Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 6) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from net income
Investment income (loss)	$ 7,066	$ 14,821	$ 8,046	$ 94,242
Interest expense	46,303	60,273	91,113	120,284
General and administrative expenses	133,630	131,202	267,896	262,080
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	77,719	34,910	141,454	137,721
Tax expense (benefit)	10,756	6,032	24,764	15,886
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	64,444	(4,361)	114,363	94,760
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)	4,903	12,183	4,903	88,157
Investment income (loss), income taxes	(943)	(2,252)	(943)	(2,703)
Interest expense	153	153	306	306
Interest expense, income taxes	59	59	119	119
General and administrative expenses	123	281	246	562
General and administrative expenses, income taxes	47	108	95	217
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	4,627	11,749	4,351	87,289
Tax expense (benefit)	837	2,082	729	2,366
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$ 3,790	$ 9,667	$ 3,622	$ 84,923