Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (39,767)	$ 117,848	$ (135,624)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities, net of tax of ($181), $39, and $0	(557)	63	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	(181)	39	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	(40,324)	117,911	(135,624)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	5,521	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation	$ (45,845)	$ 117,911	$ (135,624)