EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Schedule Of Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (loss) of basic earnings (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation per common share	$ (18,140)	$ (931,012)	$ 60,647
Income (loss) of effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock			0
Income (loss) of diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation per common share			$ 60,647
Weighted shares of basic earnings (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation per common share	12,000	53,368	11,405
Weighted shares of effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock			115
Weighted shares of diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation per common share			11,520
Per share amount of basic earnings (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation per common share	$ (1.51)	$ (17.45)	$ 5.32
Per share amount of effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock			(0.06)
Diluted loss attributable to Unit Corporation per common share	$ (1.51)	$ (17.45)	$ 5.26