CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$ 134,090	$ 82,825
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	17,266	31,439
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	12,223	6,308
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)	(12,465)	(3)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities	(242)	6,305
Defined benefit pension plans:
Pension liability amortization	260	151
Pension liability adjustment
Defined benefit pension plans	260	151
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges	191	191
Other comprehensive income, before tax	17,475	38,086
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	(3,724)	182
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	21,199	37,904
Comprehensive income	155,289	120,729
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	267	669
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	243	357
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(24)	(312)
Comprehensive income attributable to Nabors	$ 155,265	$ 120,417