The carrying amount of debt component of convertible debt which may be settled in cash upon conversion

No definition available.

Name:	nbr_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfDebtComponent
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The minimum amount of liquidity should be maintained under debt covenants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_DebtInstrumentCovenantMinimumLiquidityAmount
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the threshold multiplier on EBITDA to maintain net debt to EBITDA ratio under the debt instrument covenant.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_DebtInstrumentCovenantNetDebtToEBITDThresholdMultiplierOfEBITD
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt covenant threshold amount added to aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to meet minimum liquidity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_DebtInstrumentCovenantThresholdAmountAddedToUnrestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsMinimumLiquidity
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

It represents the increased the Guarantor Coverage ratio.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_DebtInstrumentGuarantorCoverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the denomination of the principal amount of debt that is used in conversion calculations.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmountDenominationForConversionIntoCommonStock
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the redemption price of the debt instrument as a percentage of the principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmountAccruedAndUnpaidInterest
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt covenant threshold percentage of aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents held in deposit account of a commercial bank outside of the U.S or Canada which is added to the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to meet minimum liquidity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_DebtInstrumentThresholdPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of debt issued in exchange under debt restructuring.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_DebtRestructuringDebtIssuedAmount
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of future contractual interest payments

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_DebtRestructuringFutureContractualInterestPayments
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The exchange price per common share.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_ExchangePricePerCommonShare
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtIncludingAccruedAndUnpaidInterest
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of existing debt that was exchanged for newly issued debt.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nbr_TroubledDebtRestructuringAmountOfDebtExchanged
Namespace Prefix:	nbr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of assets pledged to secure a debt instrument.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The carrying amount of the equity component of convertible debt which may be settled in cash upon conversion.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120520924&loc=SL6031897-161870

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Ratio applied to the conversion of debt instrument into equity with equity shares divided by debt principal amount.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(5))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage price of original principal amount of debt at which debt can be redeemed by the issuer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph e
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of the original debt instrument that was repurchased.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt issuance costs. Includes, but is not limited to, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 50
-Section 40
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12355-112629

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 50
-Section 40
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12317-112629

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

For a debtor, the aggregate gain (loss) recognized on the restructuring of payables arises from the difference between the book value of the debt before the restructuring and the fair value of the payments on the debt after restructuring is complete.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 60
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6402221&loc=d3e15743-112638

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainsLossesOnRestructuringOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (b)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120520924&loc=SL6031897-161870

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs of long-term debt classified as noncurrent and excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3291-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SeniorNotes
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Provide the per share amount of gain (loss), after the impact of income taxes, on restructuring of payables (or debt) for all restructuring gains (losses) (in aggregate) during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 60
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6402221&loc=d3e15743-112638

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TroubledDebtRestructuringDebtorCurrentPeriodGainLossOnRestructuringPerShareNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorNotes5.00PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoZeroMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorNotes4.625PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoOneMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorNotes5.50PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoThreeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorNotes5.10PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoThreeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorNotes0.75PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoFourMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorNotes5.75PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoFiveMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorNotes6.50PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoFiveMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorPreferredNotes9.00PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoFiveMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorGuaranteedNotes7.25PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoSixMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorGuaranteedNotes7.50PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoEightMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorNotes7.25PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoSixMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_SeniorNotes7.50PercentageDueTwoZeroTwoEightMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_RevolvingCreditFacility2012Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_RevolvingCreditFacility2018Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=nbr_NaborsDelawareMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=nbr_NaborsDrillingCanadaLimitedMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis=nbr_TenderOfferMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis=nbr_DebtExchangeTransactionsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nbr_VariousSeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis=nbr_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebtExchangeTransactionsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt (Details)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Debt (Details)	Jan. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 13, 2019 USD ($)	Oct. 11, 2018 USD ($)
Debt
Long-term Debt				$ 2,990,971,000	$ 3,363,552,000
Less: deferred financing costs				22,270,000	30,332,000
Long-term debt				2,968,701,000	3,333,220,000
Principal amount redeemed	$ 23,000,000.0			952,900,000
Repayment of long-term debt	15,100,000			1,394,043,000	455,360,000	$ 878,278,000
Gain (Loss) on debt repurchase				69,200,000	11,500,000	(5,300,000)
Deferred finance costs				$ 22,270,000	30,332,000
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Debt
Redemption price of debt instrument (as a percent)				100.00%
Redemption price of principal amount of debt instrument including accrued and unpaid interest (as a percent)				101.00%
5.00% senior notes due September 2020
Debt
Senior Notes					282,046,000
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				5.00%
4.625% senior notes due September 2021
Debt
Senior Notes				$ 86,329,000	634,588,000
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				4.625%
Repayment of long-term debt including accrued and unpaid interest				$ 379,700,000
5.50% senior notes due January 2023
Debt
Senior Notes				$ 28,443,000	501,003,000
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				5.50%
Repayment of long-term debt including accrued and unpaid interest				$ 407,700,000
5.10% senior notes due September 2023
Debt
Senior Notes				$ 121,077,000	336,810,000
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				5.10%
Repayment of long-term debt including accrued and unpaid interest				$ 165,500,000
0.75% senior exchangeable notes due January 2024
Debt
Senior Notes				$ 279,700,000	472,603,000
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)			0.75%	0.75%
5.75% senior notes due February 2025
Debt
Senior Notes				$ 610,818,000	781,502,000
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				5.75%
6.50% senior priority guaranteed notes due February 2025
Debt
Senior Notes				$ 50,485,000
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				6.50%				6.50%
9.00% senior priority guaranteed notes due February 2025
Debt
Senior Notes				$ 192,032,000
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				9.00%				9.00%
7.25% senior guaranteed notes due January 2026
Debt
Senior Notes				$ 559,978,000
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				7.25%
7.50% senior guaranteed notes due January 2028
Debt
Senior Notes				$ 389,609,000
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				7.50%
7.25% senior notes due January 2026
Debt
Senior Notes									$ 600,000,000.0
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				7.25%					7.25%
7.50% senior notes due January 2028
Debt
Senior Notes									$ 400,000,000.0
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				7.50%					7.50%
2012 revolving credit facility
Debt
Revolving credit facility					355,000,000
2018 revolving credit facility
Debt
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)											5.50%
Revolving credit facility				$ 672,500,000
Maximum borrowing capacity										$ 1,013,600.0000	$ 1,267,000,000
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)				3.53%
Debt instrument, covenant, minimum liquidity, amount		$ 160,000,000.0
Debt covenant threshold amount added to restricted cash and cash equivalents for minimum liquidity		75,000,000
Debt covenant threshold percentage		$ 75
Collateralized assets, net value				$ 1,300,000,000
2018 revolving credit facility \| Maximum
Debt
Debt to EBITDA ratio		5.5								5.5
2018 revolving credit facility \| Guarantor Subsidiaries \| Minimum
Debt
Debt instrument, guarantor coverage ratio		4.25
2018 revolving credit facility \| Nabors Delaware
Debt
Maximum borrowing capacity										$ 981,600,000
2018 revolving credit facility \| Nabors Canada
Debt
Maximum borrowing capacity										$ 32,000,000.0
Senior Notes.
Debt
Principal amount redeemed				372,000,000.0	468,300,000	873,000,000.0
Repayment of long-term debt				300,900,000	$ 461,100,000	$ 906,500,000
Tender Offer
Debt
Gain (Loss) on debt repurchase				2,700,000
Debt Exchange Transactions
Debt
Future contractual interest payments				71,600,000
Aggregate amount of principal exchanged				526,823,000
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued in exchanges				242,517,000
Aggregated net gain (loss)				$ 161,808,000
Per share amount of the aggregate gain \| $ / shares				$ 19.30
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 4.625% senior notes due September 2021
Debt
Aggregate amount of principal exchanged				$ 38,209,000
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 5.50% senior notes due January 2023
Debt
Aggregate amount of principal exchanged				3,733,000
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 5.10% senior notes due September 2023
Debt
Aggregate amount of principal exchanged				19,422,000
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 0.75% senior exchangeable notes due January 2024
Debt
Long-term Debt				$ 324,300,000
Aggregate amount of senior notes			$ 575,000,000.0
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)			0.75%	0.75%
Debt exchangeable notes			$ 411,200,000
Equity component			$ 163,800,000
Exchange rate of common shares			0.795
Principal amount of notes			$ 1,000
Exchange price per common share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 1,257.81
Aggregate amount of principal exchanged				$ 250,678,000			$ 115,000,000.0
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 0.75% senior exchangeable notes due January 2024 \| Nabors Delaware
Debt
Aggregate amount of senior notes	$ 35,000,000.0
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	0.75%
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 5.75% senior notes due February 2025
Debt
Aggregate amount of principal exchanged				164,368,000
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 5.75% senior notes due February 2025 \| Nabors Delaware
Debt
Aggregate amount of senior notes	$ 5,000,000.0
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	5.75%
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 6.50% senior priority guaranteed notes due February 2025
Debt
Aggregate amount of senior notes				$ 50,500,000
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				6.50%
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 9.00% senior priority guaranteed notes due February 2025
Debt
Aggregate amount of senior notes				$ 192,000,000.0
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)				9.00%
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 9.00% senior priority guaranteed notes due February 2025 \| Nabors Delaware
Debt
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	9.00%
Aggregate amount of principal exchanged	$ 26,050,000.00
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 7.25% senior guaranteed notes due January 2026
Debt
Aggregate amount of principal exchanged				$ 40,022,000
Debt Exchange Transactions \| 7.50% senior guaranteed notes due January 2028
Debt
Aggregate amount of principal exchanged				10,391,000
Debt Exchange Transactions \| Various Senior Notes
Debt
Aggregate amount of principal exchanged				411,800,000
Gains Losses on Extinguishment of Debt, Exchange Transactions
Debt
Gain (Loss) on debt repurchase				$ 161,800,000