Supplemental Information (Details 6) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from net income
Investment income (loss)	$ 14,821	$ 5,368	$ 94,242	$ 25,620
Interest expense	60,271	63,459	120,279	126,113
General and administrative expenses	132,612	133,612	265,157	269,958
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	36,181	(134,095)	145,375	78,317
Tax expense (benefit)	6,172	(36,192)	17,444	32,852
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	(4,361)	(72,789)	94,760	61,301
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)	12,183	19	88,157	12,484
Interest expense	153	191	306	382
General and administrative expenses	281	260	562	520
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	11,749	(432)	87,289	11,582
Tax expense (benefit)	2,082	(165)	2,366	3,584
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$ 9,667	$ (267)	$ 84,923	$ 7,998