Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from net income
Investment income (loss)	$ 11,831	$ 96,577	$ 63,137
Interest expense	177,948	223,418	251,904
General and administrative expenses	549,734	525,330	527,953
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(604,615)	106,160	276,960
Tax expense (benefit)	(62,666)	55,181	(40,986)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	(670,659)	139,982	164,827
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)	4,635	88,158	13,405
Interest expense	614	613	702
General and administrative expenses	303	991	1,063
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(3,254)	86,554	11,640
Tax expense (benefit)	552	2,080	3,695
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$ (3,806)	$ 84,474	$ 7,945