arrangements being terminated early. If the future expected net cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its fair value. In addition, long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is generally based on values achieved for the sale/purchase of similar vessels and external appraisals. Deferred charges Loan costs, including debt arrangement fees, are capitalized and amortized on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant loan. The straight line basis of amortization approximates the effective interest method in the Company's statement of operations. Amortization of loan costs is included in interest expense. If a loan is repaid early, any unamortized portion of the related deferred charges is charged against income in the period in which the loan is repaid. Similarly, if a portion of a loan is repaid early, the corresponding portion of the unamortized related deferred charges is charged against income in the period in which the early repayment is made. Convertible bonds The Company accounts for debt instruments with convertible features in accordance with the details and substance of the instruments at the time of their issuance. For convertible debt instruments issued at a substantial premium to equivalent instruments without conversion features, or those that may be settled in cash upon conversion, it is presumed that the premium or cash conversion option represents an equity component. Accordingly, the Company determines the carrying amounts of the liability and equity components of such convertible debt instruments by first determining the carrying amount of the liability component by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an equity component. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the embedded conversion option is then determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the total proceeds from the issue. The resulting equity component is recorded, with a corresponding offset to debt discount which is subsequently amortized to interest cost using the effective interest method over the period the debt is expected to be outstanding as an additional non-cash interest expense. Transaction costs associated with the instrument are allocated pro-rata between the debt and equity components. For conventional convertible bonds which do not have a cash conversion option or where no substantial premium is received on issuance, it may not be appropriate to split the bond into the liability and equity components. A conversion of the bonds at more favorable terms than the original bond is treated as an inducement and the Company recognizes a debt conversion expense equal to the fair value of all securities and other consideration transferred in the transaction in excess of the fair value of securities or consideration issuable pursuant to the original conversion terms. Financial instruments In determining the fair value of its financial instruments, the Company uses a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and risks existing at each balance sheet date. For the majority of financial instruments, including most derivatives and long-term debt, standard market conventions and techniques such as options pricing models are used to determine fair value. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized. Interest rate and currency swaps The Company enters into interest rate swap transactions from time to time to hedge a portion of its exposure to floating interest rates. These transactions involve the conversion of floating interest rates into fixed rates over the life of the transactions without an exchange of underlying principal. The Company also enters into currency swap transactions from time to time to hedge against the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on loan liabilities. Currency swap transactions involve the exchange of fixed amounts of other currencies for fixed US dollar amounts over the life of the transactions, including an exchange of underlying principal. The Company may also enter into a combination of interest and currency swaps "cross currency interest rate swaps". The fair values of the interest rate and currency swap contracts, including cross currency interest rate swaps, are recognized as assets or liabilities. When the interest rate or currency swap does not qualifies for hedge accounting under ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"), changes in fair values are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. When the interest rate and/or currency swap or combination, qualifies for hedge accounting under ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"), and the Company has formally designated the swap as a hedge to the underlying loan, and when the hedge is effective, the changes in the fair value of the swap are recognized in other comprehensive income. If it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction to which these swaps relate will not occur, the amounts in other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings immediately. Drydocking provisions Normal vessel repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. The Company recognizes the cost of a drydocking at the time the drydocking takes place, that is, it applies the "expense as incurred" method. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed based on the income available to common stockholders and the weighted average number of shares outstanding for basic EPS. Diluted EPS includes the effect of the assumed conversion of potentially dilutive instruments. Share-based compensation The Company accounts for share-based payments in accordance with ASC Topic 718 "Compensation – Stock Compensation" ("ASC 718"), under which the fair value of stock options issued to employees is expensed over the period in which the options vest. The Company uses the simplified method for making estimates of the expected term of stock options. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02 "Leases" to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key infor

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STAN

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	12 Months Ended
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses" to introduce new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on instruments within its scope. ASU 2016-13 requires among other things, the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. In addition, ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is still evaluating the cumulative effect of adopting this guidance. Preliminary calculations indicate that this could result in a net adjustment of up to $25 million to the opening balance of retained earnings with a corresponding credit loss provision arising mainly our investments in associated companies but also affecting our lease receivables, trade receivables and related party receivables as of January 1, 2020. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13 "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement". ASU 2018-13 includes certain removals, modifications and additions to the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of ASU 2018-13 and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company will depend on the facts and circumstances of any specific future transactions. In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-16 "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes." In the United States, eligible benchmark interest rates under Topic 815 are interest rates on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government (UST), the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swap rate, and the Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate based on the Federal Funds Effective Rate. When the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, in August 2017, it introduced the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Municipal Swap Rate as the fourth permissible U.S. benchmark rate. The new ASU adds the OIS rate based on SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate to facilitate the LIBOR to SOFR transition and provide sufficient lead time for entities to prepare for changes to interest rate risk hedging strategies for both risk management and hedge accounting purposes. ASU 2018-16 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not expect that the adoption of ASU 2018-16 will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-18 "Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606", which defines a collaborative arrangement as a contractual arrangement under which two or more parties actively participate in a joint operating activity and are exposed to significant risks and rewards that depend on the activity’s commercial success. The ASU provides guidance on how to assess whether certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for within the revenue recognition standard. The ASU also provides more comparability in the presentation of revenue for certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants. It accomplishes this by allowing organizations to only present units of account in collaborative arrangements that are within the scope of the revenue recognition standard together with revenue accounted for under the revenue recognition standard. The parts of the collaborative arrangement that are not in the scope of the revenue recognition standard should be presented separately from revenue accounted for under the revenue recognition standard. ASU 2018-18 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not expect that the adoption of ASU 2018-18 will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04 "Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments" to clarify and improve areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, and recognition and measurement. ASU 2019-04 is effective as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after April 25, 2019 for amendments to ASU 2017-12 and for fiscal and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 for amendments relating to ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2016-13. The expected impact of adopting ASU 2016-13 and any related improvements is shown above. The Company does not expect that the adoption of the remaining provisions of ASU 2019-04 will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. I n May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief" to provide an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured at amortized cost basis. ASU 2019-05 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The expected impact of adopting ASU 2016-13 and any related improvements is shown above. The Company does not expect that the adoption of the remaining provisions of ASU 2019-05 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company has only one reportable segment. The Company's assets operate on a world-wide basis and the Company's management does not evaluate performance by geographical region or by asset type, as they believe that any such information would not be meaningful.

TAXATION

TAXATION	12 Months Ended
TAXATION	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
TAXATION	TAXATION Bermuda Under current Bermudan law, the Company is not required to pay taxes in Bermuda on either income or capital gains. The Company has received written assurance from the Minister of Finance in Bermuda that, in the event of any such taxes being imposed, the Company will be exempted from taxation until the year 2035. United States The Company does not accrue U.S. income taxes as, in the opinion of U.S. counsel, the Company is not engaged in a U.S. trade or business and is exempted from a gross basis tax under Section 883 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. A reconciliation between the income tax expense resulting from applying statutory income tax rates and the reported income tax expense has not been presented herein, as it would not provide additional useful information to users of the financial statements as the Company's net income is subject to neither Bermuda nor U.S. tax. Other Jurisdictions Certain of the Company's subsidiaries and branches in Norway and the United Kingdom are subject to income tax in their respective jurisdictions. The tax paid by subsidiaries of the Company that are subject to income tax is not material.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER SHARE	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE The computation of basic earnings per share ("EPS") is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year and the consolidated net income of the Company. Diluted EPS includes the effect of the assumed conversion of potentially dilutive instruments. The components of the numerator for the calculation of basic and diluted EPS are as follows: Year ended December 31, (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 2017 Basic earnings per share: Net income available to stockholders 89,177 73,622 101,209 Diluted earnings per share: Net income available to stockholders 89,177 73,622 101,209 Interest and other expenses or (gains) attributable to convertible bonds (304 ) 123 4,511 Net income assuming dilution 88,873 73,745 105,720 The components of the denominator for the calculation of basic and diluted EPS are as follows: Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding* 107,614 105,898 95,597 Diluted earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding* 107,614 105,898 95,597 Effect of dilutive share options 81 59 26 Effect of dilutive convertible bonds 1 1,649 7,277 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding assuming dilution 107,696 107,606 102,900 Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Basic earnings per share: $ 0.83 $ 0.70 $ 1.06 Diluted earnings per share: $ 0.83 $ 0.69 $ 1.03 *The weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes 8,000,000 shares issued as part of a share lending arrangement relating to the Company's issuance of 5.75% senior unsecured convertible bonds in October 2016. It also excludes 3,765,842 shares issued as of December 31, 2019 from up to 7,000,000 shares issuable under a share lending arrangement relating to the Company's issuance of 4.875% senior unsecured convertible bonds in April and May 2018. These lent shares are owned by the Company and will be returned on or before maturity of the bonds in 2021 and 2023, respectively. In February 2018, the Company redeemed the full outstanding amount under the 3.25% senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2018. The remaining outstanding principal amount of $63.2 million was paid in cash, and the premium settled in common shares with the issue of 651,365 new shares. As of December 31, 2019 , the outstanding balances on the 4.875% senior unsecured convertible bonds issued in April and May 2018 and the 5.75% senior unsecured convertible bonds issued in October 2016 were both anti-dilutive.

OPERATING LEASES

OPERATING LEASES	12 Months Ended
OPERATING LEASES	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
OPERATING LEASES	OPERATING LEASES Rental income The minimum future revenues to be received under the Company's non-cancelable operating leases on its vessels as of December 31, 2019 , are as follows: Year ending December 31, (in thousands of $) 2020 310,083 2021 272,961 2022 248,508 2023 234,689 2024 168,301 Thereafter 164,818 Total minimum lease revenues 1,399,360 Contingent rental income In 2019, the Company agreed to install scrubbers or EGCS on four vessels which were on time-charter contract, accounted for as operating leases, whereby the Company will receive contingent income based on the cost savings achieved by the charterer on fuel arising from using the scrubbers from January 1, 2020. The minimum future revenues above are based on payments receivable from the charterers and do not include contingent rental income. Revenues included in income are recognized on a straight-line basis. The cost and accumulated depreciation of vessels (owned and under finance leases) leased to third parties on non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: ( in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Cost 2,100,533 2,336,269 Accumulated depreciation 315,934 309,135 Total 1,784,599 2,027,134

GAIN_(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS A

GAIN/(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS AND TERMINATION OF CHARTERS	12 Months Ended
GAIN/(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS AND TERMINATION OF CHARTERS	Dec. 31, 2019
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets [Abstract]
GAIN/(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS AND TERMINATION OF CHARTERS	GAIN/(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS AND TERMINATION OF CHARTERS The Company has recorded gains/losses on sale of assets and termination of charters as follows: Year ended December 31, (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 2017 Loss on sale of vessels — (2,578) (1,699) Gain on termination of charters — — 2,823 Total Gain/(loss) on sale of assets and termination of charters — (2,578) 1,124 The Company distinguishes between gains or losses on termination of charters, where ownership of the underlying vessel is retained, and gains or losses on sale of assets, where the vessel is disposed of and there may be an associated charter termination fee paid or received for early termination of the underlying charter. Gain/(loss) on sale of vessels: No gain or loss on sale of assets and termination of charters was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2019 . During the year ended December 31, 2018 , the VLCC Front Circassia , which was accounted for as a direct financing lease asset, was sold to an unrelated third party. A loss of $1.4 million was recorded on the disposal, the proceeds of which included $17.9 million gross sales proceeds and compensation in the form of a loan note of $4.4 million at fair value was received for the early termination of the charter (see Note 24: Related party transactions). The container vessel SFL Avon , which was accounted for as an operating lease asset, was sold to an unrelated third party during the year ended December 31, 2018 for a loss of $0.2 million on disposal. The VLCCs Front Page , Front Stratus and Front Serenade which were accounted for as direct financing lease assets during the year ended December 31, 2018 , were sold to a related party, ADS Crude Carriers Plc. ("ADS Crude Carriers"). Gains of $0.3 million , $0.2 million and $0.3 million were recorded on the disposal of the vessels, respectively. The gross proceeds from the sale was $22.5 million per vessel in addition to compensation, in the form of loan notes of $3.4 million each, received for the early termination of the charters (see Note 24: Related party transactions). During the year ended December 31, 2018 , the VLCCs Front Ariake and Front Falcon , which were accounted for as a direct financing lease assets, were sold to an unrelated third party. A gain of $1,000 and a loss of $1.8 million was recorded on the disposals respectively, and compensation in the form of a loan note of $3.4 million at fair value was received for the early termination of the Front Ariake charter (see Note 24: Related party transactions). During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recorded a net loss of $1.7 million arising from the disposals of four crude oil tankers and the commencement of a sales-type lease for the 1,700 TEU container vessel MSC Alice as described below. The VLCC Front Century , the Suezmax Front Brabant, the VLCC Front Scilla and the Suezmax Front Ardenne , which were accounted for as direct financing lease assets, were sold to unrelated third parties in March 2017, May 2017, June 2017 and August 2017, respectively. Losses of $26,000 , $1.7 million , $1.1 million and a gain of $0.3 million , respectively, were recorded on the disposals. Sales proceeds included compensation received for early termination of the charters (see Note 24: Related party transactions). The 1,700 TEU container vessel MSC Alice which was previously an operating lease asset, was accounted for as a sales-type lease during the year ended December 31, 2017 , following the commencement of a long-term bareboat charter in April 2017 to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. ("MSC"), an unrelated party. The terms of the charter provides a minimum fixed price purchase obligation at the expiry of the five years charter period. A gain of $0.7 million was recorded on the transaction. Gain on termination of charters: In 2017, the 2007-built jack-up drilling rig Soehanah was redelivered to us by the previous charterer, PT Apexindo Pratama Duta ("Apexindo"). The Company received a non-amortizing loan note with a term of six years from Apexindo as part of the settlement agreement for the early termination of the charter. The note which has an initial face value of $6.0 million has been recorded at an initial fair value of $2.8 million , resulting as a gain on the termination of the charter.

GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES AN

GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES AND DISPOSAL GROUPS	12 Months Ended
GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES AND DISPOSAL GROUPS	Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES AND DISPOSAL GROUPS	GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES AND DISPOSAL GROUPS No subsidiaries were sold during the year ended December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2017. During 2018 , the Company entered into an agreement to sell 100% of the share capital of Rig Finance Limited ("Rig Finance"), a wholly owned subsidiary, to an unrelated third party. Rig Finance owned the jack-up drilling rig Soehanah . Net proceeds of $84.4 million were received for the shares, resulting in a net gain of $7.6 million on the sale. At the time of disposal on December 31, 2018 , net assets held by Rig Finance were as follows: (in thousands of $) 2018 Cash and cash equivalents 915 Vessel and equipment, net 76,875 Charter deposit (913 ) Other current liabilities (90 ) Net assets 76,787

OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS, NET

OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS, NET	12 Months Ended
OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS, NET	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS, NET	OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS, NET Other financial items comprise the following items: Year ended December 31, (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 2017 Net payments on non-designated derivatives relating to interest rate swaps 1,389 170 (2,985 ) Net payments on non-designated derivatives relating to cross currency swaps — — — Net payments on non-designated derivatives relating to combined cross currency and interest rate swaps (194 ) (891 ) (2,139 ) Total net cash movement on non-designated derivatives 1,195 (721 ) (5,124 ) Net (decrease)/increase in mark-to-market valuation of non-designated derivatives relating to interest rate swaps (4,123 ) 2,687 2,290 Net (decrease)/increase in mark-to-market valuation of non-designated derivatives relating to cross currency swaps — — — Net (decrease)/increase in mark-to-market valuation of non-designated derivatives relating to combined cross currency and interest rate swaps 673 11,221 5,778 Total net movement in fair value of non-designated derivatives (3,450 ) 13,908 8,068 Net movement in fair value of designated derivatives (ineffective portion) — (11 ) 140 Impairment of long-term receivables (9,168 ) (1,729 ) — Other items (1,330 ) (1,040 ) (5,768 ) Total other financial items, net (12,753 ) 10,407 (2,684 ) The net movement in the fair values of non-designated derivatives and net cash payments thereon relate to non-designated, terminated or de-designated interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps. Changes in the fair values of the effective portion of interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges are reported under "Other comprehensive income". Following the adoption of ASU 2017-12 from January 2019, the Company now recognizes all changes in the fair value of swaps designated as accounting hedges in other comprehensive income. The adoption of the standard resulted in an opening balance adjustments of $ 32,000 to retained earnings and other comprehensive income. See also Recently Adopted Accounting Standards within Note 2. The above net movement in the valuation of non-designated derivatives in the year ended December 31, 2019 , includes $0.0 million ( 2018 : $3.1 million ; 2017 : $1.6 million ) reclassified from "Other comprehensive income", as a result of certain interest rate swaps relating to loan facilities no longer being designated as cash flow hedges. In February 2016, the offshore support vessel Sea Bear, then chartered to a subsidiary of Deep Sea was sold and its lease canceled. An agreed termination fee was received in the form of a loan note from Deep Sea, receivable over the approximately six remaining years of the canceled lease. The note has an interest rate of 7.25% and has a face value of $14.6 million . The note was evaluated to have an initial fair value of $11.6 million which was determined from analysis of projected cash flows, based on factors including the terms, provisions and other characteristics of the notes, default risk of the issuing entity, the fundamental financial and other characteristics of that entity, and the current economic environment and relevant trading activity in the debt market. In June 2017, Deep Sea completed a merger with Solstad Offshore ASA and Farstad Shipping ASA, creating Solstad Farstad ASA. In October 2018, Solstad Farstad ASA changed its name to Solstad Offshore ASA. The loan note is unsecured and not guaranteed by its holding company. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company concluded that the loan note may no longer be recoverable and recorded an impairment charge of long term receivables of $8.2 million (2018: $1.7 million ; 2017 : $0.0 million ) against it. During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company also recorded an impairment charge of long term receivables of $0.9 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $0.0 million ) against its non-amortizing loan note from Apexindo, following revisions to the agreement. Other items in the year ended December 31, 2019 , include a net gain of $0.3 million arising from foreign currency translation ( 2018 : loss $2.0 million ; 2017 : loss $4.5 million ). Other items also include bank charges and fees relating to loan facilities.

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES	12 Months Ended
INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES	INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES Marketable securities held by the Company consist of corporate bonds and equity securities. (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Corporate Bonds Balance at start of the year 13,245 41,742 Disposals during the year (583) (26,820) Additions during the year 2,281 — Unrealized gain/(loss) recorded in other comprehensive income (9) 2,244 Realized gain/(loss)* — (3,921) Accumulated other-than-temporary impairment* (2,181) — Balance at end of the year 12,753 13,245 2019 2018 Shares Balance at start of the year 73,929 52,060 Disposals during the year (82,783) (19,248) Additions during the year — 11,572 Unrealized Gain* 29,104 12,277 Realized Gain* 40,777 17,398 FX gain/(loss) 299 (130) Balance at the end of year 61,326 73,929 Total Investment in Debt and Equity Securities 74,079 87,174 Equity Securities pledged to creditors 43,775 — Balances included in "Gain on investments in debt and equity securities" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations Corporate Bonds The corporate bonds are classified as available-for-sale securities and are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a separate component of "Other comprehensive income". Year ended December 31, 2019 Year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands of $) Amortised Cost Unrealised gains/ (losses) Fair value Amortised Cost Unrealised gains/ (losses)* Fair value NorAm Drilling 4,132 558 4,690 4,715 477 5,192 Oro Negro 7.5% 5,705 — 5,705 7,886 167 8,053 Oro Negro 12% 2,281 77 2,358 — — — Total corporate bonds 12,118 635 12,753 12,601 644 13,245 NorAm Drilling Company AS ("NorAm Drilling") During the financial year ended December 31, 2019, the Company redeemed $0.6 million (2018: $0.5 million ) of bonds recognizing no gain or loss (2018: $ nil ). Additionally, the Company recognized an unrealized gain in the year ended December 31, 2019 of $0.1 million in Other Comprehensive Income (2018: $0.2 million ; 2017: $0.5 million ). Oro Negro Drilling Pte. Ltd ("Oro Negro") In the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company acquired $2.3 million of 12% Super Senior Callable Liquidity Bonds from Oro Negro with a face value of $2.3 million . The Company recognized an unrealized gain of $0.1 million in respect of these bonds (2018: $0.0 million ; 2017: $0.0 million ). During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company recognized an unrealized loss of $0.2 million in Other Comprehensive Income (2018: gain $0.2 million ; 2017: $2.1 million ) on the 7.5% Oro Negro bonds however it was subsequently determined that the bonds were other-than-temporarily impaired and an aggregate impairment loss of $2.2 million was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations (2018: $0.0 million ; 2017: $2.9 million ). Golden Close Corp Ltd ("Golden Close") During 2018 , Golden Close initiated liquidation proceedings. As a result of this, the Company received total proceeds of $26.4 million in settlement of its total investment in corporate bonds, resulting in an overall realized loss $3.9 million recognized in the Statement of Operations. Prior to the liquidation proceedings, an unrealized gain of $1.9 million (2017: $3.6 million ) was recognized in Other Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2018. In 2017, the Company determined that the unsecured convertible bonds issued by Golden Close were other-than-temporarily impaired and recorded an aggregate impairment charge in the Statement of Operations of $1.0 million . Shares Following the adoption of ASU 2016-01 from January 2018, the Company now recognizes any changes in the fair value of equity investments in net income. (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Frontline* 43,775 60,830 NorAm Drilling 4,326 3,928 ADS Crude Carriers 13,225 9,171 Total shares 61,326 73,929 * As at December 31, 2019 , the carrying value of the shares held in Frontline pledged to creditors is $43.8 million (2018: $0.0 million ). The Frontline shares with a carrying value of $60.8 million held as at December 31, 2018 were not pledged to creditors. Frontline Shares As of December 31, 2019 the Company held approximately 3.4 million shares (2018: 11.0 million shares) in Frontline (see Note 24: Related Party Transactions). During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company sold approximately 7.6 million shares in Frontline for total proceeds of $82.8 million and recorded realized gains of $40.8 million in the statement of operations in respect of the sales. The Company also sold the remaining approximately 3.4 million shares subject to a repurchase agreement and as at December 31, 2019 , the Company had a forward contract to purchase the approximately 3.4 million shares on June 30, 2020 for $36.8 million . The transaction has been accounted for as a secured borrowing, with the shares transferred to 'Marketable securities pledged to creditors' and a liability recorded at December 31, 2019 within debt for $36.8 million (See also Note 20: Short-Term and Long-term Debt). In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company recognized a mark to market gain of $25.0 million (2018: $10.3 million ) in the Statement of Operations. In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized a mark to market loss of $27.7 million in Other Comprehensive Income. NorAm Drilling As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 the Company held approximately 1.3 million shares in NorAm Drilling which traded in the Norwegian Over the Counter market ("OTC"). The Company recognized a mark to market gain of $0.4 million (2018: $1.0 million ) in the Statement of Operations in the year ended December 31, 2019, together with a foreign exchange loss of $0.0 million (2018: loss $0.2 million ) in Other Financial Items in the Statement of Operations. In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized a mark to market gain of $0.1 million in Other Comprehensive Income. (See also Note 24: Related Party Transactions) ADS Crude Carriers As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 the Company held approximately 4.0 million shares in ADS Crude Carriers. In the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized a mark to market gain of $3.7 million (2018: loss $ 0.8 million) in the Statement of Operations, along with a foreign exchange gain of $0.3 million (2018: $0.0 million ) in Other Financial Items in the Statement of Operations. During 2018, the Company acquired approximately 4.0 million shares in ADS Crude Carriers for $10.0 million . (See also Note 24: Related Party Transactions) Golden Close During the year ended 2018, Golden Close initiated liquidation proceedings. As a result of this, the Company received total proceeds of $19.2 million in settlement of its total investment in shares, resulting in an overall net realized gain of $17.4 million recognized in the Statement of Operations. In the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized an unrealized gain prior to the share settlement of $1.7 million (2017: $0.0 million ) in the Statement of Operations. In December 2017, the Company determined that the shares in Golden Close were other-than-temporarily impaired and recorded $0.6 million impairment charge in the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.

TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND O

TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	12 Months Ended
TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	Dec. 31, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Trade accounts receivable Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowances for doubtful debts. The allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable was $0 million at both December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . As at December 31, 2019 , the Company has no reason to believe that any amount included in trade accounts receivable will not be recovered through due process or negotiation. Other receivables Other receivables, mainly include amounts due from vessel managers and claims receivable, which are presented with no allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018

VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET

VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET	12 Months Ended
VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET	VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET ( in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Cost 1,867,873 1,955,880 Accumulated depreciation (463,168 ) (396,168 ) Vessels and equipment, net 1,404,705 1,559,712 In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the 5,800 TEU container vessels MSC Margarita and MSC Vidhi , previously recorded as operating lease assets, were reclassified as sales-type leases. The reclassification occurred as a result of amendments to the existing charter contracts. The cost and accumulated depreciation of the container vessels reclassified from vessels and equipment to investment in direct financing leases were $40.3 million and $13.0 million . (Refer to Note 16: Investment in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets). In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company capitalized costs of $9.7 million related to EGCS and BWTS. Advances paid in respect of vessel upgrades in relation to EGCS and BWTS were included within "other long-term assets", until such time as the equipment was installed on the vessels, at which point the amounts were transferred to "Vessels and equipment, net". No vessel disposals took place in the year ended December 31, 2019 . In the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company disposed of one container vessel, SFL Avon , with a net carrying value of $12.3 million (Refer to Note 8: Gain on sale of assets and termination of charters). In addition, the Company sold a wholly owned subsidiary which owned one jack-up drilling rig, Soehanah with a net carrying value of $76.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2018 (Refer Note 9: Gain on sale of subsidiaries and disposal groups). Total depreciation expense for vessels and equipment was $80.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : $99.6 million ; 2017 : $88.2 million ). In the year ended December 31, 2019 , an impairment charge of $55.5 million was recorded against the carrying value of four offshore support vessels Sea Pike , Sea Halibut, Sea Cheetah and Sea Jaguar and two feeder size container vessels Asian Ace and Green Ace ( 2018 : $25.4 million in respect of Sea Pike , Sea Halibut, Sea Cheetah and Sea Jaguar; 2017 : $0.0 million ). At December 31, 2019, the Company owned five offshore support vessels which were chartered on a long-term bareboat charter to Deep Sea Supply Shipowning II AS (the “Solstad Charterer”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Solship Invest 3 AS (“Solship”) which is in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of Solstad Offshore ASA (“Solstad”). Four of these vessels were accounted for as operating leases within Vessels and Equipment, net, and the other one was accounted for as a direct financing lease (Refer to Note 16: Investment in direct financing, sales-type and leaseback assets). In 2018, the Company entered into a restructuring agreement with subsidiaries of Solstad, whereby the Company would receive 50% of the agreed charter hire for two of the offshore support vessels. All other contracted charter hire income earned from fixed assets and direct financing lease assets was to be deferred until the end of 2019. In April 2019, Solship announced that a Standstill Agreement had been entered into with, amongst others, the Company whereby 100% of charter hire for vessels on charter to Solship was to be deferred. Solship announced that the Standstill Agreement had been extended until March 31, 2020, subject to agreed milestones being met throughout the suspension period. During the year ended December 31, 2019, all the vessels were impaired as described above and in Note 16 and subsequent to year end the charters were terminated (See Note 28: Subsequent Events). Acquisitions, disposals and impairments in respect of vessels accounted for as sales-type leases, direct financing leases, leaseback assets and vessels under finance leases are discussed in Note 16: Investment in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets and Note 14: Vessels under finance lease, net.

VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, NE

VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, NET	12 Months Ended
VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, NET	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, NET	VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, NET (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Cost 755,058 754,392 Accumulated depreciation (40,582 ) (4,503 ) Vessels under finance lease, net 714,476 749,889 As at December 31, 2019 , seven vessels were accounted for as vessels under finance lease, made up of four 13,800 TEU container vessels and three 10,600 TEU container vessels. The Company refinanced the vessels through sale and leaseback financing arrangements in the third and fourth quarter of 2018 and derecognized the vessels from the "Vessels and equipment, net" category and reclassified them to the "Vessels under finance lease, net" category. The vessels are leased back for an original term ranging from six to 11 years , with options to purchase each vessel after six years . In 2018 , the Company took delivery of four 2014 built container vessels, each with approximately 13,800 TEU carrying capacity. The Company initially recorded additions to cost of vessels and equipment of $445.0 million , which included the issuance of 4,024,984 common shares with a value of $58.0 million as part of the consideration. An additional $18.0 million of the consideration paid was assigned to the long term time charter contracts acquired with the vessels which was recorded separately within long term assets and is being amortized to revenue over the remaining period of each contract. During 2018 , the Company also took delivery of three 10,600 TEU carrying capacity which the Company initially recorded as additions to vessels and equipment at a cost of $315.0 million . As at December 31, 2018 , the Company had refinanced the four 13,800 TEU container vessels and the three 10,600 TEU container vessels with an Asian based financial institution by entering into separate sale and leaseback financing arrangements. The vessels are leased back for an original term ranging from six to 11 years , with options to purchase each vessel after six years . The vessels were derecognized from the Vessels and Equipment category and reclassified to the Vessels under Finance Lease category at a total net carrying value of $748.9 million . The Company recorded additions of $5.5 million . Total depreciation expense for vessels under finance lease amounted to $36.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and is included in depreciation in the consolidated statements of operations. ( 2018 : $4.5 million ; 2017 : $0.0 million ).

OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS

OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS	12 Months Ended
OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS	OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS Other long term assets comprise the following items: (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Capital improvements in progress 30,642 1,640 Collateral deposits on swap agreements 17,520 1,820 Value of acquired charter-out contracts, net 13,407 16,302 Long term receivables 1,880 11,048 Other 799 — Total other long-term assets 64,248 30,810 Capital improvements in progress comprises of advances paid and costs incurred in respect of vessel upgrades in relation to EGCS and BWTS on nine vessels (2018: four vessels). This is recorded in other long term assets until such time as the equipment is installed on a vessel, at which point it is transferred to "Vessels and equipment, net" or "Investment in sales-type leases and direct financing leases'. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company transferred costs of $9.7 million in respect of five vessels to "Vessels and equipment, net". In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company agreed to fund EGCS installations on three 10,600 TEU container vessels. The installation of EGCS is scheduled to be completed in 2020, at which time the cost will be transferred to 'Vessels under finance lease, net'. At December 31, 2019 , costs of $21.5 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ) in respect of these vessels has been incurred which are recorded as capital improvements in progress. During 2018, the Company purchased four container vessels, Thalassa Mana , Thalassa Tyhi , Thalassa Doxa and Thalassa Axia with pre-existing time charters to Evergreen Marine. A value of $18.0 million was assigned to these charters in 2018, in the year ended December 31, 2019 the amortization charged to time charter revenue was $2.9 million (2018: $1.7 million ; 2017: $0.0 million ). Long term receivables balance at December 31, 2019 of $1.9 million ( 2018 : $11.0 million ) comprises loan notes due from third parties arising from the early termination of charters. Following an independent valuation of the notes, the Company recognized impairment losses totaling $9.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : $1.7 million ; 2017 : $0.0 million ). (Refer to Note 10: Other financial items).

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEASE

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEASES, DIRECT FINANCING LEASES AND LEASEBACK ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEASES, DIRECT FINANCING LEASES AND LEASEBACK ASSETS	INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEASES, DIRECT FINANCING LEASES AND LEASEBACK ASSETS Following the adoption of ASU 2016-02 from January 2019, the Company now records new and modified leases as per ASC 842. The Company has elected the practical expedient to not reassess existing leases. The adoption of the standard resulted in no opening balance adjustments. See also Accounting policies within Note 2. (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Investments in sales-type and direct financing leases 786,598 802,159 Investments in leaseback assets 207,789 — 994,387 802,159 As at December 31, 2019 , the Company had a total of 26 vessel charters accounted for as sales-type and direct financing leases ( 2018 : 24 vessels) and six vessel charters classified as leaseback assets ( 2018 : 0 vessels). Investments in sales type and direct financing leases As of December 31, 2019 , the Company had three VLCC crude tankers accounted for as direct financing leases ( 2018 : three VLCCs). These vessels are on charter to Frontline Shipping Limited ("Frontline Shipping") on long-term, fixed rate time charters which extend for various periods depending on the age of the vessels. The time remaining on these three charters ranges from approximately five to eight years as at December 31, 2019 . Frontline Shipping is a wholly owned subsidiary of Frontline, a related party. The terms of the charters do not provide Frontline Shipping with an option to terminate the charters before the end of their terms. During the year ended December 31, 2019 , two of these VLCC crude tankers, Front Energy and Front Force underwent EGCS installations. Costs of $4.2 million were capitalized to the net investment in lease balance of the two vessels, which represents a 50% share of joint costs with Frontline Shipping Limited. During the year ended December 31, 2019 , there was no disposals to VLCCs accounted for as direct financing leases. In 2018 , the Company sold six VLCCs accounted for as direct financing leases to unrelated parties. (see Note 8: Gain/(loss) on sale of assets and termination of charters). Also at December 31, 2019 , the Company owned one offshore supply vessel accounted for as a direct financing lease which is chartered on a long-term bareboat charter, together with four other vessels accounted for as operating leases (see Note 13: Vessels and equipment, net). During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company recorded an impairment charge of $5.0 million against the offshore supply vessel accounted for as a direct financing lease. As at December 31, 2019 , the Company had 19 ( 2018 : 19 ) container vessels accounted for as direct financing leases and three ( 2018 : one ) container vessels accounted for as a sales-type lease, all of which are on long-term bareboat charters to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. ("MSC"), an unrelated party. The terms of the charters for four of the container vessels provide a fixed price put option, purchase option or purchase obligation at the expiry of the 15 year charter period. The terms of the charters for 15 container vessels provide the charterer with purchase options throughout the term of the charters and the Company with a put option at the end of the seven years year period. The charter contract for the one container vessel accounted for as a sales-type lease provides the charterer with a minimum fixed price purchase obligation at the expiry of the five year charter period. During the year ended December 31, 2019 , two 5,800 TEU container vessels, MSC Margarita and MSC Vidhi , which were previously reported under vessels and equipment, were reclassified as sales type leases as a result of amendments made to the charter contract. Included in the amendments to the contracts, the charterer has a fixed price purchase obligation at the expiry of the additional five year charter period. The combined net book value of the vessels transferred was $27.3 million (Refer to Note 13: Vessels and equipment, net). The charter contract for these two container vessels provide the charterer with a minimum fixed price purchase obligation at the expiry of the five year charter period. In 2018 , and in respect of assets classified as Investments in sales type and direct financing leases, an impairment charge of $38.9 million was recorded against the carrying value of four VLCC's ( Front Page, Front Stratus, Front Serenade and Front Ariake ) and one offshore supply vessel ( Sea Leopard). In the year ended December 31, 2017 no impairments were recorded. Investments in leaseback assets When a sale and leaseback transaction does not qualify for sale accounting, the Company does not recognize the transferred vessels and instead accounts for the purchase as a leaseback asset. During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company acquired six vessels where control was not deemed to have passed to the Company due to the existence of repurchase options in the leases on acquisition. These have therefore been classified as 'leaseback assets'. These comprise of three second-hand feeder size container vessels which were acquired in a purchase and leaseback with subsidiaries of MSC. The vessels were chartered back for approximately six years on bareboat basis. The charterer has purchase options throughout the term of the charters and the Company has a put option at the end of the six year period. Additionally, the Company also entered into purchase and leaseback transactions to acquire three newbuilding crude oil tankers. The vessels were acquired from an affiliate of Hunter Group ASA ("Hunter Group") and leased back to the Hunter Group on five year bareboat charters. The following lists the components of investments in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 : (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Sales-Type Leases and Direct Financing Leases Leaseback Assets Total Sales-Type Leases and Direct Financing Leases Total minimum lease payments to be received 1,085,642 134,073 1,219,715 1,173,152 Less : amounts representing estimated executory costs including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments (64,222 ) — (64,222 ) (74,077 ) Net minimum lease payments receivable 1,021,420 134,073 1,155,493 1,099,075 Estimated residual values of leased property (un-guaranteed) 192,429 139,500 331,929 180,080 Less : unearned income (427,251 ) (65,784 ) (493,035 ) (476,996 ) Total investment in sales-type lease, direct financing lease and leaseback assets 786,598 207,789 994,387 802,159 Current portion 45,361 10,828 56,189 39,804 Long-term portion 741,237 196,961 938,198 762,355 The minimum future gross revenues to be received under the Company's non-cancellable sales type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets as of December 31, 2019 , are as follows: (in thousands of $) Year ending December 31, Sales-Type Leases and Direct Financing Leases Leaseback Assets Total 2020 115,463 25,369 140,832 2021 105,459 27,820 133,279 2022 109,902 27,820 137,722 2023 105,198 27,820 133,018 2024 106,817 23,392 130,209 Thereafter 542,803 1,852 544,655 Total minimum lease payments to be received 1,085,642 134,073 1,219,715 The above minimum lease revenues includes $140.8 million related to the three VLCCs leased to Frontline Shipping as of December 31, 2019 . See Note 24: Related Party Transactions. Interest income earned on investments in direct financing leases, sales type leases and leaseback assets in the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows: (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 2017 Investments in sales type and direct financing leases* 56,764 39,678 38,265 Investments in leaseback assets 3,556 — — Total 60,320 39,678 38,265 *Interest income earned on investments in sales-type leases and direct financing leases in the above table includes $3.8 million in relation to Frontline Shipping, a related party ( 2018 : $9.6 million ; 2017 : $16.4 million ).

INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMPAN

INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES	12 Months Ended
INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES	Dec. 31, 2019
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Disclosures [Abstract]
INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES	INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES The Company has, and has had, certain wholly-owned subsidiaries which are accounted for using the equity method, as it has been determined under ASC 810 that they are variable interest entities in which SFL is not the primary beneficiary. At December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , the Company had the following participation in investments that are recorded using the equity method: 2019 2018 2017 SFL Deepwater Ltd 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % SFL Hercules Ltd 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % SFL Linus Ltd 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % SFL Deepwater Ltd. ("SFL Deepwater"), SFL Hercules Ltd. ("SFL Hercules"), and SFL Linus Ltd. ("SFL Linus") each own drilling units which have been leased to subsidiaries of Seadrill Limited (“Seadrill”), a related party, as further described below. In September 2017, Seadrill announced that it has entered into a restructuring agreement (the “Restructuring Plan”) with more than 97% of its secured bank lenders, approximately 40% of its bondholders and a consortium of investors led by its largest shareholder, Hemen Holding Limited (“Hemen”), who is also the largest shareholder in the Company. The Company, SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus have also entered into the Restructuring Plan, which has been implemented by way of prearranged Chapter 11 cases. As part of the Restructuring Plan, the financial covenants on Seadrill have been replaced by financial covenants on a newly established subsidiary of Seadrill, Seadrill Rig Holding Company Limited (“RigCo”), who also acts as guarantor for the obligations under the leases for the three drilling units, on a subordinated basis to the senior secured lenders in Seadrill and new secured notes. SFL Deepwater is a 100% owned subsidiary of SFL, incorporated in 2008 for the purpose of holding two ultra deepwater drilling rigs and leasing those rigs to Seadrill Deepwater Charterer Ltd. and Seadrill Offshore AS, fully guaranteed by their parent company Seadrill. In June 2013, SFL Deepwater transferred one of the rigs and the corresponding lease to SFL Hercules (see below). Accordingly, SFL Deepwater now holds one ultra deepwater drilling rig which is leased to Seadrill Deepwater Charterer Ltd. In October 2013, SFL Deepwater entered into a $390 million five years term loan and revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks, which was used in November 2013 to refinance the previous loan facility. In connection with the Restructuring Plan, certain amendments were agreed with the banks under the loan facility, including an extension of the final maturity date by four years . At December 31, 2019 , the balance outstanding under the new facility was $187.9 million ( 2018 : $203.7 million ), and the available amount under the revolving part of the facility was $0 million ( 2018 : $0 million ). The Company guaranteed $84.7 million of this debt at December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : $84.7 million ). In addition, the Company has given the banks a first priority pledge over all shares of SFL Deepwater and assigned all claims under a secured loan made by the Company to SFL Deepwater in favor of the banks. This loan is secured by a second priority mortgage over the rig which has been assigned to the banks. The rig is chartered on a bareboat basis and the terms of the charter provide the charterer with various call options to acquire the rig at certain dates throughout the charter. In addition, there is an obligation for the charterer to purchase the rig at a fixed price at the end of the charter, which originally expired in November 2023. In connection with the Restructuring Plan, the lease has been extended by 13 months until December 2024. Because the main asset of SFL Deepwater is the subject of a lease which includes both fixed price call options and a fixed price purchase obligation, it has been determined that this subsidiary of SFL is a variable interest entity in which SFL is not the primary beneficiary. SFL Hercules is a 100% owned subsidiary of SFL, incorporated in 2012 for the purpose of holding an ultra deepwater drilling rig and leasing that rig to Seadrill Offshore AS, fully guaranteed by its parent company Seadrill. The rig was transferred, together with the corresponding lease, to SFL Hercules from SFL Deepwater in June 2013. In May 2013, SFL Hercules entered into a $375 million six years term loan and revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks to partly finance its acquisition of the rig from SFL Deepwater. The facility was drawn in June 2013. In connection with the Restructuring Plan, certain amendments were agreed with the banks under the loan facility, including an extension of the final maturity date by four years . At December 31, 2019 , the balance outstanding under this facility was $201.9 million ( 2018 : $210.0 million ), and the available amount under the revolving part of the facility was $0 million ( 2018 : $0 million ). The Company guaranteed $78.9 million of this debt at December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : $78.9 million ). In addition, the Company has given the banks a first priority pledge over all shares of SFL Hercules and assigned all claims under a secured loan made by the Company to SFL Hercules in favour of the banks. This loan is secured by a second priority mortgage over the rig which has been assigned to the banks. The rig is chartered on a bareboat basis and the terms of the charter provide the charterer with various call options to acquire the rig at certain dates throughout the charter. In addition, there is an obligation for the charterer to purchase the rig at a fixed price at the end of the charter, which originally expired in November 2023. In connection with the Restructuring Plan, the lease has been extended by 13 months until December 2024. Because the main asset of SFL Hercules is the subject of a lease which includes both fixed price call options and a fixed price purchase obligation at the end of the charter, it has been determined that this subsidiary of SFL is a variable interest entity in which SFL is not the primary beneficiary. SFL Linus is a 100% owned subsidiary of SFL, acquired in 2013 from North Atlantic Drilling Ltd ("NADL"), a related party. SFL Linus holds a harsh environment jack-up drilling rig which was delivered from the shipyard in February 2014 and immediately leased to North Atlantic Linus Charterer Ltd., fully guaranteed by its parent company NADL. NADL is now a subsidiary of Seadrill. In October 2013, SFL Linus entered into a $475 million five years term loan and revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks to partly finance the acquisition of the rig. The facility was drawn in February 2014. In connection with the Restructuring Plan, certain amendments were agreed with the banks under the loan facility, including an extension of the final maturity date by four years . At December 31, 2019 , the balance outstanding under this facility was $232.1 million ( 2018 : $241.5 million ) and, the available amount under the revolving part of the facility was $0 million ( 2018 : $0 million ). The Company guaranteed $102.5 million of this debt at December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : $102.5 million ). In addition, the Company has given the banks a first priority pledge over all shares of SFL Linus and assigned all claims under a secured loan made by the Company to SFL Linus in favor of the banks. This loan is secured by a second priority mortgage over the rig which has been assigned to the banks. In February 2015, amendments were made to the lease, whereby Seadrill replaced NADL as lease guarantor. The rig is chartered on a bareboat basis and the terms of the charter provide the charterer with various call options to acquire the rig at certain dates throughout the charter. In addition, the charter includes a fixed price put option at the expiry of the charter in 2029. Because the main asset of SFL Linus is the subject of a lease which includes both fixed price call options and a fixed price put option, it has been determined that this subsidiary of SFL is a variable interest entity in which SFL is not the primary beneficiary. Summarized balance sheet information of the Company's equity method investees is as follows: As of December 31, 2019 (in thousands of $) TOTAL SFL Deepwater SFL Hercules SFL Linus Current assets 75,079 29,047 22,645 23,387 Non-current assets 920,801 286,222 273,621 360,958 Total assets 995,880 315,269 296,266 384,345 Current liabilities 65,832 19,168 20,761 25,903 Non-current liabilities (1) 887,887 285,147 265,769 336,971 Total liabilities 953,719 304,315 286,530 362,874 Total stockholders' equity (2) 42,161 10,954 9,736 21,471 As of December 31, 2018 (in thousands of $) TOTAL SFL Deepwater SFL Hercules SFL Linus Current assets 58,089 19,558 16,858 21,673 Non-current assets 967,954 302,362 290,370 375,222 Total assets 1,026,043 321,920 307,228 396,895 Current liabilities 69,181 18,252 19,487 31,442 Non-current liabilities (1) 931,755 297,060 281,627 353,068 Total liabilities 1,000,936 315,312 301,114 384,510 Total stockholders' equity (2) 25,107 6,608 6,114 12,385 (1) SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus non-current liabilities at December 31, 2019 , include $113.0 million ( 2018 : $109.0 million ), $80.0 million ( 2018 : $80.0 million ) and $121.0 million ( 2018 : $121.0 million ) due to SFL, respectively (see Note 24: Related party transactions). In addition, SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus current liabilities at December 31, 2019 , include a further $1.2 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ), $3.4 million ( 2018 : $10.1 million ) and $7.4 million ( 2018 : $21.7 million ) due to SFL, respectively (see Note 24: Related party transactions). (2) In the year ended December 31, 2019 , SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus did not pay any dividends ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $3.4 million ), ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $3.8 million ), ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $7.3 million ), respectively. Summarized statement of operations information of the Company's wholly-owned equity method investees is shown below. Year ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands of $) TOTAL SFL Deepwater SFL Hercules SFL Linus Operating revenues 64,142 18,966 18,378 26,798 Net operating revenues 64,142 18,966 18,378 26,798 Net income (3) 17,054 4,346 3,622 9,086 Year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands of $) TOTAL SFL Deepwater SFL Hercules SFL Linus Operating revenues 64,572 19,594 19,126 25,852 Net operating revenues 64,410 19,540 19,049 25,821 Net income (3) 14,635 3,973 3,372 7,290 Year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands of $) TOTAL SFL Deepwater SFL Hercules SFL Linus Operating revenues 73,487 20,873 21,827 30,787 Net operating revenues 73,487 20,873 21,827 30,787 Net income (3) 23,766 5,981 6,462 11,323 (3) The net income of SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus for the year ended December 31, 2019 , includes interest payable to SFL amounting to $5.1 million ( 2018 : $5.1 million ; 2017 : $5.4 million ), $3.6 million ( 2018 : $3.6 million ; 2017 : $4.3 million ), and $5.4 million ( 2018 : $5.4 million ; 2017 : $5.5 million ), respectively (see Note 24: Related party transactions). SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus have loan facilities for which SFL provides limited guarantees, as indicated above. These loan facilities originally contained financial covenants with which both SFL and Seadrill must comply. As part of Seadrill's Restructuring Plan, the financial covenants on Seadrill were replaced by financial covenants on a newly established subsidiary of Seadrill, Seadrill Rig Holding Company Limited (“RigCo”), who also acts as guarantor for the obligations under the leases for the three drilling units, on a subordinated basis to the senior secured lenders in Seadrill and new secured notes. As at December 31, 2019 , the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under these long-term debt facilities and has not been notified of non-compliance on the part of RigCo.

ACCRUED EXPENSES

ACCRUED EXPENSES	12 Months Ended
ACCRUED EXPENSES	Dec. 31, 2019
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
ACCRUED EXPENSES	ACCRUED EXPENSES (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Vessel operating expenses 8,668 5,395 Administrative expenses 1,694 628 Interest expense 6,770 6,487 17,132 12,510

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES OTHER

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES	OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Deferred and prepaid charter revenue 10,000 7,562 Employee taxes 3,117 195 Other items 162 575 13,279 8,332

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT	Dec. 31, 2019
Long-term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT	SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Long-term debt: Norwegian kroner 900 million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2019 — 77,722 Norwegian kroner 500 million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2020 56,910 57,829 5.75% senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2021 212,230 212,230 Norwegian kroner 700 million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2023 79,674 69,395 4.875% senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2023 148,300 151,700 Norwegian kroner 700 million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2024 79,674 — Borrowings secured on Frontline shares 36,763 — U.S. dollar denominated floating rate debt due through 2025 1,013,626 891,471 Total debt principal 1,627,177 1,460,347 Less : unamortized debt issuance costs (19,089 ) (23,267 ) Less : current portion of long-term debt (253,059 ) (267,149 ) Total long-term debt 1,355,029 1,169,931 The outstanding debt as of December 31, 2019 , is repayable as follows: Year ending December 31, (in thousands of $) 2020 253,059 2021 523,156 2022 265,106 2023 299,650 2024 282,033 Thereafter 4,173 Total debt principal 1,627,177 The weighted average interest rate for consolidated floating rate debt denominated in U.S. dollars and Norwegian kroner ("NOK") as at December 31, 2019 , was 4.27% per annum including margin ( 2018 : 4.22% ). This rate takes into consideration the effect of related interest rate swaps. At December 31, 2019 , the three month US Dollar London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") was 1.91% ( 2018 : 2.81% ) and the three month Norwegian Interbank Offered Rate ("NIBOR") was 1.84% ( 2018 : 1.27% ). NOK900 million senior unsecured bonds due 2019 On March 19, 2014 , the Company issued a senior unsecured bond loan totaling NOK900.0 million in the Norwegian credit market. The bonds bear quarterly interest at NIBOR plus a margin and are redeemable in full on March 19, 2019 . The bonds may, in their entirety, be redeemed at the Company's option from September 19, 2018 , upon giving the bondholders at least 30 business days' notice and paying 100.50% of par value plus accrued interest. Subsequent to their issue, the Company has purchased bonds with principal amounts totaling NOK228.0 million . In March 2019, the Company redeemed in the full outstanding amount of NOK 672.0 million. This was fully paid in cash. The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was nil ( NOK0.0 million ), equivalent to nil ( 2018 : NOK672.0 million , equivalent to $77.7 million ). NOK500 million senior unsecured bonds due 2020 On June 22, 2017 , the Company issued a senior unsecured bond loan totaling NOK500.0 million in the Norwegian credit market. The bonds bear quarterly interest at NIBOR plus a margin and are redeemable in full on June 22, 2020 . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was NOK500.0 million , equivalent to $56.9 million ( 2018 : NOK500.0 million , equivalent to $57.8 million ). 5.75% senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2021 On October 5, 2016 , the Company issued a senior unsecured convertible bond loan totaling $225.0 million . Interest on the bonds is fixed at 5.75% per annum and is payable in cash quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. The bonds are convertible into SFL Corporation Ltd. common shares and mature on October 15, 2021 . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 was $212.2 million ( 2018 : $212.2 million ). The initial conversion rate at the time of issuance was 56.2596 common shares per $1,000 bond, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $17.7747 per share. The conversion rate will be adjusted for dividends in excess of $0.225 per common share per quarter. Since the issuance, dividend distributions have increased the conversion rate to 65.4510 common shares per $1,000 bond, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $15.28 per share. Based on the closing price of our common stock of $14.54 on December 31, 2019 , the if-converted value was less than the principal amounts by $12.6 million . The Company purchased bonds with principal amounts totaling $12.8 million in 2018 resulting in a gain of $0.9 million . No bonds were purchased in the year ended December 31, 2019 . In conjunction with the bond issue, the Company loaned up to 8,000,000 of its common shares to an affiliate of one of the underwriters of the issue, in order to assist investors in the bonds to hedge their position. The shares that were lent by the Company were initially borrowed from Hemen, the largest shareholder of the Company, for a one-time loan fee of $120,000 . In November 2016, the Company issued 8,000,000 new shares, to replace the shares borrowed from Hemen and received $80,000 from Hemen upon the return of the borrowed shares. As required by ASC 470-20 "Debt with conversion and Other Options", the Company calculated the equity component of the convertible bond, taking into account both the fair value of the conversion option and the fair value of the share lending arrangement. The equity component was valued at $4.6 million at issuance and this amount was recorded as "Additional paid-in capital", with a corresponding adjustment to "Deferred charges", which are amortized to "Interest expense" over the appropriate period. The amortization of this item amounted to $0.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : $0.9 million ). As a result of the purchase of bonds in 2018 with principal amounts totaling $12.8 million a total of $0.5 million was allocated as the reacquisition of the equity component. The balance remaining in equity as at December 31, 2019 was $4.0 million ( 2018 : $4.0 million ). NOK 700 million senior unsecured bonds due 2023 On September 13, 2018 the Company issued a senior unsecured bond totaling NOK600 million in the Norwegian credit market. The bonds bear quarterly interest at NIBOR plus a margin and are redeemable in full on September 13, 2023. On July 30, 2019 , the Company conducted a tap issue of NOK100 million under this facility. The bonds were issued at 101.625% of par, and the new outstanding amount after the tap issue is NOK700 million . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was NOK700 million , equivalent to $79.7 million ( 2018 : NOK600 million , equivalent to $69.4 million ). 4.875% senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2023 On April 23, 2018 , the Company issued a senior unsecured convertible bond totaling $150.0 million . Additional bonds were issued on May 4, 2018 at a principal amount of $14.0 million . Interest on the bonds is fixed at 4.875% per annum and is payable in cash quarterly in arrears on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1. The bonds are convertible into SFL Corporation Ltd. common shares and mature on May 1, 2023 . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 was $148.3 million ( 2018 : $151.7 million ). The initial conversion rate at the time of issuance was 52.8157 common shares per $1,000 bond, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $18.93 per share. Since the issuance, dividend distributions have increased the conversion rate to 65.4462 common shares per $1,000 bond, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $15.28 per share. Based on the closing price of our common stock of $14.54 on December 31, 2019 , the if-converted value was less than the principal amounts by $11.6 million . In January 2019 , the Company purchased bonds with principal amounts totaling $3.4 million ( 2018 : $12.3 million ). A gain of $0.3 million was recorded on the transaction ( 2018 : $0.4 million ). In conjunction with the bond issue, the Company agreed to loan up to 7,000,000 of its common shares to affiliates of the underwriters of the issue, in order to assist investors in the bonds to hedge their position. As at December 31, 2019 , a total of 3,765,842 shares were issued from up to 7,000,000 shares issuable under a share lending arrangement. As required by ASC 470-20 "Debt with conversion and Other Options", the Company calculated the equity component of the convertible bond, taking into account both the fair value of the conversion option and the fair value of the share lending arrangement. The equity component was valued at $7.9 million at issuance and this amount was recorded as "Additional paid-in capital", with a corresponding adjustment to "Deferred charges", which are amortized to "Interest expense" over the appropriate period. The amortization of this item amounted to $1.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : $1.0 million ). As a result of the purchase of bonds with principal amounts totaling $3.4 million ( 2018 : $12.3 million ), a total of $0.2 million ( 2018 : $0.6 million ) was allocated as the reacquisition of the equity component. The balance remaining in equity as at December 31, 2019 was $7.1 million ( 2018 : $7.4 million ). NOK 700 million senior unsecured bonds due 2024 On June 4, 2019 , the Company issued a senior unsecured bond totaling NOK 700 million in the Norwegian credit market. The bonds bear quarterly interest at NIBOR plus a margin and are redeemable in full on June 4, 2024 . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 was NOK 700 million equivalent to $ 79.7 million ( 2018 : NOK 0 million , equivalent to $ 0.0 million ). $24.9 million senior secured term loan facility In February 2019, three wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $24.9 million senior secured term loan facility with a bank, secured against three Supramax dry bulk carriers. The Company has provided a limited corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of approximately five years . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $22.9 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ). $50 million senior secured term loan facility In February 2019, three wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $50 million senior secured term loan facility with a bank, secured against three tankers chartered to Frontline Shipping. The Company has provided a corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of approximately four years . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $50.0 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ). $29.5 million term loan facility In March 2019, two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $29.5 million term loan facility with a bank, secured against two car carriers. The Company has provided a corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of approximately five years . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $27.0 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ). $33.1 million term loan facility In June 2019, five wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $33.1 million term loan facility with a syndicate of banks. The Company has provided a corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of approximately four years . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $33.1 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ). $142.5 million senior secured term loan facility In September 2019, three wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $142.5 million senior secured term loan facility with a bank, to partly fund the acquisition of three newbuilding crude oil tankers, against which the facility is secured. The Company has provided a corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of five years from the delivery of each vessel. The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $142.5 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ). $43 million secured term loan facility In February 2010, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company entered into a $42.6 million secured term loan facility with a bank, bearing interest at LIBOR plus a margin and with a term of approximately five years . The facility is secured against a Suezmax tanker. In November 2014 and November 2019 the terms of the loan were amended and restated, and the facility now matures in February 2020 . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $14.9 million ( 2018 : $17.8 million ). $43 million secured term loan facility In March 2010, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company entered into a $42.6 million secured term loan facility with a bank, bearing interest at LIBOR plus a margin and with a term of approximately five years . The facility is secured against a Suezmax tanker. In March 2015, the terms of the loan were amended and restated, and the facility now matures in March 2020. The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $14.9 million ( 2018 : $17.8 million ). $75 million secured term loan facility In March 2011, three wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $75.4 million secured term loan facility with a bank, secured against three Supramax dry bulk carriers. The Company has provided a limited corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of approximately eight years . This was fully repaid in February 2019. The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $0 million ( 2018 : $32.7 million ). $171 million secured term loan facility In May 2011, eight wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $171.0 million secured loan facility with a syndicate of banks. The facility is supported by China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation, or SINOSURE, which provides an insurance policy in favor of the banks for part of the outstanding loan. The facility is secured against a 1,700 TEU container vessel and seven Handysize dry bulk carriers. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of approximately ten years from delivery of each vessel. The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $63.4 million ( 2018 : $73.7 million ). $45 million secured term loan and revolving credit facility In June 2014, seven wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $45.0 million secured term loan and revolving credit facility with a bank, secured against seven 4,100 TEU container vessels. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of five years . During June 2019, the terms of loan were amended and the loan was extended by a further two years. At December 31, 2019 , the available amount under the revolving part of the facility was $0 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ). The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $45.0 million ( 2018 : $45.0 million ). $101 million secured term loan facility In August 2014, six wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $101.4 million secured term loan facility with a syndicate of banks, secured against six offshore support vessels. One of the vessels was sold in February 2016 and the facility now relates to the remaining five vessels. The Company provided a limited corporate guarantee for this facility, which bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin and had a term of five years . In October 2017, certain amendments were made to the agreement, including an extension of the final maturity date until January 2023. In June 2019, the Company repurchased $11.0 million of the facility for $9.4 million and recognized a gain on debt extinguishment of $1.7 million . Following the repurchase, the remaining outstanding balance of $33.1 million was refinanced with a new $33.1 million term loan facility in June 2019. The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $0.0 million ( 2018 : $ 44.1 million ). $20 million secured term loan facility In September 2014, two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $20.0 million secured term loan facility with a bank, secured against two 5,800 TEU container vessels. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of five years . In September 2019, the terms of the loan were amended and restated, and the facility now matures in March 2024. The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $19.1 million ( 2018 : $20.0 million ). $128 million secured term loan facility In September 2014, two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $127.5 million secured term loan facility with a bank, secured against two 8,700 TEU container vessels, which were delivered in 2014. The Company has provided a limited corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of seven years . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $84.0 million ( 2018 : $92.4 million ). $128 million secured term loan facility In November 2014, two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $127.5 million secured term loan facility with a bank, secured against two 8,700 TEU container vessels, which were delivered in 2015. The Company has provided a limited corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of seven years . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 was $87.1 million ( 2018 : $95.6 million ). $39 million secured term loan facility In December 2014, two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $39.0 million secured term loan facility with a bank, secured against two Kamsarmax dry bulk carriers. The Company has provided a limited corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of approximately eight years . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $24.3 million ( 2018 : $26.7 million ). $166 million secured term loan facility In July 2015, eight wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $166.4 million secured term loan facility with a syndicate of banks, secured against eight Capesize dry bulk carriers. The Company has provided a limited corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of seven years . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 was $104.0 million ( 2018 : $117.9 million ). $210 million secured term loan facility In November 2015, three wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $210.0 million secured term loan facility with a syndicate of banks, to partly finance the acquisition of three container vessels, against which the facility is secured. One of the vessels was delivered in 2015, and the remaining two vessels were delivered in 2016. The Company has provided a limited corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of five years from the delivery of each vessel. At December 31, 2019 , the net amount outstanding was $160.8 million ( 2018 : $173.9 million ). $76 million secured term loan facility In August 2017, two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $76.0 million secured term loan facility with a bank, secured against two product tanker vessels. The two vessels were delivered in August 2017. The Company has provided a limited corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of seven years . At December 31, 2019 , the net amount outstanding was $64.3 million ( 2018 : $69.5 million ). $50 million secured term credit facility In June 2018 , 15 wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $50.0 million secured term loan facility with a bank, secured against 15 feeder size container vessels. The 15 feeder size container vessels were delivered in April 2018 . The Company has provided a corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of seven years . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $40.7 million ( 2018 : $46.9 million ). $17.5 million secured term loan facility due 2023 In December 2018 , two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $17.5 million secured term loan facility with a bank, secured against two Supramax dry bulk carriers. The Company has provided a limited corporate guarantee for this facility, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and has a term of approximately five years . The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 , was $15.7 million ( 2018 : $17.5 million ). Borrowings secured on Frontline shares As at December 31, 2019 , the Company had a forward contract to repurchase 3.4 million shares of Frontline on June 30, 2020 for $36.8 million . The transaction has been accounted for as a secured borrowing, with the shares transferred to 'Marketable securities pledged to creditors' and a liability recorded at December 31, 2019 within debt for $36.8 million . The Company is required to post collateral of 20% of the total repurchase price plus 100% of the mark to market movement from the repurchase price for the duration of the agreement. As at December 31, 2019 , $3.5 million was held as collateral as restricted cash. The aggregate book value of assets pledged as security against borrowings at December 31, 2019 , was $1,753 million ( 2018 : $1,527 million ). Agreements related to long-term debt provide limitations on the amount of total borrowings and secured debt, and acceleration of payment under certain circumstances, including failure to satisfy certain financial covenants. As of December 31, 2019

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND OTH

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Unamortized sellers' credit — 3,282 Other items 4 4 4 3,286 The unamortized seller's credit related to five offshore support vessels on long-term bareboat charters to the Solstad Charterer. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the sellers' credit expired and the remaining unamortized balance was eliminated in conjunction with the impairment of the five vessels, four of which are accounted for as operating leases within Vessels and Equipment, net , and one as a direct financing lease. (Refer to Note 13: Vessels and equipment, net and Note 16: Investments in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets). (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Finance lease liability, current portion 68,874 67,793 Finance lease liability, long-term portion 1,037,553 1,104,258 1,106,427 1,172,051 In October 2015, the Company entered into agreements to charter in two 19,200 TEU newbuildings container vessels on a bareboat basis, each for a period of 15 years from delivery by the shipyard, and to charter out each vessel for the same 15 -year period on a bareboat basis to MSC, an unrelated party. The vessels were delivered in December 2016 and March 2017. Both vessels are accounted for as investments in direct financing leases. (See Note 16: Investments in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets). In December 2018, the Company entered into agreements to charter in a further two 19,400 TEU container vessels on a bareboat basis, each for a period of 15 years, and to charter out each vessel for the same 15 -year period on a bareboat basis to MSC, an unrelated party. The vessels were delivered in December 2018 and both are accounted for as investments in direct financing leases. (See Note 16: Investments in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets). Also in 2018, the Company acquired four 13,800 TEU container vessels and three 10,600 TEU container vessels, which were subsequently refinanced with an Asian based financial institution by entering into separate sale and leaseback financing arrangements. The vessels are leased back for terms ranging from six to 11 years , with options to purchase the vessel after six years . Due to the terms of the sale and leaseback arrangements, each option is expected to be exercised on the sixth anniversary. These sale and leaseback transactions were accounted for as vessels under finance leases. (See Note 14: Vessels under finance lease, net). The Company's future minimum lease liability under the non-cancellable finance leases are as follows: Year ending December 31, (in thousands of $) 2020 128,424 2021 126,726 2022 126,726 2023 126,726 2024 485,999 Thereafter 490,801 Total finance lease liability 1,485,402 Less: imputed interest payable (378,975 ) Present value of finance lease liability 1,106,427 Less: current portion (68,874 ) Finance lease liability, long-term portion 1,037,553 Interest incurred on the finance lease liability in the year ended December 31, 2019 was $62.8 million (2018: $21.8 million ; 2017: $16.0 million ). Following the adoption of ASU 2016-02 from January 2019, the Company now records new and modified leases as per ASC 842. The Company has elected the practical expedient to not reassess existing leases. The adoption of the standard resulted in no opening balance adjustments. See also Recently Adopted Accounting Standards within Note 1.

SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAID-

SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL AND CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL AND CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS	SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL AND CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS Authorized share capital is as follows: (in thousands of $, except share data) 2019 2018 200,000,000 common shares of $0.01 par value each (2018: 200,000,000 common shares of $0.01 par value each) 2,000 2,000 Issued and fully paid share capital is as follows: (in thousands of $, except share data) 2019 2018 119,391,310 common shares of $0.01 par value each (2018: 119,373,064 common shares of $0.01 par value each) 1,194 1,194 The Company's common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company issued a total of 18,246 new shares of $0.01 each following the exercise of 65,000 share options ( 2018 : no new shares and 2017: 7,500 new shares issued to satisfy 7,500 options exercised). The weighted average exercise price of the options exercised in 2019 was $9.92 per share. In November 2016, the Board of Directors renewed the Company's Share Option Scheme (the "Option Scheme"), originally approved in November 2006. The Option Scheme permits the Board of Directors, at its discretion, to grant options to employees, officers and directors of the Company or its subsidiaries. The fair value cost of options granted is recognized in the statement of operations, and the corresponding amount is credited to additional paid in capital (see also Note 23: Share option plan). At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held in September 2018, a resolution was passed to approve an increase of the Company’s authorized share capital from $1,500,000 divided into 150,000,000 common shares of $0.01 par value each to $2,000,000 divided into 200,000,000 common shares of $0.01 par value each by the authorization of an additional 50,000,000 common shares of $0.01 par value each. In May 2018 , the Company issued a total of 4,024,984 new shares as part of the consideration paid for the acquisition of four 2014 built container vessels, each with 13,800 TEU carrying capacity. The vessels are employed under long-term time-charters to an unrelated third party (see Note 14: Vessels under Finance Lease, net). In April 2018 , the Company issued a total of 3,765,842 new shares of par value $0.01 each from up to 7,000,000 issuable under a share lending arrangement in relation with the Company's issuance of 4.875% senior unsecured convertible bonds in April and May 2018. The shares issued have been loaned to affiliates of the underwriters of the bond issue in order to assist investors in the bonds to hedge their position. The bonds are convertible into common shares and mature on May 1, 2023. As required by ASC 470-20 "Debt with Conversion and Other Options", the Company calculated the equity component of the convertible bond, which was valued at $7.9 million at issue date and recorded as "Additional paid-in capital" (see Note 20: Short-term and long-term debt). During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company purchased bonds with principal amounts totaling $3.4 million (2018: $12.3 million ). The equity component of these extinguished bonds was valued at $0.2 million (2018: $0.6 million ) and has been deducted from "Additional paid-in capital". In February 2018 , the Company redeemed the full outstanding amount under the 3.25% senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2018. The remaining outstanding principal amount of $63.2 million was paid in cash, and the premium settled in common shares with the issue of 651,365 new shares (see Note 20: Short-term and long-term debt). In October 2017, the Company issued a total of 9,418,798 new shares following separate privately negotiated transactions with certain holders of the 3.25% senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2018 for the conversion of a principal amount of $121.0 million from the outstanding balance of the convertible bonds. In November 2016, in relation with the Company's issue in October 2016 of senior unsecured convertible bonds totaling $225 million , the Company issued 8,000,000 new shares of par value $0.01 each. The shares were issued at par value and have been loaned to an affiliate of one of the underwriters of the bond issue, in order to assist investors in the bonds to hedge their position. The bonds are convertible into common shares and mature on October 15, 2021. The initial conversion rate at the time of issuance was 56.2596 common shares per $1,000 bond, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $17.7747 per share to the share price at the time. Since then, dividend distributions have increased the conversion rate to 65.4510 , equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $15.28 per share. As required by ASC 470-20 "Debt with conversion and Other Options", the Company calculated the equity component of the convertible bond, which was valued at $4.0 million and recorded as "Additional paid-in capital" (see Note 20: Short-term and long-term debt). In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company purchased bonds with principal amounts totaling $0.0 million ( 2018 : $12.8 million ). The equity component of these extinguished bonds was valued at $0.0 million (2018: $0.5 million ) and has been deducted from "Additional paid-in capital". During the year ended December 31, 2019 , $31.9 million of the dividend declared was paid from contributed surplus ( 2018 : $0.0 million ).

SHARE OPTION PLAN

SHARE OPTION PLAN	12 Months Ended
SHARE OPTION PLAN	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
SHARE OPTION PLAN	SHARE OPTION PLAN In November 2006, the Board of Directors approved the Company's Share Option Scheme (the "Option Scheme"). The Option Scheme will expire in November 2026, following the renewal in November 2016. The terms and conditions remain unchanged from those originally adopted in November 2006 and permits the Board of Directors, at its discretion, to grant options to employees, officers and directors of the Company or its subsidiaries. The fair value cost of options granted is recognized in the statement of operations, and the corresponding amount is credited to additional paid-in capital. As of December 31, 2019 additional paid-in capital was credited with $0.9 million relating to the fair value of options granted in March 2016, September 2017, April 2018, January 2019 and March 2019. In January 2019, the Company awarded 100,000 share options at a strike price of $11.50 to one officer of the Company and in March 2019, the Company awarded a further 425,000 share options at a strike price of $12.35 to directors, officers and employees pursuant to the Company's Share Option Scheme. The 525,000 awarded in 2019 have a five years term and a three years vesting period and the first options will be exercisable from January 2020 and March 2020 onwards. The average initial strike price was $12.19 per share. The following summarizes share option transactions related to the Option Scheme in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : 2019 2018 2017 Options Weighted average exercise price $ Options Weighted average exercise price $ Options Weighted average exercise price $ Options outstanding at beginning of year 417,500 11.43 369,500 12.20 279,000 13.03 Granted 525,000 12.19 83,000 14.67 113,000 14.30 Exercised (65,000 ) 9.92 — — (7,500 ) 11.78 Forfeited (42,500 ) 11.80 (35,000 ) 10.03 (15,000 ) 11.78 Options outstanding at end of year 835,000 10.72 417,500 11.43 369,500 12.20 Exercisable at end of year 236,167 9.58 111,500 10.03 85,500 11.43 The exercise price of each option is progressively reduced by the amount of any dividends declared. The above figures show the average of the reduced exercise prices at the beginning and end of the year for options then outstanding. For options granted, exercised or forfeited during the year, the above figures show the average of the exercise prices at the time the options were granted, exercised or forfeited, as appropriate. The fair values of options granted are estimated on the date of the grant, using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model. The fair values are then expensed over the periods in which the options vest. The weighted average fair value of options granted in 2019 was $2.68 per share as at grant date ( 2018 : $3.49 ; 2017 : $3.77 ). The weighted average assumptions used to calculate the fair values of the new options granted in 2019 were (a) risk free interest rate of 2.36% ( 2018 : 2.63% ; 2017 : 1.58% ); (b) expected share price volatility of 25.0% ( 2018 : 29.5% ; 2017 : 33.0% ); (c) expected dividend yield of 0% ( 2018 : 0% ; 2017 : 0% ) and (d) expected life of options 3.5 years ( 2018 : 3.5 years ; 2017 : 3.5 years ). The total intrinsic value of 65,000 options exercised in 2019 was $0.3 million on the day of exercise and the Company issued a total of 18,246 new shares in full satisfaction of this intrinsic value, with no cash exchanges. There were no options exercises in 2018 . In 2017 , the total intrinsic value of 7,500 options exercised was $0.02 million . The Company issued 7,500 new shares and received cash of $0.1 million in satisfaction of the value. As of December 31, 2019 , there are 236,167 options fully vested but not exercised ( 2018 : 111,500 options; 2017 : 85,500 options) and their intrinsic value amounted to $1.2 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $0.3 million ). The weighted average remaining term of the vested exercisable options is 1.8 years as of December 31, 2019 . As of December 31, 2019 , the unrecognized compensation costs relating to non-vested options granted under the Option Scheme was $0.8 million ( 2018 : $0.3 million ; 2017 : $0.5 million ) and their intrinsic value amounted to $2 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $0.9 million ). This cost will be recognized over the remaining vesting periods, which average 1.3 years ( 2018 : 1.4 years ; 2017 : 2.0 years ). During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company recognized a net expense of $0.8 million in compensation cost relating to the stock options ( 2018 : $0.4 million ; 2017 : $0.4 million ).

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company has had transactions with the following related parties, being companies in which our principal shareholder Hemen Holding and companies associated with Hemen have, or had, a significant direct or indirect interest: – Frontline – Frontline Shipping – Seadrill – Golden Ocean – Seatankers Management Co. Ltd. (“Seatankers”) – NorAm Drilling – Golden Close Corp. Ltd. ("Golden Close") – Sterna Finance Ltd. ("Sterna Finance") – ADS Crude Carriers The Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following amounts due from and to related parties and associated companies, excluding investment in direct financing lease balances (Refer to Note 16: Investments in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets). (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Amounts due from: Frontline Shipping 2,948 1,225 Frontline 6,708 8,430 Seadrill 51 223 SFL Linus 7,392 21,718 SFL Deepwater 1,246 — SFL Hercules 3,423 10,125 Golden Ocean 627 50 Other related parties 4 — Total amount due from related parties 22,399 41,771 Loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term SFL Deepwater 113,000 109,144 SFL Hercules 80,000 80,000 SFL Linus 121,000 121,000 Total loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term 314,000 310,144 Long-term receivables from related parties Frontline 9,171 11,170 Frontline Shipping 4,445 4,446 Total long-term receivables from related parties 13,616 15,616 Amounts due to: Frontline Shipping 3,884 1,125 Frontline 47 125 Golden Ocean — 91 Other related parties 49 8 Total amount due to related parties 3,980 1,349 SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus are wholly-owned subsidiaries which are not fully consolidated but are accounted for under the equity method as at December 31, 2019 within the financial statements (Refer to Note 17: Investments in associated companies). As described below in "Related party loans", at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the long-term loans from the Company to SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules, and SFL Linus are presented net of their respective current accounts to the extent that it is an amount due to the associates. Related party leasing and service contracts One of the Company's offshore support vessels ( 2018 : one ) accounted for as a direct financing lease and four of the Company's offshore support vessels ( 2018 : four ) accounted for as operating leases were employed under long term charters to a subsidiary of Deep Sea. In June 2017, Deep Sea completed a merger with Solstad Offshore ASA and Farstad Shipping ASA, creating Solstad Farstad, with Hemen's shareholding in Solstad Farstad being below 20% . In October 2018, Solstad Farstad changed its name to Solstad Offshore ASA ("Solstad").The Company determined that Solstad was not a related party as a result of the merger. Following the merger, Solship (formerly Deep Sea), a wholly owned subsidiary of Solstad Farstad, acts as charter guarantor under the long-term charter agreements. As at December 31, 2019 , three of the Company's vessels leased to Frontline Shipping ( 2018 : three ) are recorded as investment in direct financing leases. At December 31, 2019 , the balance of net investments in direct financing leases with Frontline Shipping was $111.5 million ( 2018 : $115.0 million ), of which $8.3 million ( 2018 : $8.0 million ) represents short-term maturities. In addition, included within vessels and equipment chartered under operating leases at December 31, 2019 , there were eight Capesize dry bulk carriers leased to a fully guaranteed subsidiary of Golden Ocean ( 2018 : eight ). At December 31, 2019 , the net book value of assets leased under operating leases to Golden Ocean was $201.7 million ( 2018 : $217.7 million ). A summary of leasing revenues and repayments from Frontline Shipping and Golden Ocean is as follows: (in millions of $) 2019 2018 2017 Operating lease income 51.1 53.3 59.4 Direct financing lease interest income 3.8 9.6 16.4 Direct financing lease service revenue 9.9 22.1 35.0 Direct financing lease repayments 7.9 16.8 25.1 Profit share 5.6 1.8 5.8 In June 2015, amendments were made to the charter agreements relating to 17 vessels. The amendments, which are effective from July 1, 2015, and do not affect the duration of the leases, include reductions in the daily time-charter rates to $20,000 per day for VLCCs and $15,000 per day for Suezmax tankers. As consideration for the agreed amendments, the Company received 55 million , (which was reduced to 11 million shares in February 2016 after Frontline enacted a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of its ordinary shares) and also an increase in the profit sharing percentage (see below). A dividend restriction was introduced on Frontline Shipping whereby it can only make distributions to its parent company if it can demonstrate it meets certain conditions. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company received dividend income totaling $0.3 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $3.3 million ) on these shares. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , SFL entered into an agreement with Golden Ocean, where the Company agreed to finance EGCS installations on seven of the eight Capesize bulk carriers with an amount of up to $2.5 million per vessel, in return for increased charterhire of $1,535 per day for the 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2025 with installations expected to take place up to 2020, upon which the cost will be capitalized into the value of the assets. Profits sharing arrangements were not changed. Also, two of the three VLCC crude tankers underwent EGCS installations during the year ended December 31, 2019 . The Company incurred costs of $4.2 million , which represent a 50% share of joint costs with Frontline Shipping. Profits sharing arrangements were not changed. Frontline Shipping pays the Company profit sharing of 50% of their earnings on a time-charter equivalent basis from their use of the Company's fleet above average threshold charter rates calculated on a quarterly basis. The Company earned and recognized profit sharing revenue under the 50% arrangement of $4.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : $1.5 million ; 2017 : $5.6 million ). In the event that vessels on charter to the Frontline Shipping are agreed to be sold, the Company may either pay or receive compensation for the early termination of the lease. In February 2018 , the Company sold the VLCC Front Circassia to an unrelated third party and a termination fee of $4.4 million at fair value (face value $8.9 million ) was received from Frontline Shipping in the form of a loan note. The loan note bears interest at a rate of 7.5% and matures in December 2021. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company received interest income on these loan notes from Frontline Shipping totaling $0.7 million ( 2018 : $0.5 million ; 2017 : $0.0 million ). In 2018 , the Company also sold the VLCCs Front Page, Front Stratus and Front Serenade to a related third party. The vessels were delivered to the new owner, ADS, in July 2018, August 2018 and September 2018, respectively, and an aggregate termination fee of $10.1 million at fair value was received from Frontline in the form of three loan notes. The loan notes bear interest at a rate of 7.5% each and mature between November 2024 and May 2025. In October 2018, the Company sold and delivered the VLCC Front Ariake to an unrelated third party. A termination fee of $3.4 million at fair value was received from Frontline in the form of a loan note. The loan note bears interest at a rate of 7.5% and matures in November 2023. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company received interest income on the four loan notes from Frontline totaling $0.9 million ( 2018 : $0.3 million ; 2017 : $0.0 million ). In 2017, Front Century, Front Brabant, Front Scilla and Front Ardenne on charter to Frontline Shipping were sold and their leases canceled. The Company received agreed termination fees of $4.1 million , $3.6 million , $6.5 million and $4.8 million , respectively. In February 2016, the offshore support vessel Sea Bear on charter to a subsidiary of Deep Sea was sold and its lease canceled. An agreed termination fee was received in the form of loan notes from Deep Sea, receivable over the approximately six remaining years of the canceled lease. The initial face value of the notes received, on which interest at 7.25% is receivable, was $14.6 million and their initial fair value of $11.6 million was determined from analysis of projected cash flows, based on factors including the terms, provisions and other characteristics of the notes, default risk of the issuing entity, the fundamental financial and other characteristics of that entity, and the current economic environment and trading activity in the debt market. From October 2017, due to the merger of Deep Sea, Solstad Offshore ASA and Farstad Shipping ASA, this loan note is no longer considered a related party receivable. The Company received $0.4 million interest on the loan note in 2017 up until it was considered a related party receivable. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company had eight dry bulk carriers operating on time-charters to a subsidiary of Golden Ocean, which include profit sharing arrangements whereby the Company earns a 33% share of profits earned by the vessels above threshold levels. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company earned $0.8 million income under this arrangement ( 2018 : $0.2 million ; 2017 : $0.2 million ). As at December 31, 2019 , the Company was owed a total of $2.9 million ( 2018 : owes $1.2 million ) by Frontline Shipping in respect of leasing contracts and profit share. At December 31, 2019 , the Company was owed $6.7 million ( 2018 : $8.4 million ) by Frontline in respect of various short-term items, including vessel management fees and items relating to the operation of vessels trading in a pool with two vessels owned by Frontline. At December 31, 2019 , the Company was owed $7.4 million ( 2018 : $21.7 million ), $1.2 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ) and $3.4 million ( 2018 : $10.1 million ) by SFL Linus, SFL Deepwater and SFL Hercules, respectively in addition to the loan due to the Company - see below. The vessels leased to Frontline Shipping are on time charter terms and for each such vessel the Company pays a fixed management/operating fee of $9,000 per day to Frontline Management (Bermuda) Ltd. ("Frontline Management"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Frontline. An exception to this arrangement is for any vessel leased to Frontline Shipping which is sub-chartered on a bareboat basis, for which there is no management fee payable for the duration of the bareboat sub-charter. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company also had 14 container vessels, 14 dry bulk carriers, two Suezmax tankers, two car carriers and two product tankers operating on time charter or in the spot market, for which the supervision of the technical management was sub-contracted to Frontline Management. Management fees incurred are included in the table below. The vessels leased to a subsidiary of Golden Ocean are on time charter terms and for each vessel the Company pays a fixed management/operating fee of $7,000 per day to Golden Ocean Management (Bermuda) Ltd. ("Golden Ocean Management"). Additionally, in the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company had 14 container vessels and 14 dry bulk carriers operating on time-charters, for which part of the operational management was sub-contracted to Golden Ocean Management. Management fees incurred are included in the table below. Management fees are classified as vessel operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. In addition to leasing revenues and repayments, the Company incurred fees with related parties. The Company operates the Suezmax tankers Glorycrown and Everbright in the spot market and pays Frontline and its subsidiaries, a management fee of 1.25% of chartering revenues. The Company paid fees to Frontline Management for administrative services, including corporate services, and fees to Seatankers for the provision of advisory and support services. The Company also paid fees to Seatankers Management Norway AS for the provision of office facilities in Oslo, fees to Frontline Corporate Services Ltd for the provision of office facilities in London and Golden Ocean for administrative services. Year ended (in thousands of $) December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Frontline: Vessel Management Fees 11,758 24,033 36,536 Newbuilding Supervision Fees — — 979 Commissions and Brokerage 291 287 269 Administration Services Fees 201 323 335 Golden Ocean: Vessel Management Fees 20,440 20,440 20,440 Operating Management Fees 894 793 738 Administration Services Fees 30 — — Seatankers: Administration Services Fees 739 290 82 Office Facilities: Seatankers Management Norway AS 104 108 105 Frontline Management AS 198 185 136 Frontline Corporate Services Ltd. 212 166 173 As at December 31, 2019 , the Company owed Frontline Management and Frontline Management AS a combined total of $0.05 million ( 2018 : $0.1 million ) for various items, including technical supervision fees and office costs. In the year ended December 31, 2017, in addition to the above, the Company also paid $0.4 million to a subsidiary of Seadrill for the provision of management services for the jack-up drilling rig Soehanah. Related party loans – associated companies SFL has entered into agreements with SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus granting them loans of $145.0 million , $145.0 million and $125.0 million , respectively. The loans to SFL Deepwater and SFL Hercules are fixed interest rate loans, and the loan to SFL Linus was interest free until the newbuilding jack-up drilling rig was delivered to that company, since when it has been a fixed interest rate loan. These loans are repayable in full on October 1, 2023, October 1, 2023 and June 30, 2029, respectively, or earlier if the companies sell their drilling units. The net outstanding loan balances as at December 31, 2019 , were $113.0 million , $80.0 million , and $121.0 million for SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus, respectively. SFL is entitled to take excess cash from these companies, and such amounts are recorded within their current accounts with SFL. The loan agreements specify that the balance on the current accounts will have no interest applied and will be settled by offset against the eventual repayments of the fixed interest loans. In addition to this, as at December 31, 2019 , the Company has current receivables of $1.2 million , $3.4 million , $7.4 million from SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus, respectively ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; $10.1 million ; $21.7 million , respectively). In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company received interest income on these loans of $5.1 million from SFL Deepwater ( 2018 : $5.1 million ; 2017 : $5.4 million ), $3.6 million from SFL Hercules ( 2018 : $3.6 million ; 2017 : $4.3 million ) and $5.4 million from SFL Linus ( 2018 : $5.4 million ; 2017 : $5.5 million ) totaling $14.1 million ( 2018 : $14.1 million ; 2017 : $15.2 million ). Related party purchases and sales of vessels In the year ended December 31, 2019 , no related party vessel sales took place. In the year ended December 31, 2018 , the VLCCs Front Page , Front Stratus and Front Serenade which were accounted for as direct financing leases, were sold to a related party, ADS Crude Carriers. Gains of $0.3 million , $0.2 million and $0.3 million were recorded on the disposal of the vessels, respectively. The gross proceeds from the sale was $22.5 million per vessel in addition to compensation, in the form of loan notes of $3.4 million each, received for the early termination of the charters. No vessels were acquired from or sold to related parties in the year ended December 31, 2017. Long-term receivables from related parties The Company received a loan note from Frontline Shipping as compensation for the early termination of the charter of Front Circassia in February 2018. The initial face value of the note was $8.9 million , however, SFL recorded the loan note at an initial fair market value of $4.4 million . The loan note bears interest at a rate of 7.5% and matures in December 2021. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company received interest income on this loan note of $0.7 million ( 2018 : $0.5 million; 2017 : $0.0 million). This is a non amortizing loan note so there was no repayment received in respect of this loan note. The Company received loan notes from Frontline as compensation for the early termination of the charters of Front Page, Front Stratus and Front Serenade in July, August and September 2018, respectively. The initial face value of the notes was $3.4 million each, and bears interest at a rate of 7.5% . The loan notes mature in between November 2024 and May 2025. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company received interest income of $0.7 million ( 2018 : $0.3 million; 2017 : $0.0 million) and loan repayments of $1.2 million ( 2018 : $0.4 million ; 2017 : $0.0 million ) in respect of the notes. The Company received a loan note from Frontline as compensation for the early termination of the charter of Front Ariake in October 2018. The initial face value of the note was $3.4 million and bears interest at a rate of 7.5% . The note matures in December 2023. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company received interest income of $0.2 million ( 2018 : $0.1 million; 2017 : $0.0 million) and loan repayments of $0.6 million ( 2018 : $0.1 million ; 2017 : $0.0 million ) on this loan note. Other related party transactions In December 2019, the Company signed a $7.5 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility agreement with ADS Crude Carriers Plc, as ‘Borrower’ whereby SFL will provide $5 million of the unsecured facility or 67% . The facility is available for 12 months and carries an interest rate and a commitment fee on the undrawn available balance of the facility. The borrower can voluntarily cancel or repay the facility, in whole or part. The Company received an upfront fee of $50,000 in respect of this contract in the year ended December 31, 2019 . In May 2018, four wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $320.0 million unsecured loan facility provided by an affiliate of Hemen, Sterna Finance. The unsecured intermediary loan facility was entered into partly to fund the acquisition of four 13,800 TEU container vessels acquired in May 2018. The Company had provided a corporate guarantee for this loan facility, which had a fixed interest rate, was non-amortizing and had a term of 13 months from the drawdown date of the loan. Interest expense incurred on the loan in the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.0 million ( 2018 : $6.4 million; 2017 : $0.0 million). The loan balance was prepaid in full in November 2018. In August 2018, the Company acquired approximately 4.0 million shares in ADS Crude Carriers, a newly formed company trading on the Oslo Merkur Market. The shares were purchased for $10.0 million , and have a fair value of $13.2 million at December 31, 2019 (Refer to Note 11: Investments in debt and equity securities). These shares, on which $0.3 million in dividend income was received in the year ended December 31, 2019 , represent 17% of the outstanding shares in the company. In November 2016, the Company acquired approximately 12 million shares in NorAm Drilling for a consideration of approximately $0.7 million . In November 2018, NorAm undertook a share consolidation of 20 :1, resulting in a revised investment of 601,023 shares. On the same day NorAm participated in a rights issue, increasing the Company's investment in shares by approximately 0.6 million shares. In December 2018, the Company acquired an additional 41,756 shares bringing the total investment in NorAm to approximately 1.3 million shares with a fair value of $3.9 million . This investment, on which no dividend was received in the year ended December 31, 2019 , is included in "Investments in debt and equity securities" (Note 11) ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $0.0 million ). The Company also holds within "Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" senior secured corporate bonds in NorAm Drilling due 2021. In 2018, the Company redeemed a total of approximately 0.5 million units at par value and recorded no gain or loss on redemption. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company partially disposed of its investment in NorAm Drilling securities at par value of $0.3 million . The fair value of the remaining holding at December 31, 2019 was $4.7 million ( 2018 : $5.2 million ; 2017 : $5.5 million ). The Company recorded $0.5 million interest income on its holding of investments in secured notes issued by NorAm Drilling ( 2018 : $0.5 million ; 2017 : $0.5 million ). In addition, the Company earned other income of $0.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2019 , ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $0.1 million ). This investment is included in Note 11: Investments in debt and equity securities. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company divested its holding in Golden Close securities. The Company received net proceeds of $45.6 million , resulting in an overall gain of $13.5 million . The Company earned $0.2 million interest income on its holding of investments in secured notes issued by Golden Close, up to the date of divestment, in the year ended December 31, 2018 ( 2017 : $0.6 million ). In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company received $2.0 million final dividend distribution upon the liquidation of Golden Close. As at December 31, 2019 , the net investment in Golden Close debt and equity securities is $0.0 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $28.5 million ). In June 2017, the Company facilitated a performance guarantee in favour of an oil company relating to a contract for the drillship Deepsea Metro 1 . The guarantee had a maximum liability limited to $18.0 million , a maturity of up to six months , and was secured under a first lien mortgage over the drillship, ranking ahead of other secured claims. In the year ended December 2017 , the Company recorded net fee income of $0.4 million for facilitating the guarantee. The performance guarantee agreement was terminated in September 2017.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS In certain situations, the Company may enter into financial instruments to reduce the risk associated with fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates. The Company has a portfolio of swaps which swap floating rate interest to fixed rate, and which also fix the Norwegian kroner to US dollar exchange rate applicable to the interest payable and principal repayment on the NOK bonds. From a financial perspective these swaps hedge interest rate and exchange rate exposure. The counterparties to such contracts are DNB Bank ASA, Nordea Bank Finland Plc., ABN AMRO Bank N.V., NIBC Bank N.V., Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), ING Bank N.V., Danske Bank A/S, Swedbank AB (publ), Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank S.A. and Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Credit risk exists to the extent that the counterparties are unable to perform under the contracts, but this risk is considered not to be substantial as the counterparties are all banks which have provided the Company with loans. The following tables present the fair values of the Company's derivative instruments that were designated as cash flow hedges and qualified as part of a hedging relationship, and those that were not designated: (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Designated derivative instruments -short-term assets: Interest rate swaps 520 — Non-designated derivative instruments -short-term assets: Cross currency interest rate swaps — 5,279 Total derivative instruments - short-term assets 520 5,279 Designated derivative instruments -long-term assets: Interest rate swaps 377 5,459 Cross currency interest rate swaps 189 — Non-designated derivative instruments -long-term assets: Interest rate swaps 2,913 5,174 Total derivative instruments - long-term assets 3,479 10,633 (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Designated derivative instruments -short-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps 6,067 — Cross currency interest rate swaps — 33,004 Non-designated derivative instruments -short-term liabilities: Cross currency interest rate swaps — 12,043 Total derivative instruments - short-term liabilities 6,067 45,047 Designated derivative instruments -long-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps 5,477 1,811 Cross currency interest rate swaps 2,105 4,709 Cross currency swaps 11,049 9,607 Non-designated derivative instruments -long-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps 1,948 86 Total derivative instruments - long-term liabilities 20,579 16,213 Interest rate risk management The Company manages its debt portfolio with interest rate swap agreements denominated in U.S. dollars and Norwegian kroner to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating interest rates. At December 31, 2019 , the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries had entered into interest rate swap transactions, involving the payment of fixed rates in exchange for LIBOR or NIBOR, as summarized below. The summary includes all swap transactions, most of which are hedges against specific loans. Notional Principal (in thousands of $) Inception date Maturity date Fixed interest rate $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) August 2011 August 2021 2.50% - 2.93% $108,867 (terminating at $79,733) May 2012 August 2022 1.76% - 1.85% $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) March 2013 April 2023 1.85% - 1.97% $83,938 (reducing to $70,125) December 2016 December 2021 2.88% - 3.12% $87,125 (reducing to $70,125) January 2017 January 2022 2.28% - 2.79% $24,267 (reducing to $19,413) September 2015 March 2022 1.67 % $160,781 (reducing to $149,844) February 2016 February 2021 1.07% - 1.26% $63,987 (equivalent to NOK500 million) October 2017 March - June 2020 6.86% - 6.96% * $56,000 (remaining at $56,000) June 2019 September 2023 1.84 % † $14,699 (equivalent to NOK128 million) June 2019 September 2023 6.70% - 6.77% * $11,254 (equivalent to NOK100 million) August 2019 September 2023 6.378 % † $30,000 (remaining at $30,000) June 2019 June 2024 2.15 % † $48,332 (equivalent to NOK420 million) June 2019 June 2024 6.85% - 6.90% † $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) August 2019 August 2029 1.45% - 1.60% * These swaps relate to the NOK500 million and NOK 700 million unsecured bonds due 2020 and 2023 respectively, whereby the fixed interest rate paid is exchanged for NIBOR plus the margin on the bond. † These swaps relate to the NOK 700 million and NOK 700 million unsecured bonds due 2023 and 2024 respectively, where a fixed interest rate is paid in exchange for LIBOR excluding margin on the underlying bonds. The total net notional principal amount subject to interest swap agreements as at December 31, 2019 , was $1.0 billion ( 2018 : $0.9 billion ). Foreign currency risk management The Company is party to currency swap transactions, involving the payment of U.S. dollars in exchange for Norwegian kroner and the payment of Norwegian kroner in exchange for U.S. dollars, which are designated as hedges against the NOK500 million , NOK 700 million and NOK 700 million senior unsecured bonds due 2020, 2023 and 2024 respectively. Principal Receivable Principal Payable Inception date Maturity date NOK500 million US$64.0 million October 2017 March - June 2020 NOK600 million US$76.8 million June 2019 September 2023 NOK100 million US$11.3 million August 2019 September 2023 NOK700 million US$80.5 million June 2019 June 2024 Apart from the NOK500 million , NOK 700 million and NOK 700 million senior unsecured bonds due 2020, 2023 and 2024, respectively, the majority of the Company's transactions, assets and liabilities are denominated in U.S. dollars, the functional currency of the Company. Other than the corresponding currency swap transactions summarized above, the Company has not entered into forward contracts for either transaction or translation risk. Accordingly, there is a risk that currency fluctuations could have an adverse effect on the Company's cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. Fair Values The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2019 , and 2018 , are as follows: 2019 2019 2018 2018 (in thousands of $) Carrying value Fair value Carrying value Fair value Non-derivatives: Available-for-sale debt securities 12,753 12,753 13,245 13,245 Equity Securities 17,551 17,551 73,929 73,929 Equity securities pledged to creditors 43,775 43,775 — — Floating rate NOK bonds due 2019 — — 77,722 77,916 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2020 56,910 58,191 57,829 58,841 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2023 79,674 81,567 69,395 69,568 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2024 79,674 79,674 — — 5.75% unsecured convertible bonds due 2021 212,230 227,025 212,230 199,496 4.875% unsecured convertible bonds due 2023 148,300 165,503 151,700 139,374 Derivatives: Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables 520 520 5,279 5,279 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term receivables 3,479 3,479 10,633 10,633 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term payables 6,067 6,067 45,047 45,047 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term payables 20,579 20,579 16,213 16,213 The above short-term receivables relating to interest rate/ currency swap contracts at December 31, 2019 , all relate to designated hedges. The above long-term receivables relating to interest rate/ currency swap contracts at December 31, 2019 , include $2.9 million which relates to non-designated swap contracts ( 2018 : $5.2 million ), with the balance relating to designated hedges. The above short-term payables relating to interest rate/ currency swap contracts at December 31, 2019 , include $0.0 million which relates to non-designated swap contracts ( 2018 : $12.0 million ), with the balance relating to designated hedges. The above long-term payables relating to interest rate/ currency swap contracts at December 31, 2019 , include $1.9 million which relates to non-designated swap contracts ( 2018 : $0.1 million ), with the balance relating to designated hedges. In accordance with the accounting policy relating to interest rate and currency swaps (see Note 2 "Accounting policies: Derivatives – Interest rate and currency swaps"), and following the adoption of ASU 2017-12, where the Company has designated the swap as a hedge, changes in the fair values of interest rate swaps are recognized in other comprehensive income. Changes in the fair value of other swaps not designated as hedges are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The above fair values of financial assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2019 , are measured as follows: Fair value measurements using December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (in thousands of $) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Available-for-sale debt securities 12,753 4,690 8,063 Equity securities 17,551 17,551 Equity securities pledged to creditors 43,775 43,775 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables 520 520 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts - long-term receivables 3,479 3,479 Total assets 78,078 66,016 12,062 — Liabilities: Floating rate NOK bonds due 2020 58,191 58,191 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2023 81,567 81,567 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2024 79,674 79,674 5.75% unsecured convertible bonds due 2021 227,025 227,025 4.875% unsecured convertible bonds due 2023 165,503 165,503 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term payables 6,067 6,067 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term payables 20,579 20,579 Total liabilities 638,606 611,960 26,646 — The above fair values of financial assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2018 , were measured as follows: Fair value measurements using December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (in thousands of $) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Available-for-sale debt securities 13,245 13,245 — Equity securities 73,929 73,929 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables 5,279 5,279 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term receivables 10,633 10,633 Total assets 103,086 87,174 15,912 — Liabilities: Floating rate NOK bonds due 2019 77,916 77,916 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2020 58,841 58,841 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2023 69,568 69,568 5.75% unsecured convertible bonds due 2021 199,496 199,496 4.875% unsecured convertible bonds due 2023 139,374 139,374 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term payables 45,047 45,047 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term payables 16,213 16,213 Total liabilities 606,455 545,195 61,260 — ASC Topic 820 "Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures" ("ASC 820") emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within levels one and two of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within level three of the hierarchy). Level 1 inputs utilize unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in level one that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, other than quoted prices, such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities, which typically are based on an entity's own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Investment in equity securities consist of (i) listed Frontline shares (ii) NorAm Drilling shares traded in the OTC market and (iii) ADS Crude Carriers shares traded on the Merkur Market whilst the investments in available-for-sale debt securities consist of listed and unlisted corporate bonds. At December 31, 2019 the Company determined that the available for sale corporate bonds held in Oro Negro valued at $8.1 million should be classified as Level 2 measurements (2018: Level 1). The fair value of these corporate bonds is based on the latest available quoted prices, but due these bonds beginning the process of being converted to new bonds there was no trading in December therefore the Company concluded that level one classification was not appropriate at December 31, 2019 . The estimated fair values for the floating rate NOK bonds due 2020, 2023 and 2024, and the 5.75% and 4.875% unsecured convertible bonds are based on the quoted market prices as at the balance sheet date. The fair value of interest rate and currency swap contracts is calculated using established independent valuation techniques applied to contracted cash flows and LIBOR/NIBOR interest rates as at the balance sheet date. Concentrations of risk There is a concentration of credit risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents to the extent that amounts are carried with Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, ABN AMRO, Nordea, Bank of Valletta, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, ING Bank, Danske Bank, BNPP Bank, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley and DNB Bank. However, the Company believes this risk is remote, as these financial institutions are established and reputable establishments with no prior history of default. The Company does not require collateral or other securities to support financial instruments that are subject to credit risk. There is also a concentration of revenue risk with certain customers to whom the Company has chartered multiple vessels. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , Frontline Shipping accounted for approximately 4% of our consolidated operating revenues ( 2018 : 8% , 2017 : 15% ). Frontline Shipping is a 100% owned subsidiary of Frontline, but the performance under the leases is not guaranteed by Frontline following amendments agreed in 2015. There is no requirement for a minimum cash balance in Frontline Shipping, but in exchange for releasing the guarantee a dividend restriction was introduced on Frontline Shipping whereby it can only make distributions to its parent company if it can demonstrate it will have minimum free cash of $2 million per vessel both prior to and following (i) such distribution and (ii) the payment of the next hire due and any profit share accrued under the charters. Due to the current depressed tanker market, there is a risk that Frontline Shipping may not have sufficient funds to pay the agreed charterhires. However, the performance under the fixed price agreements with Frontline Management whereby we pay management fees of $9,000 per day for each vessel to cover all operating costs including drydocking costs, is guaranteed by Frontline. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company had eight Capesize dry bulk carriers leased to a subsidiary of Golden Ocean which accounted for approximately 11% of our consolidated operating revenues ( 2018 : 13% , 2017 : 14% ). The Company also had 32 container vessels on long-term bareboat charters to MSC, which accounted for approximately 14% of our consolidated operating revenues in the year ended December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : 11% , 2017 : 10% ). Following the acquisition of Hamburg Süd by Maersk Line A/S (“Maersk”) in November 2017, the Company had 10 container vessels on long-term time charters to Maersk at December 31, 2019 , which accounted for approximately 30% of our consolidated operating revenues ( 2018 : 27% ; 2017 : 14% ). In the year ended December 31, 2019 , the company had four container vessels on time charter to Evergreen Marine Corp., which accounted for approximately 14% of our consolidated operating revenues in the year ended December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : 10% , 2017 : 0% ). In addition, a significant portion of our net income is generated from our associated companies that lease rigs to subsidiaries of Seadrill. In the year ended December 31, 2019 , income from our associated companies accounted for 35.0% of our net income ( 2018 : 39.1% , 2017 : 38.6% ). The Company and three of the Company's subsidiaries, who own and lease the drilling rigs West Linus, West Hercules and West Taurus to subsidiaries of Seadrill, agreed to the Restructuring Plan announced by Seadrill in September 2017. As part of the agreement, SFL and its relevant subsidiaries have agreed to reduce the contractual charter hire payable by the relevant Seadrill subsidiaries by approximately 29% for a five years period with economic effect from January 1, 2018, with the reduced amounts added back in the period thereafter. The call options on behalf of the Seadrill subsidiaries under the relevant leases were also amended as part of the Restructuring Plan. The leases for West Hercules and West Taurus have been extended for a period of 13 months until December 2024, with amended purchase obligations at the new expiry of the charters. Concurrently, the banks who finance the three rigs also extended the loan period by approximately four years under each of the facilities, with reduced amortization in the extension period compared to the current amortization. The Restructuring Plan was implemented in July 2018, at which time Seadrill emerged from Chapter 11. As discussed in Note 26: Commitments and contingent liabilities, the Company, at December 31, 2019, guaranteed a total of $266.1 million ( 2018 : $266.1 million ) of the bank debt in these companies and had net outstanding receivable balance on loans granted by the Company to these associated companies totaling $326.1 million ( 2018 : $342.0 million ). The loans granted by the Company are considered not impaired at December 31, 2019, due to the fair value of the jack-up rig owned by SFL Linus and the ultra deepwater drilling rigs owned by SFL Deepwater and SFL Hercules exceeding the book values at December 31, 2019.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIAB

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Assets Pledged (in millions of $) 2019 2018 Book value of consolidated assets pledged under ship mortgages 1,753 1,527 Of the above, $1,351.8 million relates to assets recorded as vessels and equipment ( 2018 : $1,424.4 million ) and $400.7 million relates to assets accounted for as Investments in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets ( 2018 : $103.1 million ). In addition, as at December 31, 2019, the Company had 11 vessels ( 2018 : 11 vessels) with finance lease liabilities with a net book value totaling $1,277.6 million ( 2018 : $1,331.1 million ). Of these, seven vessels with net book value of $714.5 million ( 2018 : $749.9 million ) were recorded as vessels under finance lease and four vessels with net book value of $563.1 million ( 2018 : $581.2 million ) were accounted for as investments in direct financing leases. The Company and its equity-accounted subsidiaries have funded their acquisition of vessels, jack-up rigs and ultra-deepwater drilling units through a combination of equity, short-term debt and long-term debt. Providers of long-term loan facilities usually require that the loans be secured by mortgages against the assets being acquired. As at December 31, 2019, the Company ( $1.6 billion ) and its 100% equity-accounted subsidiaries ( $621.9 million ) had a combined outstanding principal indebtedness of $2.2 billion ( 2018 : $2.1 billion ) under various credit facilities. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had 3.4 million shares in Frontline with a carrying value of $43.8 million . The Company entered into a forward contract to repurchase the shares in Frontline on June 30, 2020 at a price of $11.0568 per share. These shares and a restricted cash balance of $3.5 million (2018: $0.0 million ) have been pledged as part of the forward agreement. Other Contractual Commitments and Contingencies The Company has arranged insurance for the legal liability risks for its shipping activities with Gard P.& I. (Bermuda) Ltd., Assuranceforeningen Skuld (Gjensidig), The Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association Limited, The Korea Shipowner’s Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association, The West of England Ship Owners Mutual Insurance Association (Luxembourg), North of England P&I Association Limited, The Standard Club Europe Ltd and The United Kingdom Mutual Steam Ship Assurance Association (Europe) Limited, all of which are mutual protection and indemnity associations. The Company is subject to calls payable to the associations based on the Company’s claims record in addition to the claims records of all other members of the associations. A contingent liability exists to the extent that the claims records of the members of the associations in the aggregate show significant deterioration, which may result in additional calls on the members. SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, which are accounted for using the equity method. Accordingly, their assets and liabilities are not consolidated in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, but are presented on a net basis under "Investment in associated companies". As at December 31, 2019, their combined bank borrowings amounted to $621.9 million ( 2018 : $655.2 million ) and the Company guaranteed $266.1 million ( 2018 : $266.1 million ) of this debt which is secured by first priority mortgages over the relevant rigs. In addition, the Company has assigned all claims it may have under its secured loans to SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus, in favor of the lenders under the respective credit facilities. These loans had a net outstanding balance of $326.1 million at December 31, 2019 ( 2018 : $342.0 million ) and are secured by second priority mortgages over each of the rigs, which have been assigned to the lenders under the respective credit facilities. The lenders under the respective credit facilities have also been granted a first priority pledge over all shares of the relevant asset owning subsidiaries. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had committed $2.9 million towards the procurement of scrubbers on two of its oil tankers ( 2018 : $3.4 million committed for four oil tankers), $13.0 million on four container vessels ( 2018 : $0.0 million ) and $17.5 million on seven Capesize drybulker carriers ( 2018 : $0.0 million ). As at December 31, 2019, the Company has also committed to paying approximately $9.2 million towards the installation of BWTS on 18 vessels from our fleet, with installations expected to take place up to 2022. There were no other material contractual commitments as at December 31, 2019. The Company is routinely party both as plaintiff and defendant to lawsuits in various jurisdictions under charter hire obligations arising from the operation of its vessels in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that the resolution of such claims will not have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or financial position. The Company has not recognized any contingent gains or losses arising from the pending results of any such lawsuits.

CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST

CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	12 Months Ended
CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	Dec. 31, 2019
CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES [Abstract]
CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES As at December 31, 2019 , the Company's consolidated financial statements included 40 variable interest entities, all of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries. These subsidiaries own vessels with existing charters during which related and third parties have fixed price options to purchase the respective vessels, at dates varying from January 2020 to November 2033 . It has been determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of these entities, as none of the purchase options are deemed to be at bargain prices and none of the charters include sales options. At December 31, 2019 , 24 of the consolidated variable interest entities have a vessel which is accounted for as investments in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets. At December 31, 2019 , the vessels had a carrying value of $588.7 million , unearned lease income of $258.1 million and estimated residual value of $333.3 million . The outstanding loan balances in 18 of these entities amounted to a total of $183.2 million , of which the short-term portion was $9.3 million as at December 31, 2019 . The remaining, two of the 24 vessels financed through a lease and had outstanding total finance lease liabilities of $263.6 million , of which the short-term portion was $12.4 million , as at December 31, 2019 . At December 31, 2019 , 13 fully consolidated variable interest entities each own vessels which are accounted for as operating lease assets. At December 31, 2019 the vessels had a total net book value of $266.1 million . The outstanding loan balances in these entities amounted to a total of $123.3 million , of which the short-term portion was $13.9 million as at December 31, 2019 . The remaining three consolidated variable interest entities each own vessels which are accounted for as vessels under finance lease and had a total net book value of $295.3 million at December 31, 2019 . The outstanding total finance lease liabilities for these entities amounted to $250.9 million , of which the short-term portion was $19.1 million as at December 31, 2019 .

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS In January 2020, the Company issued NOK 600 million five-year senior unsecured bonds, equivalent to approximately $67.2 million. The bonds bear interest at NIBOR plus a margin, and the Company swapped all payments of interest and principal to U.S. dollars at a fixed interest and exchange rate. The proceeds of the bond issue will be used to refinance existing debt and for general corporate purposes. In February 2020, 350,000 options were awarded to employees, officers and directors pursuant to the Company's Share Option Scheme. The options vest over a three -year period and have a five year term. The initial exercise price was $13.45 per share and the first options will be exercisable from March 2021. On February 18, 2020, the Board of the Company declared a dividend of $0.35 per share which will be paid in cash on or around March 25, 2020. In February 2020, the Company delivered the 2002-built VLCC Front Hakata to an unrelated third party for sale proceeds of $33.5 million . Furthermore, the Company agreed with Frontline Shipping, to terminate the long-term charter for the vessel upon the sale and delivery and paid $3.2 million compensation to Frontline Shipping, for early termination of the charter. The loan notes for the Front Circassia, Front Page, Front Stratus, Front Serenade and Front Ariake sold in 2018 were settled in February 2020 with the Company receiving $19.9 million as settlement and recognizing a gain of $4.4 million on the settlement of notes. In February and March 2020, the Company agreed with Solstad to terminate the charter agreements for all five of the vessels on charter to its subsidiaries. Four of the vessels, accounted for as "Vessels and equipment, net", have been sold and delivered to their new third party owners, while the final vessel, accounted for as "Investment in direct financing leases" is currently in layup and is scheduled to be recycled in Norway during the second quarter of 2020. The disposals are not expected to result in material gains or losses. In March 2020, common shares of 6,869 were newly issued to satisfy share options exercised under the Company's Option Scheme. In March 2020, the Company agreed to extend the charters on the three 9,300 to 9,500 TEU container vessels Maersk Sarat , M aersk Skarstind and Maerk Shivling to Maersk Line. The initial five-year charters were extended by an additional 44 month period at a revised charter hire. As part of the charter agreement the Company agreed to finance the scrubbers to be installed on these vessels and will receive a share of the fuel savings to be achieved by the charterer from the scrubbers. On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.” following the outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus, ("COVID-19"), that was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic is reported to have spread to over 100 countries with the number of cases growing daily. Efforts to stop the spread through restricting the moment of people is affecting business operations worldwide including, but not limited to, supply chains, trade, employees (including the risk of sickness and crew change restrictions), travel including port restrictions and border closures, financial markets and commodity prices. The Company’s business could be materially and adversely affected by this pandemic and the Company is unable to reasonably predict the estimated length or severity of the COVID-19 pandemic on future operating results.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	Basis of Accounting The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP"). The consolidated financial statements include the assets and liabilities and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation. Where necessary, comparative figures for previous years have been reclassified to conform to changes in presentation in the current year.
Consolidation of variable interest entities	Consolidation of variable interest entities A variable interest entity is defined in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 810 "Consolidation" ("ASC 810") as a legal entity where either (a) the total equity at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated support; (b) equity interest holders as a group lack either i) the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact on its economic success, ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the voting rights of some investors in the entity are not proportional to their economic interests and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest. ASC 810 requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary, being the interest holder, if any, which has both (1) the power to direct the activities of the entity which most significantly impact on the entity's economic performance, and (2) the right to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses from the entity which could potentially be significant to the entity. The Company evaluates its subsidiaries, and any other entities in which it holds a variable interest, in order to determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of the entity, and where it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary the Company fully consolidate the entity.
Investments in associated companies	Investments in associated companies Investments in companies over which the Company exercises significant influence but which it does not consolidate are accounted for using the equity method. The Company records its investments in equity-method investees on the consolidated balance sheets as "Investment in associated companies" and its share of the investees' earnings or losses in the consolidated statements of operations as "Equity in earnings of associated companies." At December 31, 2019 , two ultra-deepwater drilling units and one jack-up drilling rig are owned by three wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that are accounted for using the equity method.
Use of accounting estimates	Use of accounting estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign currencies	Foreign currencies
Revenue and expense recognition	Revenue and expense recognition Effective from January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new accounting standard ASC Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" using the modified retrospective method, which resulted in no adjustment to our retained earnings on adoption and comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company generates its revenues from the charter hire of its vessels and offshore related assets, and freight billings. Revenues are generated from time charter hire, bareboat charter hire, direct financing lease interest income, sales-type lease interest income, finance lease service revenues, profit sharing arrangements, voyage charters and other freight billings. In a time charter voyage, the vessel is hired by the charterer for a specified period of time in exchange for consideration which is based on a daily hire rate. Generally, the charterer has the discretion over the ports visited, shipping routes and vessel speed. The contract/charter party generally provides typical warranties regarding the speed and performance of the vessel. The charter party generally has some owner protective restrictions such that the vessel is sent only to safe ports by the charterer and carries only lawful or non hazardous cargo. In a time charter contract, we are responsible for all the costs incurred for running the vessel such as crew costs, vessel insurance, repairs and maintenance and lubes. The charterer bears the voyage related costs such as bunker expenses, port charges, and canal tolls during the hire period. The performance obligations in a time charter contract are satisfied over the term of the contract beginning when the vessel is delivered to the charterer until it is redelivered back to us. The charterer generally pays the charter hire in advance of the upcoming contract period. The time charter contracts are either operating or direct financing or sales type leases. Where time charters and bareboat charters are considered operating leases, revenues are recorded over the term of the charter as a service is provided. When a time charter contract is linked to an index, we recognize revenue for the applicable period based on the actual index for that period. Rental payments from either direct financing leases or sales-type leases, are allocated between lease service revenue, if applicable, lease interest income and repayment of net investment in leases. The amount allocated to lease service revenue is based on the estimated fair value, at the time of entering the lease agreement, of the services provided which consist of ship management and operating services. In a voyage charter contract, the charterer hires the vessel to transport a specific agreed-upon cargo for a single voyage. The consideration in such a contract is determined on the basis of a freight rate per metric ton of cargo carried or occasionally on a lump sum basis. The charterer is responsible for any short loading of cargo or "dead" freight. The voyage charter party generally has standard payment terms with freight paid on completion of discharge. The voyage charter party generally has a "demurrage" clause. As per this clause, the charterer reimburses us for any potential delays exceeding the allowed laytime as per the charter party clause at the ports visited, which is recorded as voyage revenue. Estimates and judgments are required in ascertaining the most likely outcome of a particular voyage and actual outcomes may differ from estimates. Such estimate is reviewed and updated over the term of the voyage charter contract. In a voyage charter contract, the performance obligations begin to be satisfied once the vessel begins loading the cargo. We have determined that our voyage charter contracts consist of a single performance obligation of transporting the cargo within a specified time period. Therefore, the performance obligation is met evenly as the voyage progresses, and the revenue is recognized on a straight line basis over the voyage days from the commencement of loading to completion of discharge. Contract assets with regards to voyage revenues are reported as "Voyages in progress" as the performance obligation is satisfied over time. Voyage revenues typically become billable and due for payment on completion of the voyage and discharge of the cargo, at which point the receivable is recognized as "Trade accounts receivable, net". In a voyage contract, the Company bears all voyage related costs such as fuel costs, port charges and canal tolls. To recognize costs incurred to fulfill a contract as an asset, the following criteria shall be met: (i) the costs relate directly to the contract, (ii) the costs generate or enhance resources of the entity that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future and (iii) the costs are expected to be recovered. The costs incurred during the period prior to commencement of loading the cargo, primarily bunkers, are deferred as they represent setup costs and recorded as a current asset and are subsequently amortized on a straight-line basis as we satisfy the performance obligations under the contract. Costs incurred to obtain a contract, such as commissions, are also deferred and expensed over the same period. For our vessels operating under revenue sharing agreements, or in pools, revenues and voyage expenses are pooled and allocated to each pool’s participants in accordance with an agreed-upon formula. Revenues generated through revenue sharing agreements are presented gross when we are considered the principal under the charter parties with the net income allocated under the revenue sharing agreement presented as within voyage charter income. For revenue sharing agreements that meet the definition of a lease, we account for such contracts as variable rate operating leases and recognize revenue for the applicable period based on the actual net revenue distributed by the pool. As detailed in Note 24: Related party transactions, the Company has, or has had, profit sharing arrangements with Frontline Shipping Limited ("Frontline Shipping"), Golden Ocean Group Limited ("Golden Ocean"). The Company also had profit sharing agreements with Deep Sea Supply Shipowning II AS (the “Solstad Charterer”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Solship Invest 3 AS (“Solship”, formerly Deep Sea Supply Plc, or Deep Sea). Amounts receivable under these arrangements are accrued on the basis of amounts earned at the reporting date. Any contingent elements of rental income, such as profit share, fuel saving payments and interest rate adjustments, are recognized when the contingent conditions have materialized.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents For the purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, all demand and time deposits and highly liquid, low risk investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered equivalent to cash.
Restricted cash	Restricted cash Restricted cash consists of cash which may only be used for certain purposes and is held under a contractual arrangement.
Investment in debt and equity securities	Investments in debt and equity securities include share investments and interest-earning listed and unlisted corporate bonds. Any premium paid on their acquisition is amortized over the life of the bond. Investments in debt securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Investments in equity securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. If circumstances arise which lead the Company to believe that the issuer of a corporate bond may be unable meet its payment obligations in full, or that the fair value at acquisition of the share investment or corporate bond may otherwise not be fully recoverable, then to the extent that a loss is expected to arise that unrealized loss is recorded as an impairment in the statement of operations, with an adjustment if necessary to any unrealized gains or losses previously recorded in other comprehensive income. In determining whether the Company has an other-than-temporary impairment in its investment in bonds, in addition to the Company’s intention and ability to hold the investments until the market recovers, the Company considers the period of decline, the amount and the severity of the decline and the ability of the investment to recover in the near to medium term. The Company also evaluates if the underlying security provided by the bonds is sufficient to ensure that the decline in fair value of these bonds did not result in an other-than-temporary impairment. The cost of disposals or reclassifications from other comprehensive income is calculated on an average cost basis, where applicable. The fair value of unlisted corporate bonds is determined from an analysis of projected cash flows, based on factors including the terms, provisions and other characteristics of the bonds, credit ratings and default risk of the issuing entity, the fundamental financial and other characteristics of that entity, and the current economic environment and trading activity in the debt market.
Trade accounts receivable	Trade accounts receivable The amount shown as trade accounts receivable at each balance sheet date includes receivables due from customers for hire of vessels and offshore related assets, net of allowance for doubtful balances. At each balance sheet date, all potentially uncollectable accounts are assessed individually to determine any allowance for doubtful receivables.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are comprised principally of fuel and lubricating oils and are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined on a first-in first-out basis.
Vessels and equipment (including operating and finance lease assets)	Vessels and equipment (including operating lease assets) Vessels and equipment are recorded at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and, if appropriate, impairment charges. The cost of these assets less estimated residual value is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining economic useful life of the asset. The estimated economic useful life of our offshore assets, including drilling rigs and drillships, is 30 years and for all other vessels it is 25 years. Where an asset is subject to an operating lease that includes fixed price purchase options, the projected net book value of the asset is compared to the option price at the various option dates. If any option price is less than the projected net book value at an option date, the initial depreciation schedule is amended so that the carrying value of the asset is written down on a straight line basis to the option price at the option date. If the option is not exercised, this process is repeated so as to amortize the remaining carrying value, on a straight line basis, to the estimated scrap value or the option price at the next option date, as appropriate. This accounting policy for fixed assets has the effect that if an option is exercised there will be either a) no gain or loss on the sale of the asset or b) in the event that the option is exercised at a price in excess of the net book value at the option date, a gain will be reported in the statement of operations at the date of delivery to the new owners, under the heading "gain on sale of assets and termination of charters". The Company capitalizes and depreciates the costs of significant replacements, renewals and upgrades to its vessels over the shorter of the vessel’s remaining useful life or the life of the renewal or upgrade. The amount capitalized is based on management’s judgment as to expenditures that extend a vessel’s useful life or increase the operational efficiency of a vessel. Costs that are not capitalized are recorded as a component of direct vessel operating expenses during the period incurred. Expenses for routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Advances paid in respect of vessel upgrades in relation to Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems ("EGCS" or "scrubbers") and Ballast water treatment systems ("BWTS") are included within "other long-term assets", until such time as the equipment is installed on a vessel, at which point it is transferred to "Vessels and equipment, net". Office equipment is depreciated at 20% per annum on a reducing balance basis. Vessels and equipment under finance lease The Company charters-in certain vessels and equipment under leasing agreements. Leases of vessels and equipment, where the Company has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, are classified as "vessels under finance lease", with corresponding lease liabilities recorded. The Company capitalizes and depreciates the costs of significant replacements, renewals and upgrades to its vessels over the shorter of the vessel’s remaining useful life or the life of the renewal or upgrade. The amount capitalized is based on management’s judgment as to expenditures that extend a vessel’s useful life or increase the operational efficiency of a vessel. Costs that are not capitalized are recorded as a component of direct vessel operating expenses during the period incurred. Expenses for routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Advances paid in respect of vessel upgrades in relation to EGCS and BWTS are included within "other long-term assets", until such time as the equipment is installed on a vessel, at which point it is transferred to "Vessels under finance lease, net". Depreciation of vessels and equipment under capital lease is included within "Depreciation" in the consolidated statement of operations. Vessels and equipment under finance lease are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the vessels' remaining economic useful lives or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The method applied is determined by the criteria by which the lease has been assessed to be a finance lease.
Newbuildings	Newbuildings The carrying value of vessels under construction ("newbuildings") represents the accumulated costs to the balance sheet date which the Company has paid by way of purchase installments and other capital expenditures together with capitalized loan interest and associated finance costs. No charge for depreciation is made until a newbuilding is put into operation.
Capitalized interest	Capitalized interest Interest expense is capitalized during the period of construction of newbuilding vessels based on accumulated expenditures for the applicable vessel at the Company's capitalization rate of interest. The amount of interest capitalized in an accounting period is determined by applying an interest rate (the "capitalization rate") to the average amount of accumulated expenditures for the vessel during the period. The capitalization rate used in an accounting period is based on the rates applicable to borrowings outstanding during the period. The Company does not capitalize amounts in excess of actual interest expense incurred in the period.
Investment in sales-type leases and direct financing leases and leaseback assets	Investment in sales-type leases and direct financing leases Leases (charters) of our vessels where we are the lessor are classified as either direct financing, sales-type leases, operating leases, or leaseback assets based on an assessment of the terms of the lease. For charters classified as direct financing leases, the minimum lease payments (reduced in the case of time-chartered vessels by projected vessel operating costs) plus the estimated residual value of the vessel are recorded as the gross investment in the direct financing lease. For direct financing leases, the difference between the gross investment in the lease and the carrying value of the vessel is recorded as unearned lease interest income. The net investment in the lease consists of the gross investment less the unearned income. Over the period of the lease each charter payment received, net of vessel operating costs if applicable, is allocated between "lease interest income" and "repayment of investment in lease" in such a way as to produce a constant percentage rate of return on the balance of the net investment in the direct financing lease. Thus, as the balance of the net investment in each direct financing lease decreases, a lower proportion of each lease payment received is allocated to lease interest income and a greater proportion is allocated to lease repayment. For direct financing leases relating to time chartered vessels, the portion of each time charter payment received that relates to vessel operating costs is classified as "service revenue - direct financing leases". For sales-type leases, the difference between the gross investment in the lease and the present value of its components, i.e. the minimum lease payments and the estimated residual value, is recorded as unearned lease interest income. The discount rate used in determining the present values is the interest rate implicit in the lease. The present value of the minimum lease payments, computed using the interest rate implicit in the lease, is recorded as the sales price, from which the carrying value of the vessel at the commencement of the lease is deducted in order to determine the profit or loss on sale. As is the case for direct financing leases, the unearned lease interest income is amortized to income over the period of the lease so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease. For leases entered into on or after January 1, 2019, any difference between the fair value of the leased asset and the costs results in a selling profit or loss. A selling profit is recognized at lease commencement for sales-type leases and over the lease term for direct financing leases. Selling loss is recognized at lease commencement for both sales-type and direct financing leases. The fair value is considered to be the cost of acquiring the vessel unless a significant period has elapsed between the acquisition of the vessel and the commencement of the lease. Where a sales-type lease, direct financing lease or leaseback asset charter arrangement containing fixed price purchase options, the projected carrying value of the net investment in the lease is compared to the option price at the various option dates. If any option price is less than the projected net investment in the lease at an option date, the rate of amortization of unearned lease interest income is adjusted to reduce the net investment to the option price at the option date. If the option is not exercised, this process is repeated so as to reduce the net investment in the lease to the un-guaranteed residual value or the option price at the next option date, as appropriate. This accounting policy for investments in direct financing or sales-type leases or lease back assets has the effect that if an option is exercised there will either be a) no gain or loss on the exercise of the option or b) in the event that an option is exercised at a price in excess of the net investment in the lease at the option date, a gain will be reported in the statement of operations at the date of delivery to the new owners. If the terms of an existing lease are agreed to be amended, the modification is evaluated to consider if it is a contract which occurs when the modification grants the lessee an additional right-of-use not included in the original lease and the lease payments increase commensurate with the standalone price for the additional right of use, adjusted for the circumstances of the particular contract. If both conditions are met, the amendments are treated as a separate lease. If the conditions are not met, the lease is re-evaluated under ASC 842 as a new lease with the new terms.
Leaseback assets	Leaseback assets From January 1, 2019, any vessels purchased and leased back to the same party are evaluated under ASC 842. If control is deemed to have not to have passed to the Company as purchaser, due for example to the lessee having purchase options, the transaction is accounted for under ASC 310 where the purchase price paid is accounted for as loan receivable and described as a leaseback asset. Interest income is recognised on the aggregate loan receivable based on the imputed interest rate and the part of the rental income received is allocated as a reduction of the vessel loan balance. Any purchase and leaseback transactions entered into before January 1, 2019, were accounted for as leases under ASC 840 and no changes have been made as the Company applied the practical expedients in ASC 842.
Finance lease liability	Finance lease liability The Company charters-in and out four container vessels on a bareboat basis under long term leasing agreements with corresponding assets classified as investments in direct financing leases. The Company also charters-in seven container vessels through sale and leaseback financing arrangements with corresponding lease assets classified as "vessels under finance lease". Leases of vessels and equipment, where the Company has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, are classified as finance lease liabilities. Each lease payment is allocated between reduction in liability and finance charges to achieve a constant rate on the capital balance outstanding. The interest element of the capital cost is charged to the Consolidated Statement of Operations over the lease period.
Impairment of long-lived assets, including other long-term investments	Impairment of long-lived assets, including other long-term investments The carrying value of long-lived assets, including other long-term investments, that are held by the Company are reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For vessels, such indicators may include historically low spot charter rates and second hand vessel values. The Company assesses recoverability of the carrying value of the asset by estimating the future net cash flows expected to result from the asset, including eventual disposition, taking into account the possibility of any existing medium and long-term charter arrangements being terminated early. If the future expected net cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its fair value. In addition, long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is generally based on values achieved for the sale/purchase of similar vessels and external appraisals.
Deferred charges	Deferred charges Loan costs, including debt arrangement fees, are capitalized and amortized on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant loan. The straight line basis of amortization approximates the effective interest method in the Company's statement of operations. Amortization of loan costs is included in interest expense. If a loan is repaid early, any unamortized portion of the related deferred charges is charged against income in the period in which the loan is repaid. Similarly, if a portion of a loan is repaid early, the corresponding portion of the unamortized related deferred charges is charged against income in the period in which the early repayment is made.
Convertible bonds	Convertible bonds The Company accounts for debt instruments with convertible features in accordance with the details and substance of the instruments at the time of their issuance. For convertible debt instruments issued at a substantial premium to equivalent instruments without conversion features, or those that may be settled in cash upon conversion, it is presumed that the premium or cash conversion option represents an equity component. Accordingly, the Company determines the carrying amounts of the liability and equity components of such convertible debt instruments by first determining the carrying amount of the liability component by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an equity component. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the embedded conversion option is then determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the total proceeds from the issue. The resulting equity component is recorded, with a corresponding offset to debt discount which is subsequently amortized to interest cost using the effective interest method over the period the debt is expected to be outstanding as an additional non-cash interest expense. Transaction costs associated with the instrument are allocated pro-rata between the debt and equity components. For conventional convertible bonds which do not have a cash conversion option or where no substantial premium is received on issuance, it may not be appropriate to split the bond into the liability and equity components. A conversion of the bonds at more favorable terms than the original bond is treated as an inducement and the Company recognizes a debt conversion expense equal to the fair value of all securities and other consideration transferred in the transaction in excess of the fair value of securities or consideration issuable pursuant to the original conversion terms.
Financial Instruments	Financial instruments In determining the fair value of its financial instruments, the Company uses a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and risks existing at each balance sheet date. For the majority of financial instruments, including most derivatives and long-term debt, standard market conventions and techniques such as options pricing models are used to determine fair value. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized. Interest rate and currency swaps The Company enters into interest rate swap transactions from time to time to hedge a portion of its exposure to floating interest rates. These transactions involve the conversion of floating interest rates into fixed rates over the life of the transactions without an exchange of underlying principal. The Company also enters into currency swap transactions from time to time to hedge against the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on loan liabilities. Currency swap transactions involve the exchange of fixed amounts of other currencies for fixed US dollar amounts over the life of the transactions, including an exchange of underlying principal. The Company may also enter into a combination of interest and currency swaps "cross currency interest rate swaps". The fair values of the interest rate and currency swap contracts, including cross currency interest rate swaps, are recognized as assets or liabilities. When the interest rate or currency swap does not qualifies for hedge accounting under ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"), changes in fair values are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. When the interest rate and/or currency swap or combination, qualifies for hedge accounting under ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"), and the Company has formally designated the swap as a hedge to the underlying loan, and when the hedge is effective, the changes in the fair value of the swap are recognized in other comprehensive income. If it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction to which these swaps relate will not occur, the amounts in other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings immediately.
Drydocking provisions	Drydocking provisions Normal vessel repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. The Company recognizes the cost of a drydocking at the time the drydocking takes place, that is, it applies the "expense as incurred" method.
Earnings per share	Earnings per share Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed based on the income available to common stockholders and the weighted average number of shares outstanding for basic EPS. Diluted EPS includes the effect of the assumed conversion of potentially dilutive instruments.
Share-based compensation	Share-based compensation The Company accounts for share-based payments in accordance with ASC Topic 718 "Compensation – Stock Compensation" ("ASC 718"), under which the fair value of stock options issued to employees is expensed over the period in which the options vest. The Company uses the simplified method for making estimates of the expected term of stock options.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02 "Leases" to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 creates a new Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842 "Leases" to replace the previous Topic 840 "Leases." ASU 2016-02 affects both lessees and lessors, although for the latter the provisions are similar to the previous model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model and also the new revenue recognition provisions contained in Topic 606. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company has adopted ASC 842 effective January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition approach, which allows the Company to recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit in the period of adoption rather than restate our comparative prior year periods. Based on the Company's analysis, the cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit is zero because (i) the Company does not have any unamortized initial direct costs as of January 1, 2019 that need to be written off; (ii) the Company does not have any lease incentives or accrued rental transactions that needs to be recognized; and (iii) the timing and pattern of revenue recognition under its revenue contracts that have lease and non-lease components is not materially different. The Company has elected the package of practical expedients applied to all of its leases (including those for which it is a lessee and lessor) that permit it not to (i) reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; (ii) reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases , (iii) reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases and (iv) to not separate lease and non-lease components of lease revenue. Furthermore, the Company has not elected the practical expedient to use hindsight when determining the lease term. For arrangements where we are the lessor, the new lease standard provides a practical expedient for lessors in which the lessor may elect, by class of underlying asset, to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component and, instead, to account for these components as a single component if both of the following are met: (1) the timing and pattern of transfer of the non-lease component(s) and associated lease component are the same and (2) the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease. When a lessor, we have elected this expedient for our time charter contracts, voyage charter and bareboat charter contracts that qualify as operating leases and thus do not separate the non-lease component, or service element, from the lease. Revenues from contracts where the non-lease component is the predominant component are accounted for under ASC 606. The adoption of ASC 842 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities" to enable entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in the financial statements and enhance the transparency and understandability of hedge results. The amendments also simplify the application of hedge accounting in certain situations. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The cumulative effect of adopting this guidance resulted in a net adjustment of $32,000 RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses" to introduce new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on instruments within its scope. ASU 2016-13 requires among other things, the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. In addition, ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is still evaluating the cumulative effect of adopting this guidance. Preliminary calculations indicate that this could result in a net adjustment of up to $25 million to the opening balance of retained earnings with a corresponding credit loss provision arising mainly our investments in associated companies but also affecting our lease receivables, trade receivables and related party receivables as of January 1, 2020. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13 "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement". ASU 2018-13 includes certain removals, modifications and additions to the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of ASU 2018-13 and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company will depend on the facts and circumstances of any specific future transactions. In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-16 "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes." In the United States, eligible benchmark interest rates under Topic 815 are interest rates on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government (UST), the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swap rate, and the Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate based on the Federal Funds Effective Rate. When the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, in August 2017, it introduced the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Municipal Swap Rate as the fourth permissible U.S. benchmark rate. The new ASU adds the OIS rate based on SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate to facilitate the LIBOR to SOFR transition and provide sufficient lead time for entities to prepare for changes to interest rate risk hedging strategies for both risk management and hedge accounting purposes. ASU 2018-16 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not expect that the adoption of ASU 2018-16 will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-18 "Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606", which defines a collaborative arrangement as a contractual arrangement under which two or more parties actively participate in a joint operating activity and are exposed to significant risks and rewards that depend on the activity’s commercial success. The ASU provides guidance on how to assess whether certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for within the revenue recognition standard. The ASU also provides more comparability in the presentation of revenue for certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants. It accomplishes this by allowing organizations to only present units of account in collaborative arrangements that are within the scope of the revenue recognition standard together with revenue accounted for under the revenue recognition standard. The parts of the collaborative arrangement that are not in the scope of the revenue recognition standard should be presented separately from revenue accounted for under the revenue recognition standard. ASU 2018-18 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not expect that the adoption of ASU 2018-18 will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04 "Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments" to clarify and improve areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, and recognition and measurement. ASU 2019-04 is effective as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after April 25, 2019 for amendments to ASU 2017-12 and for fiscal and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 for amendments relating to ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2016-13. The expected impact of adopting ASU 2016-13 and any related improvements is shown above. The Company does not expect that the adoption of the remaining provisions of ASU 2019-04 will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. I n May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief" to provide an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured at amortized cost basis. ASU 2019-05 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The expected impact of adopting ASU 2016-13 and any related improvements is shown above. The Company does not expect that the adoption of the remaining provisions of ASU 2019-05 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Components of calculation of earnings per share	The components of the numerator for the calculation of basic and diluted EPS are as follows: Year ended December 31, (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 2017 Basic earnings per share: Net income available to stockholders 89,177 73,622 101,209 Diluted earnings per share: Net income available to stockholders 89,177 73,622 101,209 Interest and other expenses or (gains) attributable to convertible bonds (304 ) 123 4,511 Net income assuming dilution 88,873 73,745 105,720 The components of the denominator for the calculation of basic and diluted EPS are as follows: Year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding* 107,614 105,898 95,597 Diluted earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding* 107,614 105,898 95,597 Effect of dilutive share options 81 59 26 Effect of dilutive convertible bonds 1 1,649 7,277 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding assuming dilution 107,696 107,606 102,900 Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Basic earnings per share: $ 0.83 $ 0.70 $ 1.06 Diluted earnings per share: $ 0.83 $ 0.69 $ 1.03 *The weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes 8,000,000 shares issued as part of a share lending arrangement relating to the Company's issuance of 5.75% senior unsecured convertible bonds in October 2016. It also excludes 3,765,842 shares issued as of December 31, 2019 from up to 7,000,000 shares issuable under a share lending arrangement relating to the Company's issuance of 4.875% senior unsecured convertible bonds in April and May 2018. These lent shares are owned by the Company and will be returned on or before maturity of the bonds in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

OPERATING LEASES (Tables)

OPERATING LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
OPERATING LEASES (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Minimum future revenue to be received under non-cancelable operating leases	The minimum future revenues to be received under the Company's non-cancelable operating leases on its vessels as of December 31, 2019 , are as follows: Year ending December 31, (in thousands of $) 2020 310,083 2021 272,961 2022 248,508 2023 234,689 2024 168,301 Thereafter 164,818 Total minimum lease revenues 1,399,360
Cost and accumulated depreciation of vessels leased to third parties on operating leases	The cost and accumulated depreciation of vessels (owned and under finance leases) leased to third parties on non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: ( in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Cost 2,100,533 2,336,269 Accumulated depreciation 315,934 309,135 Total 1,784,599 2,027,134

GAIN_(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS_2

GAIN/(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS AND TERMINATION OF CHARTERS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets [Abstract]
Gains on sale of assets and termination of charters	The Company has recorded gains/losses on sale of assets and termination of charters as follows: Year ended December 31, (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 2017 Loss on sale of vessels — (2,578) (1,699) Gain on termination of charters — — 2,823 Total Gain/(loss) on sale of assets and termination of charters — (2,578) 1,124

GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES _2

GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES AND DISPOSAL GROUPS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES AND DISPOSAL GROUPS (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	At the time of disposal on December 31, 2018 , net assets held by Rig Finance were as follows: (in thousands of $) 2018 Cash and cash equivalents 915 Vessel and equipment, net 76,875 Charter deposit (913 ) Other current liabilities (90 ) Net assets 76,787

OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS, NET (Tab

OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS, NET (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other financial items	Other financial items comprise the following items: Year ended December 31, (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 2017 Net payments on non-designated derivatives relating to interest rate swaps 1,389 170 (2,985 ) Net payments on non-designated derivatives relating to cross currency swaps — — — Net payments on non-designated derivatives relating to combined cross currency and interest rate swaps (194 ) (891 ) (2,139 ) Total net cash movement on non-designated derivatives 1,195 (721 ) (5,124 ) Net (decrease)/increase in mark-to-market valuation of non-designated derivatives relating to interest rate swaps (4,123 ) 2,687 2,290 Net (decrease)/increase in mark-to-market valuation of non-designated derivatives relating to cross currency swaps — — — Net (decrease)/increase in mark-to-market valuation of non-designated derivatives relating to combined cross currency and interest rate swaps 673 11,221 5,778 Total net movement in fair value of non-designated derivatives (3,450 ) 13,908 8,068 Net movement in fair value of designated derivatives (ineffective portion) — (11 ) 140 Impairment of long-term receivables (9,168 ) (1,729 ) — Other items (1,330 ) (1,040 ) (5,768 ) Total other financial items, net (12,753 ) 10,407 (2,684 )

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUIT_2

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt and Equity Securities	Marketable securities held by the Company consist of corporate bonds and equity securities. (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Corporate Bonds Balance at start of the year 13,245 41,742 Disposals during the year (583) (26,820) Additions during the year 2,281 — Unrealized gain/(loss) recorded in other comprehensive income (9) 2,244 Realized gain/(loss)* — (3,921) Accumulated other-than-temporary impairment* (2,181) — Balance at end of the year 12,753 13,245 2019 2018 Shares Balance at start of the year 73,929 52,060 Disposals during the year (82,783) (19,248) Additions during the year — 11,572 Unrealized Gain* 29,104 12,277 Realized Gain* 40,777 17,398 FX gain/(loss) 299 (130) Balance at the end of year 61,326 73,929 Total Investment in Debt and Equity Securities 74,079 87,174 Equity Securities pledged to creditors 43,775 — Balances included in "Gain on investments in debt and equity securities" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Frontline 43,775 60,830 NorAm Drilling 4,326 3,928 ADS Crude Carriers 13,225 9,171 Total shares 61,326 73,929 * As at December 31, 2019 , the carrying value of the shares held in Frontline pledged to creditors is $43.8 million (2018: $0.0 million
Schedule of Corporate Bonds	The corporate bonds are classified as available-for-sale securities and are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a separate component of "Other comprehensive income". Year ended December 31, 2019 Year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands of $) Amortised Cost Unrealised gains/ (losses)* Fair value Amortised Cost Unrealised gains/ (losses)* Fair value NorAm Drilling 4,132 558 4,690 4,715 477 5,192 Oro Negro 7.5% 5,705 — 5,705 7,886 167 8,053 Oro Negro 12% 2,281 77 2,358 — — — Total corporate bonds 12,118 635 12,753 12,601 644 13,245 (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Corporate Bonds Balance at start of the year 13,245 41,742 Disposals during the year (583) (26,820) Additions during the year 2,281 — Unrealized gain/(loss) recorded in other comprehensive income (9) 2,244 Realized gain/(loss)* — (3,921) Accumulated other-than-temporary impairment* (2,181) — Balance at end of the year 12,753 13,245 2019 2018 Shares Balance at start of the year 73,929 52,060 Disposals during the year (82,783) (19,248) Additions during the year — 11,572 Unrealized Gain* 29,104 12,277 Realized Gain* 40,777 17,398 FX gain/(loss) 299 (130) Balance at the end of year 61,326 73,929 Total Investment in Debt and Equity Securities 74,079 87,174 Equity Securities pledged to creditors 43,775 — *Balances included in "Gain on investments in debt and equity securities" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations

VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tab

VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Vessels and equipment	( in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Cost 1,867,873 1,955,880 Accumulated depreciation (463,168 ) (396,168 ) Vessels and equipment, net 1,404,705 1,559,712

VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, _2

VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, NET (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of of Finance Lease	(in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Cost 755,058 754,392 Accumulated depreciation (40,582 ) (4,503 ) Vessels under finance lease, net 714,476 749,889

OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS (Tables)

OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Long-Term Assets	Other long term assets comprise the following items: (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Capital improvements in progress 30,642 1,640 Collateral deposits on swap agreements 17,520 1,820 Value of acquired charter-out contracts, net 13,407 16,302 Long term receivables 1,880 11,048 Other 799 — Total other long-term assets 64,248 30,810

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEA_2

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEASES, DIRECT FINANCING LEASES AND LEASEBACK ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of sales-type leases, direct financing leases, and leaseback assets	The following lists the components of investments in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 : (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Sales-Type Leases and Direct Financing Leases Leaseback Assets Total Sales-Type Leases and Direct Financing Leases Total minimum lease payments to be received 1,085,642 134,073 1,219,715 1,173,152 Less : amounts representing estimated executory costs including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments (64,222 ) — (64,222 ) (74,077 ) Net minimum lease payments receivable 1,021,420 134,073 1,155,493 1,099,075 Estimated residual values of leased property (un-guaranteed) 192,429 139,500 331,929 180,080 Less : unearned income (427,251 ) (65,784 ) (493,035 ) (476,996 ) Total investment in sales-type lease, direct financing lease and leaseback assets 786,598 207,789 994,387 802,159 Current portion 45,361 10,828 56,189 39,804 Long-term portion 741,237 196,961 938,198 762,355 (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Investments in sales-type and direct financing leases 786,598 802,159 Investments in leaseback assets 207,789 — 994,387 802,159
Minimum future gross revenues to be received under non-cancellable direct financing and sales-type leases	The minimum future gross revenues to be received under the Company's non-cancellable sales type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets as of December 31, 2019 , are as follows: (in thousands of $) Year ending December 31, Sales-Type Leases and Direct Financing Leases Leaseback Assets Total 2020 115,463 25,369 140,832 2021 105,459 27,820 133,279 2022 109,902 27,820 137,722 2023 105,198 27,820 133,018 2024 106,817 23,392 130,209 Thereafter 542,803 1,852 544,655 Total minimum lease payments to be received 1,085,642 134,073 1,219,715
Schedule of interest income earned on investments	Interest income earned on investments in direct financing leases, sales type leases and leaseback assets in the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows: (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 2017 Investments in sales type and direct financing leases* 56,764 39,678 38,265 Investments in leaseback assets 3,556 — — Total 60,320 39,678 38,265

INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMP_2

INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Disclosures [Abstract]
Percentage participation using the equity method of accounting	At December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , the Company had the following participation in investments that are recorded using the equity method: 2019 2018 2017 SFL Deepwater Ltd 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % SFL Hercules Ltd 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % SFL Linus Ltd 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 %
Summarized financial statement information of equity method investees	Summarized balance sheet information of the Company's equity method investees is as follows: As of December 31, 2019 (in thousands of $) TOTAL SFL Deepwater SFL Hercules SFL Linus Current assets 75,079 29,047 22,645 23,387 Non-current assets 920,801 286,222 273,621 360,958 Total assets 995,880 315,269 296,266 384,345 Current liabilities 65,832 19,168 20,761 25,903 Non-current liabilities (1) 887,887 285,147 265,769 336,971 Total liabilities 953,719 304,315 286,530 362,874 Total stockholders' equity (2) 42,161 10,954 9,736 21,471 As of December 31, 2018 (in thousands of $) TOTAL SFL Deepwater SFL Hercules SFL Linus Current assets 58,089 19,558 16,858 21,673 Non-current assets 967,954 302,362 290,370 375,222 Total assets 1,026,043 321,920 307,228 396,895 Current liabilities 69,181 18,252 19,487 31,442 Non-current liabilities (1) 931,755 297,060 281,627 353,068 Total liabilities 1,000,936 315,312 301,114 384,510 Total stockholders' equity (2) 25,107 6,608 6,114 12,385 (1) SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus non-current liabilities at December 31, 2019 , include $113.0 million ( 2018 : $109.0 million ), $80.0 million ( 2018 : $80.0 million ) and $121.0 million ( 2018 : $121.0 million ) due to SFL, respectively (see Note 24: Related party transactions). In addition, SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus current liabilities at December 31, 2019 , include a further $1.2 million ( 2018 : $0.0 million ), $3.4 million ( 2018 : $10.1 million ) and $7.4 million ( 2018 : $21.7 million ) due to SFL, respectively (see Note 24: Related party transactions). (2) In the year ended December 31, 2019 , SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus did not pay any dividends ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $3.4 million ), ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $3.8 million ), ( 2018 : $0.0 million ; 2017 : $7.3 million ), respectively. Summarized statement of operations information of the Company's wholly-owned equity method investees is shown below. Year ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands of $) TOTAL SFL Deepwater SFL Hercules SFL Linus Operating revenues 64,142 18,966 18,378 26,798 Net operating revenues 64,142 18,966 18,378 26,798 Net income (3) 17,054 4,346 3,622 9,086 Year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands of $) TOTAL SFL Deepwater SFL Hercules SFL Linus Operating revenues 64,572 19,594 19,126 25,852 Net operating revenues 64,410 19,540 19,049 25,821 Net income (3) 14,635 3,973 3,372 7,290 Year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands of $) TOTAL SFL Deepwater SFL Hercules SFL Linus Operating revenues 73,487 20,873 21,827 30,787 Net operating revenues 73,487 20,873 21,827 30,787 Net income (3) 23,766 5,981 6,462 11,323 (3) The net income of SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules and SFL Linus for the year ended December 31, 2019 , includes interest payable to SFL amounting to $5.1 million ( 2018 : $5.1 million ; 2017 : $5.4 million ), $3.6 million ( 2018 : $3.6 million ; 2017 : $4.3 million ), and $5.4 million ( 2018 : $5.4 million ; 2017 : $5.5 million ), respectively (see Note 24: Related party transactions).

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	(in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Vessel operating expenses 8,668 5,395 Administrative expenses 1,694 628 Interest expense 6,770 6,487 17,132 12,510

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tabl

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities	(in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Deferred and prepaid charter revenue 10,000 7,562 Employee taxes 3,117 195 Other items 162 575 13,279 8,332

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Long-term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt	(in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Long-term debt: Norwegian kroner 900 million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2019 — 77,722 Norwegian kroner 500 million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2020 56,910 57,829 5.75% senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2021 212,230 212,230 Norwegian kroner 700 million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2023 79,674 69,395 4.875% senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2023 148,300 151,700 Norwegian kroner 700 million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2024 79,674 — Borrowings secured on Frontline shares 36,763 — U.S. dollar denominated floating rate debt due through 2025 1,013,626 891,471 Total debt principal 1,627,177 1,460,347 Less : unamortized debt issuance costs (19,089 ) (23,267 ) Less : current portion of long-term debt (253,059 ) (267,149 ) Total long-term debt 1,355,029 1,169,931
Schedule of maturities of debt	The outstanding debt as of December 31, 2019 , is repayable as follows: Year ending December 31, (in thousands of $) 2020 253,059 2021 523,156 2022 265,106 2023 299,650 2024 282,033 Thereafter 4,173 Total debt principal 1,627,177

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND O_2

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Long Term Liabilities	(in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Unamortized sellers' credit — 3,282 Other items 4 4 4 3,286
Schedule of Finance Leases	(in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Finance lease liability, current portion 68,874 67,793 Finance lease liability, long-term portion 1,037,553 1,104,258 1,106,427 1,172,051
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments	The Company's future minimum lease liability under the non-cancellable finance leases are as follows: Year ending December 31, (in thousands of $) 2020 128,424 2021 126,726 2022 126,726 2023 126,726 2024 485,999 Thereafter 490,801 Total finance lease liability 1,485,402 Less: imputed interest payable (378,975 ) Present value of finance lease liability 1,106,427 Less: current portion (68,874 ) Finance lease liability, long-term portion 1,037,553

SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAI_2

SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL AND CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Share Capital	Authorized share capital is as follows: (in thousands of $, except share data) 2019 2018 200,000,000 common shares of $0.01 par value each (2018: 200,000,000 common shares of $0.01 par value each) 2,000 2,000 Issued and fully paid share capital is as follows: (in thousands of $, except share data) 2019 2018 119,391,310 common shares of $0.01 par value each (2018: 119,373,064 common shares of $0.01 par value each) 1,194 1,194

SHARE OPTION PLAN (Tables)

SHARE OPTION PLAN (Tables)	12 Months Ended
SHARE OPTION PLAN (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Summary of share option transactions	The following summarizes share option transactions related to the Option Scheme in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : 2019 2018 2017 Options Weighted average exercise price $ Options Weighted average exercise price $ Options Weighted average exercise price $ Options outstanding at beginning of year 417,500 11.43 369,500 12.20 279,000 13.03 Granted 525,000 12.19 83,000 14.67 113,000 14.30 Exercised (65,000 ) 9.92 — — (7,500 ) 11.78 Forfeited (42,500 ) 11.80 (35,000 ) 10.03 (15,000 ) 11.78 Options outstanding at end of year 835,000 10.72 417,500 11.43 369,500 12.20 Exercisable at end of year 236,167 9.58 111,500 10.03 85,500 11.43

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Amounts due from and to related parties, excluding direct financing lease balances	The Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following amounts due from and to related parties and associated companies, excluding investment in direct financing lease balances (Refer to Note 16: Investments in sales-type leases, direct financing leases and leaseback assets). (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Amounts due from: Frontline Shipping 2,948 1,225 Frontline 6,708 8,430 Seadrill 51 223 SFL Linus 7,392 21,718 SFL Deepwater 1,246 — SFL Hercules 3,423 10,125 Golden Ocean 627 50 Other related parties 4 — Total amount due from related parties 22,399 41,771 Loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term SFL Deepwater 113,000 109,144 SFL Hercules 80,000 80,000 SFL Linus 121,000 121,000 Total loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term 314,000 310,144 Long-term receivables from related parties Frontline 9,171 11,170 Frontline Shipping 4,445 4,446 Total long-term receivables from related parties 13,616 15,616 Amounts due to: Frontline Shipping 3,884 1,125 Frontline 47 125 Golden Ocean — 91 Other related parties 49 8 Total amount due to related parties 3,980 1,349
Summary of leasing revenues earned from related parties	A summary of leasing revenues and repayments from Frontline Shipping and Golden Ocean is as follows: (in millions of $) 2019 2018 2017 Operating lease income 51.1 53.3 59.4 Direct financing lease interest income 3.8 9.6 16.4 Direct financing lease service revenue 9.9 22.1 35.0 Direct financing lease repayments 7.9 16.8 25.1 Profit share 5.6 1.8 5.8
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	In addition to leasing revenues and repayments, the Company incurred fees with related parties. The Company operates the Suezmax tankers Glorycrown and Everbright in the spot market and pays Frontline and its subsidiaries, a management fee of 1.25% of chartering revenues. The Company paid fees to Frontline Management for administrative services, including corporate services, and fees to Seatankers for the provision of advisory and support services. The Company also paid fees to Seatankers Management Norway AS for the provision of office facilities in Oslo, fees to Frontline Corporate Services Ltd for the provision of office facilities in London and Golden Ocean for administrative services. Year ended (in thousands of $) December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Frontline: Vessel Management Fees 11,758 24,033 36,536 Newbuilding Supervision Fees — — 979 Commissions and Brokerage 291 287 269 Administration Services Fees 201 323 335 Golden Ocean: Vessel Management Fees 20,440 20,440 20,440 Operating Management Fees 894 793 738 Administration Services Fees 30 — — Seatankers: Administration Services Fees 739 290 82 Office Facilities: Seatankers Management Norway AS 104 108 105 Frontline Management AS 198 185 136 Frontline Corporate Services Ltd. 212 166 173

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair values of derivative instruments designated and not designated as cash flow hedges	The following tables present the fair values of the Company's derivative instruments that were designated as cash flow hedges and qualified as part of a hedging relationship, and those that were not designated: (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Designated derivative instruments -short-term assets: Interest rate swaps 520 — Non-designated derivative instruments -short-term assets: Cross currency interest rate swaps — 5,279 Total derivative instruments - short-term assets 520 5,279 Designated derivative instruments -long-term assets: Interest rate swaps 377 5,459 Cross currency interest rate swaps 189 — Non-designated derivative instruments -long-term assets: Interest rate swaps 2,913 5,174 Total derivative instruments - long-term assets 3,479 10,633 (in thousands of $) 2019 2018 Designated derivative instruments -short-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps 6,067 — Cross currency interest rate swaps — 33,004 Non-designated derivative instruments -short-term liabilities: Cross currency interest rate swaps — 12,043 Total derivative instruments - short-term liabilities 6,067 45,047 Designated derivative instruments -long-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps 5,477 1,811 Cross currency interest rate swaps 2,105 4,709 Cross currency swaps 11,049 9,607 Non-designated derivative instruments -long-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps 1,948 86 Total derivative instruments - long-term liabilities 20,579 16,213
Schedule of interest rate swap transactions designated as hedges against specific loans	At December 31, 2019 , the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries had entered into interest rate swap transactions, involving the payment of fixed rates in exchange for LIBOR or NIBOR, as summarized below. The summary includes all swap transactions, most of which are hedges against specific loans. Notional Principal (in thousands of $) Inception date Maturity date Fixed interest rate $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) August 2011 August 2021 2.50% - 2.93% $108,867 (terminating at $79,733) May 2012 August 2022 1.76% - 1.85% $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) March 2013 April 2023 1.85% - 1.97% $83,938 (reducing to $70,125) December 2016 December 2021 2.88% - 3.12% $87,125 (reducing to $70,125) January 2017 January 2022 2.28% - 2.79% $24,267 (reducing to $19,413) September 2015 March 2022 1.67 % $160,781 (reducing to $149,844) February 2016 February 2021 1.07% - 1.26% $63,987 (equivalent to NOK500 million) October 2017 March - June 2020 6.86% - 6.96% * $56,000 (remaining at $56,000) June 2019 September 2023 1.84 % † $14,699 (equivalent to NOK128 million) June 2019 September 2023 6.70% - 6.77% * $11,254 (equivalent to NOK100 million) August 2019 September 2023 6.378 % † $30,000 (remaining at $30,000) June 2019 June 2024 2.15 % † $48,332 (equivalent to NOK420 million) June 2019 June 2024 6.85% - 6.90% † $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) August 2019 August 2029 1.45% - 1.60% * These swaps relate to the NOK500 million and NOK 700 million unsecured bonds due 2020 and 2023 respectively, whereby the fixed interest rate paid is exchanged for NIBOR plus the margin on the bond. † These swaps relate to the NOK 700 million and NOK 700 million unsecured bonds due 2023 and 2024 respectively, where a fixed interest rate is paid in exchange for LIBOR excluding margin on the underlying bonds.
Schedule of currency swap transactions	Principal Receivable Principal Payable Inception date Maturity date NOK500 million US$64.0 million October 2017 March - June 2020 NOK600 million US$76.8 million June 2019 September 2023 NOK100 million US$11.3 million August 2019 September 2023 NOK700 million US$80.5 million June 2019 June 2024
Schedule of carrying value and estimated fair value of financial assets and liabilities	The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2019 , and 2018 , are as follows: 2019 2019 2018 2018 (in thousands of $) Carrying value Fair value Carrying value Fair value Non-derivatives: Available-for-sale debt securities 12,753 12,753 13,245 13,245 Equity Securities 17,551 17,551 73,929 73,929 Equity securities pledged to creditors 43,775 43,775 — — Floating rate NOK bonds due 2019 — — 77,722 77,916 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2020 56,910 58,191 57,829 58,841 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2023 79,674 81,567 69,395 69,568 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2024 79,674 79,674 — — 5.75% unsecured convertible bonds due 2021 212,230 227,025 212,230 199,496 4.875% unsecured convertible bonds due 2023 148,300 165,503 151,700 139,374 Derivatives: Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables 520 520 5,279 5,279 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term receivables 3,479 3,479 10,633 10,633 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term payables 6,067 6,067 45,047 45,047 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term payables 20,579 20,579 16,213 16,213
Schedule of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The above fair values of financial assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2019 , are measured as follows: Fair value measurements using December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (in thousands of $) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Available-for-sale debt securities 12,753 4,690 8,063 Equity securities 17,551 17,551 Equity securities pledged to creditors 43,775 43,775 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables 520 520 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts - long-term receivables 3,479 3,479 Total assets 78,078 66,016 12,062 — Liabilities: Floating rate NOK bonds due 2020 58,191 58,191 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2023 81,567 81,567 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2024 79,674 79,674 5.75% unsecured convertible bonds due 2021 227,025 227,025 4.875% unsecured convertible bonds due 2023 165,503 165,503 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term payables 6,067 6,067 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term payables 20,579 20,579 Total liabilities 638,606 611,960 26,646 — The above fair values of financial assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2018 , were measured as follows: Fair value measurements using December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (in thousands of $) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Available-for-sale debt securities 13,245 13,245 — Equity securities 73,929 73,929 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables 5,279 5,279 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term receivables 10,633 10,633 Total assets 103,086 87,174 15,912 — Liabilities: Floating rate NOK bonds due 2019 77,916 77,916 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2020 58,841 58,841 Floating rate NOK bonds due 2023 69,568 69,568 5.75% unsecured convertible bonds due 2021 199,496 199,496 4.875% unsecured convertible bonds due 2023 139,374 139,374 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term payables 45,047 45,047 Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term payables 16,213 16,213 Total liabilities 606,455 545,195 61,260 —

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LI_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of assets pledged	Assets Pledged (in millions of $) 2019 2018 Book value of consolidated assets pledged under ship mortgages 1,753 1,527

GENERAL (Details)

GENERAL (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019carrier	Dec. 31, 2019containership	Dec. 31, 2019vessel	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019drilling_rig	Dec. 31, 2019tanker	Dec. 31, 2018vessel	Oct. 31, 2015vessel
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of very large crude oil carriers owned	3					3
Number of Suezmax crude oil carriers owned	2
Number of Supramax drybulk carriers owned	5
Number of Handysize drybulk carriers owned	7
Number of Kamsarmax drybulk carriers owned	2
Number of Capesize drybulk carriers owned	8
Number of container vessels owned \| vessel			45
Number of container vessels contracted to be chartered in \| vessel			4				2	2
Number of vessels with finance lease liabilities		7	11				11
Number of car carriers	2
Number of jack-up drilling rigs owned \| drilling_rig					1
Number of ultra-deepwater drilling units owned by wholly-owned subsidiaries accounted for using the equity method \| drilling_rig					2
Number of offshore supply vessels owned			5	5
Number of chemical tankers owned \| tanker						2
Number of oil product tankers contracted to be acquired \| tanker						2
Number of VLCCs \| vessel			3
Number of container vessels \| vessel			3
Number of jack-up drilling rigs owned by wholly-owned subsidiaries account for using the equity method \| drilling_rig					1

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)	12 Months Ended
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)containership	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)vessel	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019vessel	Dec. 31, 2019drilling_rig	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015vessel
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of ultra deepwater drilling units owned \| drilling_rig					2
Number of jack-up drilling rigs owned by wholly-owned subsidiaries account for using the equity method \| drilling_rig					1
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries that own drilling rigs \| vessel				3
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Interest costs capitalized	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,200,000
Number of container vessels contracted to be chartered in \| vessel		2		4				2
Number of vessels with finance lease liabilities	7	11		11
Retained earnings		$ 29,511,000				$ 0
Offshore vessels and rigs
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated economic useful life (in years)	30 years
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated economic useful life (in years)	25 years
Office Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation, rate	20.00%
Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Retained earnings							$ 32,000

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING ST_2

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings		$ 0	$ 29,511
Maximum \| Forecast \| Accounting Standards Update 2016-13
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings	$ 25,000

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)	12 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	1

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Basic earnings per share:
Net income available to stockholders	$ 89,177	$ 73,622	$ 101,209
Diluted earnings per share:
Interest and other expenses attributable to convertible bonds	(304)	123	4,511
Net income assuming dilution	$ 88,873	$ 73,745	$ 105,720
Basic earnings per share:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	107,614	105,898	95,597
Diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	107,614	105,898	95,597
Effect of dilutive share options (in shares)	81	59	26
Effect of dilutive convertible bonds (in shares)	1	1,649	7,277
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding (in shares)	107,696	107,606	102,900
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.83	$ 0.70	$ 1.06
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.83	$ 0.69	$ 1.03

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Narrative)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Oct. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 23, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares issued and loaned to affiliate (in shares)		8,000,000
Total authorised for share lending arrangement (in shares)				7,000,000
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Interest rate		5.75%	5.75%
Shares issued on conversion of convertible debt (in shares)		0.0562596000	0.065451000
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Interest rate				4.875%
Common stock, shares loaned to affiliate (in shares)			3,765,842
Shares issued on conversion of convertible debt (in shares)			0.0654462000		0.0528157000
3.25% Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds Due 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.25%
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds Due 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.25%
Amount of debt repurchased	$ 63.2
Shares issued on conversion of convertible debt (in shares)			651,365			9,418,798

OPERATING LEASES (Details)

OPERATING LEASES (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019vessel	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Minimum future revenues to be received under non-cancelable operating leases [Abstract]
2020			$ 310,083
2021			272,961
2022			248,508
2023			234,689
2024			168,301
Thereafter			164,818
Total minimum lease revenues			1,399,360
Number of vessels committed to vessel upgrades	4	2		4
Assets Leased to Others
Minimum future revenues to be received under non-cancelable operating leases [Abstract]
Cost			2,100,533	$ 2,336,269
Accumulated depreciation			315,934	309,135
Total			$ 1,784,599	$ 2,027,134

GAIN_(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS_3

GAIN/(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS AND TERMINATION OF CHARTERS (Summary) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets [Abstract]
Loss on sale of vessels	$ 0	$ (2,578)	$ (1,699)
Gain on termination of charters	0	0	2,823
Total Gain/(loss) on sale of assets and termination of charters	$ 0	$ (2,578)	$ 1,124

GAIN_(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS_4

GAIN/(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS AND TERMINATION OF CHARTERS (Gain on Sale of Vessels) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)containership	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)containership	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)vessel
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters	$ 0	$ 2,578	$ (1,124)
Proceeds from sale of vessels and termination of charters	0	145,654	74,791
Gain/(Loss)	$ 0	$ (2,578)	$ (1,699)
Number of vessels sold \| containership	0	1
Crude Oil Tankers
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of vessels sold \| vessel			4
Front Circassia
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters		$ 1,400
Proceeds from sale of vessels and termination of charters		17,900
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable		4,400
SFL Avon
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters		200
Front Page
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters		(300)
Front Stratus
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters		(200)
Front Serenade
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters		(300)
Front Page, Front Stratus Front Serenade
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of vessels and termination of charters		22,500
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable		3,400
Front Ariake
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters		(1)
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable		3,400
Front Falcon
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters		$ 1,800
Sale of oil tanker- Front Century
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters			$ 26
Sale of oil tanker- Front Brabant
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters			1,700
Front Scilla
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters			1,100
Sale of oil tanker- Front Ardenne
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters			(300)
MSC Alice
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and termination of charters			$ (700)
Term of time charter			5 years

GAIN_(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS_5

GAIN/(LOSS) ON SALE OF ASSETS AND TERMINATION OF CHARTERS (Gain on Termination of Charters) (Details) - Apexindo $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Term loan facility, term	6 years
Initial face value of note	$ 6
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable	$ 2.8

GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES _3

GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES AND DISPOSAL GROUPS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds received		$ 84,400
Gain/(Loss) on sale of subsidiaries and disposal groups	$ 0	$ 7,613	$ 0
Rig Finance
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Percentage held in consolidated subsidiary sold to a third party		100.00%

GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES _4

GAIN ON SALE OF SUBSIDIARIES AND DISPOSAL GROUPS (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 915
Vessel and equipment, net	76,875
Charter deposit	(913)
Other current liabilities	(90)
Net assets	$ 76,787

OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS, NET (Det

OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS, NET (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter		15 years	7 years
Total net cash movement on non-designated derivatives			$ 1,195	$ (721)	$ (5,124)
Total net movement in fair value of non-designated derivatives			(3,450)	13,908	8,068
Net movement in fair value of designated derivatives (ineffective portion)			0	(11)	140
Impairment of long-term receivables			9,168	1,730	0
Other items			(1,330)	(1,040)	(5,768)
Total other financial items, net			(12,753)	10,407	(2,684)
Retained earnings			0	29,511
Loss on derivative instrument reclassified from other comprehensive income			0	3,100	1,600
Gain on foreign currency translation			300	2,000	4,500
Sea Bear [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter	6 years
Deep Sea \| Sale of offshore support vessel Sea Bear
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Impairment of long-term receivables			8,200	1,700	0
Stated interest rate	7.25%
Face value of note	$ 14,600
Initial fair value of note	$ 11,600
Apexindo
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Impairment of long-term receivables			900	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total net cash movement on non-designated derivatives			1,389	170	(2,985)
Total net movement in fair value of non-designated derivatives			(4,123)	2,687	2,290
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total net cash movement on non-designated derivatives			0	0	0
Total net movement in fair value of non-designated derivatives			0	0	0
Interest Rate Swap And Cross Currency Interest Rate Contracts
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total net cash movement on non-designated derivatives			(194)	(891)	(2,139)
Total net movement in fair value of non-designated derivatives			$ 673	$ 11,221	$ 5,778
Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Retained earnings						$ 32

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUIT_3

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Schedule of Marketable Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Corporate Bonds
Balance at start of the year	$ 13,245	$ 41,742
Disposals during the year	(583)	(26,820)
Additions during the year	2,281	0
Unrealized gain/(loss) recorded in other comprehensive income	(9)	2,244
Realized gain/(loss)	0	(3,921)
Accumulated other-than-temporary impairment	(2,181)	0
Balance at end of the year	12,753	13,245
Shares
Balance at start of the year	73,929	52,060
Disposals during the year	(82,783)	(19,248)
Additions during the year	0	11,572
Unrealized Gain	29,104	12,277
Realized gain/(loss)	40,777	17,398
FX gain/(loss)	299	(130)
Balance at the end of year	61,326	73,929
Total Investment in Debt and Equity Securities	74,079	87,174
Equity Securities pledged to creditors	$ 43,775	$ 0

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUIT_4

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Schedule of Corporate Bonds) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortised Cost	$ 12,118	$ 12,601
Unrealised gains/ (losses)	635	644
Fair value	12,753	13,245	$ 41,742
NorAm Drilling
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortised Cost	4,132	4,715
Unrealised gains/ (losses)	558	477
Fair value	4,690	5,192	$ 5,500
Oro Negro 7.5%
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortised Cost	5,705	7,886
Unrealised gains/ (losses)	0	167
Fair value	5,705	8,053
Oro Negro 12%
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortised Cost	2,281	0
Unrealised gains/ (losses)	77	0
Fair value	$ 2,358	$ 0

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUIT_5

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Repurchase of bonds				$ 80,749	$ 97,248	$ 68,383
Realized gain/(loss)				0	(3,921)
Unrealized gain/(loss) recorded in other comprehensive income				(9)	2,244
Disposals during the year				583	26,820
Realized gain/(loss)				40,777	17,398
Number of shares received (in shares)			55
Unrealized Gain				29,104	12,277
Accumulated other-than-temporary impairment				(2,181)	0
NorAm Drilling
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Repurchase of bonds				600	500
Realized gain/(loss)				0	0
Unrealized gain/(loss) recorded in other comprehensive income				100	200	500
Corporate Bond Securities, Oro Negro, Super Senior Callable Liquidity Bonds
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Repurchase of bonds				2,300
Unrealized gain/(loss) recorded in other comprehensive income				$ 100	0	0
Super Senior Callable Liquidity Bonds Rate				12.00%
Debt amount				$ 2,300
Oro Negro 12%
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Unrealized gain/(loss) recorded in other comprehensive income				$ (200)	200	2,100
Super Senior Callable Liquidity Bonds Rate				7.50%
Aggregate impairment charge				$ 2,200	0	2,900
Corporate Bond Securities- Golden Close
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Realized gain/(loss)					(3,900)
Unrealized gain/(loss) recorded in other comprehensive income					1,900	3,600
Disposals during the year					26,400
Impairment charge						1,000
Common stock - Frontline Ltd
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Debt amount				36,763	$ 0
Forward Contract To Repurchase Shares				$ 36,800
Investment owned (in shares)				3.4	11
Number of shares sold (in shares)				7.6
Disposals during the year				$ 82,800
Realized gain/(loss)				$ 40,800
Remaining shares sold				3.4
Forward contract to repurchase shares (shares)				3.4
Unrealized Gain				$ 25,000	$ 10,300
Unrealised Gain or Loss on Marketable Securities						(27,700)
Common stock - NorAm Drilling
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Investment owned (in shares)				1.3	1.3
Foreign exchange gain (loss)				$ 0	$ (200)
Number of shares received (in shares)		12
Shares acquired		$ 700
Unrealized Gain				$ 400	$ 1,000
Unrealised Gain or Loss on Marketable Securities						100
Common Stock, ADS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Investment owned (in shares)				4	4
Foreign exchange gain (loss)				$ 300	$ 0
Unrealized Gain				$ 3,700	800
Golden Close
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Realized gain/(loss)					17,400
Proceeds received in settlement of total investment					19,200
Unrealized Gain					$ 1,700	0
Accumulated other-than-temporary impairment						$ 600
ADS \| Common Stock, ADS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Number of shares received (in shares)	4				4
Shares acquired	$ 10,000				$ 10,000

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUIT_6

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Shares) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items]
Equity securities	$ 61,326	$ 73,929	$ 52,060
Equity Securities pledged to creditors	43,775	0
Common stock - Frontline Ltd
Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items]
Equity securities	43,775	60,830
Equity Securities pledged to creditors	43,800	0
Common stock - NorAm Drilling
Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items]
Equity securities	4,326	3,928
Common Stock, ADS
Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items]
Equity securities	$ 13,225	$ 9,171

TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND_2

TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts, trade receivables	$ 0	$ 0
Allowance for doubtful other receivables	$ 0	$ 0

VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Sch

VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Schedule of Vessels and Equipment) (Details) - Container vessels - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	$ 1,867,873	$ 1,955,880
Accumulated depreciation	(463,168)	(396,168)
Total	$ 1,404,705	$ 1,559,712

VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Nar

VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)containership	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)containership	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019vessel	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2019Rate
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Number of vessels sold \| containership	0	1
Transferred costs		$ 1,640,000				$ 30,642,000
Vessel and equipment, net		76,875,000
Vessel impairment charge	$ 60,054,000	64,338,000	$ 0
Number of offshore supply vessels \| containership	4
Number of container vessels impaired \| containership	2
Depreciation	$ 116,381,000	$ 104,079,000	88,150,000
Number of offshore supply vessels owned				5	5
Number of offshore supply vessels under operating leases		2
Charterhire, percentage rate		50.00%					100.00%
Container vessels
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Cost		$ 1,955,880,000				1,867,873,000
Accumulated depreciation		(396,168,000)				(463,168,000)
Investments in leaseback assets		1,559,712,000				1,404,705,000
Vessel and equipment, net		76,900,000
Depreciation	80,300,000	99,600,000	88,200,000
Property Subject to Operating Lease
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Vessel impairment charge	$ 55,500,000	25,400,000	$ 0
MSC Margarita And MSC Vidhi
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Cost						40,300,000
Accumulated depreciation						(13,000,000)
Investments in leaseback assets						$ 27,300,000
SFL Avon \| Container vessels
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Investments in leaseback assets		$ 12,300,000

VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, _3

VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, NET (Schedule of Finance Lease) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Cost	$ 755,058	$ 754,392
Accumulated depreciation	(40,582)	(4,503)
Vessels under finance lease, net	$ 714,476	$ 749,889

VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, _4

VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, NET (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
VESSELS UNDER FINANCE LEASE, NET (Details) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2018containershipshares	Oct. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)containership	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)containershipshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018vessel	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018vessel
Vessels under capital lease, net [Line Items]
Number of vessels acquired	4		7	4				15
Term of lease or charter		15 years	7 years
Number of year before option to buy vessel is available			6 years	6 years
Reclassification of derecognized vessels				$ 748,900
Additions to vessels under finance lease category				$ 5,500
Shares acquired (in shares) \| shares	4,024,984			4,024,984
Shares issued, consideration paid on vessel acquisition				$ 58,000
Consideration assigned to the long term time charter contracts acquired							$ 18,000
Depreciation			$ 116,381	$ 104,079	$ 88,150
13,800 TEU Containership
Vessels under capital lease, net [Line Items]
Number of units \| containership			4
Value of vessels acquired- part non cash acquisition							445,000
14,000 TEU Containership
Vessels under capital lease, net [Line Items]
Number of units \| containership				4
10,600 TEU Containership
Vessels under capital lease, net [Line Items]
Number of units			3	3		3
Value of vessels acquired- part non cash acquisition							$ 315,000
Minimum
Vessels under capital lease, net [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter			6 years	6 years
Maximum
Vessels under capital lease, net [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter			11 years	11 years
Vessels Under Finance Lease
Vessels under capital lease, net [Line Items]
Depreciation			$ 36,100	$ 4,500	$ 0

OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS (Schedul

OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS (Schedule of Long-Term Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Capital improvements in progress	$ 30,642	$ 1,640
Collateral deposits on swap agreements	17,520	1,820
Value of acquired charter-out contracts, net	13,407	16,302
Long term receivables	1,880	11,048
Other	799	0
Total other long-term assets	$ 64,248	$ 30,810

OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS OTHER LO

OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS OTHER LONG TERM ASSETS (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)containership	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)containershipvessel	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019vessel	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018vessel	May 31, 2018containership
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of vessels committed to vessel upgrades		4		4	2
Transferred costs		$ 1,640				$ 30,642
Number of container vessels \| vessel				4
Number of vessels acquired	7	4					15	4
Time charters		$ 18,000
Long term receivables		11,048				1,880
Impairment of long-term receivables	$ 9,168	$ 1,730	$ 0
Construction in Progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of vessels committed to vessel upgrades \| containership	9	4
Transferred costs						9,700
Number of container vessels transferred \| containership	5
10,600 TEU Containership
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Transferred costs		$ 0				$ 21,500
Number of container vessels \| containership	3
Evergreen Marine \| Container vessels
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of vessels acquired \| vessel		4
Time charters		$ 18,000
Amortization of time charters	$ 2,900	$ 1,700	$ 0

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEA_3

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEASES, DIRECT FINANCING LEASES AND LEASEBACK ASSETS (Schedule of Investments in Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases and Leaseback Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Investments in sales-type and direct financing leases	$ 786,598
Investments in sales-type and direct financing leases		$ 802,159
Investments in leaseback assets	207,789	$ 0
Total	$ 994,387

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEA_4

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEASES, DIRECT FINANCING LEASES AND LEASEBACK ASSETS (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015vessel	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)containershipvesselRate	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)vessel	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 05, 2015vessel	Dec. 31, 2014vessel
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Term of charters, minimum (in years)		5 years
Number of vlccs sold, direct financing lease		0	6
Number of VLCCs accounts for as leaseback assets		3
Term of charters, maximum (in years)		8 years
Number of offshore supply vessels under operating leases			2
Vessel impairment charge \| $		$ (60,054)	$ (64,338)	$ 0
Number of container vessels accounted for as direct financing leases		19	19
Number of container vessels contracted to be chartered in	2	4	2
Assets accounted for as sales-type lease		3	1
Number of container vessels providing a fixed price put option, purchase option or purchase obligation		4
Term of lease or charter	15 years	7 years
Number of container vessels providing the charterer with purchase options and put options		15
Number of offshore supply vessels \| containership		4
Minimum lease revenues \| $		$ 1,085,642
Interest income related parties – direct financing leases \| $		$ 3,796	$ 9,623	$ 16,362
Number of vessels accounted for as leaseback assets		6
Sales-Type Leases And Direct Financing Leases
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of vessel charters		26	24
Leaseback Assets
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of vessel charters		6	0
Property subject to direct financing leases
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Vessel impairment charge \| $		$ (5,000)
Frontline Charterers
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Assets accounted for as direct financing leases and leased to related parties		3	3		17
Minimum lease revenues \| $		$ 140,800
Frontline Charterers \| Sales-Type Leases And Direct Financing Leases
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Assets accounted for as direct financing leases and leased to related parties		3	3
Front Energy And Front Force \| Sales-Type Leases And Direct Financing Leases
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of VLCCs accounted for as leaseback assets		2
Frontline Shipping
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of VLCCs accounts for as leaseback assets		2
Percentage share of joint costs \| Rate		50.00%
Deep Sea Supply BTG
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of offshore supply vessels under finance lease		1
Number of offshore supply vessels			5			5
Sea Cheetah and Sea Jaguar \| Deep Sea Supply BTG
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of offshore supply vessels under operating leases		4
MSC Margarita And MSC Vidhi
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of container vessels contracted to be chartered in		2
Term of lease or charter		5 years
Investments in leaseback assets \| $		$ 27,300
Front Page, Front Status, Front Serenade, And Front Ariake [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Vessel impairment charge \| $			$ (38,900)
Front Page, Front Status, Front Serenade And Front Circassia
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of VLCCs accounts for as leaseback assets			4
Sea Leopard
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of offshore supply vessels			1
Hunter Group ASA [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter		5 years
Number of vessels accounted for as leaseback assets		3
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter		15 years
MSC
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter		6 years
Number of vessels accounted for as leaseback assets		3

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEA_5

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEASES, DIRECT FINANCING LEASES AND LEASEBACK ASSETS (Components of Investments in Direct Financing and Sales-type Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Total minimum lease payments to be received	$ 1,219,715	$ 1,173,152
Less: amounts representing estimated executory costs including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments	(64,222)	(74,077)
Net minimum lease payments receivable	1,155,493	1,099,075
Estimated residual values of leased property (un-guaranteed)	331,929	180,080
Less: unearned income	(493,035)	(476,996)
Total investment in sales-type lease, direct financing lease and leaseback assets	994,387
Total investment in sales-type lease, direct financing lease and leaseback assets		802,159
Current portion	56,189
Current portion		39,804
Long-term portion	938,198
Long-term portion		$ 762,355
Sales-Type Leases And Direct Financing Leases
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Total minimum lease payments to be received	1,085,642
Less: amounts representing estimated executory costs including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments	(64,222)
Net minimum lease payments receivable	1,021,420
Estimated residual values of leased property (un-guaranteed)	192,429
Less: unearned income	(427,251)
Total investment in sales-type lease, direct financing lease and leaseback assets	786,598
Current portion	45,361
Long-term portion	741,237
Leaseback Assets
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Total minimum lease payments to be received	134,073
Less: amounts representing estimated executory costs including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments	0
Net minimum lease payments receivable	134,073
Estimated residual values of leased property (un-guaranteed)	139,500
Less: unearned income	(65,784)
Total investment in sales-type lease, direct financing lease and leaseback assets	207,789
Current portion	10,828
Long-term portion	$ 196,961

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEA_6

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEASES, DIRECT FINANCING LEASES AND LEASEBACK ASSETS (Schedule of Minimum Future Gross Revenues) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Sales-Type Leases and Direct Financing Leases
2020	$ 115,463
2021	105,459
2022	109,902
2023	105,198
2024	106,817
Thereafter	542,803
Total minimum lease payments to be received	1,085,642
Leaseback Assets
2020	25,369
2021	27,820
2022	27,820
2023	27,820
2024	23,392
Thereafter	1,852
Total minimum lease payments to be received	134,073
Total, 2020	140,832
Total, 2021	133,279
Total, 2022	137,722
Total, 2023	133,018
Total, 2024	130,209
Total, Thereafter	544,655
Total minimum lease revenues	$ 1,219,715

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEA_7

INVESTMENTS IN SALES-TYPE LEASES, DIRECT FINANCING LEASES AND LEASEBACK ASSETS (Schedule of Interest Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Interest income related parties – direct financing leases	$ 3,796	$ 9,623	$ 16,362
Investments in sales type and direct financing leases	56,764	39,678	38,265
Investments in leaseback assets	3,556	0	0
Total	$ 60,320	$ 39,678	$ 38,265

INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMP_3

INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (Details)	Oct. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)drilling_rig	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)drilling_rig	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	May 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008vessel
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proportion of secured bank lenders in restructuring agreement with Seadrill Limited					97.00%
Proportion of bondholders in restructuring agreement with Seadrill Limited					40.00%
Number of drilling units \| drilling_rig			3
Term loan facility, amount outstanding		$ 1,627,177,000	$ 1,460,347,000
Summarized balance sheet information [Abstract]
Due to related parties		3,980,000	1,349,000
Statement of operations information [Abstract]
Interest payable to parent		$ 0	$ 6,378,000	$ 0
SFL Deepwater, SFL Hercules, SFL Linus [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of drilling units \| drilling_rig		3
SFL Deepwater
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Participation in equity method investee (in hundredths)		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Number of main assets subject of leases which includes both fixed price call options and fixed price purchase obligations		1					2
Debt amount	$ 390,000,000
Term loan facility, term	5 years
Term loan facility, extension term		4 years
Term loan facility, amount outstanding		$ 187,900,000	$ 203,700,000
Available amount under revolving part of credit facility		0	0
Term loan facility, amount guaranteed		$ 84,700,000	84,700,000
Extension term		13 months
Summarized balance sheet information [Abstract]
Current assets		$ 29,047,000	19,558,000
Non-current assets		286,222,000	302,362,000
Total assets		315,269,000	321,920,000
Current liabilities		19,168,000	18,252,000
Non-current liabilities		285,147,000	297,060,000
Total liabilities		304,315,000	315,312,000
Total stockholders' equity		10,954,000	6,608,000
Due to parent		113,000,000	109,000,000
Due to related parties		1,200,000	0
Proceeds from equity method investment dividends			0	$ 3,400,000
Statement of operations information [Abstract]
Operating revenues		18,966,000	19,594,000	20,873,000
Net operating revenues		18,966,000	19,540,000	20,873,000
Net income		4,346,000	3,973,000	5,981,000
Interest payable to parent		$ 5,100,000	$ 5,100,000	$ 5,400,000
SFL Hercules
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Participation in equity method investee (in hundredths)		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Debt amount						$ 375,000,000
Term loan facility, term	6 years
Term loan facility, extension term		4 years
Term loan facility, amount outstanding		$ 201,900,000	$ 210,000,000
Available amount under revolving part of credit facility		0	0
Term loan facility, amount guaranteed		$ 78,900,000	78,900,000
Extension term		13 months
Summarized balance sheet information [Abstract]
Current assets		$ 22,645,000	16,858,000
Non-current assets		273,621,000	290,370,000
Total assets		296,266,000	307,228,000
Current liabilities		20,761,000	19,487,000
Non-current liabilities		265,769,000	281,627,000
Total liabilities		286,530,000	301,114,000
Total stockholders' equity		9,736,000	6,114,000
Due to parent		80,000,000	80,000,000
Due to related parties		3,400,000	10,100,000
Proceeds from equity method investment dividends			0	$ 3,800,000
Statement of operations information [Abstract]
Operating revenues		18,378,000	19,126,000	21,827,000
Net operating revenues		18,378,000	19,049,000	21,827,000
Net income		3,622,000	3,372,000	6,462,000
Interest payable to parent		$ 3,600,000	$ 3,600,000	$ 4,300,000
SFL Linus
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Participation in equity method investee (in hundredths)		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Debt amount	$ 475,000,000
Term loan facility, term	5 years
Term loan facility, extension term		4 years
Term loan facility, amount outstanding		$ 232,100,000	$ 241,500,000
Available amount under revolving part of credit facility		0	0
Term loan facility, amount guaranteed		102,500,000	102,500,000
Summarized balance sheet information [Abstract]
Current assets		23,387,000	21,673,000
Non-current assets		360,958,000	375,222,000
Total assets		384,345,000	396,895,000
Current liabilities		25,903,000	31,442,000
Non-current liabilities		336,971,000	353,068,000
Total liabilities		362,874,000	384,510,000
Total stockholders' equity		21,471,000	12,385,000
Due to parent		121,000,000	121,000,000
Due to related parties		7,400,000	21,700,000
Proceeds from equity method investment dividends			0	$ 7,300,000
Statement of operations information [Abstract]
Operating revenues		26,798,000	25,852,000	30,787,000
Net operating revenues		26,798,000	25,821,000	30,787,000
Net income		9,086,000	7,290,000	11,323,000
Interest payable to parent		5,400,000	5,400,000	5,500,000
TOTAL
Summarized balance sheet information [Abstract]
Current assets		75,079,000	58,089,000
Non-current assets		920,801,000	967,954,000
Total assets		995,880,000	1,026,043,000
Current liabilities		65,832,000	69,181,000
Non-current liabilities		887,887,000	931,755,000
Total liabilities		953,719,000	1,000,936,000
Total stockholders' equity		42,161,000	25,107,000
Statement of operations information [Abstract]
Operating revenues		64,142,000	64,572,000	73,487,000
Net operating revenues		64,142,000	64,410,000	73,487,000
Net income		$ 17,054,000	$ 14,635,000	$ 23,766,000

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details)

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Vessel operating expenses	$ 8,668	$ 5,395
Administrative expenses	1,694	628
Interest expense	6,770	6,487
Accrued expenses	$ 17,132	$ 12,510

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Deta

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred and prepaid charter revenue	$ 10,000	$ 7,562
Employee taxes	3,117	195
Other items	162	575
Other current liabilities	$ 13,279	$ 8,332

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT_2

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019NOK (kr)	Jun. 04, 2019NOK (kr)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018NOK (kr)	May 04, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 23, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 22, 2017NOK (kr)	Oct. 31, 2016	Mar. 19, 2014NOK (kr)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,627,177,000			$ 1,460,347,000
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs	(19,089,000)			(23,267,000)
Less : current portion of long-term debt	(253,059,000)			(267,149,000)
Total long-term debt, non-current portion	1,355,029,000			1,169,931,000
NOK700 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds Due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	79,674,000			0
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 212,230,000			212,230,000
Interest rate	5.75%	5.75%								5.75%
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 148,300,000			151,700,000
Term loan facility, principal amount						$ 14,000,000		$ 150,000,000
Interest rate							4.875%
NOK 900 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0	kr 0		77,700,000	kr 672,000,000
Term loan facility, principal amount \| kr		900,000,000									kr 900,000,000
NOK500million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	56,900,000	500,000,000		57,829,000	57,800,000
Term loan facility, principal amount		500,000,000		500,000,000					kr 500,000,000
NOK 600 Million Senior Unsecured Bond due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	79,674,000			69,395,000
Floating Rate Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,013,626,000			891,471,000
NOK700 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount	$ 79,700,000	kr 700,000,000
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.875%	4.875%					4.875%
NOK700 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds Due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount	$ 79,700,000	kr 700,000,000	kr 700,000,000	0	kr 0
Common stock - Frontline Ltd
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount	$ 36,763,000			$ 0

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT_3

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Schedule of Debt Principal) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 253,059
2021	523,156
2022	265,106
2023	299,650
2024	282,033
Thereafter	4,173
Total debt principal	$ 1,627,177	$ 1,460,347

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT_4

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 13, 2018NOK (kr)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)tankersubsidiary	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)subsidiary	Mar. 31, 2019NOK (kr)subsidiary	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)carriertankersubsidiary	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)vesselsubsidiary	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)shares	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)carriersubsidiary	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)carriersubsidiary	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)carriersubsidiary	Dec. 31, 2014subsidiary	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)containershipsubsidiary	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)containershipsubsidiary	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)vesselsubsidiary	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)subsidiary	May 31, 2011USD ($)vesselsubsidiary	Mar. 31, 2011USD ($)carrier	Mar. 31, 2010USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2010USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)carriercontainershipvessel$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019NOK (kr)shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)carriercontainershipsubsidiary	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016carrier	Dec. 31, 2019NOK (kr)carriercontainershipvesselshares	Jul. 30, 2019NOK (kr)	Jun. 04, 2019NOK (kr)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)carrier	Dec. 31, 2018NOK (kr)carriercontainership	May 31, 2018containership	May 04, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 23, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jun. 22, 2017NOK (kr)	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)shares	Oct. 31, 2016shares	Oct. 05, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Feb. 29, 2016vessel	Jun. 30, 2015containership	Dec. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 19, 2014NOK (kr)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Three month dollar LIBOR rate (in hundredths)																				1.91%		2.81%			1.91%				2.81%
Three month Norwegian kroner NIBOR rate (in hundredths)																				1.84%		1.27%			1.84%				1.27%
Number of vessels acquired						15														7		4			7				4	4
Long-term debt																				$ 1,627,177,000		$ 1,460,347,000
Share price (usd per share) \| $ / shares																				$ 14.54
Repurchase of bonds																				$ 80,749,000		97,248,000	$ 68,383,000
Total allocated as the reacquisition of the equity component																						$ 500,000
Total authorised for share lending arrangement (in shares) \| shares							7,000,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary						15
Number of car carriers \| carrier																				2					2
Number of container vessels \| vessel																				4					4
Number of offshore supply vessels \| containership																				4					4
Number of vessels sold \| containership																				0		1			0				1
Gain/(Loss) on purchase of bonds																				$ 1,802,000		$ 1,146,000	(2,305,000)
Number of drybulk carriers \| vessel																				7					7
Book value of assets pledged under ship mortgages																				$ 1,753,000,000		1,527,000,000
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt																				$ 212,230,000		212,230,000
Interest rate																				5.75%					5.75%										5.75%
Shares issued on conversion of convertible debt (in shares) \| shares																				0.065451000					0.065451000										0.0562596000
Repurchase of bonds																						12,800,000
Gain on purchased bonds																						900,000
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																															$ 14,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Long-term debt																				$ 148,300,000		151,700,000
Interest rate							4.875%
Shares issued on conversion of convertible debt (in shares) \| shares																				0.0654462000					0.0654462000							0.0528157000
Conversion price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares																				$ 15.28												$ 18.93
Principal amounts																				$ 11,600,000
Repurchase of bonds																				3,400,000		12,300,000
Gain on purchased bonds																				$ 300,000		400,000
Common stock, shares loaned to affiliate (in shares) \| shares																				3,765,842					3,765,842
Recognition of equity component arising from issuance of 4.875% convertible bonds due 2023																				$ 7,100,000		7,400,000
Amortization of deferred charges																				1,300,000		1,000,000
Total allocated as the reacquisition of the equity component																				200,000		600,000
US Dollar 24.9 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt																				22,900,000		0
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary					3
Number of vessels against which loan was secured \| carrier					3
Term of loan in years					5 years
US Dollar 50 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount					$ 50,000,000
Long-term debt																				50,000,000		0
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary					3
Term of loan in years					4 years
Number of tankers chartered \| tanker					3
US Dollar 29.5 million Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																												$ 29,500,000
Long-term debt																				27,000,000		0
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary				2
Term of loan in years				5 years
Number of car carriers \| carrier																												2
US Dollar 33.1 million Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount			$ 33,100,000
Long-term debt																				33,100,000		0
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary			5
Term of loan in years			4 years
US Dollar 142.5 million Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount		$ 142,500,000
Long-term debt																				142,500,000		0
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary		3
Term of loan in years		5 years
Number of newbuilding crude oil tankers acquired \| tanker		3
US Dollar 45 million secured term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount															$ 45,000,000
Long-term debt																				$ 45,000,000		$ 45,000,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary															7
Number of container vessels \| containership																																						7
Term loan facility, term															5 years
Floating Rate Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate (in hundredths)																				4.27%		4.22%			4.27%				4.22%
Long-term debt																				$ 1,013,626,000		$ 891,471,000
Number of vessels sold \| vessel																																					1
Floating Rate Debt \| US Dollar 24.9 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount					$ 24,900,000
Floating Rate Debt \| US$ 43 million secured term loan facility (February 2010)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																			$ 42,600,000
Long-term debt																				14,900,000		17,800,000
Term of loan in years																			5 years
Floating Rate Debt \| US$ 43 million secured term loan facility (March 2010)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																		$ 42,600,000
Long-term debt																				14,900,000		17,800,000
Term of loan in years																		5 years
Floating Rate Debt \| US$ 75 million secured term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																	$ 75,400,000
Long-term debt																				0		32,700,000
Number of vessels against which loan was secured \| carrier																	3
Term of loan in years																	8 years
Floating Rate Debt \| US$ 171 million secured term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																$ 171,000,000
Long-term debt																				63,400,000		73,700,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary																8
Number of vessels against which loan was secured \| vessel																7
Term of loan in years																10 years
Floating Rate Debt \| US Dollar 45 million secured term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Available amount under revolving part of credit facility																				0		0
Floating Rate Debt \| US dollar 101 million secured term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount														$ 101,400,000
Long-term debt			$ 33,100,000																	$ 0		44,100,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary														6
Term loan facility, term														5 years
Number of offshore supply vessels \| vessel														6
Number of remaining vessels relating to loan facility \| vessel																				5					5
Facility repurchased amount			11,000,000
Facility repurchased amount			9,400,000
Gain/(Loss) on purchase of bonds			$ 1,700,000
Floating Rate Debt \| US dollar 20 million secured term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount													$ 20,000,000
Long-term debt																				$ 19,100,000		20,000,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary													2
Number of container vessels \| containership													2
Term loan facility, term													5 years
Floating Rate Debt \| US dollar 128 million secured term loan facility (September 2014)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount													$ 127,500,000
Long-term debt																				84,000,000		92,400,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary													2
Number of container vessels \| containership													2
Term loan facility, term													7 years
Floating Rate Debt \| US dollar 128 million secured term loan facility (November 2014)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount												$ 127,500,000
Long-term debt																				87,100,000		95,600,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary												2
Number of container vessels \| containership												2
Term loan facility, term												7 years
Floating Rate Debt \| US dollar 39 million secured term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																																							$ 39,000,000
Long-term debt																				24,300,000		$ 26,700,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary											2
Term loan facility, term											8 years
Number of drybulk carriers \| carrier																						2							2
Floating Rate Debt \| US dollar 166 million secured term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount										$ 166,400,000
Long-term debt																				104,000,000		$ 117,900,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary										8
Number of vessels against which loan was secured \| carrier										8
Term loan facility, term										7 years
Floating Rate Debt \| US dollar 210 million secured term loan facility (Maersk)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount									$ 210,000,000
Long-term debt																				160,800,000		173,900,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary									3
Number of vessels against which loan was secured \| carrier									3
Term loan facility, term									5 years
Number of vessels delivered \| carrier									(1)															(2)
Floating Rate Debt \| US Dollar 76 Million Secured Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount								$ 76,000,000
Long-term debt																				$ 64,300,000		69,500,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary								2
Number of vessels against which loan was secured \| carrier								2
Term loan facility, term								7 years
Floating Rate Debt \| US dollar 50 million secured term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount						$ 50,000,000
Term of loan in years																				7 years	7 years
Floating Rate Debt \| US dollar 50 million secured term loan facility (June 2018)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt																				$ 40,700,000		46,900,000
Floating Rate Debt \| US dollar 17.5 million secured term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																				15,700,000		$ 17,500,000
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that entered into secured term loan facility agreement \| subsidiary																						2
Number of vessels against which loan was secured \| carrier																						2							2
Term loan facility, term																						5 years
NOK 900 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount \| kr																									kr 900,000,000															kr 900,000,000
Redemption price of debt (in hundredths)																																								100.50%
Amount of debt repurchased \| kr				kr 672,000,000																	kr 228,000,000
Long-term debt																				0		$ 77,700,000			0				kr 672,000,000
NOK500million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																						500,000,000			500,000,000								kr 500,000,000
Long-term debt																				56,900,000		57,829,000			500,000,000				57,800,000
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																																				$ 225,000,000
Amount of debt repurchased																				$ 0		12,800,000
Conversion price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares																				$ 15.28																$ 17.7747
Minimum dividend before convertible debt rate is adjusted \| $ / shares																																				$ 0.225
Principal amounts																				$ 12,600,000
Common shares loan to affiliate \| shares																																				8,000,000
Loan fee																																		$ 80,000		$ 120,000
Common stock, shares loaned to affiliate (in shares) \| shares																																		8,000,000
Recognition of equity component arising from issuance of 4.875% convertible bonds due 2023																				4,000,000		4,000,000
Amortization of deferred charges																				700,000		900,000
NOK700 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																				79,700,000					kr 700,000,000
Percentage of par of bonds issued	101.625%
NOK600million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount	kr 600,000,000																					69,400,000				kr 100,000,000			600,000,000
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt repurchased																				$ 3,400,000		12,300,000
Interest rate							4.875%													4.875%					4.875%
NOK700 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds Due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																				$ 79,700,000		0			kr 700,000,000		kr 700,000,000		kr 0
Common stock - Frontline Ltd [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, principal amount																				$ 36,763,000		0
Forward contract to repurchase shares (shares) \| shares																				3,400,000	3,400,000
Forward Contract To Repurchase Shares																				$ 36,800,000
Collateral amount (percentage)																				20.00%					20.00%
Percentage required for mark to market movement																				100.00%					100.00%
Additional paid-in capital \| Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Recognition of equity component arising from issuance of 4.875% convertible bonds due 2023							$ 7,906,000													$ 0			$ 0
Additional paid-in capital \| Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Recognition of equity component arising from issuance of 4.875% convertible bonds due 2023																				$ 4,600,000
Frontline Forward Contract
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Share price (usd per share) \| $ / shares																				$ 11.0568
Restricted cash																				$ 3,500,000		$ 0

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND O_3

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Unamortized sellers' credit	$ 0	$ 3,282
Other items	4	4
Other long-term liabilities	$ 4	$ 3,286

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND O_4

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015vessel	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)containershipvessel	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)containershipvessel	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014vessel
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of offshore supply vessels \| containership		4
Number of offshore supply vessels under operating leases			2
Number of container vessels contracted to be chartered in	2	4	2
Term of lease or charter	15 years	7 years
Number of year before option to buy vessel is available		6 years	6 years
Finance lease, interest expense \| $		$ 62.8	$ 21.8	$ 16
Deep Sea Supply BTG
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of offshore supply vessels			5		5
Number of offshore supply vessels under finance lease		1
14,000 TEU Containership
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of units \| containership			4
10,600 TEU Containership
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of units \| containership			3
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter		6 years	6 years
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter		11 years	11 years
Sea Cheetah and Sea Jaguar \| Deep Sea Supply BTG
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of offshore supply vessels under operating leases		4

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND O_5

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Schedule of Finance Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Finance lease liability, current portion	$ 68,874
Finance lease liability, long term	1,037,553
Present value of finance lease liability	$ 1,106,427
Finance lease liability, current portion		$ 67,793
Finance lease liability, long term		1,104,258
Total of capital lease obligations		$ 1,172,051

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND O_6

FINANCE LEASE LIABILITY AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 128,424
2021	126,726
2022	126,726
2023	126,726
2024	485,999
Thereafter	490,801
Total finance lease liability	1,485,402
Less: imputed interest payable	(378,975)
Present value of finance lease liability	1,106,427
Less: current portion	(68,874)
Finance lease liability, long term	$ 1,037,553

SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAI_3

SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL AND CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Common shares, authorized	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 1,500,000
Common shares, authorized (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000	150,000,000
Share capital, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Common shares, issued	$ 1,194,000	$ 1,194,000
Common shares, issued (in shares)	119,391,310	119,373,064
Exercisable at end of year (in dollars per share)	$ 9.92

SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAI_4

SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL AND CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018containershipshares	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)containership$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)containership$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)shares	Jun. 30, 2018vessel	May 04, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 23, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Nov. 30, 2016shares	Oct. 31, 2016shares	Oct. 05, 2016USD ($)$ / shares
Share Capital Details
Options exercised (in shares) \| shares					18,246	0	7,500
Share capital, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares		$ 0.01			$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Exercisable at end of year (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares					$ 9.92
Common stock, value authorized					$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000		$ 1,500,000
Share Capital, shares authorized (in shares) \| shares					200,000,000	200,000,000		150,000,000
Increase in authorised common stock \| shares						50,000,000
Shares acquired (in shares) \| shares	4,024,984					4,024,984
Number of vessels acquired	4				7	4			15
Total authorised for share lending arrangement (in shares) \| shares		7,000,000
Long-term debt					$ 1,627,177,000	$ 1,460,347,000
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023
Share Capital Details
Interest rate		4.875%			4.875%
Amount of debt repurchased					$ 3,400,000	12,300,000
Adjustment to equity component of convertible bonds arising from reacquisition of bonds					(200,000)	(600,000)
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds Due 2018
Share Capital Details
Long-term debt			$ 63,200,000
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021
Share Capital Details
Common stock, shares loaned to affiliate (in shares) \| shares												8,000,000
Recognition of equity component arising from issuance of 4.875% convertible bonds due 2023					4,000,000	4,000,000
Amount of debt repurchased					0	12,800,000
Adjustment to equity component of convertible bonds arising from reacquisition of bonds					$ 0	(500,000)
Debt amount														$ 225,000,000
Conversion price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares					$ 15.28									$ 17.7747
Additional paid-in capital \| Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021
Share Capital Details
Recognition of equity component arising from issuance of 4.875% convertible bonds due 2023					$ 4,600,000
Contributed surplus
Share Capital Details
Dividends, Common Stock					$ (31,939,000)	$ 0	$ 0
Stock Options
Share Capital Details
Options exercised (in shares) \| shares					65,000	0	7,500
Exercisable at end of year (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares					$ 9.58	$ 10.03	$ 11.43
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021
Share Capital Details
Interest rate					5.75%								5.75%
Long-term debt					$ 212,230,000	$ 212,230,000
Shares issued on conversion of convertible debt (in shares) \| shares					0.065451000								0.0562596000
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023
Share Capital Details
Common stock, shares loaned to affiliate (in shares) \| shares					3,765,842
Interest rate		4.875%
Recognition of equity component arising from issuance of 4.875% convertible bonds due 2023					$ 7,100,000	7,400,000
Long-term debt					$ 148,300,000	151,700,000
Shares issued on conversion of convertible debt (in shares) \| shares					0.0654462000						0.0528157000
Debt amount										$ 14,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Conversion price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares					$ 15.28						$ 18.93
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023 \| Additional paid-in capital
Share Capital Details
Recognition of equity component arising from issuance of 4.875% convertible bonds due 2023		$ 7,906,000			$ 0		$ 0
3.25% Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds Due 2018
Share Capital Details
Interest rate			3.25%
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds Due 2018
Share Capital Details
Interest rate			3.25%
Amount of debt repurchased			$ 63,200,000
Shares issued on conversion of convertible debt (in shares) \| shares				9,418,798	651,365
Conversion of principal amount				$ 121,000,000
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds Due 2018 \| Additional paid-in capital
Share Capital Details
Adjustment to equity component of convertible bonds arising from reacquisition of bonds					$ 0	$ (9,933,000)	$ (16,368,000)

SHARE OPTION PLAN (Narrative) (

SHARE OPTION PLAN (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
SHARE OPTION PLAN (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life of options (in years)			3 years 6 months	3 years 6 months	3 years 6 months
Weighted average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)			$ 2.68	$ 3.49	$ 3.77
Risk free interest rate			2.36%	2.63%	1.58%
Expected share price volatility			25.00%	29.50%	33.00%
Expected dividend yield			0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Options exercised (in shares)			18,246	0	7,500
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period			$ 300,000		$ 20,000
Proceeds from stock options exercised					$ 100,000
Weighted average remaining contractual term			1 year 9 months 18 days
Unrecognized compensation costs, period of recognition			1 year 3 months 18 days	1 year 4 months 24 days	2 years
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)			525,000	83,000	113,000
Granted (in dollars per share)			$ 12.19	$ 14.67	$ 14.30
Options exercised (in shares)			65,000	0	7,500
Exercisable at end of year (in shares)			236,167	111,500	85,500
Intrinsic value of exercisable options			$ 1,200,000	$ 0	$ 300,000
Unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested options granted			800,000	300,000	500,000
Unrecognized compensation costs			$ 2,000,000	0	900,000
New Options Granted During The Year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life of options (in years)			5 years
Vesting period			3 years
Additional paid-in capital
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock options, compensation cost recognized in the period			$ 900,000
Amortization of stock-based compensation			896,000	454,000	374,000
Additional paid-in capital \| Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amortization of stock-based compensation			$ 800,000	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Officer \| Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)		100,000
Granted (in dollars per share)		$ 11.50
Directors, Officers and Employees \| Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	425,000
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 12.35

SHARE OPTION PLAN (Details)

SHARE OPTION PLAN (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
SHARE OPTION PLAN (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share options [Roll Forward]
Options exercised (in shares)	(18,246)	0	(7,500)
Weighted average exercise price [Abstract]
Exercisable at end of year (in dollars per share)	$ 9.92
Stock Options
Share options [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	417,500	369,500	279,000
Granted (in shares)	525,000	83,000	113,000
Options exercised (in shares)	(65,000)	0	(7,500)
Forfeited (in shares)	(42,500)	(35,000)	(15,000)
Options outstanding at end of year (in shares)	835,000	417,500	369,500
Exercisable at end of year (in shares)	236,167	111,500	85,500
Weighted average exercise price [Abstract]
Options outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$ 11.43	$ 12.20	$ 13.03
Granted (in dollars per share)	12.19	14.67	14.30
Exercised (in dollars per share)	9.92	0	11.78
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	11.80	10.03	11.78
Options outstanding at end of year (in dollars per share)	10.72	11.43	12.20
Exercisable at end of year (in dollars per share)	$ 9.58	$ 10.03	$ 11.43

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Sch

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Schedule of Amounts Due From and to Related Parties, Excluding Direct Financing Leases (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount due from related parties	$ 22,399,000	$ 41,771,000
Total loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term	314,000,000	310,144,000
Total long-term receivables from related parties	13,616,000	15,616,000
Total amount due to related parties	3,980,000	1,349,000
Frontline Charterers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount due from related parties	2,948,000	1,225,000
Total amount due to related parties	3,884,000	1,125,000
Frontline Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount due from related parties	6,708,000	8,430,000
Long-term receivables from related parties	9,171,000	11,170,000
Seadrill
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount due from related parties	51,000	223,000
Golden Ocean
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount due to related parties	0	91,000
Other related parties
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount due from related parties	4,000
Total amount due to related parties	49,000	8,000
Frontline Shipping
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term receivables from related parties	4,445,000	4,446,000
Frontline Management
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount due to related parties	47,000	125,000
SFL Linus
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount due from related parties	7,392,000	21,718,000
Total loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term	121,000,000	121,000,000
Total amount due to related parties	7,400,000	21,700,000
SFL Deepwater
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount due from related parties	1,246,000	0
Total loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term	113,000,000	109,144,000
Total amount due to related parties	1,200,000	0
SFL Hercules
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount due from related parties	3,423,000	10,125,000
Total loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term	80,000,000	80,000,000
Total amount due to related parties	3,400,000	10,100,000
Golden Ocean
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount due from related parties	$ 627,000	$ 50,000

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Rel

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Related Party Leasing and Service Contracts) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)vessel	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)vessel	Jun. 22, 2017	Jun. 05, 2015vessel
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of container vessels owned	45
Deep Sea
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of vessels leased to related parties classified as direct financing leases	1	1
Number of vessels leased to related parties classified as operating leases	4	4
Frontline Charterers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of vessels leased to related parties classified as direct financing leases	3	3		17
Combined balance of net investments in direct financing leases \| $	$ 111.5	$ 115
Combined balance of net investments in direct financing leases, short-term maturities \| $	$ 8.3	$ 8
Golden Ocean
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of vessels leased to related parties classified as direct financing leases	7
Number of vessels leased to related parties classified as operating leases	8	8
Vessels and equipment, net \| $	$ 201.7	$ 217.7
Solstad Farstad
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage			20.00%
Frontline Charterers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of container vessels owned				2

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Sum

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Summary of Leasing Revenues Earned From Related Parties) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Direct financing lease interest income	$ 3,796	$ 9,623	$ 16,362
Finance lease service revenue	9,855	22,095	35,010
Profit share	5,615	1,779	5,753
Frontline Shipping and Golden Ocean
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Operating lease income	51,100	53,300	59,400
Direct financing lease interest income	3,800	9,600	16,400
Finance lease service revenue	9,900	22,100	35,000
Direct financing lease repayments	7,900	16,800	25,100
Profit share	$ 5,600	$ 1,800	$ 5,800

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Nar

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended						3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Narrative) (Details)	Oct. 31, 2018USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016shares	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)shares	Oct. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015shares	Mar. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)carriervesseltankerRate	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)vesselNote	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019vessel	Dec. 31, 2019tanker	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019Rate	Sep. 30, 2018Rate	Feb. 13, 2018Rate	Jun. 05, 2015vessel
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter					15 years				7 years
Time charter rate for VLCCs from July 1 2015 onwards											$ 20,000
Time charter rate for Suezmax tankers from July 1 2015 onwards											15,000
Number of shares received (in shares) \| shares								55,000,000
Number of Capesize drybulk carriers owned \| carrier									8
Number of VLCC crude tankers under construction \| tanker									2
Number of very large crude oil carriers owned									3				3
Profit sharing percent of earnings from Frontline from July 1 2015 onwards									50.00%
Profit share									$ 5,615,000	$ 1,779,000	5,753,000
Due from related parties										41,771,000				$ 22,399,000
Management fee, percentage									1.25%
Due to related parties										$ 1,349,000				3,980,000
Frontline Charterers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of vessels leased to related parties classified as direct financing leases \| vessel										3		3						17
Due from related parties										$ 1,225,000				2,948,000
Due from related parties										1,200,000
Due to related parties										1,125,000				3,884,000
Frontline reverse stock split
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares received (in shares) \| shares						11,000,000
Frontline Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Dividend income									$ 300,000	0	3,300,000
Due from related parties										$ 8,430,000				6,708,000
Management/operating fee per day									$ 9,000
Golden Ocean
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of vessels leased to related parties classified as direct financing leases \| vessel												7
Number of Capesize drybulk carriers owned \| carrier									8
Finance lease per vessel									$ 2,500,000
Charterhire per day									$ 1,535
Number of vessels leased to related parties classified as operating leases \| vessel										8		8
Profit sharing percentage of earnings from Frontline for use of fleet									33.00%
Profit share									$ 800,000	$ 200,000	200,000
Number of container vessels operating on time charter, subcontracted to related party \| vessel									14
Number of drybulk carriers operating on time charter, sub contracted to related party \| carrier									14
Due to related parties										91,000				0
Management service fees									$ 894,000	793,000	738,000
Frontline Shipping
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Capitalized costs									$ 4,200,000
Percentage share of joint costs \| Rate									50.00%
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable		$ 4,400,000
Stated interest rate \| Rate																	7.50%
Interest income received										500,000	0			700,000
Frontline Shipping and Frontline Shipping II
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Profit share income from July 1 2015 onwards									$ 4,800,000	1,500,000	5,600,000
Frontline
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable	$ 3,400,000									10,100,000
Stated interest rate \| Rate															7.50%	7.50%
Interest income received										$ 300,000	0			900,000
Number of loan notes \| Note										3
Deep Sea
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of vessels leased to related parties classified as direct financing leases \| vessel										1		1
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable				$ 11,600,000
Interest Income, Related Party											400,000
Stated interest rate				7.25%
Notes Compensation Received on Termination of Charters, Face Value				$ 14,600,000
Number of vessels leased to related parties classified as operating leases \| vessel										4		4
SFL Linus
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related parties										$ 21,700,000				7,400,000
SFL Deepwater
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related parties										0				1,200,000
SFL Hercules
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related parties										10,100,000				3,400,000
Frontline Management
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of container vessels operating on time charter, subcontracted to related party \| vessel									14
Number of drybulk carriers operating on time charter, sub contracted to related party \| carrier									14
Number of car carriers operating on time charter, subcontracted to related party \| carrier									2
Due to related parties										125,000				47,000
Frontline Management and Frontline Management AS
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to related parties										100,000				50,000
Seadrill
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related parties										$ 223,000				$ 51,000
Management service fees											400,000
Sale of offshore support vessel Sea Bear
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter							6 years
Sale of oil tanker- Front Century
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Compensation payable (receivable) for early contract termination of charter											4,100,000
Sale of oil tanker- Front Brabant
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Compensation payable (receivable) for early contract termination of charter											3,600,000
Sale of oil tanker- Front Ardenne
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Compensation payable (receivable) for early contract termination of charter											6,500,000
Sale of VLCC Front Vanguard
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Compensation payable (receivable) for early contract termination of charter											$ 4,800,000
Golden Ocean \| Golden Ocean Management
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management/operating fee per day									$ 7,000
Vessels Leased to Frontline Charterers \| Frontline Management
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management/operating fee per day									$ 9,000
Common stock - NorAm Drilling
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares received (in shares) \| shares			12,000,000
Reverse stock split \| shares				0.20
Front Circassia
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Compensation payable (receivable) for early contract termination of charter		$ 8,900,000

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (S_2

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Schedule of Fees Incurred with Related Parties) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management fees paid, vessels	$ 33,092	$ 45,266	$ 57,714
Administration Services Fees	1,484	1,072	831
Due to related parties	3,980	1,349
Frontline Charterers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management fees paid, vessels	11,758	24,033	36,536
Newbuilding Supervision Fees	0	0	979
Commissions and Brokerage	291	287	269
Administration Services Fees	201	323	335
Due to related parties	3,884	1,125
Golden Ocean
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management fees paid, vessels	20,440	20,440	20,440
Administration Services Fees	30	0	0
Operating Management Fees	894	793	738
Due to related parties	0	91
Seatankers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Administration Services Fees	739	290	82
Seatankers Management AS
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Office Facilities	104	108	105
Frontline Management AS
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Office Facilities	198	185	136
Frontline Corporate Services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Administration Services Fees	212	166	$ 173
Frontline Management and Frontline Management AS
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to related parties	$ 50	$ 100

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (R_2

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Related Party Loans – Associated Compaines) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related parties	$ 22,399	$ 41,771
Interest income – related parties, long term loans to associated companies	14,128	14,128	$ 15,265
Equity Accounted Subsidiaries
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest income – related parties, long term loans to associated companies	14,100	14,100	15,200
SFL Deepwater
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans advanced to related parties	145,000
Due to parent	113,000	109,000
Due from related parties	1,246	0
Interest income – related parties, long term loans to associated companies	5,100	5,100	5,400
SFL Hercules
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans advanced to related parties	145,000
Due to parent	80,000	80,000
Due from related parties	3,423	10,125
Interest income – related parties, long term loans to associated companies	3,600	3,600	4,300
SFL Linus
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans advanced to related parties	125,000
Due to parent	121,000	121,000
Due from related parties	7,392	21,718
Interest income – related parties, long term loans to associated companies	$ 5,400	$ 5,400	$ 5,500

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (R_3

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Related Party Purchases and Sales of Vessels) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of vessels and termination of charters	$ 0	$ 145,654	$ 74,791
Front Page
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) on sale of assets and termination of charters, net		300
Front Stratus
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) on sale of assets and termination of charters, net		200
Front Serenade
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) on sale of assets and termination of charters, net		300
Front Page, Front Stratus Front Serenade
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of vessels and termination of charters		22,500
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable		$ 3,400

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Lon

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Long-Term Receivables From Related Parties) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Feb. 13, 2018
Frontline Shipping
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable		$ 4.4
Stated interest rate							7.50%
Frontline
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable	$ 3.4			$ 10.1
Stated interest rate			7.50%			7.50%
Front Circassia
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable				4.4
Notes Compensation Received on Termination of Charters, Face Value							$ 8.9
Front Circassia \| Frontline Shipping
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Stated interest rate							7.50%
Interest Income, Related Party			$ 0.7	0.5	$ 0
Front Page, Front Stratus Front Serenade
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable				3.4
Repayment of Notes Receivable from Related Parties			1.2	0.4	0
Front Page, Front Stratus Front Serenade \| Frontline
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Stated interest rate						7.50%
Interest Income, Related Party			0.7	0.3	0
Front Ariake
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Compensation received on termination of charters, notes receivable				3.4
Repayment of Notes Receivable from Related Parties			$ 0.6	0.1	0
Front Ariake \| Frontline
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			7.50%
Interest Income, Related Party			$ 0.2	$ 0.1	$ 0

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Oth

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Other Related Party Transactions) (Details)	1 Months Ended							6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)containershipRateshares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)containershipshares	Nov. 30, 2018shares	Aug. 31, 2018USD ($)shares	May 31, 2018USD ($)containershipsubsidiaryshares	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)shares	Oct. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)containershipRateshares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)containershipshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018vessel
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Term of lease or charter							15 years			7 years
Number of vessels acquired	7	4			4					7	4		15
Interest payable to parent										$ 0	$ 6,378,000	$ 0
Number of shares received (in shares) \| shares									55,000,000
Dividend income – related parties										2,590,000	$ 0	3,300,000
Shares acquired (in shares) \| shares					4,024,984						4,024,984
Gain (loss) on redemption											$ 0
Fair value	$ 12,753,000	$ 13,245,000								12,753,000	13,245,000	41,742,000
Sterna Finance
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of wholly owned subsidiaries \| subsidiary					4
Debt amount					$ 320,000,000
ADS
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Dividend income – related parties										$ 300,000
Ownership percentage \| Rate	17.00%									17.00%
NorAm Drilling
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Dividend income – related parties										$ 0	$ 0	0
Number of units of investments in bonds redeemed		500,000									500,000
Interest income										500,000	$ 500,000	500,000
Net fee income										0	0	100,000
Golden Close
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 0	$ 0								0	0	28,500,000
Interest income											200,000	600,000
Net fee income								$ 400,000
Net proceeds received											45,600,000
Gain/(Loss) on investments in debt and equity securities											$ 13,500,000
Final dividend distribution										$ 2,000,000
Term loan facility, amount guaranteed								$ 18,000,000
Maturity of guarantee								6 months
Common Stock, ADS
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment owned (in shares) \| shares	4,000,000	4,000,000								4,000,000	4,000,000
Common Stock, ADS \| ADS
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares received (in shares) \| shares				4,000,000							4,000,000
Shares acquired				$ 10,000,000							$ 10,000,000
Fair value	$ 13,200,000									$ 13,200,000
Common stock - NorAm Drilling
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares received (in shares) \| shares						12,000,000
Shares acquired						$ 700,000
Fair value		$ 3,900,000									$ 3,900,000
Share consolidation ratio			20
Number of shares held after share consolidation \| shares			601,023
Shares issued (in shares) \| shares			600,000
Shares acquired (in shares) \| shares		41,756
Investment owned (in shares) \| shares	1,300,000	1,300,000								1,300,000	1,300,000
NorAm Drilling
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Disposition of investment										$ 300,000
Fair value	$ 4,690,000	$ 5,192,000								4,690,000	$ 5,192,000	$ 5,500,000
ADS Crude Carriers Plc
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit	7,500,000									7,500,000
Ship Finance \| ADS Crude Carriers Plc
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit	$ 5,000,000									$ 5,000,000
Percentage of long term line of credit provided	67.00%									67.00%
Commitment fee amount	$ 50,000
Floating Rate Debt \| Sterna Finance
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Term loan facility, term					13 months

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 12,753	$ 13,245	$ 41,742
Total derivative instruments - short-term assets	520	5,279
Financial instruments at fair value, long term	3,479	10,633
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	6,067	45,047
Liabilities	20,579	16,213
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total derivative instruments - short-term assets	520	0
Financial instruments at fair value, long term	377	5,459
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	6,067	0
Liabilities	5,477	1,811
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial instruments at fair value, long term	2,913	5,174
Liabilities	1,948	86
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial instruments at fair value, long term	189	0
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	0	33,004
Liabilities	2,105	4,709
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total derivative instruments - short-term assets	0	5,279
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	0	12,043
Cross Currency Swaps [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	11,049	$ 9,607
Fair Value, Recurring \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 8,100

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Interest

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Interest Rate Risk Management) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019NOK (kr)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 22, 2017NOK (kr)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 1,000,000		$ 900,000
NOK500million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt amount		kr 500,000,000	$ 500,000	kr 500,000,000
NOK700 Senior Unsecured Bonds Due 2023 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt amount \| kr		700,000,000
NOK700 Unsecured Bonds Due 2024 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt amount \| kr		700,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract Two
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	64,000	kr 500,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $100,000 (remaining at $100,000)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	100,000
Notional principal, at maturity	$ 100,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) \| Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	2.50%	2.50%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	2.93%	2.93%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $108,867 (terminating at $79,733)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 108,867
Notional principal, at maturity	$ 79,733
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $108,867 (terminating at $79,733) \| Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	1.76%	1.76%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $108,867 (terminating at $79,733) \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	1.85%	1.85%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $83,938 (reducing to $70,125)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 83,938
Notional principal, at maturity	$ 70,125
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $83,938 (reducing to $70,125) \| Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	2.88%	2.88%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $83,938 (reducing to $70,125) \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	3.12%	3.12%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $87,125 (reducing to $70,125)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 87,125
Notional principal, at maturity	$ 70,125
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $87,125 (reducing to $70,125) \| Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	2.28%	2.28%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $87,125 (reducing to $70,125) \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	2.79%	2.79%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $24,267 (reducing to $19,413)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 24,267
Notional principal, at maturity	$ 19,413
Fixed Interest Rate	1.67%	1.67%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $160,781 (reducing to $149,844)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 160,781
Notional principal, at maturity	$ 149,844
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $160,781 (reducing to $149,844) \| Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	1.07%	1.07%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $160,781 (reducing to $149,844) \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	1.26%	1.26%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $63,987 (equivalent to NOK500 million)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 63,987	kr 500,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $63,987 (equivalent to NOK500 million) \| Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	6.86%	6.86%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $63,987 (equivalent to NOK500 million) \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	6.96%	6.96%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $56,000 (remaining at $56,000)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 56,000
Notional principal, at maturity	$ 56,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.84%	1.84%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $14,699 (equivalent to NOK128 million)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 14,699	kr 128,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $14,699 (equivalent to NOK128 million) \| Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	6.70%	6.70%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $14,699 (equivalent to NOK128 million) \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	6.77%	6.77%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $11,254 (equivalent to NOK100 million)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 11,254	kr 100,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	6.378%	6.378%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $30,000 (remaining at $30,000)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 30,000
Notional principal, at maturity	$ 30,000
Fixed Interest Rate	2.15%	2.15%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $48,332 (equivalent to NOK420 million)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 48,332	kr 420,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $48,332 (equivalent to NOK420 million) \| Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	6.85%	6.85%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $48,332 (equivalent to NOK420 million) \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	6.90%	6.90%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $100,000 (remaining at $100,000)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 100,000
Notional principal, at maturity	$ 100,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) \| Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	1.45%	1.45%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	1.60%	1.60%
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $100,000 (remaining at $100,000)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 100,000
Notional principal, at maturity	$ 100,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) \| Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	1.85%	1.85%
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| $100,000 (remaining at $100,000) \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed Interest Rate	1.97%	1.97%

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Foreign

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Foreign Currency Risk Management) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019NOK (kr)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt amount	$ 1,000		$ 900
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract Two
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt amount	64	kr 500,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract 3
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt amount	76.8	600,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract 4
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt amount	11.3	100,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract 5
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt amount	$ 80.5	kr 700,000,000

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Fair Val

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Fair Value and Carrying Value) (Details) $ in Thousands, kr in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019NOK (kr)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018NOK (kr)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Non-derivatives:
Available-for-sale debt securities	$ 12,753		$ 13,245		$ 41,742
Equity securities	61,326		73,929		$ 52,060
Equity Securities pledged to creditors	43,775		0
Long-term debt	1,627,177		1,460,347
Derivatives:
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	520		5,279
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables	3,479		10,633
Long term receivables, non-designated swap contracts	2,900		5,200
Long term payables, non-designated swap contracts	1,900		100
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	212,230		212,230
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	148,300		151,700
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives:
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term payables	0		12,000
NOK 900 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	0	kr 0	77,700	kr 672
NOK500million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2020
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	56,900	kr 500	57,829	kr 57.8
NOK 600 Million Senior Unsecured Bond due 2023
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	79,674		69,395
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Value
Non-derivatives:
Available-for-sale debt securities	12,753
Available-for-sale debt securities			13,245
Equity securities	17,551		73,929
Equity Securities pledged to creditors	43,775		0
Derivatives:
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	520		5,279
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables	3,479		10,633
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term payables	6,067		45,047
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term payables	20,579		16,213
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value
Non-derivatives:
Available-for-sale debt securities	12,753		13,245
Available-for-sale debt securities			13,245
Equity securities	17,551		73,929
Equity Securities pledged to creditors	43,775		0
Derivatives:
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	520		5,279
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables	3,479		10,633
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term payables	6,067		45,047
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term payables	20,579		16,213
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021 \| Carrying Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	212,230		212,230
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021 \| Fair Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	227,025		199,496
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023 \| Carrying Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	148,300		151,700
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023 \| Fair Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	165,503		139,374
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| NOK 900 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds \| Carrying Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	0		77,722
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| NOK 900 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds \| Fair Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	0		77,916
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| NOK500million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2020 \| Carrying Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	56,910		57,829
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| NOK500million senior unsecured floating rate bonds due 2020 \| Fair Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	58,191		58,841
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| NOK 600 Million Senior Unsecured Bond due 2023 \| Carrying Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	79,674		69,395
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| NOK 600 Million Senior Unsecured Bond due 2023 \| Fair Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	81,567		69,568
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| NOK700 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds Due 2024 \| Carrying Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	79,674		0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| NOK700 Million Senior Unsecured Bonds Due 2024 \| Fair Value
Non-derivatives:
Long-term debt	$ 79,674		$ 0

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Fair V_2

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Assets:
Fair value	$ 12,753	$ 13,245		$ 41,742
Equity securities	61,326	73,929		$ 52,060
Equity Securities pledged to creditors	43,775	0
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	520	5,279
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables	3,479	10,633
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 \| Fair Value, Recurring
Assets:
Fair value	$ 8,100
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021
Liabilities:
Interest rate	5.75%				5.75%
Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023
Liabilities:
Interest rate			4.875%
Fair Value
Assets:
Total assets	$ 78,078	103,086
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	638,606	606,455
Fair Value \| Fair Value, Recurring
Assets:
Fair value	12,753	13,245
Equity securities	17,551	73,929
Equity Securities pledged to creditors	43,775	0
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	520	5,279
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables	3,479	10,633
Liabilities:
Floating rate NOK bonds due 2019		77,916
Floating Rate NOK Bonds due 2020	58,191	58,841
Floating rate NOK bonds due 2023	81,567	69,568
Floating Rate NOK Bonds Due 2024	79,674
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term payables	6,067	45,047
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term payables	20,579	16,213
Fair Value \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) \| Fair Value, Recurring
Assets:
Fair value	4,690	13,245
Equity securities	17,551	73,929
Equity Securities pledged to creditors	43,775
Total assets	66,016	87,174
Liabilities:
Floating Rate NOK Bonds due 2020	58,191	58,841
Floating rate NOK bonds due 2023	81,567	69,568
Floating Rate NOK Bonds Due 2024	79,674
Total liabilities	611,960	545,195
Fair Value \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 \| Fair Value, Recurring
Assets:
Fair value	8,063
Financial instruments at fair value, current portion	520	5,279
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term receivables	3,479	10,633
Total assets	12,062	15,912
Liabilities:
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – short-term payables	6,067	45,047
Interest rate/ currency swap contracts – long-term payables	20,579	16,213
Total liabilities	26,646	61,260
Fair Value \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) \| Fair Value, Recurring
Assets:
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0
Fair Value \| Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021 \| Fair Value, Recurring
Liabilities:
Unsecured convertible bonds	227,025	199,496
Fair Value \| Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2021 \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) \| Fair Value, Recurring
Liabilities:
Unsecured convertible bonds	227,025
Fair Value \| Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023 \| Fair Value, Recurring
Liabilities:
Unsecured convertible bonds	165,503	139,374
Fair Value \| Senior Unsecured Convertible Bonds due 2023 \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) \| Fair Value, Recurring
Liabilities:
Unsecured convertible bonds	$ 165,503	$ 139,374

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Concentr

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Concentrations of Risk) (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Concentrations of Risk) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)vessel	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)vessel	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 30, 2017containership	Sep. 12, 2017subsidiaryRate	Oct. 31, 2015vessel
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of container vessels contracted to be chartered in \| vessel		4	2				2
Total loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term		$ 314,000,000	$ 310,144,000
Frontline Charterers \| Revenue Benchmark
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		4.00%	8.00%	15.00%
Golden Ocean \| Revenue Benchmark
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		11.00%	13.00%	14.00%
MSC \| Revenue Benchmark
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		14.00%	11.00%	10.00%
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units \| vessel		32
Maersk \| Revenue Benchmark
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		30.00%	27.00%	14.00%
Evergreen Marine \| Revenue Benchmark
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		14.00%
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units \| vessel		4
Seadrill \| Comprehensive Income
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		35.00%	39.10%	38.60%
Seadrill
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Total loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term		$ 326,100,000	$ 342,000,000
Frontline Ltd
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Minimum Free Cash		2,000,000
Management/operating fee per day		$ 9,000
Golden Ocean
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units \| vessel		8	8
Seadrill
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Agreed Proportion of temporary reduction to daily charter rate \| Rate						29.00%
Agreed Temporary Reduction in Daily Time Charter Rates, Period	5 years
Agreed Period of Charter Extension following Amendments	13 months
Number of drilling rigs owned by wholly-owned subsidiaries account for using the equity method \| subsidiary						3
Agreed period of extension to bank loan term	4 years
Frontline \| Frontline Shipping
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		100.00%
Maersk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of container vessels contracted to be chartered in \| containership					10
Financial Guarantee
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value		$ 266,100,000	$ 266,100,000

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LI_3

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Book Value of Assets Pledged) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Book value of consolidated assets pledged under ship mortgages	$ 1,753	$ 1,527
Vessels and Equipment
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Book value of consolidated assets pledged under ship mortgages	1,351.8	1,424.4
Sales-type Leases, Direct Financing Leases and Leaseback Assets
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Book value of consolidated assets pledged under ship mortgages	$ 400.7	$ 103.1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LI_4

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019containership	Dec. 31, 2019vessel	Dec. 31, 2019$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)vessel
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Book value of assets pledged under ship mortgages						$ 1,753,000	$ 1,527,000
Vessels with finance lease liabilities with a net book value		7	11				11
Long-term debt						1,627,177	$ 1,460,347
Share price (usd per share) \| $ / shares				$ 14.54
Total loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term						314,000	310,144
Long-term purchase commitment, amount	$ 0
Other commitment						2,900	$ 3,400
Number of vessels committed to vessel upgrades			4		2		4
Number of container vessels \| vessel			4
Number of drybulk carriers \| vessel			7
Financial Guarantee
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, current carrying value						266,100	$ 266,100
Seadrill
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total loans to related parties - associated companies, long-term						326,100	342,000
Vessels and Equipment
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Book value of assets pledged under ship mortgages						1,351,800	1,424,400
Sales-type Leases, Direct Financing Leases and Leaseback Assets
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Book value of assets pledged under ship mortgages						400,700	103,100
Vessels With Finance Lease Liabilities
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Book value of assets pledged under ship mortgages						1,277,600	1,331,100
Vessels Under Finance Lease
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Book value of assets pledged under ship mortgages						714,500	749,900
Vessels with finance lease liabilities with a net book value \| vessel			7
Property subject to direct financing leases
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Book value of assets pledged under ship mortgages						563,100	581,200
Vessels with finance lease liabilities with a net book value \| vessel			4
Debt for Acquired Equipment
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit						1,600,000
Debt for Acquired Equipment \| Equity Accounted Subsidiaries
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit							655,200
Long-term debt						621,900
Debt for Acquired Equipment \| Company and Subsidiaries
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit						2,200,000	2,100,000
Frontline Forward Contract
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Investment owned (in shares) \| shares	3.4
Investment owned						43,800
Share price (usd per share) \| $ / shares				$ 11.0568
Restricted cash						3,500	0
Container vessels
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment						13,000	0
Drybulker Carriers
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment						17,500	$ 0
Installation of BWTS
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment						$ 9,200
Number of vessels committed to vessel upgrades \| vessel			18

CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTERES_2

CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)variable_interest_entity	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of variable interest entities \| variable_interest_entity	40
Estimated residual values of leased property (un-guaranteed)	$ 331,929	$ 180,080
Variable Interest Entities With Assets Accounted for as Direct Financing Leases
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of variable interest entities \| variable_interest_entity	24
Carrying value of vessels	$ 588,700
Unearned lease income	258,100
Estimated residual values of leased property (un-guaranteed)	$ 333,300
Number Of Variable Interest Entities Related To Outstanding Loan Balances \| variable_interest_entity	18
Number Of Variable Interest Entities Related To Finance Lease Liabilities \| variable_interest_entity	2
Outstanding loan balance	$ 183,200
Outstanding loan balance, current portion	9,300
VIE oustanding lease obligations	263,600
VIE oustanding lease obligations, short term	$ 12,400
Variable Interest Entities With Assets Accounted for as Operating Lease Assets
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of variable interest entities \| variable_interest_entity	13
Carrying value of vessels	$ 266,100
Outstanding loan balance	123,300
Outstanding loan balance, current portion	$ 13,900
Variable Interest Entities Accounted for as Vessels under Capital Lease
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of variable interest entities \| variable_interest_entity	3
Carrying value of vessels	$ 295,300
VIE oustanding lease obligations	250,900
VIE oustanding lease obligations, short term	$ 19,100

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 18, 2020$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2020vessel	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2019shares	Mar. 31, 2020vessel	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)containershipvessel$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)containershipvessel	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2020NOK (kr)	Oct. 31, 2015vessel
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Exercisable at end of year (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares						$ 9.92
Proceeds from sale of vessels and termination of charters						$ 0	$ 145,654	$ 74,791
Gain/(Loss) on sale of assets and termination of charters, net						$ 0	$ (2,578)	1,124
Number of vessels sold \| containership						0	1
Number of container vessels contracted to be chartered in \| vessel						4	2				2
Purchase of vessels						$ 39,326	$ 1,137,703	$ 0
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend declared \| $ / shares	$ 0.35
Termination fee			$ 3,200
NOK 600 Million Senior Unsecured Bond \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt amount									$ 67,200	kr 600,000,000
Term loan facility, term			5 years
Solstad Farstad \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of vessel charters \| vessel					5
Number of vessels sold \| vessel		4			4
Ship Finance International Limited Share Option Scheme
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of options awarded to employees, officers, and directors \| shares				6,869
Ship Finance International Limited Share Option Scheme \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Granted (in shares) \| shares			350,000
Vesting period			3 years
Term of options			5 years
Exercisable at end of year (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 13.45
Front Hakata \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of vessels and termination of charters			$ 33,500
Front Circassia, Front Page, Front Stratus, Front Serenade, Front Ariake \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of vessels and termination of charters			19,900
Gain/(Loss) on sale of assets and termination of charters, net			$ 4,400
Maersk Sarat, Maersk Skarstind, Maersk Shivling \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Term of time charter		5 years
Number of container vessels contracted to be chartered in \| vessel		3			3
Extension of charter period		44 months