Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from net income
Investment income (loss)	$ 969	$ 980
Interest expense	46,601	44,810
General and administrative expenses	127,133	134,266
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	103,657	63,735
Tax expense (benefit)	20,705	(14,008)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	123,634	49,919
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
Interest expense	153	153
General and administrative expenses	276	123
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long- lived assets and other expense (income), net	(5,365)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	(5,794)	(276)
Tax expense (benefit)	(162)	(108)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$ (5,632)	$ (168)