Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from net income
Investment income (loss)	$ 96,577	$ 63,137	$ 19,939
Interest expense	223,418	251,904	256,632
General and administrative expenses	525,330	527,953	487,808
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	106,160	276,960	515,253
Tax expense (benefit)	(55,181)	40,986	165,083
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	139,982	164,827	248,524
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | Reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)
Unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from net income
Investment income (loss)	88,158	13,405	3,036
Investment income (loss), income taxes	2,664	4,316	86
Interest expense	613	702	763
Interest expense, income taxes	(239)	(239)	(239)
General and administrative expenses	5,916	(324)	(5,391)
General and administrative expenses, income taxes	(2,359)	70	2,102
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	81,629	13,027	7,664
Tax expense (benefit)	66	4,147	1,777
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$ 81,563	$ 8,880	$ 5,887