CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$ 49,919	$ 99,121
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	(36,594)	(23,265)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	(19,208)	10,139
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(75,974)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	(19,208)	(65,835)
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	123	281
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of cash flow hedges	153	153
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(55,526)	(88,666)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	148	(214)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(55,674)	(88,452)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	(5,755)	10,669
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(573)	(97)
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	(481)	(1,414)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	92	(1,317)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (5,663)	$ 9,352