Impairments and Other Charges (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 rig	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012 Pressure Pumping	Jun. 30, 2012 Canada	Jun. 30, 2012 US Land Well-Servicing	Sep. 30, 2011 US Land Well-Servicing	Sep. 30, 2011 U.S. Lower 48 Land Drilling	Sep. 30, 2011 International	Sep. 30, 2012 Trade Names
Summary of Impairments and other charges
Goodwill impairment		$ 26,279
Intangible asset impairment		74,960								75,000
Provision for retirement of assets	98,072	46,264	98,072	26,500	15,100	4,600	8,900	63,200	26,100
Total impairments and other charges	$ 98,072	$ 147,503	$ 98,072
Lived intangible asset										10 years
Number of trucks and rigs retired		116