Supplemental Information (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from net income
Investment income (loss)	$ 1,229	$ 7,224	$ 95,471	$ 32,844
Interest expense	56,059	63,776	176,343	190,068
General and administrative expenses	127,943	130,681	390,023	398,534
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(134,444)	60,262	3,277	124,987
Tax expense (benefit)	(44,684)	(4,977)	(28,798)	22,121
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	(105,381)	75,656	(10,621)	136,957
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)	2	1,523	88,159	14,007
Interest expense	153	166	459	548
General and administrative expenses	280	260	842	780
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(431)	1,097	86,858	12,679
Tax expense (benefit)	(168)	272	2,198	3,856
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$ (263)	$ 825	$ 84,660	$ 8,823