Loss Per Share (Schedule of Loss Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) of basic income (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation per common share	$ (770,494)	$ (3,504)
Income of effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock	0	0
Earnings (loss) of diluted income (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation per common share	$ (770,494)	$ (3,504)
Weighted shares of basic earnings (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation per common share	53,131	52,557
Weighted shares of effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock	0	0
Weighted shares of diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation per common share	53,131	52,557
Per-Share amount of basic earnings (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation per common share	$ (14.50)	$ (0.07)
Per-Share amount of effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock	0	0
Per-Share amount of diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation per common share	$ (14.50)	$ (0.07)