Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 21,123	$ 3,705	$ 37,138	$ 28,693
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax of ($13), $20, ($60) and $32	(38)	33	(179)	53
Comprehensive income	21,085	3,738	36,959	28,746
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	2,224	0	4,586	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Unit Corporation	$ 18,861	$ 3,738	$ 32,373	$ 28,746