Comprehensive Income and Changes in Common Stock Outstanding (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Comprehensive income
Net income	$ 92,072	$ 46,478	$ 228,892	$ 124,502
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(127,085)	23,441	(61,370)	8,238
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(127,085)	23,441	(61,370)	8,238
Comprehensive income	(35,013)	69,919	167,522	132,740
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(221)	(132)	(721)	(436)
Comprehensive income attributable to Oil States International, Inc.	$ (35,234)	$ 69,787	$ 166,801	$ 132,304
Stock Activity
Shares of common stock outstanding - January 1, 2011			50,838,863
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and vesting of stock awards			604,102
Repurchase of shares - transferred to treasury			(209,300)
Shares withheld for taxes on vesting of restricted stock awards and transferred to treasury			(33,952)
Shares issued upon exercise of 2 3/8% Notes	189		189
Shares of common stock outstanding - June 30, 2011	51,199,902		51,199,902

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