| Document And Entity Information | Nov. 04, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 4, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SYKES ENTERPRISES INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001010612 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 0-28274 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | FL |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 56-1383460 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 400 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 2800 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Tampa |
| Entity Address, State or Province | FL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 33602 |
| City Area Code | 813 |
| Local Phone Number | 274-1000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol(s) | SYKE |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NASDAQ |
