(Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization	Prior to emergence from bankruptcy, the company recorded depreciation of drilling equipment using the units-of-production method based on estimated useful lives starting at 15 years, including a minimum provision of 20% of the active rate when the equipment was idle, except when idle for greater than 48 months, then it was depreciated at the full active rate. The company also utilized the composite method of depreciation for drill pipe and collars to calculate the depreciation by footage actually drilled compared to total estimated remaining footage. As of emergence, the company elected to depreciate all drilling assets utilizing the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets ranging from four to ten years.
Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy	Historically, the company allocated earnings and losses between Unit and the partners in Superior based on the ownership percentage (50/50) of the joint venture. Upon emergence, the company elected to allocate earnings and losses using the Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value (HLBV) method of accounting. The HLBV is a balance-sheet approach that calculates the amount we would have received if Superior were liquidated at book value at the end of each measurement period. For additional information on the allocation of earnings, see Note 17 – Variable Interest Entity Arrangements.