Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions		3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	May. 24, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Cash consideration in merger						$ 650,050
Other-than-temporary impairment of unconsolidated affiliate		$ 180,591				180,591
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)		(35,100)		$ (2,851)		$ (29,714)	$ (5,872)
CJES
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Cash consideration in merger	$ 693,500
Cash proceeds from merger after working capital requirements	$ 650,000
Common shares held in merged entity	62.5
Percentage of outstanding and issued common shares held	53.00%
Lag in recording share in net income						3 months
Other-than-temporary impairment of unconsolidated affiliate						$ 180,600
Estimated gross gain in merger			$ 102,200
Transaction costs related to the merger	$ 49,600
Post-closing adjustment for settlement of working capital requirements		5,500
Gross Revenues					$ 912,381
Gross Margin					146,772
Net income (loss)					(95,784)
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)		$ (35,100)			$ (35,900)	$ (35,900)