Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details) (Increase (decrease) in cash flow, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Nabors Delaware (Issuer)
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information
Change in cash provided by / used for operating activities	$ 51.3
Increase (decrease) in cash used for investing activities	(51.3)
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information
Change in cash provided by / used for operating activities	(51.3)
Increase (decrease) in cash used for investing activities	$ (51.3)