CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$ 75,656	$ 74,256	$ 136,957	$ 349,529
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	31,550	(86,856)	29,157	(47,507)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	13,667	(21,150)	20,882	(26,034)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)	(1,523)	(4)	(14,007)	(5)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	12,144	(21,154)	6,875	(26,039)
Pension liability amortization	260	151	780	451
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges	166	191	548	572
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	44,120	(107,668)	37,360	(72,523)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(272)	68	(3,856)	374
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	44,392	(107,736)	41,216	(72,897)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	120,048	(33,480)	178,173	276,632
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	988	708	(453)	(355)
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	390	(912)	417	(460)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,378	(204)	(36)	(815)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 121,426	$ (33,684)	$ 178,137	$ 275,817