Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2016
Nabors Corporate Services, Inc [Member]
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current		$ 28,200
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction		136,400
Liabilities Subject to Compromise, Provision for Expected and Allowed Claims	$ 13,250
Nabors Corporate Services, Inc [Member] | Lease Transaction [Member]
Due to Related Parties	600
Due from Related Parties	100
Shehtah Nabors LP [Member]
Due from Related Parties	0			$ 1,800
Pyote [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	800	600
Due to Related Parties	100	100
Due from Related Parties	0
Revenue from Related Parties	0	300
Executive Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	0	0	$ 7,400
Board of Directors [Member]
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current	0	100
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party		1,900	5,700
Several Employees 1 [Member]
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current	100	100
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	450	500	1,000
Unconsolidated Equity [Member]
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current	2,100	1,500
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	1,700	11,800	21,800
Vendor Associated with Employee [Member]
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current		200
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	0	2,100
Several Employees 2 [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	$ 0	$ 0	$ 400