Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 24, 2015 USD ($) shares	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	May 24, 2015
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Cash consideration in merger							$ 650,050
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)					$ 7	$ (221,914)	(75,081)
Other-than-temporary impairment						219,737	180,591
Summarized income statement (loss) information for investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)					$ 7	$ (221,914)	(75,081)
C J Energy And Subsidiaries
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Number of allowed unsecured claims | item						2
Maximum claim distribution to be received						$ 4,850
Maximum obligation amount relating to tax matters						$ 11,500
Prorate Share of warrant To Acquire Common Equity Percentage						2.00%
Strike price						$ 1,550,000
Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Percentage of outstanding and issued common shares held								51.00%
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)
Net income (loss)				(825,921)			(872,542)
Summarized income statement (loss) information for investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Current assets				383,750
Long-term assets				1,138,092
Current liabilities				147,699
Long-term liabilities				41,613
Gross revenues				727,320			1,748,889
Gross margin				18,943			225,773
Net income (loss)				(825,921)			(872,542)
Nabors' share of equity method earnings (losses)				$ (221,933)			(81,260)
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