Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (553,828)	$ (39,767)	$ 117,848
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax of $0, ($181), and $39	0	(557)	63
Reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities, net of tax of ($47), $0, and $0	481	0	0
Unrealized loss on securities, tax	0	(181)	39
Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Tax	(47)	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	(553,347)	(40,324)	117,911
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	51	5,521	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation	$ (553,398)	$ (45,845)	$ 117,911