Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details ) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 24, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015	May. 24, 2015
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Cash consideration in merger			$ 650,050
Other-than-temporary impairment			180,591	$ 6,974
Summarized income statement information for investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)			(75,081)	(6,301)	$ 39
Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Remaining equity interest acquired (as a percent)						49.00%	49.00%
Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Percentage of outstanding and issued common shares held							51.00%
Summarized income statement information for investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Current assets			496,826	470,501
Long-term assets			2,200,779	324,234
Current liabilities			325,434	467,000
Long-term liabilities			1,421,569	207,681
Gross revenues			1,339,878	605,179	562,101
Gross margin			188,356	35,370	46,446
Net income (loss)			(550,800)	(642)	1,088
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)			$ (81,260)	$ (6,301)	$ 39
C&J Energy Services, Ltd.
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
Lag in recording share in net income			3 months
Other-than-temporary impairment			$ 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
Percentage of outstanding and issued common shares held	53.00%