Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information - Other Expense (Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Other expense (income)
Losses (gains) on sales, disposals and involuntary conversions of long-lived assets	$ 10,009	$ 6,546	$ 10,142	$ 40,527
Other-than-temporary impairment of equity security (2)		3,495		3,495
Provision for International operations (4)		1,128		1,128
Litigation expenses	(2,387)	2,327	(777)	2,651
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)	(763)	(1,102)	1,727	5,916
(Gain) loss on debt buyback	69	(680)	16,013	(6,707)
Other losses (gains)	(1,369)	(1,322)	2,068	276
Other expense (income)	$ 5,559	$ 10,392	$ 29,173	267,403
Charges to reserve for amounts associated with retained interest in properties				22,400
Jack Up Rigs
Other expense (income)
Impairment of long-lived assets				3,800
C&J Energy Services, Ltd.
Other expense (income)
Other-than-temporary impairment of equity security (2)				192,400
Charges related to our CJES holdings (3)				$ (220,117)