Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (13,988)	$ (890,624)	$ (553,828)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities, net of tax	0	0	481
Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Tax	0	0	(47)
Comprehensive loss	(13,988)	(890,624)	(553,347)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	4,152	40,388	51
Comprehensive loss attributable to Unit Corporation	$ (18,140)	$ (931,012)	$ (553,398)