Subsidiary Preferred Stock (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) shares
Subsidiary preferred stock
Redemption of subsidiary preferred stock	$ 1,688
Series A Preferred Stock | Nabors Completion and Production Services
Subsidiary preferred stock
Subsidiary preferred stock, shares outstanding | shares	75,000
Redemption of subsidiary preferred stock	$ 1,688
Regular dividends paid	750,000
Accrued dividends paid	108,750
Special dividends paid	375,000
Redemption value of preferred stock	$ 70,900