Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions				3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 12, 2016 USD ($) item	Jul. 20, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 24, 2015 USD ($) shares	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2016 USD ($)	May 24, 2015
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Cash consideration in merger							$ 650,050
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)						$ (221,914)	(75,081)	$ (6,301)
Other-than-temporary impairment						219,737	180,591	6,974
Summarized income statement (loss) information for investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)						$ (221,914)	(75,081)	(6,301)
C J Energy And Subsidiaries
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Number Of Allowed Unsecured Claims | item	2					2
Maximum Claim Distribution To Be Received	$ 4,850					$ 4,850
Maximum Obligation Amount Relating to Tax Matters	$ 11,500					$ 11,500
Strike price									$ 1,550,000
Prorate Share of warrant To Acquire Common Equity Percentage	2.00%					2.00%
Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Remaining equity interest acquired (as a percent)										49.00%
Unconsolidated Affiliates
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)						$ (221,933)	(81,260)	(6,301)
Summarized income statement (loss) information for investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Current assets						383,750	496,826
Long-term assets						1,138,092	2,200,779
Current liabilities						147,699	325,434
Long-term liabilities						41,613	1,421,569
Gross revenues						727,320	1,748,889	605,179
Gross margin						18,943	225,773	35,370
Net income (loss)						(825,921)	(872,542)	(642)
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)						(221,933)	(81,260)	$ (6,301)
Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Percentage of outstanding and issued common shares held										51.00%
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 | shares			62.5
Percentage of outstanding and issued common shares held			53.00%
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)						(221,933)	(81,260)
Other-than-temporary impairment				$ 153,400		192,400	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
Summarized income statement (loss) information for investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)						$ (221,933)	$ (81,260)
C&J Energy Services, Ltd. | Other expense (income)
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Estimated fair value				93,800
Charge against receivables				$ 23,800
Equity method investment charge to write off remaining value of investment		$ 39,000
Transaction costs related to the merger		$ 9,100