CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$ (891,070)	$ 106,048	$ 64,444	$ 49,919	$ 150,603	$ (105,381)	$ (4,361)	$ 99,121	$ (670,659)	$ 139,982	$ 164,827
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors									(79,059)	(65,447)	21,073
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities									(59,932)	23,007	98,138
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)									2,337	(88,158)	(13,405)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities									(57,595)	(65,151)	84,733
Pension plan									(5,050)	5,916	(324)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges									612	613	702
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax									(141,092)	(124,069)	106,184
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									(2,474)	(66)	(4,147)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)									(138,618)	(124,003)	110,331
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors									(809,277)	15,979	275,158
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	202	387	253	573	1,026	441	5,616	97	1,415	7,180	621
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest									1,017	932	(311)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									(398)	(6,248)	(932)
Comprehensive income (loss)									$ (808,879)	$ 22,227	$ 276,090