Nabors Industries (NBR) 10-K 3 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 24, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document and Entity Information	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001163739	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$3,875,033,860
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	296,508,410	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash	$389,915	$524,922
Short-term investments	117,218	253,282
Assets held for sale	243,264	383,857
Accounts receivable, net	1,399,543	1,382,623
Inventory	209,793	251,133
Deferred income taxes	121,316	110,480
Other current assets	272,781	226,560
Total current assets	2,753,830	3,132,857
Long-term investments	3,236	4,269
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,597,813	8,712,088
Goodwill	512,964	472,326
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	64,260	61,690
Other long-term assets	227,708	272,792
Total assets	12,159,811	12,656,022
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current debt	10,185	364
Trade accounts payable	545,512	499,010
Accrued liabilities	697,093	599,380
Income taxes payable	58,634	33,628
Total current liabilities	1,311,424	1,132,382
Long-term debt	3,904,117	4,379,336
Other long-term liabilities	377,744	518,664
Deferred income taxes	516,161	599,335
Total liabilities	6,109,446	6,629,717
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)	'	'
Subsidiary preferred stock (Notes 16)	69,188	69,188
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common shares, par value $0.001 per share: Authorized common shares 800,000; issued 323,711 and 318,813, respectively	324	319
Capital in excess of par value	2,392,585	2,337,244
Accumulated other comprehensive income	307,592	431,595
Retained earnings	4,213,212	4,120,398
Less: treasury shares, at cost, 28,414 common shares	-944,627	-944,627
Total shareholders' equity	5,969,086	5,944,929
Noncontrolling interest	12,091	12,188
Total equity	5,981,177	5,957,117
Total liabilities and equity	$12,159,811	$12,656,022

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common shares, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common shares, shares issued	323,710,583	318,813,500
Treasury shares, at cost	28,414,000	28,414,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$6,152,015	$6,843,051	$6,013,480
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates	-1,600	-2,600	1,400	2,900	1,200	-99,500	-156,063	-34,321	-190,384	39	-288,718	85,448
Investment income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	96,577	63,137	19,939
Total revenues and other income	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,547,209	1,830,619	3,377,828	6,248,631	6,617,470	6,118,867
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,089,175	1,155,717	2,244,892	3,981,828	4,367,106	3,738,506
General and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	525,330	527,953	487,808
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,086,677	1,039,923	918,122
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	223,418	251,904	256,632
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	37,977	-136,636	4,474
Impairments and other charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	287,241	290,260	198,072
Total costs and other deductions	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,703,353	1,595,552	3,298,905	6,142,471	6,340,510	5,603,614
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	-156,144	235,067	78,923	106,160	276,960	515,253
Income tax expense (benefit):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	39,865	142,994	109,702
Deferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	-69,966	49,765	-20,201	-95,046	-102,008	55,381
Total income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	-35,268	75,771	40,503	-55,181	40,986	165,083
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,000	3,000	3,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	128,516	-90,510	28,128	92,207	131,656	64,489	-121,626	158,546	36,920	158,341	232,974	347,170
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	23,113	-14,430	-26,873	7,011	-103,414	12,155	26,710	-2,977	'	-11,179	-67,526	-97,601
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	-94,916	155,569	60,653	147,162	165,448	249,569
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1,026	-441	-5,616	-97	-1,074	-988	1,174	267	'	-7,180	-621	-1,045
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$150,603	($105,381)	($4,361)	$99,121	$27,077	$75,656	($93,742)	$155,836	$62,094	$139,982	$164,827	$248,524
Earnings (losses) per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.43	($0.30)	$0.08	$0.31	$0.45	$0.22	($0.41)	$0.55	$0.13	$0.51	$0.80	$1.21
Basic from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.07	($0.05)	($0.09)	$0.03	($0.36)	$0.04	$0.09	($0.01)	'	($0.04)	($0.23)	($0.34)
Total Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.50	($0.35)	($0.01)	$0.34	$0.09	$0.26	($0.32)	$0.54	$0.21	$0.47	$0.57	$0.87
Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.42	($0.30)	$0.08	$0.31	$0.45	$0.22	($0.41)	$0.54	$0.13	$0.51	$0.79	$1.18
Diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.08	($0.05)	($0.09)	$0.02	($0.36)	$0.04	$0.09	($0.01)	'	($0.04)	($0.23)	($0.33)
Total Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.50	($0.35)	($0.01)	$0.33	$0.09	$0.26	($0.32)	$0.53	$0.21	$0.47	$0.56	$0.85
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	294,182	289,965	287,118
Diluted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	296,592	292,323	292,484

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OTH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

$150,603

($105,381)

($4,361)

$99,121

$27,077

$75,656

($93,742)

$155,836

$62,094

$139,982

$164,827

$248,524

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65,447

21,073

-20,257

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,007

98,138

5,356

Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-88,158

-13,405

-3,036

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65,151

84,733

2,320

Pension plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,916

-324

-5,391

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

613

702

763

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-124,069

106,184

-22,565

Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-66

-4,147

-1,777

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-124,003

110,331

-20,788

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-118,117

177,035

58,918

15,979

275,158

227,736

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

-1,026

-441

-5,616

-97

-1,074

-988

1,174

267

'

-7,180

-621

-1,045

Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-932

311

-185

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,248

932

860

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($119,507)

$177,011

$57,504

$22,227

$276,090

$228,596

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$139,982	$164,827	$248,524
Adjustments to net income (loss):	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,099,741	1,055,757	927,460
Depletion and other exploratory expenses	22,270	2,573	44,551
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-103,277	-131,742	-12,379
Deferred financing costs amortization	4,255	4,294	5,107
Discount amortization on long-term debt	2,137	1,908	27,042
Impairments and other charges	53,905	311,541	460,971
Losses on debt extinguishment	211,981	'	'
Losses (gains) on long-lived assets, net	18,060	-51,585	-51,945
Losses (gains) on investments, net	-91,480	-56,925	-12,486
Share-based compensation	53,255	18,312	21,244
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net	6,225	4,819	5,725
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends	800	299,717	-161,189
Other	-2,550	1,862	-11,077
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-44,561	200,537	-459,455
Inventory	39,412	14,447	-114,896
Other current assets	-6,943	-42,743	-24,820
Other long-term assets	42,298	-38,468	71,867
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities	113,550	-224,795	519,211
Income taxes payable	-31,752	-1,488	999
Other long-term liabilities	-109,085	29,857	-27,967
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,418,223	1,562,705	1,456,487
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of investments	'	-949	-11,746
Sales and maturities of investments	164,510	31,944	39,063
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliates	12,640	159,529	142,984
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	-116,971	'	-55,459
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	-5,967	-1,325	-112,262
Capital expenditures	-1,178,205	-1,518,628	-2,042,617
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	308,538	149,801	180,558
Other	-13	'	'
Net cash used for investing activities	-815,468	-1,179,628	-1,859,479
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	-4,421	1,612	6,375
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	698,753	'	697,578
Debt issuance costs	-4,500	-3,433	-7,141
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	'	710,000	1,560,000
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	5,383	-3,625	11,605
Reduction in long-term debt	-994,181	-276,258	-1,404,281
Dividends to shareholders	-47,168	'	'
Proceeds from (payment for) commercial paper, net	329,844	'	'
Reduction in revolving credit facilities	-720,000	-680,000	-700,000
Other	6,704	-2,423	-891
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	-729,586	-254,127	163,245
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-8,176	-2,603	-3,380
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-135,007	126,347	-243,127
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	524,922	398,575	641,702
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$389,915	$524,922	$398,575

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Shares	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings	Treasury Shares	Non-controlling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$5,337,225	$315	$2,255,787	$342,052	$3,702,243	($977,873)	$14,701
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	315,034,000	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	249,569	'	'	'	248,524	'	1,045
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-20,973	'	'	-20,788	'	'	-185
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised, net of surrender of unexercised stock options	11,605	1	11,604	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised, net of surrender of unexercised stock options (in shares)	11,605,000	1,116,000	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	21,244	'	21,244	'	'	'	'
Other	1,754	1	-892	'	4,804	'	-2,159
Other (in shares)	'	892,000	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	5,600,424	317	2,287,743	321,264	3,955,571	-977,873	13,402
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	317,042,000	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	165,448	'	'	'	164,827	'	621
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	110,642	'	'	110,331	'	'	311
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised, net of surrender of unexercised stock options	-3,625	1	-3,626	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised, net of surrender of unexercised stock options (in shares)	-3,625,000	1,152,000	'	'	'	'	'
Capital contribution from forgiveness of liability, net of tax	62,734	'	62,734	'	'	'	'
Issuance of treasury shares, net of tax	7,750	'	-25,496	'	'	33,246	'
Share-based compensation	18,312	'	18,312	'	'	'	'
Other	-4,568	1	-2,423	'	'	'	-2,146
Other (in shares)	'	619,000	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	5,957,117	319	2,337,244	431,595	4,120,398	-944,627	12,188
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	318,813,000	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	147,162	'	'	'	139,982	'	7,180
Dividends to shareholders	-47,168	'	'	'	-47,168	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-124,935	'	'	-124,003	'	'	-932
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised, net of surrender of unexercised stock options	5,383	1	5,382	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised, net of surrender of unexercised stock options (in shares)	5,383,000	577,000	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	53,255	'	53,255	'	'	'	'
Other	-9,637	4	-3,296	'	'	'	-6,345
Other (in shares)	'	4,321,000	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$5,981,177	$324	$2,392,585	$307,592	$4,213,212	($944,627)	$12,091
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	323,711,000	'	'	'	'	'

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Nature of Operations	'
Nature of Operations	'
	Note 1 Nature of Operations
	Nabors has grown from a land drilling business centered in the United States and Canada to a global business aimed at optimizing the entire well life cycle, with operations on land and offshore in most of the major oil and gas markets in the world. The majority of our business is conducted through two business lines:
	Drilling & Rig Services
	This business line is comprised of our global drilling rig operations and drilling-related services, consisting of equipment manufacturing, instrumentation optimization software and directional drilling services.
	Completion & Production Services
	This business line is comprised of our operations involved in the completion, life-of-well maintenance and eventual plugging and abandonment of a well. These services include stimulation, coiled-tubing, cementing, wireline, workover, well-servicing and fluids management.
	As a global provider of services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells, on land and offshore, Nabors' fleet of rigs and equipment includes:
	•
	485 actively marketed land drilling rigs for oil and gas land drilling operations in the United States, Canada and over 20 other countries throughout the world.
	•
	445 actively marketed rigs for land well-servicing and workover services in the United States and approximately 104 rigs for land well-servicing and workover services in Canada.
	•
	38 platform, 8 jackup and 4 barge rigs actively marketed in the United States and multiple international markets.
	•
	Approximately 800,000 hydraulic horsepower for hydraulic fracturing, cementing, nitrogen and acid pressure pumping services in key basins throughout the United States and Canada.
	In addition:
	•
	We offer a wide range of ancillary well-site services, including engineering, transportation and disposal, construction, maintenance, well logging, directional drilling, rig instrumentation, data collection and other support services in select U.S. and international markets.
	•
	We manufacture and lease or sell top drives for a broad range of drilling applications, directional drilling systems, rig instrumentation and data collection equipment, pipeline handling equipment and rig reporting software.
	•
	We have a 51% ownership interest in a joint venture in Saudi Arabia, which owns and actively markets 5 rigs in addition to the rigs we lease to the joint venture.
	The consolidated financial statements and related footnotes are presented in accordance with GAAP.

Revision_of_Prior_Period_Finan

Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements	'
Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements	'
	Note 2 Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements
	Our Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Note 11) included our equity interest in NFR Energy LLC, now known as Sabine Oil & Gas LLC ("Sabine") through the third quarter of 2012. We disposed of our entire interest during the fourth quarter of 2012.
	We were recently informed by Sabine that it is restating its previously issued financial statements to correct errors identified with respect to the accounting for certain derivative financial transactions previously accounted for as cash flow hedges. These errors affect our historical earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates and related income tax expense (benefit) recorded during certain periods in 2012 and earlier. These errors have no effect on our consolidated financial statements for 2013. They also have no effect on our balance sheet or shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2012 or subsequent periods, our income statement for the year ended December 31, 2013 or our cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities for any historical period.
	We assessed the materiality of these errors in accordance with the SEC's Staff Accounting Bulletin 99 and concluded that the previously issued annual financial statements were not materially misstated. However, the impact is material to the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012. Accordingly, we have corrected these errors in the quarters and annual periods by revising our consolidated financial statements for the years 2012 and prior and restating the unaudited quarterly financial information (Note 22) for quarters ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012. In addition, as a result of revising our prior years' consolidated financial statements, we have also corrected certain other immaterial items that had been previously recorded during the period identified, to reflect such items in the proper period. The effect of the adjustments was to increase our net income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 by $0.8 million and $4.8 million, respectively. The effect of these adjustments for periods prior to January 1, 2011 have been reflected as revisions to retained earnings as of December 31, 2010 in our consolidated statements of changes in equity.
	The tables below present the financial statement line items impacted by the revisions to our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
	The effect on our consolidated statements of income (loss) is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012									2011
	(In thousands, except per share	As			Adjustment			Revised			As			Adjustment			Revised
	amounts)	Reported(1)									Reported(1)
	Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates	$	(301,320	)	$	12,602		$	(288,718	)	$	56,647		$	28,801		$	85,448
	Total revenues and other income		6,604,868			12,602			6,617,470			6,090,066			28,801			6,118,867
	Direct costs		4,368,702			(1,596	)		4,367,106			3,736,910			1,596			3,738,506
	Total costs and other deductions		6,342,106			(1,596	)		6,340,510			5,602,018			1,596			5,603,614
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		262,762			14,198			276,960			488,048			27,205			515,253
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(115,413	)		13,405			(102,008	)		33,021			22,360			55,381
	Income tax expense (benefit)		27,581			13,405			40,986			142,723			22,360			165,083
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		232,181			793			232,974			342,325			4,845			347,170
	Net income (loss)		164,655			793			165,448			244,724			4,845			249,569
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		164,034			793			164,827			243,679			4,845			248,524
	Earnings (losses) per share:(2)
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.8		$	—		$	0.8		$	1.19		$	0.02		$	1.21
	Total Basic	$	0.57		$	—		$	0.57		$	0.85		$	0.02		$	0.87
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.79		$	—		$	0.79		$	1.17		$	0.02		$	1.18
	Total Diluted	$	0.56		$	—		$	0.56		$	0.83		$	0.02		$	0.85
	-1
	Amounts reflect the retrospective reclassification of the results of Peak as discontinued operations. Refer to Note 5—Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations for additional information.
	-2
	Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the columns presented. Therefore, the sum of the earnings per share may not equal the total revised.
	The effect on our consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012									2011
	(In thousands)	As			Adjustment			Revised			As			Adjustment			Revised
		Reported									Reported
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	164,034		$	793		$	164,827		$	243,679		$	4,845		$	248,524
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		274,365			793			275,158			222,891			4,845			227,736
	Comprehensive income (loss)		275,297			793			276,090			223,751			4,845			228,596
	While these adjustments had no impact on our overall cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities for any period, the presentation of certain line items within our operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flow was revised and is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012									2011
	(In thousands)	As			Adjustment			Revised			As			Adjustment			Revised
		Reported									Reported
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	164,034		$	793		$	164,827		$	243,679		$	4,845		$	248,524
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(145,147	)		13,405			(131,742	)		(34,739	)		22,360			(12,379	)
	Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends		312,319			(12,602	)		299,717			(132,388	)		(28,801	)		(161,189	)
	Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(223,199	)		(1,596	)		(224,795	)		517,615			1,596			519,211
	Net cash provided by operating activities		1,562,705			—			1,562,705			1,456,487			—			1,456,487
	The effect on our consolidated statements of changes in equity is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2011									2010
	(In thousands)	As			Adjustment			Revised			As			Adjustment			Revised
		Reported									Reported
	Retained earnings	$	3,956,364		$	(793	)	$	3,955,571		$	3,707,881		$	(5,638	)	$	3,702,243
	Total equity		5,601,217			(793	)		5,600,424			5,342,863			(5,638	)		5,337,225

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 3 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nabors, as well as all majority owned and non-majority owned subsidiaries required to be consolidated under GAAP. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	Investments in operating entities where we have the ability to exert significant influence, but where we do not control operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method. Our share of the net income (loss) of these entities is recorded as earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated statements of income (loss). The investments in these entities are included in investment in unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and various other short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.
	Investments
	Short-term investments
	Short-term investments consist of equity securities, corporate debt securities, mortgage-backed debt securities and asset-backed debt securities. Securities classified as available-for-sale are stated at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and temporary losses for available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and, until realized, are presented in the statement of other comprehensive income (loss). Unrealized holding losses are included in earnings during the period for which the loss is determined to be other-than-temporary.
	In computing realized gains and losses on the sale of equity securities, the specific-identification method is used. In accordance with this method, the cost of the equity securities sold is determined using the specific cost of the security when originally purchased.
	Long-term investments and other receivables
	We have investments in overseas funds that invest primarily in a variety of public and private U.S. and non-U.S. securities (including asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, global structured-asset securitizations, whole-loan mortgages, and participations in whole loans and whole-loan mortgages). These investments are non-marketable and do not have published fair values. The fair value of these investments approximates their carrying value and totaled $3.2 million and $4.3 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Inventory
	Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out or weighted-average costs methods and includes the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. Inventory included the following:
		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	128,606	$	148,822
	Work-in-progress		26,762		45,733
	Finished goods		54,425		56,578
		$	209,793	$	251,133
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment, including renewals and betterments, are stated at cost, while maintenance and repairs are expensed currently. Interest costs applicable to the construction of qualifying assets are capitalized as a component of the cost of such assets. We provide for the depreciation of our drilling and workover rigs using the units-of-production method. For each day a rig is operating, we depreciate it over an approximate 4,927-day period, with the exception of our jackup rigs which are depreciated over an 8,030-day period, after provision for salvage value. For each day a rig asset is not operating, it is depreciated over an assumed depreciable life of 20 years, with the exception of our jackup rigs, where a 30-year depreciable life is used, after provision for salvage value.
	Depreciation on our buildings, well-servicing rigs, oilfield hauling and mobile equipment, marine transportation and supply vessels, and other machinery and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset after provision for salvage value (buildings—10 to 30 years; well-servicing rigs—3 to 15 years; marine transportation and supply vessels—10 to 25 years; oilfield hauling and mobile equipment and other machinery and equipment—3 to 10 years). Amortization of capitalized leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense. Upon retirement or other disposal of fixed assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective property, plant and equipment accounts and any gains or losses are included in our income statement.
	We review our assets for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded in the period in which it is determined that the sum of estimated future cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Impairment charges are recorded using discounted cash flows which requires the estimation of dayrates and utilization, and such estimates can change based on market conditions, technological advances in the industry or changes in regulations governing the industry.
	For an asset classified as held for sale, we consider the asset impaired when its carrying amount exceeds fair value less its cost to sell. Fair value is determined in the same manner as an impaired long-lived asset that is held and used.
	Significant and unanticipated changes to the assumptions could result in future impairments. A significantly prolonged period of lower oil and natural gas prices could adversely affect the demand for and prices of our services, which could result in future impairment charges. As the determination of whether impairment charges should be recorded on our long-lived assets is subject to significant management judgment, and an impairment of these assets could result in a material charge on our consolidated statements of income (loss), management believes that accounting estimates related to impairment of long-lived assets are critical.
	Goodwill
	We initially assess goodwill for impairment based on qualitative factors to determine whether to perform the two-step annual goodwill impairment test, a Level 3 fair value measurement. After qualitative assessment, step one of the impairment test compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
	The fair values calculated in these impairment tests were determined using discounted cash flow models involving assumptions based on our utilization of rigs or other oil and gas service equipment, revenues and earnings from affiliates, as well as direct costs, general and administrative costs, depreciation, applicable income taxes, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Our discounted cash flow projections for each reporting unit were based on financial forecasts. The future cash flows were discounted to present value using discount rates determined to be appropriate for each reporting unit. Terminal values for each reporting unit were calculated using a Gordon Growth methodology with a long-term growth rate of 3%.
	Our estimated fair values of our reporting units incorporate judgment and the use of estimates by management. Potential factors requiring assessment include a further or sustained decline in our stock price, declines in oil and natural gas prices, a variance in results of operations from forecasts, and additional transactions in the oil and gas industry. Another factor in determining whether impairment has occurred is the relationship between our market capitalization and our book value. As part of our annual review, we compared the sum of our reporting units' estimated fair value, which included the estimated fair value of non-operating assets and liabilities, less debt, to our market capitalization and assessed the reasonableness of our estimated fair value. Any of the above-mentioned factors may cause us to re-evaluate goodwill during any quarter throughout the year.
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for our business lines for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 was as follows:
		Balance at		Acquisitions and Purchase Price Adjustments			Disposals and Impairments			Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Balance at December 31, 2012
		December 31,
		2011
		(In thousands)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	57,445	$	—		$	(7,296	)(1)	$	—		$	50,149
	International		18,983		—			(18,983	)(1)		—			—
	Rig Services		34,766		—			(3,035	)(2)		382			32,113
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services		111,194		—			(29,314	)		382			82,262
	Completion & Production Services
	Completion		334,992		—			—			—			334,992
	Production		55,072		—			—			—			55,072
	Subtotal Completion & Production
	Services		390,064		—			—			—			390,064
	Total	$	501,258	$	—		$	(29,314	)	$	382		$	472,326
		Balance at		Acquisitions			Disposals			Cumulative			Balance at
		December 31,		and			and			Translation			December 31,
		2012		Purchase			Impairments			Adjustment			2013
				Price
				Adjustments
		(In thousands)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	50,149	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	50,149
	Rig Services		32,113		15,828	-3		(9,631	)(4)		(1,049	)		37,261
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services		82,262		15,828			(9,631	)		(1,049	)		87,410
	Completion & Production Services
	Completion		334,992					—			—			334,992
	Production		55,072		35,490	-5		—			—			90,562
	Subtotal Completion & Production
	Services		390,064		35,490			—			—			425,554
	Total	$	472,326	$	51,318		$	(9,631	)	$	(1,049	)	$	512,964
-1
Represents the impairment of goodwill associated with our operations in our U.S. and International drilling operating segments. As of December 31, 2012, our International operating segment had no recorded goodwill.
-2
Represents the removal of goodwill in connection with our sale of a subsidiary that provided trucking and logistics services.
-3
Represents the goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisition of NES. See Note 6—Acquisitions for additional discussion.
-4
Represents the removal of goodwill in connection with our sale of Peak and the logistic assets from one of our Canada subsidiaries.
-5
Represents the goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisition of KVS. See Note 6—Acquisitions for additional discussion.
Goodwill for the consolidated company, totaling approximately $76.7 million, is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
Litigation and Insurance Reserves
We estimate our reserves related to litigation and insurance based on the facts and circumstances specific to the litigation and insurance claims and our past experience with similar claims. We maintain actuarially determined accruals in our consolidated balance sheets to cover self-insurance retentions. See Note 19—Commitments and Contingencies regarding self-insurance accruals. We estimate the range of our liability related to pending litigation when we believe the amount and range of loss can reasonably be estimated. We record our best estimate of a loss when the loss is considered probable. When a liability is probable and there is a range of estimated loss with no best estimate in the range, we record the minimum estimated liability related to the lawsuits or claims. As additional information becomes available, we assess the potential liability related to our pending litigation and claims and revise our estimates. Due to uncertainties related to the resolution of lawsuits and claims, the ultimate outcome may differ from our estimates. For matters where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and significant, we disclose the nature of the matter and a range of potential exposure, unless an estimate cannot be made at the time of disclosure.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenues and costs on daywork contracts daily as the work progresses. For certain contracts, we receive lump-sum payments for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment. We defer revenue related to mobilization periods and recognize the revenue over the term of the related drilling contract. Costs incurred related to a mobilization period for which a contract is secured are deferred and recognized over the term of the related drilling contract. Costs incurred to relocate rigs and other drilling equipment to areas in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred. We defer recognition of revenue on amounts received from customers for prepayment of services until those services are provided.
We recognize revenue for top drives and instrumentation systems we manufacture when the earnings process is complete. This generally occurs when products have been shipped, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectability is probable, and pricing is fixed and determinable.
In connection with the performance of our cementing services, we recognize product and service revenue when the products are delivered or services are provided to the customer and collectability is reasonably assured. Product sale prices are determined by published price lists provided to our customers.
We recognize, as operating revenue, proceeds from business interruption insurance claims in the period that the applicable proof of loss documentation is received. Proceeds from casualty insurance settlements in excess of the carrying value of damaged assets are recognized in losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net in the period that the applicable proof of loss documentation is received. Proceeds from casualty insurance settlements that are expected to be less than the carrying value of damaged assets are recognized at the time the loss is incurred and recorded in losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net.
We recognize reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred as revenues and account for out-of-pocket expenses as direct costs.
Income Taxes
We are a Bermuda exempted company and are not subject to income taxes in Bermuda. Consequently, income taxes have been provided based on the tax laws and rates in effect in the countries where we operate and earn income. The income taxes in these jurisdictions vary substantially. Our effective tax rate for financial statement purposes will continue to fluctuate from year to year because our operations are conducted in different taxing jurisdictions.
We recognize increases to our tax reserves for uncertain tax positions along with interest and penalties as an increase to other long-term liabilities.
For U.S. and other jurisdictional income tax purposes, we have net operating and other loss carryforwards that we are required to assess quarterly for potential valuation allowances. We consider the sufficiency of existing temporary differences and expected future earnings levels in determining the amount, if any, of valuation allowance required against such carryforwards and against deferred tax assets.
Nabors realizes an income tax benefit associated with certain awards issued under our stock plans. We recognize the benefits related to tax deductions up to the amount of the compensation expense recorded for the award in the consolidated statements of income (loss). Any excess tax benefit (i.e., tax deduction in excess of compensation expense) is reflected as an increase in capital in excess of par. Any shortfall is recorded as a reduction to capital in excess of par to the extent of our aggregate accumulated pool of windfall benefits, beyond which the shortfall would be recognized in the consolidated statements of income (loss).
Foreign Currency Translation
For certain of our foreign subsidiaries, such as those in Canada and Argentina, the local currency is the functional currency, and therefore translation gains or losses associated with foreign-denominated monetary accounts are accumulated in a separate section of the consolidated statements of changes in equity. For our other international subsidiaries, the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, and therefore local currency transaction gains and losses, arising from remeasurement of payables and receivables denominated in local currency, are included in our consolidated statements of income (loss).
Cash Flows
We treat the redemption price, including accrued original issue discount, on our convertible debt instruments as a financing activity for purposes of reporting cash flows in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the amounts of revenues and expenses recognized during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from such estimates. Areas where critical accounting estimates are made by management include:
•
depreciation of property, plant and equipment;
•
impairment of long-lived assets;
•
impairment of goodwill and intangible assets;
•
income taxes;
•
litigation and self-insurance reserves; and
•
fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Impairments_and_Other_Charges

Impairments and Other Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Impairments and Other Charges	'
Impairments and Other Charges	'
	Note 4 Impairments and Other Charges
	The components of impairments and other charges is provided below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(In thousands)
	Loss on tendered notes	$	208,197	$	—	$	—
	Provision for retirement of assets		14,044		138,666		98,072
	Impairment of long-lived assets		20,000		50,355		—
	Termination of employment contract		45,000		—		100,000
	Intangible asset impairment		—		74,960		—
	Goodwill impairment		—		26,279		—
	Total	$	287,241	$	290,260	$	198,072
	Loss on tendered notes
	During 2013, we recognized a loss related to the extinguishment of debt in connection with the tender offer on our 9.25% senior notes. See Note 13—Debt for additional discussion. In 2013, we completed a cash tender offer for these notes and repurchased $785.4 million aggregate principal amount. We paid the holders an aggregate of approximately $1.0 billion in cash, reflecting principal and accrued and unpaid interest and recognized a loss as part of the debt extinguishment.
	Provision for retirement of long-lived assets
	During 2013, we recorded a provision for retirement of long-lived assets in multiple operating segments totaling $14.0 million, which reduced the carrying value of some assets to their salvage value. The retirements related to assets in Saudi Arabia and included obsolete top-drives, nonworking trucks, generators, engines and other miscellaneous equipment. The retirements in our Canada operations included functionally inoperable rigs and other drilling equipment. In our Completion & Production operations, the retirements related to rigs and vehicles that would require significant repair to return to work and other non-core assets.
	During 2012, we recorded a provision for retirement of long-lived assets in multiple operating segments, including $37.1 million in U.S., $33.7 million in Canada, $16.5 million in International and $2.0 million in Rig Services, all from our Drilling & Rig Services business line. The retirements in this business line included mechanical rigs, a jackup rig and other assets that have become inoperable or functionally obsolete and that we do not believe could be returned to service without significant costs to refurbish.
	Additionally in 2012, we recorded similar provisions for retirement of long-lived assets of $49.4 million in our Completion & Production Services business line. During 2012, we streamlined our operations and consolidated our Completion & Production Services into this business line, and retired some non-core assets. As we continue to streamline our lines of business, there could be future retirement or impairment charges, which could have a potential impact on our future operating results.
	During 2011, we recorded a provision for retirement of long-lived assets totaling $98.1 million in multiple operating segments. This related to the decommissioning and retirement of one jackup rig, 116 land rigs, and a number of rigs and trucks. Our U.S., International and Production Services operations recorded $63.2 million, $26.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively. These assets were deemed to be functionally or economically non-competitive for today's market and are being dismantled for parts and scrap.
	A continued period of lower oil and natural gas prices and their potential impact on our utilization and dayrates could result in the recognition of future impairment charges to additional assets if future cash flow estimates, based upon information then available to management, indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable.
	Impairments of long-lived assets
	During 2013, we recognized an impairment of $20.0 million to our fleet of coil-tubing units in our Completion & Production Services business line. Intense competition and oversupply of equipment has led to lower utilization and margins for this product line. When these factors were considered as part of our annual impairment tests on long-lived assets, the sum of the estimated future cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, was less than the carrying amount of these assets. The estimated fair values of these assets were calculated using discounted cash flow models involving assumptions based on our utilization of the assets, revenues and direct costs, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. We believe the fair value estimated for purposes of these tests represents a Level 3 fair value measurement. In 2013, we suspended our coil-tubing operations in the United States. A prolonged period of slow economic recovery could continue to adversely affect the demand for and prices of our services, which could result in future impairment charges for other reporting units due to the potential impact on our estimate of our future operating results.
	During the fourth quarter of 2012, we determined that some of our coil-tubing rigs would not be fully utilized as forecasted, which resulted in a triggering event and required a year-end long-lived asset impairment test. Our year-end impairment test resulted in impairment charges of $17.4 million in our U.S. and $32.9 million in our Canada operations.
	We did not record any impairment of long-lived assets in 2011.
	Provision for termination of employment contract
	During 2013, we recognized a one-time stock grant valued at $27.0 million, which vested immediately, and $18.0 million in cash awarded and paid to Mr. Petrello in connection with the termination of his prior employment agreement. See Note 19—Commitments and Contingencies for additional discussion.
	During 2011, we recorded a provision for a contingent liability that existed on December 31, 2011 related to the change of our Chief Executive Officer that occurred in October 2011. This charge resulted from a potential termination payment to our former Chief Executive Officer, Eugene Isenberg, under the terms of his employment contract. Subsequent to December 31, 2011, Mr. Isenberg elected to forego triggering that payment and as a result, we did not owe or make the termination payment. During 2012, we made charitable contributions to benefit the needs of our employees and other community-based causes. We contributed one million Nabors' common shares previously held by an affiliate to the Nabors Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, in support of this objective. We consider our former Chief Executive Officer to be a significant shareholder of the Company and, therefore, recorded these transactions as equity. During 2012, we recorded the release of the contingent liability, net of tax, through capital in excess of par as a forgiveness of liability from a beneficial owner. We recorded the donation of the treasury shares at their weighted-average cost, net of tax, through capital in excess of par.
	Intangible asset impairment
	During 2012, we recorded an impairment of the Superior trade name totaling $75.0 million. The Superior trade name was initially classified as a ten-year intangible asset at the date of acquisition in September 2010. The impairment is a result of the decision to cease using the Superior trade name to reduce confusion in the marketplace and enhance the Nabors brand.
	There were no intangible asset impairments in 2013 or 2011.
	Goodwill impairments
	During 2012, we recognized the impairment of goodwill associated with our operations in the U.S. and International drilling operations. The impairments were deemed necessary due to the prolonged uncertainty of utilization of some of our rigs as a result of changes in our customers' plans for future drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico as well as our international markets. A prolonged period of lower natural gas prices or changes in laws and regulations could continue to adversely affect the demand for and prices of our services, which could result in future goodwill impairment charges for other reporting units due to the potential impact on our estimate of future operating results.
	There were no goodwill impairments in 2013 or 2011.

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
	Note 5 Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
	Assets Held for Sale
	Assets held for sale included the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Oil and Gas	$	239,936		$	377,625
	Rig Services		3,328			6,232
		$	243,264		$	383,857
	Oil and Gas Properties
	The carrying value of our assets held for sale represents the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. We continue to market these properties at prices that are reasonable compared to current fair value. Also, we have deferred tax assets of approximately $15.0 million, which are included in long-term deferred income taxes in our consolidated balance sheet, associated with our oil and gas operations in Canada.
	We have contracts with pipeline companies to pay specified fees based on committed volumes for gas transport and processing. In December 2013, we entered into agreements to restructure these contracts, assigning a portion of the obligation to third parties and reducing our future payment commitments. At December 31, 2013, our undiscounted contractual commitments for these contracts approximated $171.2 million, and we had liabilities of $113.6 million, $64.4 million of which were classified as current and are included in accrued liabilities.
	At December 31, 2012, we had liabilities of $206 million, $69 million of which were classified as current and included in accrued liabilities. The amounts at December 31, 2013, and 2012 represented our best estimate of the fair value of the excess capacity of the pipeline commitments calculated using a discounted cash flow model, when considering our disposal plan, current production levels, natural gas prices and expected utilization of the pipeline over the remaining contractual term
	Discontinued Operations
	The operating results from the assets discussed above for all periods presented are retroactively presented and accounted for as discontinued operations in the accompanying audited consolidated statements of income (loss) and the respective accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. Our condensed statements of income (loss) from discontinued operations for each operating segment were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands, except percentages)
	Operating revenues
	Oil and Gas	$	25,327		$	27,363		$	125,654	-1
	Rig Services	$	127,154		$	172,335		$	76,584
	Income (loss) from Oil & Gas discontinued operations:
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(17,371	)		(3,958	)		18,880
	Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets		24,087	-2		106,096	-3		208,455	-4
	Less: Income tax expense (benefit)		(14,062	)		(44,021	)		(98,181	)
	Income (loss) from Oil and Gas discontinued operations, net of tax		(27,396	)		(66,033	)		(91,394	)
	Income (loss) from Rig Services discontinued operations:
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		17,680			9,846			458
	Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets		-4,368	-5		9,087	-6		8,800	-6
	Less: Income tax expense (benefit)		5,831			2,252			(2,135	)
	Income (loss) from Rig Services discontinued operations, net of tax		16,217			(1,493	)		(6,207	)
	Oil and Gas
	-1
	Includes approximately $83 million of equity in earnings during 2011 for our proportionate share of Remora's net income, inclusive of the gains recognized for asset sales during 2011.
	-2
	Includes impairments during 2013 of $61.5 million to write down the carrying value of some of our wholly owned oil and gas-centered assets, partially offset by a gain related to our restructure of our future pipeline obligations.
	-3
	Includes adjustments during 2012 to increase our pipeline contractual commitments by $128.1 million and other gains and losses related to the sale of our wholly owned oil and gas-centered assets.
	-4
	Includes impairments during 2011 of $255.0 million to write down the carrying value of our wholly owned oil and gas-centered assets.
	In 2013, we sold some of our wholly owned oil and gas assets and received proceeds of $90.0 million.
	In 2012, we sold our remaining wholly owned oil and gas business in Colombia and sold additional wholly owned assets in the United States. In December 2012, we sold our 49.7% ownership interest in the U.S. unconsolidated oil and gas joint venture, to the remaining equity owners. During 2012, we received cumulative gross cash proceeds of $254.5 million from sales of oil and gas assets.
	In 2011, we sold some of our wholly owned oil and gas assets in Colombia and the United States. Additionally in 2011, Remora, a former unconsolidated oil and gas joint venture, completed sales of its oil and gas assets in Colombia. During 2011, we received gross cash proceeds of $303.8 million from sales of oil and gas assets.
	Rig Services
	-5
	Represents the gains recognized from our sale of our logistics services and construction services. In April 2013, we sold the assets of one of our former Canadian subsidiaries that provided logistics services for proceeds of $9.3 million. In October 2013, we sold Peak, one of our businesses in Alaska, for which we received cash proceeds of $135.5 million.
	-6
	Includes $7.8 million and $7.9 million, respectively, of impairment (a Level 3 measurement) in 2012 and 2011 to our aircraft and logistics assets as a result of the continued downturn in the oil and gas industry in Canada.
	Additional discussion of our policy pertaining to the calculations of our annual impairment tests, including any impairment to goodwill, is set forth in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. A further protraction of lower commodity prices or an inability to sell these assets in a timely manner could result in recognition of future impairment charges.
	The revised consolidated statements of income in Note 2—Revisions of Prior Period Financial Statements were updated to retroactively reclassify the results of Peak as discontinued operations. The table below sets forth a reconciliation between such presentation and the consolidated statements of income (loss) as they were previously filed for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. In addition, the consolidated statements of income (loss) for the quarters ended March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013 are presented within. There was no effect to our consolidated statements of other comprehensive income or cash flows for such periods.
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2012									December 31, 2011
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	As			Discontinued			As			As			Discontinued			As
		Previously			Operations(1)			Reported(2)			Previously			Operations(1)			Reported(2)
		Filed									Filed
	Revenues and other income:
	Operating Revenues	$	6,989,573		$	(146,522	)	$	6,843,051		$	6,060,351		$	(46,871	)	$	6,013,480
	Earnings from affiliates		(301,320	)		—			(301,320	)		56,647			0			56,647
	Investment income		63,137			—			63,137			19,940			(1	)		19,939
	Total revenues and other income		6,751,390			(146,522	)		6,604,868			6,136,938			(46,872	)		6,090,066
	Costs and other deductions:
	Direct Costs		4,483,320			(114,618	)		4,368,702			3,775,964			(39,054	)		3,736,910
	General and administrative expenses		532,568			(4,615	)		527,953			489,892			(2,084	)		487,808
Depreciation and amortization		1,055,517			(15,594	)		1,039,923			924,094			(5,972	)		918,122
Interest Expense		251,552			352			251,904			256,633			(1	)		256,632
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		(136,510	)		(126	)		(136,636	)		4,514			(40	)		4,474
Impairments and other charges		290,260			—			290,260			198,072			—			198,072
Total costs and other deductions		6,476,707			(134,601	)		6,342,106			5,649,169			(47,151	)		5,602,018
Income before income taxes		274,683			(11,921	)		262,762			487,769			279			488,048
Income tax expense:
Current		142,994			—			142,994			109,702			—			109,702
Deferred		(110,366	)		(5,047	)		(115,413	)		32,903			118			33,021
Total income tax expense		32,628			(5,047	)		27,581			142,605			118			142,723
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		3,000			—			3,000			3,000			—			3,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		239,055			(6,874	)		232,181			342,164			161			342,325
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		(74,400	)		6,874			(67,526	)		(97,440	)		(161	)		(97,601	)
Net income (loss)		164,655			—			164,655			244,724			—			244,724
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(621	)		—			(621	)		(1,045	)		—			(1,045	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	164,034		$	—		$	164,034		$	243,679		$	—		$	243,679
Earnings per share:(3)
Basic from continuing operations	$	0.82		$	(0.02	)	$	0.8		$	1.19		$	—		$	1.19
Basic from discontinued operations		(0.25	)		0.02			(0.23	)		(0.34	)		—			(0.34	)
Total Basic	$	0.57		$	—		$	0.57		$	0.85		$	—		$	0.85
Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.82		$	(0.02	)	$	0.79		$	1.17		$	—		$	1.17
Diluted from discontinued operations		(0.26	)		0.02			(0.23	)		(0.34	)		—			(0.34	)
Total Diluted	$	0.56		$	—		$	0.56		$	0.83		$	—		$	0.83
-1
Amounts represents the operating results from Peak, as discussed above.
-2
Amounts reflect discontinued operations presentation for Peak prior to adjustments required as a result of our revisions to our consolidated statements of income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
-3
Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the columns presented. Therefore, the sum of the earnings per share may not equal the total revised.
	Quarter Ended
	March 31, 2012									June 30, 2012
(In thousands, except per share	As			Discontinued			As Reported(2)			As			Discontinued			As Reported(2)
amounts)	Previously			Operations(1)						Previously			Operations(1)
	Filed									Filed
Revenues and other income:
Operating Revenues	$	1,890,426		$	(45,738	)	$	1,844,688		$	1,737,114		$	(39,210	)	$	1,697,904
Earnings from affiliates		(68,669	)		—			(68,669	)		(134,317	)		—			(134,317	)
Investment income		20,252			—			20,252			5,368			—			5,368
Total revenues and other income		1,842,009			(45,738	)		1,796,271			1,608,165			(39,210	)		1,568,955
Costs and other deductions:
Direct Costs		1,184,816			(30,703	)		1,154,113			1,123,256			(30,881	)		1,092,375
General and administrative expenses		136,346			(878	)		135,468			133,612			(1,227	)		132,385
Depreciation and amortization		247,621			(4,074	)		243,547			261,016			(3,759	)		257,257
Interest Expense		62,654			11			62,665			63,459			168			63,627
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		(1,840	)		(5	)		(1,845	)		13,414			(8	)		13,406
Impairments and other charges		—			—			—			147,503			—			147,503
Total costs and other deductions		1,629,597			(35,649	)		1,593,948			1,742,260			(35,707	)		1,706,553
Income before income taxes		212,412			(10,089	)		202,323			(134,095	)		(3,503	)		(137,598	)
Income tax expense:
Current		26,006			—			26,006			34,698			—			34,698
Deferred		43,038			(4,271	)		38,767			(70,890	)		(1,483	)		(72,373	)
Total income tax expense		69,044			(4,271	)		64,773			(36,192	)		(1,483	)		(37,675	)
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		750			—			750			750			—			750
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		142,618			(5,818	)		136,800			(98,653	)		(2,020	)		(100,673	)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		(8,795	)		5,818			(2,977	)		24,690			2,020			26,710
Net income (loss)		133,823			—			133,823			(73,963	)		—			(73,963	)
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		267			—			267			1,174			—			1,174
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	134,090		$	—		$	134,090		$	(72,789	)	$	—		$	(72,789	)
Earnings per share:(3)
Basic from continuing operations	$	0.5		$	(0.02	)	$	0.48		$	(0.34	)	$	—		$	(0.34	)
Basic from discontinued operations		(0.04	)		0.02			(0.02	)		0.09			—			0.09
Total Basic	$	0.46		$	—		$	0.46		$	(0.25	)	$	—		$	(0.25	)
Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.49		$	(0.02	)	$	0.47		$	(0.34	)	$	—		$	(0.34	)
Diluted from discontinued operations		(0.03	)		0.02			(0.01	)		0.09			—			0.09
Total Diluted	$	0.46		$	—		$	0.46		$	(0.25	)	$	—		$	(0.25	)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2012
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	As			Discontinued			As Reported(2)
	Previously			Operations(1)
	Filed
Revenues and other income:
Operating Revenues	$	3,627,540			(84,948	)	$	3,542,592
Earnings from affiliates		(202,986	)		—			(202,986	)
Investment income		25,620			—			25,620
Total revenues and other income		3,450,174			(84,948	)		3,365,226
Costs and other deductions:
Direct Costs		2,308,072			(61,584	)		2,246,488
General and administrative expenses		269,958			(2,105	)		267,853
Depreciation and amortization		508,637			(7,833	)		500,804
Interest Expense		126,113			179			126,292
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		11,574			(13	)		11,561
Impairments and other charges		147,503			—			147,503
Total costs and other deductions		3,371,857			(71,356	)		3,300,501
Income before income taxes		78,317			(13,592	)		64,725
Income tax expense:
Current		60,704			—			60,704
Deferred		(27,852	)		(5,754	)		(33,606	)
Total income tax expense		32,852			(5,754	)		27,098
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		1,500			—			1,500
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		43,965			(7,838	)		36,127
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		15,895			7,838			23,733
Net income (loss)		59,860			—			59,860
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		1,441			—			1,441
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	61,301		$	—		$	61,301
Earnings per share:(3)
Basic from continuing operations	$	0.16		$	(0.03	)	$	0.13
Basic from discontinued operations		0.05			0.03			0.08
Total Basic	$	0.21		$	—		$	0.21
Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.16		$	(0.03	)	$	0.13
Diluted from discontinued operations		0.05			0.03			0.08
Total Diluted	$	0.21		$	—		$	0.21
-1
Amounts represents the operating results from Peak, as discussed above.
-2
Amounts reflect discontinued operations presentation for Peak prior to adjustments required as a result of our revisions to our consolidated statements of income (loss) for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 and the six months ended June 30, 2012.
-3
Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the columns presented. Therefore, the sum of the earnings per share may not equal the total revised

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions	'
Acquisitions	'
	Note 6 Acquisitions
	2013 Acquisitions
	In January 2013, we purchased the business of NES for a total cash price of approximately $37.5 million. NES operates primarily in Texas, Louisiana and North Dakota as a provider of drift-while drilling and measure-while-drilling services and technology. Their business was focused on directional drilling by oil and gas exploration and development companies. This acquisition expands our technology and development capability for drilling and measurement tools and services, and is included in our Rig Services operating segment. The purchase price was allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired based on their fair value. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the assets acquired was recorded as goodwill in the amount of $15.8 million.
	In October 2013, we purchased for total consideration of $149.0 million, $66.8 million of which is payable in three equal annual installments through 2016. KVS provided various logistics and support services operating in the oilfield and well-servicing industry. Services are provided by tractor trucks, bobtail trucks, winch trucks, other truck types, trailers, container bins, eyewash stations, various types of tanks, shop equipment and other related support equipment. This acquisition expands our truck fleet, vacuum truck services, and tank and related equipment services, and is included in our Production Services operating segment.
	2011 Acquisitions
	In 2011, we paid $65 million in cash to acquire the remaining 50 percent equity interest of Peak, making it a wholly owned subsidiary on this date. Peak provided construction and rig moving services in icy conditions as well as light and heavy-duty moving, hauling and maintenance services. Previously, we held a 50 percent equity interest with a carrying value of $38.1 million that we had accounted for as an equity method investment. In 2013, we sold Peak. See Note 4—Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations.

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'
	Note 7 Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
	Our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments consisted of the following:
		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	389,915	$	524,922
	Short-term investments:
	Trading equity securities		—		52,705
	Available-for-sale equity securities		96,942		174,610
	Available-for-sale debt securities		20,276		25,967
	Total short-term investments	$	117,218	$	253,282
	We sold our trading equity securities during the first quarter of 2013.
	Certain information related to our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments follows:
		December 31,
		Fair Value		2013		Gross			Fair Value		2012		Gross
				Gross		Unrealized					Gross		Unrealized
				Unrealized		Holding					Unrealized		Holding
				Holding		Losses					Holding		Losses
				Gains							Gains
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	389,915	$	—	$	—		$	524,922	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments:
	Trading equity securities		—		—		—			52,705		46,981		—
	Available-for-sale equity securities		96,942		68,395		—			174,610		137,282		(1,030	)
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Commercial paper and CDs		—		—		—			206		—		—
	Corporate debt securities		19,388		4,122		—			23,399		1,870		—
	Mortgage-backed debt securities		210		11		—			244		15		—
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities		20		—		(2	)		523		10		(3	)
	Asset-backed debt securities		658		2		(54	)		1,595		28		(192	)
	Total available-for-sale debt securities		20,276		4,135		(56	)		25,967		1,923		(195	)
	Total available-for-sale securities		117,218		72,530		(56	)		200,577		139,205		(1,225	)
	Total short-term investments		117,218		72,530		(56	)		253,282		186,186		(1,225	)
	Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	$	507,133	$	72,530	$	(56	)	$	778,204	$	186,186	$	(1,225	)
	Certain information related to the gross unrealized losses of our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments follows:
		As of December 31, 2013
		Less Than 12 Months				More Than 12 Months
		Fair Value		Gross		Fair Value			Gross
				Unrealized					Unrealized
				Losses					Losses
		(In thousands)
	Available-for-sale equity securities	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
	Available-for-sale debt securities:(1)
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities		—		—		20			2
	Asset-backed debt securities		395		54		—			—
	Total available-for-sale debt securities		395		54		20			2
	Total	$	395	$	54	$	20		$	2
	The estimated fair values of our corporate, mortgage-backed, mortgage-CMO and asset-backed debt securities at December 31, 2013, classified by time to contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to repay obligations without prepayment penalties and we may elect to sell the securities prior to the contractual maturity date.
		Estimated
		Fair Value
		December 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	Due in one year or less	$	—
	Due after one year through five years		15,600
	Due in more than five years		4,676
	Total debt securities	$	20,276
	Certain information regarding our debt and equity securities is presented below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(In thousands)
	Available-for-sale
	Proceeds from sales and maturities	$	107,586	$	24,010	$	12,672
Realized gains (losses), net	$	88,158	$	13,405	$	3,036

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 8 Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We utilize market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market-corroborated, or generally unobservable. We primarily apply the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavor to utilize the best information available. Accordingly, we employ valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The use of unobservable inputs is intended to allow for fair value determinations in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. We are able to classify fair value balances utilizing a fair value hierarchy based on the observability of those inputs. Under the fair value hierarchy:
	•
	Level 1 measurements include unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market;
	•
	Level 2 measurements include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that have been adjusted for items such as effects of restrictions for transferability and those that are not quoted but are observable through corroboration with observable market data, including quoted market prices for similar assets; and
	•
	Level 3 measurements include those that are unobservable and of a subjective nature.
	The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013. Our debt securities could transfer into or out of a Level 1 or 2 measure depending on the availability of independent and current pricing at the end of each quarter. During 2013, there were no transfers of our financial assets between Level 1 and Level 2 measures. Our financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Short-term investments:
	Available-for-sale equity securities from energy industry	$	96,080		$	862	$	—	$	96,942
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Corporate debt securities		—			19,388		—		19,388
	Mortgage-backed debt securities		—			210		—		210
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities		—			20		—		20
	Asset-backed debt securities		658			—		—		658
	Total short-term investments	$	96,738		$	20,480	$	—	$	117,218
	Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value measurements were applied with respect to our nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis, which would consist of measurements primarily to assets held for sale, goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, asset retirement obligations and our pipeline contractual commitment.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of our financial instruments has been estimated in accordance with GAAP. The fair value of our long-term debt, revolving credit facility, commercial paper and subsidiary preferred stock is estimated based on quoted market prices or prices quoted from third-party financial institutions. The carrying and fair values of these liabilities were as follows:
		December 31,
		2013							2012
		Effective			Carrying		Fair Value		Effective			Carrying		Fair Value
		Interest			Value				Interest			Value
		Rate							Rate
		(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016		2.56	%	$	349,820	$	354,694		6.42	%	$	—	$	—
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018		6.42	%		969,928		1,097,480		6.42	%		968,708		1,164,813
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019		9.33	%		339,607		428,733		9.33	%		1,125,000		1,492,819
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020		5.2	%		697,947		731,955		5.2	%		697,648		770,707
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021		4.75	%		698,148		709,793		4.75	%		697,907		755,517
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023		5.26	%		348,765		349,731		0	%		—		—
	Subsidiary preferred stock		4	%		69,188		69,000		4	%		69,188		68,625
	Revolving credit facilities		2.28	%		170,000		170,000		2.17	%		890,000		890,000
	Commercial paper		0.45	%		329,844		329,844		0	%		—		—
	Other		0	%		10,243		10,243		0	%		437		437
	Total				$	3,983,490	$	4,251,473				$	4,448,888	$	5,142,918
	The fair values of our cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
	As of December 31, 2013, our short-term investments were carried at fair market value and included $117.2 million in securities classified as available-for-sale. As of December 31, 2012, our short-term investments were carried at fair market value and included $200.6 million and $52.7 million in securities classified as available-for-sale and trading, respectively.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Note 9 Share-Based Compensation
	Total share-based compensation expense, which includes both stock options and restricted stock, totaled $53.3 million, $18.3 million and $21.2 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Compensation expense related to awards of restricted stock totaled $51.1 million, $14.1 million and $13.4 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and is included in direct costs and general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income (loss). Share-based compensation expense has been allocated to our various operating segments. See Note 23—Segment Information.
	Our restricted stock share-based awards also includes two types of performance share awards: the first, based on our performance measured against pre-determined performance metrics and the second based on market conditions measured against a predetermined peer group. The performance period for the awards granted in 2013 commenced on January 1, 2013 and ended December 31, 2013.
	Stock Option Plans
	As of December 31, 2013, we had several stock plans under which options to purchase our common shares could be granted to key officers, directors and managerial employees of Nabors and its subsidiaries. Options granted under the plans generally are at prices equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of the grant. Options granted under the plans generally are exercisable in varying cumulative periodic installments after one year. In the case of certain key executives, options granted may vest immediately on the grant date. Options granted under the plans cannot be exercised more than ten years from the date of grant. Options to purchase 7.8 million and 14.3 million Nabors common shares remained available for grant as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Of the common shares available for grant as of December 31, 2013, approximately 6.8 million of these shares are also available for issuance in the form of restricted shares.
	The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model which uses assumptions for the risk-free interest rate, volatility, dividend yield and the expected term of the options. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for a period equal to the expected term of the option. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on Nabors' common shares, historical volatility of Nabors' common shares, and other factors. We use historical data to estimate the expected term of the options and employee terminations within the option-pricing model; separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected term of the options represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding.
	We also consider an estimated forfeiture rate for these option awards, and we recognize compensation cost only for those shares that are expected to vest, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term of three to five years. The forfeiture rate is based on historical experience. Estimated forfeitures have been adjusted to reflect actual forfeitures during 2013.
	Stock option transactions under our various stock-based employee compensation plans are presented below:
	Options	Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-	Aggregate
					Average		Average	Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining	Value
					Price		Contractual
							Term
		(In thousands, except exercise price)
	Options outstanding as of December 31, 2012		22,464		$	20.53
	Granted		63			16.06
	Exercised		(577	)		9.34
	Surrendered(1)		—			9.18
	Forfeited		(3,564	)		19.36
	Options outstanding as of December 31, 2013		18,386		$	21.1	3.22 years	$	51,136
	Options exercisable as of December 31, 2013		17,837		$	21.1	3.06 years	$	50,818
	-1
	Represents unexercised vested stock options that were surrendered by employees, to satisfy the option exercise price and related income taxes. See related discussion at Note 15—Common Shares.
	Of the options outstanding, 17.8 million, 20.8 million and 24.9 million were exercisable at weighted-average exercise prices of $21.10, $20.99 and $19.83, as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	During 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, we awarded options vesting over periods up to four years to purchase 63,368, 658,061 and 930,753 of our common shares to our employees, executive officers and directors.
	The fair value of stock options granted during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$6.05		$9.40		$6.24
	Weighted average risk free interest rate	0.79%		0.63%		0.65%
	Dividend yield	0.84%		0%		0%
	Volatility(1)	51.01%		55.74%		51.09%
	Expected life	4.0 years		4.0 years		4.0 years
	-1
	Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from publicly traded options to purchase Nabors' common shares, historical volatility of Nabors' common shares and other factors.
	A summary of our unvested stock options as of December 31, 2013, and the changes during the year then ended is presented below:
	Unvested Stock Options	Outstanding			Weighted-Average
					Grant-Date Fair
					Value
		(In thousands, except fair value)
	Unvested as of December 31, 2012		1,626		$	5.62
	Granted		63			6.05
	Vested		(1,075	)		3.97
	Forfeited		(65	)		5.47
	Unvested as of December 31, 2013		549		$	8.88
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $4.1 million, $23.7 million and $18.3 million, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $4.3 million, $7.9 million and $5.2 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $3.8 million of total future compensation cost related to unvested options that are expected to vest. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately one year.
	Restricted Stock
	Our stock plans allow grants of restricted stock. Restricted stock is issued on the grant date, but cannot be sold or transferred. Restricted stock vests in varying periodic installments ranging up to five years.
	A summary of our restricted stock as of December 31, 2013, and the changes during the year then ended, is presented below:
	Restricted stock	Outstanding			Weighted-Average
					Grant-Date Fair
					Value
		(In thousands, except fair value)
	Unvested as of December 31, 2012		1,781		$	23.42
	Granted		4,493			16.43
	Vested		(2,262	)		18.48
	Forfeited		(248	)		20.07
	Unvested as of December 31, 2013		3,764		$	18.26
	During 2013 and 2012, we awarded 4,493,443 and 944,015 shares of restricted stock, respectively, to our employees and directors. These awards had an aggregate value at their date of grant of $73.8 million and $19.5 million, respectively, and were scheduled to vest over a period of up to four years. The fair value of restricted stock that vested during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $37.5 million, $9.7 million and $21.4 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $48.8 million of total future compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards that are expected to vest. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately one year.
	Restricted Stock Based on Performance Conditions
	During the first quarter of 2014, we granted 362,311 restricted stock performance-based awards for fiscal year 2013 to some of our executives. These awards vest over a period up to three years. The performance awards granted are based upon achievement of specific financial or operational objectives. The number of shares granted was determined by the number of performance goals achieved. Our performance shares based on performance conditions are liability-classified awards, of which our accrued liabilities included $1.8 million at December 31, 2013. The fair value of these awards was estimated at each reporting period during 2013, based on internal metrics and marked to market at December 31, 2013.
Restricted Stock Based on Market Conditions
During 2013, we began granting restricted stock awards based on market conditions to some of our executives. We granted 353,933 such awards with an aggregate fair value of $3.7 million. These shares were granted based on the comparative performance of our Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") relative to a peer group over a three-year period.
The grant date fair value of these awards was based on a Monte Carlo model, using the following assumptions during 2013:
Risk free interest rate		0.41	%
Expected volatility		46	%
Closing stock price	$	16.53
Expected term (in years)		2.82
The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding restricted stock based on market conditions as of December 31, 2013:
Market based restricted stock	Outstanding			Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date Fair
				Value
	(In thousands, except fair value)
Outstanding as of December 31, 2012		—		$	—
Granted		354			10.42
Vested		—			—
Forfeited		—			—
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		354		$	10.42

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Note 10 Property, Plant and Equipment
	The major components of our property, plant and equipment are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Land	$	63,733		$	49,965
	Buildings		163,962			154,878
	Drilling, workover and well-servicing rigs, and related equipment		12,818,136			12,364,021
	Marine transportation and supply vessels		14,062			14,054
	Oilfield hauling and mobile equipment		1,322,798			1,313,339
	Other machinery and equipment		168,465			176,468
	Construction-in-process(1)		693,475			363,537
		$	15,244,631		$	14,436,262
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(6,646,818	)		(5,724,174	)
		$	8,597,813		$	8,712,088
	-1
	Relates primarily to amounts capitalized for new or substantially new drilling, workover and well-servicing rigs that were under construction and had not yet been placed in service as of December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	Repair and maintenance expense included in direct costs in our consolidated statements of income (loss) totaled $510.8 million, $563.5 million and $586.4 million during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Interest costs of $13.0 million, $19.4 million and $24.0 million were capitalized during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_A

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	'
	Note 11 Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
	Our principal investment in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method include drilling and workover operations located in Saudi Arabia (51% ownership). This unconsolidated affiliate is integral to our operations. See Note 18—Related-Party Transactions for additional information. During 2011 and 2012, we sold our equity interests in unconsolidated oil and gas joint ventures.
	Combined condensed financial data for investments in unconsolidated affiliates, including assets classified as held for sale, are summarized as follows:
		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Current assets	$	442,703	$	174,977
	Long-term assets	$	138,222	$	161,207
	Current liabilities	$	440,585	$	194,504
	Long-term liabilities	$	4,169	$	3,389
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012			2011
				Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Gross revenues	$	562,101	$	657,362		$	760,257
	Gross margin	$	46,446	$	107,035		$	205,502
	Net income (loss)	$	1,088	$	(624,172	)	$	327,760
	Nabors' earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates(1)(2)	$	39	$	(288,718	)	$	85,448
	-1
	Nabors' earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates included in discontinued operations, net of tax was $76.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
	-2
	As more fully described in Note 2, our earnings (losses) from affiliates was revised by $12.6 million and $28.8 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk

Financial Instruments and Risk Concentration	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Instruments and Risk Concentration	'
Financial Instruments and Risk Concentration	'
	Note 12 Financial Instruments and Risk Concentration
	We may be exposed to certain market risks arising from the use of financial instruments in the ordinary course of business. These risks arise primarily as a result of potential changes in the fair market value of financial instruments that would result from adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, credit risk, interest rates, and marketable and non-marketable security prices as discussed below.
	Foreign Currency Risk
	We operate in a number of international areas and are involved in transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars, which exposes us to foreign exchange rate risk or foreign currency devaluation risk. The most significant exposures arise in connection with our operations in Venezuela and Canada, which usually are substantially unhedged.
	At various times, we utilize local currency borrowings (foreign-currency-denominated debt), the payment structure of customer contracts and foreign exchange contracts to selectively hedge our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations in connection with monetary assets, liabilities, cash flows and commitments denominated in certain foreign currencies. A foreign exchange contract is a foreign currency transaction, defined as an agreement to exchange different currencies at a given future date and at a specified rate.
	Credit Risk
	Our financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments and accounts receivable. Cash equivalents such as deposits and temporary cash investments are held by major banks or investment firms. Our short-term and long-term investments are managed within established guidelines that limit the amounts that may be invested with any one issuer and provide guidance as to issuer credit quality. We believe that the credit risk in our cash and investment portfolio is minimized as a result of the mix of our investments. In addition, our trade receivables are with a variety of U.S., international and foreign-country national oil and gas companies. Management considers this credit risk to be limited due to the financial resources of these companies. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers, and we generally do not require material collateral. We do occasionally require prepayment of amounts from customers whose creditworthiness is in question prior to providing services to them. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses, and these losses historically have been within management's expectations.
	Interest Rate and Marketable and Non-marketable Security Price Risk
	Our financial instruments that are potentially sensitive to changes in interest rates include our 2.35%, 5.10%, 6.15%, 9.25%, 5.0% and 4.625% senior notes, our investments in debt securities (including corporate, asset-backed, mortgage-backed debt and mortgage-CMO debt securities) and our investments in overseas funds that invest primarily in a variety of public and private U.S. and non-U.S. securities (including asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, global structured-asset securitizations, whole-loan mortgages, and participations in whole loans and whole-loan mortgages), which are classified as long-term investments.
	We may utilize derivative financial instruments that are intended to manage our exposure to interest rate risks. The use of derivative financial instruments could expose us to further credit risk and market risk. Credit risk in this context is the failure of a counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty would owe us, which can create credit risk for us. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, we would owe the counterparty, and therefore, we would not be exposed to credit risk. We attempt to minimize credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with major financial institutions that have a significant asset base. Market risk related to derivatives is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from changes in interest rates. We try to manage market risk associated with interest-rate contracts by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the type and degree of market risk that we undertake.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt	'
Debt	'
	Note 13 Debt
	Debt consisted of the following:
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016	$	349,820		$	—
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018		969,928			968,708
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019		339,607			1,125,000
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020		697,947			697,648
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021		698,148			697,907
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023		348,765			—
	Revolving credit facilities		170,000			890,000
	Commercial paper		329,844			—
	Other		10,243			437
		$	3,914,302		$	4,379,700
	Less: current portion		10,185			364
		$	3,904,117		$	4,379,336
	As of December 31, 2013, the maturities of our primary debt for each of the five years after 2013 and thereafter are as follows:
		Paid at Maturity
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	—
	2015		—
	2016		350,000	-1
	2017		499,844	-2
	2018		975,000	-3
	Thereafter		2,089,607	-4
		$	3,914,451
	-1
	Represents our 2.35% senior notes due September 2016.
	-2
	Represents amounts drawn on our revolving credit facility and commercial paper, which expires November 2017
	-3
	Represents our 6.15% senior notes due February 2018
	-4
	Represents our 9.25% senior notes due January 2019, 5.0% senior notes due September 2020, 4.625% senior notes due September 2021 and 5.10% senior notes due September 2023
	2.35% and 5.10% Senior Notes Due September 2016 and September 2023
	In September 2013, Nabors Delaware completed a private placement of $700 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes, comprised of $350 million aggregate principal amount of 2.35% senior notes due 2016 and $350 million aggregate principal amount of 5.10% senior notes due 2023. The notes are unsecured and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us. The notes are subject to registration rights. The notes were sold by the initial purchasers to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A and to certain investors outside of the United States under Regulation S under the Securities Act. The notes pay interest semiannually on March 15 and September 15, beginning on March 15, 2014. The 2.35% senior notes will mature on September 15, 2016, and the 5.10% senior notes will mature on September 15, 2023.
	The notes rank equal in right of payment to all of Nabors Delaware's existing and future senior unsubordinated debt. The notes rank senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior subordinated and subordinated debt. Our guarantee of the notes is unsecured and ranks equal in right of payment to all of our unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The indenture includes covenants customary for transactions of this type that, subject to significant exceptions, limit our subsidiaries' ability to, among other things, incur certain liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In the event of a Change of Control Trigger Event, as defined in the indenture, with respect to a series of the notes, the holders of that series of notes may require Nabors Delaware to purchase all or a portion of each senior note in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at any time at the option of Nabors Delaware at the redemption prices specified in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Nabors Delaware used the proceeds from the issuance of the notes, together with cash on hand to redeem a portion of its 9.25% senior notes due 2019.
	6.15% Senior Notes Due February 2018
	In February 2008, Nabors Delaware completed a private placement of $575 million aggregate principal amount of 6.15% senior notes due 2018 with registration rights, which are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us. On July 22, 2008, Nabors Delaware completed an additional private placement under the same indenture of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.15% senior notes due 2018, also with registration rights and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us. These new notes are subject to the same rates, terms and conditions and together will be treated as a single class of debt securities under the indenture (together $975 million 6.15% senior notes due 2018). The issue of notes was resold by the initial purchasers to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain investors outside of the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The notes bear interest at a rate of 6.15% per year, payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 and will mature on February 15, 2018.
	The notes are unsecured and are effectively junior in right of payment to any of Nabors Delaware's future secured debt. The senior notes rank equally with any of Nabors Delaware's other existing and future unsubordinated debt and are senior in right of payment to any of Nabors Delaware's future senior subordinated debt. Our guarantee of the senior notes is unsecured and ranks equal in right of payment to all of our unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The notes are subject to redemption by Nabors Delaware, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes then outstanding to be redeemed; or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest, determined in the manner set forth in the indenture. In the event of a change in control triggering event, as defined in the indenture, the holders of notes may require Nabors Delaware to purchase all or any part of each note in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase, except to the extent Nabors Delaware has exercised its right to redeem the notes.
	9.25% Senior Notes Due January 2019
	In September 2013, Nabors Delaware commenced a cash tender offer for any and all of its outstanding 9.25% senior notes due 2019, which expired on September 11, 2013. On September 12, 2013, Nabors Delaware accepted for repurchase all of the notes that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the tender offer, totaling $785.4 million aggregate principal amount of the notes (including $14 million held by a consolidated affiliate) in principal amount. Nabors Delaware paid the holders an aggregate of approximately $1.0 billion in cash, reflecting principal, accrued and unpaid interest and a premium of $211.9 million (including related fees), from the proceeds of the 2.35% senior notes due 2016 and 5.10% senior notes due 2023 issued in September 2013, discussed above, borrowings under its commercial paper program and cash on hand. Following the repurchase, $339.6 million aggregate principal amount of the 9.25% senior notes remains outstanding. The 9.25% senior notes due 2019 have similar rankings, covenants and change of control provisions as Nabors Delaware's other series of senior notes. The premium represents the loss on the debt extinguishment and is included in the impairments and other charges line of our consolidated statement of income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	5.0% Senior Notes Due September 2020
	In September 2010, Nabors Delaware completed a private placement of $700 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% senior notes due 2020, which are unsecured and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us. The notes are subject to registration rights. The notes were resold by the initial purchasers to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to certain investors outside of the United States under Regulation S. The notes pay interest semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 and will mature on September 15, 2020.
	The notes rank equal in right of payment to all of Nabors Delaware's existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness, and senior in right of payment to all of Nabors Delaware's existing and future senior subordinated and subordinated indebtedness. Our guarantee of the notes is unsecured and an unsubordinated obligation and ranks equal in right of payments to all of our unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time outstanding. In the event of a change of control triggering event, as defined in the indenture, the holders of the notes may require Nabors Delaware to purchase all or a portion of the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at any time at the option of Nabors Delaware at a redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest, as specified in the indenture. Nabors Delaware used a portion of the proceeds to repay the borrowing under a revolving credit facility incurred to fund our acquisition in September 2010.
	4.625% Senior Notes Due September 2021
	In August 2011, Nabors Delaware completed a private placement of $700 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% senior notes due 2021, which are unsecured and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us. The notes have registration rights. The notes were resold by the initial purchasers to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to certain investors outside of the United States under Regulation S. The notes pay interest semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 and will mature on September 15, 2021.
	The notes rank equal in right of payment to all of Nabors Delaware's existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness, and senior in right of payment to all of Nabors Delaware's existing and future senior subordinated and subordinated indebtedness. Our guarantee of the notes is unsecured and an unsubordinated obligation and ranks equal in right of payments to all of our unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time outstanding. In the event of a change of control triggering event, as defined in the indenture, the holders of the notes may require Nabors Delaware to purchase all or a portion of the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at any time at the option of Nabors Delaware at a redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest, as specified in the indenture. Nabors Delaware used a portion of the proceeds to pay back borrowings on our revolving credit facilities and for other general corporate purposes.
	5.375% Senior Notes Due August 2012
	In August 2012, we paid $282.4 million to holders of Nabors Delaware's 5.375% senior notes representing principal of $275.0 million and accrued interest of $7.4 million. We used cash on hand and $270 million from revolving credit facilities to pay this obligation.
	Senior Exchangeable Notes
	In May 2011, the remaining $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of our 0.94% senior exchangeable notes matured, and we redeemed them with $1.2 billion of borrowings under our revolving credit facilities and available cash.
	Commercial Paper Program
	In April 2013, Nabors Delaware established a commercial paper program. This program allows for the issuance from time to time of up to an aggregate amount of $1.5 billion in commercial paper with a maturity of no more than 397 days. Our commercial paper borrowings are classified as long-term debt because the borrowings are fully supported by availability under our revolving credit facility, which matures as currently structured in November 2017, more than one year from now. As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately $329.8 million of commercial paper outstanding; we used the proceeds to reduce borrowings under our revolving credit facility and redeem debt. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings at December 31, 2013 was 0.446%.
	Revolving Credit Facility
	At December 31, 2013, we had $1.3 billion of remaining availability under our $1.5 billion revolving credit facility. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings at December 31, 2013 was 1.49%. The revolving credit facility contains various covenants and restrictive provisions that limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments or loans and create liens and require us to maintain a net funded indebtedness to total capitalization ratio, as defined in each agreement. We were in compliance with all covenants under the agreement at December 31, 2013. If we fail to perform our obligations under the covenants, the revolving credit commitment could be terminated, and any outstanding borrowings under the facility could be declared immediately due and payable.
	Short-Term Borrowings
	We had 10 letter-of-credit facilities with various banks as of December 31, 2013. Availability and borrowings under our letter-of-credit facilities are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013
		(In thousands)
	Credit available	$	523,204
Less: Letters of credit outstanding, inclusive of financial and performance guarantees		321,818
Remaining availability	$	201,386

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 14 Income Taxes
	The change in our unrecognized tax benefits during 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of January 1	$	83,950		$	68,848		$	81,174
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		145			922			1,850
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		3,360			16,372	-2		11,748
	Reductions for tax positions for prior years		(30,320	)(1)		(1,174	)		(11,082	)
	Settlements		(9,583	)		(1,018	)		(14,842	)
	Balance as of December 31	$	47,552		$	83,950		$	68,848
	-1
	Includes $21.6 million related to settlements in Mexico, Canada and Algeria and $8.7 million due to the expiration of statutes.
	-2
	Includes an unrecognized tax benefit of $10.4 million related to a Mexico audit assessment.
	The balance also represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate in future periods. As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we had approximately $20.6 million, $42.8 million and $28.2 million, respectively, of interest and penalties related to our total gross unrecognized tax benefits. During 2013, 2012 and 2011 we accrued and recognized estimated interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties of approximately $5.2 million, $2.7 million and $4.6 million, respectively. We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in the income tax expense (benefit) line item in our consolidated statements of income (loss).
	We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous other jurisdictions. A number of our United States and non-United States income tax returns from 1998 through 2012 are currently under audit examination. We anticipate that several of these audits could be finalized within the next 12 months. It is possible that the benefit relating to our unrecognized tax positions could significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. However, based on the current status of examinations, and the protocol for finalizing audits with the relevant tax authorities, which could include formal legal proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the future impact of the amount of changes, if any, to recorded uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2013.
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes was comprised of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	United States and Other Jurisdictions
	United States	$	(84,032	)	$	193,125		$	205,754
	Other jurisdictions		190,192			83,835			309,499
	Income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations	$	106,160		$	276,960		$	515,253
	Income taxes have been provided based upon the tax laws and rates in the countries where we operate. We are a Bermuda exempted company. Bermuda does not impose corporate income taxes. Our U.S. subsidiaries are subject to a U.S. federal tax rate of 35%.
	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations consisted of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Current:
	U.S. federal	$	(16,934	)	$	25,802		$	27,649
	Outside the U.S.		50,866			82,950			43,732
	State		5,933			34,242			38,321
		$	39,865		$	142,994		$	109,702
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal	$	(71,251	)	$	(79,193	)	$	51,739
	Outside the U.S.		(10,288	)		(9,484	)		16,692
	State		(13,507	)		(13,331	)		(13,050	)
		$	(95,046	)	$	(102,008	)	$	55,381
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	(55,181	)	$	40,986		$	165,083
	Nabors is not subject to tax in Bermuda. A reconciliation of the differences between taxes on income (loss) before income taxes computed at the appropriate statutory rate and our reported provision for income taxes follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Income tax provision at statutory (Bermuda rate of 0%)	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Taxes on U.S. and other international earnings (losses) at greater than the Bermuda rate		(33,277	)		(39,830	)		122,292
	Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance		25,592			33,730			4,785
	Effect of change in tax rate		—			—			(258	)
	Tax reserves and interest		(39,921	)		26,176			12,993
	State income taxes		(7,575	)		20,910			25,271
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	(55,181	)	$	40,986		$	165,083
	Effective tax rate		(52.0	)%		14.8	%		32	%
	The changes in our effective tax rate from 2012 to 2013 and from 2011 to 2012 resulted mainly from the proportion of income generated in the United States versus other countries where we operate and settlements of tax disputes. Included in tax reserves and interest for 2013 is $10.2 million of additional interest expense for uncertain tax positions related to prior years which also impacted our effective tax rate for 2013 as compared to 2012. The Company determined these amounts were not material to any of the periods presented. In general, the effective tax rate reflects the proportion of income generated in the United States versus other countries where we operate. Income generated in the United States is generally taxed at a higher rate than other jurisdictions.
	The significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	1,658,084		$	1,826,597
Equity compensation		32,219			29,337
Deferred revenue		35,689			33,523
Tax credit and other attribute carryforwards		109,294			110,563
Insurance loss reserves		4,645			10,873
Accrued interest		224,959			55,143
Other		162,678			49,556
Subtotal		2,227,568			2,115,592
Valuation allowance		(1,547,441	)		(1,520,852	)
Deferred tax assets:	$	680,127		$	594,740
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization for tax in excess of book expense	$	967,689		$	945,888
Variable interest investments		85,979			144,020
Other		17,890			—
Deferred tax liability	$	1,071,558		$	1,089,908
Net deferred assets (liabilities)	$	(391,431	)	$	(495,168	)
Balance Sheet Summary:
Net current deferred asset	$	121,316		$	110,480
Net noncurrent deferred asset(1)		6,491			4,408
Net current deferred liability(2)		(3,075	)		(10,721	)
Net noncurrent deferred liability		(516,161	)		(599,335	)
Net deferred asset (liability)	$	(391,429	)	$	(495,168	)
-1
This amount is included in other long-term assets.
-2
This amount is included in accrued liabilities.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we have net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of approximately $213.0 million that, if not utilized, will expire between 2018 and 2033. The NOL carryforwards for alternative minimum tax purposes are approximately $132.0 million. Additionally, we have NOL carryforwards in other jurisdictions of approximately $5.4 billion of which $492.0 million that, if not utilized, will expire at various times from 2014 to 2033. We provide a valuation allowance against NOL carryforwards in various tax jurisdictions based on our consideration of existing temporary differences and expected future earning levels in those jurisdictions. We have recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately $1.44 billion as of December 31, 2013 relating to NOL carryforwards that have an indefinite life in several non-U.S. jurisdictions. A valuation allowance of approximately $1.43 billion has been recognized because we believe it is more likely than not that substantially all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
The NOL carryforwards by year of expiration:
	Total			U.S. Federal			Non-U.S.
	(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2014	$	14,538		$	—		$	14,538
2015		12,052			—			12,052
2016		37,089			—			37,089
2017		46,234			—			46,234
2018		55,688			999			54,689
2019		27,418			17,722			9,696
2020		17,065			—			17,065
2021		24,020			—			24,020
2022		475			—			475
2023		5,673			—			5,673
2030		28,173			—			28,173
2031		259,630			189,444			70,186
2032		82,328			—			82,328
2033		94,533			4,778			89,755
Subtotal: expiring NOLs	$	704,916		$	212,943		$	491,973
Non-expiring NOLs		4,924,153			—			4,924,153
Total	$	5,629,069		$	212,943		$	5,416,126
In addition, for state income tax purposes, we have net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $304.0 million that, if not utilized, will expire at various times from 2014 to 2033.
Under U.S. federal tax law, the amount and availability of loss carryforwards (and certain other tax attributes) are subject to a variety of interpretations and restrictive tests applicable to Nabors and our subsidiaries. The utilization of these carryforwards could be limited or effectively lost upon certain changes in our shareholder base. Accordingly, although we believe substantial loss carryforwards are available to us, no assurance can be given that they will be available in the future.
Various bills have been introduced in the U.S. Congress that could reduce or eliminate the U.S. tax benefits associated with our 2002 reorganization as a Bermuda company. Legislation enacted by Congress in 2004 provides that a corporation that reorganized in a foreign jurisdiction on or after March 4, 2003 be treated as a domestic corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. There has been and we expect that there may continue to be legislation proposed in Congress from time to time which, if enacted, could limit or eliminate the tax benefits associated with our reorganization.
Because we cannot predict whether legislation will ultimately be adopted, no assurance can be given that the tax benefits associated with our reorganization will ultimately accrue to the benefit of the Company and its shareholders. It is possible that future changes to tax laws (including tax treaties) could impact our ability to realize the tax savings recorded to date as well as future tax savings resulting from our reorganization.

Common_Shares

Common Shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Shares	'
Common Shares	'
	Note 15 Common Shares
	Our authorized share capital consists of 800 million common shares, par value $.001 per share, and 25 million preferred shares, par value $.001 per share. Common shares issued were 323,710,583 and 318,813,500 at $.001 par value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. No preferred shares have been issued. The preferred stock is issuable in one or more classes or series, full, limited or no voting rights, designations, preferences, special rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions as may be determined by Nabors Industries Ltd.'s board.
	From time to time, treasury shares may be reissued. When shares are reissued, we use the weighted-average-cost method for determining cost. The difference between the cost of the shares and the issuance price is added to or deducted from our capital in excess of par value account. No shares have been purchased during 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	During 2012 and 2011, our outstanding shares increased by 807,142 and 82,138 shares, respectively, pursuant to a share settlement of stock options exercised by employees. As part of these transactions, these individuals surrendered unexercised vested stock options to the Company with a value of approximately $79.6 million and $7.6 million, respectively, to satisfy the option exercise price and related income taxes for 2012 and 2011. During 2013, our outstanding shares increased slightly by 1,284 shares pursuant to share settlements. These transactions also included surrendered unexercised vested stock options of a nominal value.
	In 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors granted restricted stock awards to some of our executive officers, other key employees, and independent directors. We awarded 4,847,376, 944,015 and 1,096,379 restricted shares at an average market price of $16.28, $20.69 and $27.32 to these individuals for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. See Note 8—Share-Based Compensation for a summary of our restricted stock and option awards as of December 31, 2013.
	During 2013, 2012 and 2011 our employees exercised vested options to acquire 0.6 million, 1.1 million and 1.1 million of our common shares, respectively. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we received $5.4 million, $17.4 million and $11.6 million, respectively, relating to exercised vested options. During 2012, we paid $21 million to repurchase surrendered unexercised vested options to satisfy related tax withholdings pursuant to stock option share settlements and exercises by employees.
	In 2013, our Board of Directors declared cash dividends of $0.04 per outstanding common share, which were paid in March, June, September and December an aggregated $47.2 million.
	Shareholder Rights Plan
	On July 16, 2012, the Board of Directors declared the issuance of one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each Common Share issued and outstanding on July 27, 2012 (the "Record Date") to the shareholders of record on that date. The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date, as defined below. On July 15, 2013, the Rights expiration was extended to July 16, 2016 (the "Final Expiration Date"); the Final Expiration Date may be extended or the Rights earlier redeemed by the Company.
	Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a Series A Junior Participating Preferred Share, par value US$0.001 per share (the "Preferred Shares"), of the Company, at a price of $80.00 per one one-thousandth of a Preferred Share (the "Purchase Price"), subject to adjustment.
	Until the Distribution Date, the Rights will be evidenced, with respect to any Common Share certificates issued and outstanding as of the Record Date, by such Common Share certificate together with a copy of a summary of rights. The Distribution Date is defined as the earlier to occur of:
	(i)
	10 days following a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an "Acquiring Person") has acquired beneficial ownership (including derivative positions) of 10% or more of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (or, in the event an exchange is effected in accordance with Section 24 of the Rights Agreement and the Board of Directors determines that a later date is advisable, then such later date that is not more than 20 days after such public announcement); or
	(ii)
	10 business days (or such later date as may be determined by action of the Board of Directors prior to such time as any Person becomes an Acquiring Person) following the commencement of, or announcement of an intention to make, a tender offer or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 10% or more of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.

Subsidiary_Preferred_Stock

Subsidiary Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsidiary Preferred Stock	'
Subsidiary Preferred Stock	'
	Note 16 Subsidiary Preferred Stock
	NCPS, a wholly owned subsidiary, had 75,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock ("preferred stock"), $0.01 par value per share, outstanding at December 31, 2013. There are 10,000,000 shares authorized. The preferred stock is issuable in series with such voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences and other rights and such qualifications, limitations and restrictions as may be determined by its board; the board may also fix the number of shares constituting each series and increase or decrease the number of shares of any series.
	The preferred stock is perpetual and ranks senior to the subsidiary's common stock with respect to payment of dividends, and amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
	Dividends
	Holders of the preferred stock are entitled to receive, when and if declared by its board, out of assets legally available therefor, cumulative cash dividends at the rate per annum of $40.00 per share of preferred stock. Dividends on the preferred stock are payable quarterly in arrears on December 1, March 1, June 1 and September 1 of each year (and, in the case of any undeclared and unpaid dividends, at such additional times and for such interim periods, if any, as determined by its board), at such annual rate. Dividends are cumulative from the date of the original issuance of the preferred stock, whether or not in any dividend period or periods we have assets legally available for the payment of such dividends.
	As of December 31, 2013, dividends on outstanding shares of preferred stock had been declared and paid in full with respect to each quarter since its issuance.
	Liquidation Preference
	Holders of preferred stock are entitled to receive, in the event that NCPS is liquidated, dissolved or wound up, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, $1,000 per share (the "Liquidation Value") plus an amount per share equal to all dividends undeclared and unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution (the "Liquidation Preference"), and no more. Until the holders of preferred stock have been paid the Liquidation Preference in full, NCPS may not make any payment to any holder of stock that ranks junior to the preferred stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. As of December 31, 2013, the preferred stock had a total Liquidation Preference of $75.0 million.
	Redemption
	The preferred stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, and at NCPS's option, at any time on or after November 18, 2013, for a redemption price of 101% of the Liquidation Value, plus all accrued dividends. The redemption price is payable in cash.
	As a result of the acquisition in 2010, each share of preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the holder thereof, into $22.12 for each share of NCPS common stock into which the preferred share would have been convertible prior to the acquisition (a "deemed common share"). The preferred shares had a conversion price of $25.00 per deemed common share prior to the acquisition (equivalent to a conversion rate of 40 deemed common shares for each share of preferred stock), representing 3,000,000 deemed common shares. This results in a redemption value of $75.8 million at December 31, 2013, payable in cash. The right to convert shares of preferred stock that may be called for redemption will terminate at the close of business on the day preceding a redemption date.
	Voting Rights
	Except as otherwise required from time to time by applicable law or upon certain events of default, the holders of preferred stock have no voting rights, and their consent is not required for taking any corporate action. When and if the holders of the preferred stock are entitled to vote, each holder will be entitled to one vote per share.

Pension_Postretirement_and_Pos

Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'
	Note 17 Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
	Pension Plans
	In conjunction with our acquisition of Pool Energy Services Co. ("Pool") in November 1999, we acquired the assets and liabilities of a defined benefit pension plan, the Pool Company Retirement Income Plan (the "Pool Pension Plan"). Benefits under the Pool Pension Plan are frozen and participants were fully vested in their accrued retirement benefit on December 31, 1998.
	Summarized information on the Pool Pension Plan is as follows:
		Pension Benefits
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	29,205		$	26,659
	Remeasurement		—			—
	Interest cost		1,078			1,116
	Actuarial loss (gain)		(3,360	)		2,107
	Benefit payments		(730	)		(677	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year(1)	$	26,193		$	29,205
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	18,780		$	16,352
	Actual (loss) returns on plan assets		2,736			1,598
	Employer contributions		598			1,507
	Benefit payments		(730	)		(677	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	21,384		$	18,780
	Funded status:
	Underfunded status at end of year	$	(4,809	)	$	(10,425	)
	Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
	Other long-term liabilities	$	(4,809	)	$	(10,425	)
	-1
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the accumulated benefit obligation was the same as the projected benefit obligation.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost (recognized in our consolidated statements of income):
	Interest cost	$	1,078		$	1,116		$	1,198
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,210	)		(1,086	)		(1,008	)
	Recognized net actuarial loss		1,123			1,034			628
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	991		$	1,064		$	818
	Weighted-average assumptions:
	Weighted-average discount rates		4.75	%		3.75	%		4.25	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		6.5	%		6.5	%		6.5	%
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the net actuarial loss amounts included in other comprehensive income (loss) were approximately ($6.6) million, ($12.7) million and ($12.1) million, respectively.
	The amount included in other comprehensive income (loss) that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2014 is approximately $0.5 million.
	We analyze the historical performance of investments in equity and debt securities, together with current market factors such as inflation and interest rates to help us make assumptions necessary to estimate a long-term rate of return on plan assets. Once this estimate is made, we review the portfolio of plan assets and make adjustments thereto that we believe are necessary to reflect a diversified blend of investments in equity and debt securities that is capable of achieving the estimated long-term rate of return without assuming an unreasonable level of investment risk.
	The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the investments in the Pool Pension Plan as of December 31, 2013. The investments' fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is classified in its entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement.
		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(In thousands)
	Assets:(1)
	Cash	$	—		$	558		$	—		$	558
	Short-term investments:
	Available-for-sale equity securities(2)		—			11,988			—			11,988
	Available-for-sale debt securities(3)		—			8,838			—			8,838
	Total investments		—			20,826			—			20,826
	Total	$	—		$	21,384		$	—		$	21,384
	-1
	Includes investments in collective trust funds that are valued based on the fair value of the underlying investments using quoted prices in active markets or other significant inputs that are deemed observable.
	-2
	Includes funds that invest primarily in U.S. common stocks and foreign equity securities.
	-3
	Includes funds that invest primarily in investment grade debt.
	The measurement date used to determine pension measurements for the plan is December 31.
	Our weighted-average asset allocations as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 by asset category are as follows:
		Pension Benefits
		2013			2012
	Cash		3	%		3	%
	Equity securities		56	%		55	%
Debt securities		41	%		42	%
Total		100	%		100	%
We invest plan assets based on a total return on investment approach, pursuant to which the plan assets include a diversified blend of investments in equity and debt securities toward a goal of maximizing the long-term rate of return without assuming an unreasonable level of investment risk. We determine the level of risk based on an analysis of plan liabilities, the extent to which the value of the plan assets satisfies the plan liabilities and our financial condition. Our investment policy includes target allocations approximating 55% investment in equity securities and 45% investment in debt securities. The equity portion of the plan assets represents growth and value stocks of small, medium and large companies. We measure and monitor the investment risk of the plan assets both on a quarterly basis and annually when we assess plan liabilities.
We expect to contribute approximately $1.4 million to the Pool Pension Plan in 2014. This is based on the sum of (1) the minimum contribution for the 2013 plan year that will be made in 2014 and (2) the estimated minimum required quarterly contributions for the 2014 plan year. We made contributions to the Pool Pension Plan in 2013 and 2012 totaling $0.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, we expect that benefits to be paid in each of the next five years after 2013 and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter will be as follows:
	(In thousands)
2014	$	1,060
2015		1,171
2016		1,258
2017		1,370
2018		1,476
2019 - 2023		8,602
	$	14,937
Some of our employees are covered by defined contribution plans. Our contributions to the plans totaled $23.1 million and $19.0 million during 2013 and 2012, respectively. Nabors does not provide post-employment benefits to its employees, except for employees covered under the Pool Pension Plan.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related-Party Transactions	'
Related-Party Transactions	'
	Note 18 Related-Party Transactions
	Nabors and certain current and former key employees, including Mr. Petrello, entered into split-dollar life insurance agreements, pursuant to which we pay a portion of the premiums under life insurance policies with respect to these individuals and, in some instances, members of their families. These agreements provide that we are reimbursed for the premium payments upon the occurrence of specified events, including the death of an insured individual. Any recovery of premiums paid by Nabors could be limited to the cash surrender value of the policies under certain circumstances. As such, the values of these policies are recorded at their respective cash surrender values in our consolidated balance sheets. We have made premium payments to date totaling $6.5 million related to these policies. The cash surrender value of these policies of approximately $5.9 million and $5.8 million is included in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the payment of premiums by Nabors under the agreements could be deemed to be prohibited loans by us to these individuals. Consequently, we have paid no premiums related to our agreements with these individuals since the adoption of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
	In the ordinary course of business, we enter into various rig leases, rig transportation and related oilfield services agreements with our unconsolidated affiliates at market prices. Revenues from business transactions with these affiliated entities totaled $190.6 million, $164.0 million and $218.4 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Expenses from business transactions with these affiliated entities totaled $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.9 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Additionally, we had accounts receivable from these affiliated entities of $87.1 million and $68.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We had accounts payable to these affiliated entities of $6.4 million and $3.2 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and long-term payables with these affiliated entities of $0.8 million as of those dates, which are included in other long-term liabilities.
	In the ordinary course of business, we also provide drilling, well-servicing and other services to LINN Operating, Inc. ("LINN"), a company of which Mr. Linn, an independent member of our Board of Directors, is a Director. Revenues from business transactions with LINN totaled $3.2 million and $12.5 million during 2013 and 2012, respectively. We had accounts receivable from LINN of $0.2 million and $1.9 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	In addition, Mr. Crane, an independent director, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Crane Capital Group Inc. ("CCG"), an investment company that indirectly owns a majority interest in several operating companies, some of which have provided services to us in the ordinary course of business, including international logistics and electricity. During 2013 and 2012, we made payments for these services of $39.4 million and $42.0 million, respectively. We had accounts payable to these CCG-related companies of $1.4 million and $1.4 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 19 Commitments and Contingencies
	Commitments
	Leases
	Nabors and its subsidiaries occupy various facilities and lease certain equipment under various lease agreements.
	The minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, with lease terms in excess of one year subsequent to December 31, 2013, were as follows:
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	24,689
	2015		11,660
	2016		8,001
	2017		4,896
	2018		1,578
	Thereafter		7,926
		$	58,750
	The above amounts do not include property taxes, insurance or normal maintenance that the lessees are required to pay. Rental expense relating to operating leases with terms greater than 30 days amounted to $40.5 million, $35.5 million and $36.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Minimum Volume Commitment
	We have contracts with pipeline companies to pay specified fees based on committed volumes for gas transport and processing. Our pipeline contractual commitments as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	44,365
	2015		29,285
	2016		15,522
	2017		14,195
	2018		13,829
	Thereafter(1)		53,954
		$	171,150
	-1
	Final commitment period is for the period ending October 2029. See Note 5—Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations for additional discussion.
	Employment Contracts
	We have entered into employment contracts with certain of our employees. Our minimum salary and bonus obligations under these contracts as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	6,984
	2015		6,443
	2016		5,774
	2017		3,640
	2018		1,200
	Thereafter		300
		$	24,341
	During the first quarter of 2013, the Compensation Committee authorized a new employment agreement for Mr. Petrello effective January 1, 2013 that significantly restructured his compensation arrangements. The new employment agreement provides for an initial term of five years, with automatic one-year extensions at the end of each term, subject to a 90-day notice of termination provided within the agreement.
	•
	The new employment agreement provides for an annual cash bonus targeted at base salary, with a cap of twice that amount, based on the achievement of certain financial and operational performance metrics and defined performance criteria.
	•
	The new employment agreement provides for long-term equity incentive awards. Mr. Petrello may receive restricted stock that may or may not vest depending upon the Company's performance relative to a Performance Peer Group (as defined) over a three-year period ("TSR Shares"). The agreement provides that the target number of TSR Shares that will vest is valued at 150% of base salary, with a maximum number of TSR Shares valued at twice that amount.
	•
	The employment agreement provides for long-term equity incentive awards in the form of restricted stock based upon the achievement of specific financial or operational objectives ("Performance Shares"). Once earned, Performance Shares are then subject to three-year vesting requirements. Performance Shares are targeted at 200% of base salary, with a maximum award of twice that amount, and are also subject to a minimum threshold before any amount can be earned.
	•
	In the event of Mr. Petrello's Termination Without Cause (including in the event of a change of control), or his death or disability, either he or his estate would be entitled to receive, within 30 days thereafter, 2.99 times the average of his base salary and annual cash bonus during the three fiscal years preceding the termination.
	During 2013, Mr. Petrello's annual compensation package pursuant to his employment agreement included $1.7 million in base salary and $1.5 million in cash bonus. The employment agreement also provides a quarterly deferred bonus of $0.3 million to his account under Nabors' executive deferred compensation plan.
	Mr. Petrello is also eligible for awards under Nabors' equity plans, may participate in annual long-term incentive programs and pension and welfare plans on the same basis as other executives, and may receive special bonuses from time to time as determined by the Board of Directors.
	Other Obligations.    In addition to salary and bonus, Mr. Petrello receives group life insurance at an amount at least equal to three times his base salary, various split-dollar life insurance policies, reimbursement of expenses, various perquisites and a personal umbrella insurance policy in the amount of $5 million. Premiums payable under the split-dollar life insurance policies were suspended as a result of the adoption of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
	Contingencies
	Income Tax Contingencies
	We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous other jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are regularly audited by tax authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different than what is reflected in income tax provisions and accruals. An audit or litigation could materially affect our financial position, income tax provision, net income, or cash flows in the period or periods challenged.
	It is possible that future changes to tax laws (including tax treaties) could impact our ability to realize the tax savings recorded to date as well as future tax savings, resulting from our 2002 corporate reorganization. See Note 14—Income Taxes for additional discussion.
	In 2006, Nabors Drilling International Limited, one of our wholly owned Bermuda subsidiaries ("NDIL"), received a Notice of Assessment from Mexico's federal tax authorities in connection with the audit of NDIL's Mexico branch for 2003. The notice proposed to deny depreciation expense deductions relating to drilling rigs operating in Mexico in 2003. The notice also proposed to deny a deduction for payments made to an affiliated company for the procurement of labor services in Mexico. NDIL's Mexico branch took similar deductions for depreciation and labor expenses from 2004 to 2008. In 2009, the government proposed similar assessments against the Mexico branch of another wholly owned Bermuda subsidiary, Nabors Drilling International II Ltd. ("NDIL II") for 2006. We anticipate that a similar assessment will eventually be proposed against NDIL through 2008 and against NDIL II for 2007 to 2010. Although Nabors and its tax advisors previously concluded that the deductions were appropriate for each of the years, a reserve has been recorded in accordance with GAAP. During 2013, we reached a negotiated settlement for NDIL's 2003, 2005 and 2006 tax years (the statute of limitations had previously expired on the 2004 tax year) and NDIL II's 2006 tax year. Accordingly, the corresponding reserves were reduced by approximately $20 million during the first quarter of 2013. After this settlement, the remaining amounts assessed or expected to be assessed in the aggregate, range from $30 million to $35 million, for which reserves are recorded in accordance with GAAP. If we ultimately do not prevail, we would be required to recognize additional tax for any amount in excess of the current reserve.
	Self-Insurance
	We estimate the level of our liability related to insurance and record reserves for these amounts in our consolidated financial statements. Our estimates are based on the facts and circumstances specific to existing claims and our past experience with similar claims. These loss estimates and accruals recorded in our financial statements for claims have historically been reasonable in light of the actual amount of claims paid and are actuarily supported. Although we believe our insurance coverage and reserve estimates are reasonable, a significant accident or other event that is not fully covered by insurance or contractual indemnity could occur and could materially affect our financial position and results of operations for a particular period.
	We self-insure for certain losses relating to workers' compensation, employers' liability, general liability, automobile liability and property damage. Some workers' compensation claims, employers' liability and marine employers' liability claims are subject to a $2.0 million per-occurrence deductible. Some automobile liability is subject to a $1.0 million deductible. General liability claims are subject to a $5.0 million per-occurrence deductible.
	In addition, we are subject to a $5.0 million deductible for land rigs and for offshore rigs. This applies to all kinds of risks of physical damage except for named windstorms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico for which we are self-insured.
	Political risk insurance is procured for select operations in South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Losses are subject to a $0.25 million deductible, except for Colombia, which is subject to a $0.5 million deductible. There is no assurance that such coverage will adequately protect Nabors against liability from all potential consequences.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, our self-insurance accruals totaled $181.7 million and $171.2 million, respectively, and our related insurance recoveries/receivables were $44.7 million and $24.6 million, respectively.
	Litigation
	Nabors and its subsidiaries are defendants or otherwise involved in a number of lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. We estimate the range of our liability related to pending litigation when we believe the amount and range of loss can be estimated. We record our best estimate of a loss when the loss is considered probable. When a liability is probable and there is a range of estimated loss with no best estimate in the range, we record the minimum estimated liability related to the lawsuits or claims. As additional information becomes available, we assess the potential liability related to our pending litigation and claims and revise our estimates. Due to uncertainties related to the resolution of lawsuits and claims, the ultimate outcome may differ from our estimates. For matters where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and significant, we disclose the nature of the matter and a range of potential exposure, unless an estimate cannot be made at the time of disclosure. In the opinion of management and based on liability accruals provided, our ultimate exposure with respect to these pending lawsuits and claims is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or cash flows, although they could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for a particular reporting period.
	In 2009, the Court of Ouargla entered a judgment of approximately $17.7 million (at current exchange rates) against us relating to alleged customs infractions in Algeria. We believe we did not receive proper notice of the judicial proceedings, and that the amount of the judgment was excessive in any case. We asserted the lack of legally required notice as a basis for challenging the judgment on appeal to the Algeria Supreme Court. In May 2012, that court reversed the lower court and remanded the case to the Ouargla Court of Appeals for treatment consistent with the Supreme Court's ruling. In January 2013, the Ouargla Court of Appeals reinstated the judgment. We have again lodged an appeal to the Algeria Supreme Court, asserting the same challenges as before. Based upon our understanding of applicable law and precedent, we continue to believe that we will prevail. Although the appeal remains ongoing at this time, the Hassi Messaoud customs office recently initiated efforts to collect the judgment prior to the Supreme Court's decision in the case. As a result, we paid approximately $3.1 million and posted security of approximately $1.33 million to suspend those collection efforts and to enter into a formal negotiations process with the customs authority. We have recorded a reserve in the amount of the posted security. If we are ultimately required to pay a fine or judgment related to this matter, the resulting loss could be up to $13.3 million in excess of amounts accrued.
	In March 2011, the Court of Ouargla entered a judgment of approximately $34.8 million (at current exchange rates) against us relating to alleged violations of Algeria's foreign currency exchange controls, which require that goods and services provided locally be invoiced and paid in local currency. The case relates to certain foreign currency payments made to us by CEPSA, a Spanish operator, for wells drilled in 2006. Approximately $7.5 million of the total contract amount was paid offshore in foreign currency, and approximately $3.2 million was paid in local currency. The judgment includes fines and penalties of approximately four times the amount at issue. We have appealed the ruling based on our understanding that the law in question applies only to resident entities incorporated under Algerian law. An intermediate court of appeals has upheld the lower court's ruling, and we have appealed the matter to the Algeria Supreme Court. While our payments were consistent with our historical operations in the country, and, we believe, those of other multinational corporations there, as well as interpretations of the law by the Central Bank of Algeria, the ultimate resolution of this matter could result in a loss of up to $26.8 million in excess of amounts accrued.
In 2012, Nabors Global Holdings II Limited ("NGH2L") signed a contract with ERG Resources, LLC ("ERG") relating to the sale of all of the Class A shares of NGH2L's wholly owned subsidiary, Ramshorn International Limited, an oil and gas exploration company. When ERG failed to meet its closing obligations, NGH2L terminated the transaction on March 19, 2012 and, as contemplated in the agreement, retained ERG's $3.0 million escrow deposit. ERG filed suit the following day in the 61st Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas, in a case styled ERG Resources, LLC v. Nabors Global Holdings II Limited, Ramshorn International Limited, and Parex Resources, Inc.; Cause No. 2012-16446, seeking injunctive relief to halt any sale of the shares to a third party, specifically naming as defendant Parex Resources, Inc. ("Parex"). The lawsuit also seeks monetary damages of up to $750.0 million based on an alleged breach of contract by NGH2L and alleged tortious interference with contractual relations by Parex. Nabors successfully defeated ERG's effort to obtain a temporary restraining order from the Texas court on March 20, 2012. Nabors completed the sale of Ramshorn's Class A shares to a Parex affiliate in April 2012, which mooted ERG's application for a temporary injunction. The lawsuit is staid, pending further court actions. ERG retains its causes of action for monetary damages, but Nabors believes the claims are foreclosed by the terms of the agreement and are without factual or legal merit. Although we are vigorously defending the lawsuit, its ultimate outcome cannot be determined at this time.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements (Including Guarantees)
We are a party to some transactions, agreements or other contractual arrangements defined as "off-balance sheet arrangements" that could have a material future effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources. The most significant of these off-balance sheet arrangements involve agreements and obligations under which we provide financial or performance assurance to third parties. Certain of these agreements serve as guarantees, including standby letters of credit issued on behalf of insurance carriers in conjunction with our workers' compensation insurance program and other financial surety instruments such as bonds. In addition, we have provided indemnifications, which serve as guarantees, to some third parties. These guarantees include indemnification provided by Nabors to our share transfer agent and our insurance carriers. We are not able to estimate the potential future maximum payments that might be due under our indemnification guarantees.
Management believes the likelihood that we would be required to perform or otherwise incur any material losses associated with any of these guarantees is remote. The following table summarizes the total maximum amount of financial guarantees issued by Nabors:
	Maximum Amount
	2014		2015		2016		Thereafter		Total
	(In thousands)
Financial standby letters of credit and other financial surety instruments	$	70,144		34		—		11,933	$	82,111

Earnings_Losses_Per_Share

Earnings (Losses) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	'
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	'
	Note 20 Earnings (Losses) Per Share
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings (losses) per share computations is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands, except per share
		amounts)
	Net income (loss) (numerator):
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	158,341		$	232,974		$	347,170
	Less: net (income) loss attributable noncontrolling interest		(7,180	)		(621	)		(1,045	)
	Less: net (income) loss allocated to unvested shareholders		(1,277	)		—			—
	Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations—basic and diluted		149,884			232,353			346,125
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(11,179	)		(67,526	)		(97,601	)
	Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	138,705		$	164,827		$	248,524
	Earnings (losses) per share:
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.51		$	0.8		$	1.21
	Basic from discontinued operations		(0.04	)		(0.23	)		(0.34	)
	Total Basic	$	0.47		$	0.57		$	0.87
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.51		$	0.79		$	1.18
	Diluted from discontinued operations		(0.04	)		(0.23	)		(0.33	)
	Total Diluted	$	0.47		$	0.56		$	0.85
	Shares (denominator):
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding—basic		294,182			289,965			287,118
	Net effect of dilutive stock options, warrants and restricted stock awards based on the if-converted method		2,410			2,358			5,366
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding—diluted		296,592			292,323			292,484
	For all periods presented, the computation of diluted earnings (losses) per Nabors' share excludes outstanding stock options and warrants with exercise prices greater than the average market price of Nabors' common shares, because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive and because they are not considered participating securities. The average number of options and warrants that were excluded from diluted earnings (losses) per share that would potentially dilute earnings per share in the future was 11,642,417, 14,200,915 and 9,241,543 shares during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In any period during which the average market price of Nabors' common shares exceeds the exercise prices of these stock options and warrants, such stock options and warrants will be included in our diluted earnings (losses) per share computation using the if-converted method of accounting. Restricted stock is included in our basic and diluted earnings (losses) per share computation using the two-class method of accounting in all periods because such stock is considered participating securities.

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	'
Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	'
	Note 21 Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information
	Accrued liabilities include the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Accrued compensation	$	172,803		$	158,095
	Deferred revenue		202,918			148,165
	Other taxes payable		76,781			58,590
	Workers' compensation liabilities		29,459			22,645
	Interest payable		64,728			90,878
	Warranty accrual		4,653			6,436
	Litigation reserves		30,784			26,782
	Current liability to discontinued operations		64,404			68,961
	Professional fees		2,971			2,989
	Current deferred tax liability		3,075			10,721
	Current liability to acquisition of KVS		22,033			—
	Other accrued liabilities		22,484			5,118
		$	697,093		$	599,380
	Investment income (loss) includes the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Interest and dividend income	$	5,120		$	7,536		$	9,929
	Gains (losses) on investments, net		91,457	-1		55,601	-2		10,010	-3
		$	96,577		$	63,137		$	19,939
	-1
	Includes net gains of $2.5 million from our trading securities and $89.0 million realized gains from short-term and other long-term investments.
	-2
	Includes net unrealized gains of $41.1 million from our trading securities and $14.5 million realized gains from short-term and other long-term investments.
	-3
	Reflects gain (loss) on sale of debt securities and gains (losses) from our long-term investments of $18.0 million, partially offset by net unrealized losses of $8.0 million from our trading securities.
	Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net includes the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Losses (gains) on sales, disposals and involuntary conversions of long-lived assets	$	13,624		$	-147,522	-1	$	-11,196	-2
	Litigation expenses		11,684			5,382			11,301
	Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)		6,219			4,787			5,499
	Losses (gains) on derivative instruments		—			(1,281	)		(2,159	)
	Other losses (gains)		6,450			1,998			1,029
		$	37,977		$	(136,636	)	$	4,474
	-1
	Includes a $160 million gain from the sale of our equity interest in Sabine.
	-2
	Includes a $13.1 million pre-tax gain from our acquisition of Peak during 2011 representing the excess of the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities over the net carrying value of our previously held equity interest. See Note 6—Acquisitions for additional discussion.
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), by component, include the following:
		Gains			Unrealized			Defined			Foreign			Total
		(losses) on			gains (losses)			benefit			currency
		cash flow			on available-			pension plan			items
		hedges			for-sale			items
					securities
		(In thousands(a))
	As of January 1, 2013	$	(2,793	)	$	134,229		$	(7,632	)	$	307,791		$	431,595
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		—			22,968			—			(65,447	)		(42,479	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		374			(85,455	)		3,557			—			(81,524	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)		374			(62,487	)		3,557			(65,447	)		(124,003	)
	As of December 31, 2013	$	(2,419	)	$	71,742		$	(4,075	)	$	242,344		$	307,592
	(a)
	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
	The line items that were reclassified from net income include the following:
	Line item in consolidated statement of income (loss)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Investment income (loss), net of income taxes of $2,664, $4,316 and $86	$	88,158		$	13,405		$	3,036
Interest expense, net of income taxes of ($239), ($239) and ($239)		613			702			763
General and administrative expenses, net of incomes taxes of ($2,359), $70 and $2,102		5,916			(324	)		(5,391	)
Total before tax		81,629			13,027			7,664
Tax expense (benefit)		66			4,147			1,777
Reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)	$	81,563		$	8,880		$	5,887
Supplemental cash flow information includes the following:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for income taxes	$	100,749		$	85,044		$	53,759
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest	$	239,637		$	250,045		$	208,212
Acquisitions of businesses:
Fair value of assets acquired	$	140,740		$	—		$	80,585
Goodwill		51,318			—			8,000
Liabilities assumed		(8,232	)		—			(10,471	)
Gain on acquisition		—			—			(13,114	)
Future consideration payments (fair value)		(64,174	)		—			—
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses		119,652			—			65,000
Cash acquired in acquisitions of businesses		(2,681	)		—			(9,541	)
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net	$	116,971		$	—		$	55,459

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	'
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Note 22 Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Quarter Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates from continuing operations(1)	$	1,538,373		$	1,459,326		$	1,548,965		$	1,605,390
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	92,207		$	28,128		$	(90,510	)	$	128,516
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		7,011			(26,873	)		(14,430	)		23,113
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(97	)		(5,616	)		(441	)		(1,026	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	99,121		$	(4,361	)	$	(105,381	)	$	150,603
	Earnings (losses) per share:(2)
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.31		$	0.08		$	(0.30	)	$	0.43
	Basic from discontinued operations		0.03			(0.09	)		(0.05	)		0.07
	Total Basic	$	0.34		$	(0.01	)	$	(0.35	)	$	0.5
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.31		$	0.08		$	(0.30	)	$	0.42
	Diluted from discontinued operations		0.02			(0.09	)		(0.05	)		0.08
	Total Diluted	$	0.33		$	(0.01	)	$	(0.35	)	$	0.5
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Quarter Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
		Restated			Restated
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates from continuing operations(3)	$	1,810,367		$	1,541,841		$	1,630,380		$	1,571,745
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	158,546		$	(121,626	)	$	64,489		$	131,565
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(2,977	)		26,710			12,155			(103,414	)
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		267			1,174			(988	)		(1,074	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	155,836		$	(93,742	)	$	75,656		$	27,077
	Earnings (losses) per share:(2)
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.55		$	(0.41	)	$	0.22		$	0.45
	Basic from discontinued operations		(0.01	)		0.09			0.04			(0.36	)
	Total Basic	$	0.54		$	(0.32	)	$	0.26		$	0.09
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.54		$	(0.41	)	$	0.22		$	0.45
	Diluted from discontinued operations		(0.01	)		0.09			0.04			(0.36	)
	Total Diluted	$	0.53		$	(0.32	)	$	0.26		$	0.09
	-1
	Includes earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net, accounted for by the equity method, of $2.9 million, $1.4 million, ($2.6) million and ($1.6) million, respectively.
	-2
	Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal the total computed for the year.
	-3
	Includes earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net, accounted for by the equity method, of ($34.3) million, ($156.1) million, ($99.5) million and $1.2 million, respectively.
	As described in Note 2—Revisions of Prior Period Financial Statements, we have revised our consolidated financial statements for the years 2012 and prior for Sabine errors and certain unrelated immaterial items. The effect of these errors on quarters ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 is material and accordingly, we are restating these quarters. The table below presents the line items impacted by the restatement for such quarters. See Note 5—Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations for additional information.
	Set forth below is a summary of the effect on our previously reported quarterly reports.
	The effect on our consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2012 is as follows:
		2012
		March 31
	(In thousands)	As Reported			Adjustment			Restated
	Inventory	$	265,787		$	(3,200	)	$	262,587
	Total current assets		3,129,224			(3,200	)		3,126,024
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		303,103			21,746			324,849
	Total assets		13,148,194			18,546			13,166,740
	Deferred income taxes		855,057			(2,407	)		852,650
	Total liabilities		7,255,826			(2,407	)		7,253,419
	Retained earnings		4,090,454			20,953			4,111,407
	Total shareholders' equity		5,810,923			20,953			5,831,876
	Total equity		5,823,180			20,953			5,844,133
	Total liabilities and equity		13,148,194			20,953			13,169,147
	There was no effect at June 30, 2012.
	The effect on our consolidated statements of income (loss) is as follows:
		Quarter Ended
		March 31, 2012									June 30, 2012
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	As			Adjustment			Restated			As			Adjustment			Restated
		Reported(1)									Reported(1)
	Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates	$	(68,669	)	$	34,348		$	(34,321	)	$	(134,317	)	$	(21,746	)	$	(156,063	)
Total revenues and other income		1,796,271			34,348			1,830,619			1,568,955			(21,746	)		1,547,209
Direct costs		1,154,113			1,604			1,155,717			1,092,375			(3,200	)		1,089,175
Total costs and other deductions		1,593,948			1,604			1,595,552			1,706,553			(3,200	)		1,703,353
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		202,323			32,744			235,067			(137,598	)		(18,546	)		(156,144	)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		38,767			10,998			49,765			(72,373	)		2,407			(69,966	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		64,773			10,998			75,771			(37,675	)		2,407			(35,268	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		136,800			21,746			158,546			(100,673	)		(20,953	)		(121,626	)
Net income (loss)		133,823			21,746			155,569			(73,963	)		(20,953	)		(94,916	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		134,090			21,746			155,836			(72,789	)		(20,953	)		(93,742	)
Earnings (losses) per share:(2)
Basic from continuing operations	$	0.48		$	0.08		$	0.55		$	(0.34	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.41	)
Total Basic	$	0.46		$	0.08		$	0.54		$	(0.25	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.32	)
Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.47		$	0.07		$	0.54		$	(0.34	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.41	)
Total Diluted	$	0.46		$	0.07		$	0.53		$	(0.25	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.32	)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2012
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	As			Adjustment			Restated
	Reported(1)
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates	$	(202,986	)	$	12,602		$	(190,384	)
Total revenues and other income		3,365,226			12,602			3,377,828
Direct costs		2,246,488			(1,596	)		2,244,892
Total costs and other deductions		3,300,501			(1,596	)		3,298,905
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		64,725			14,198			78,923
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(33,606	)		13,405			(20,201	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		27,098			13,405			40,503
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		36,127			793			36,920
Net income (loss)		59,860			793			60,653
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		61,301			793			62,094
Earnings (losses) per share:(2)
Basic from continuing operations	$	0.13			—		$	0.13
Total Basic	$	0.21			—		$	0.21
Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.13			—		$	0.13
Total Diluted	$	0.21			—		$	0.21
-1
Amounts reflect the retrospective reclassification of the results of Peak as discontinued operations. Refer to Note 5—Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations for additional information.
-2
Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the columns presented. Therefore, the sum of the earnings per share may not equal the total revised.
The effect on our consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:
	Quarter Ended
	March 31, 2012									June 30, 2012
(In thousands)	As Reported			Adjustment			Restated			As Reported			Adjustment			Restated
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	134,090		$	21,746		$	155,836		$	(72,789	)	$	(20,953	)	$	(93,742	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		155,289			21,746			177,035			(97,164	)		(20,953	)		(118,117	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		155,265			21,746			177,011			(98,554	)		(20,953	)		(119,507	)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2012
(In thousands)	As Reported			Adjustment			Restated
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	61,301		$	793		$	62,094
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	58,125		$	793		$	58,918
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	56,711		$	793		$	57,504
While these adjustments had no impact on our overall cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities for any period, the presentation of certain line items within our operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flow was revised and is as follows:
	Three Months Ended									Six Months Ended
	March 31, 2012									June 30, 2012
(In thousands)	As			Adjustment			Restated			As			Adjustment			Restated
	Reported									Reported
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	134,090		$	21,746		$	155,836		$	61,301		$	793		$	62,094
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		38,802			10,998			49,800			(15,404	)		13,405			(1,999	)
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends		68,668			(34,348	)		34,320			202,985			(12,602	)		190,383
Inventory		7,883			3,200			11,083
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(119,195	)		(1,596	)		(120,791	)		(94,423	)		(1,596	)		(96,019	)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	244,183		$	—		$	244,183		$	711,937		$	—		$	711,937
The effect on our consolidated statements of changes in equity is as follows:
	March 31, 2012
(In thousands)	As Reported			Adjustment			Revised
Retained earnings	$	4,090,454		$	20,953		$	4,111,407
Total equity		5,823,180			20,953			5,844,133

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 23 Segment Information
	At December 31, 2013, we conducted our operations through two business lines:
	•
	Drilling & Rig Services
	This business line is comprised of our global drilling rig operations and drilling-related services, consisting of equipment manufacturing, instrumentation optimization software and directional drilling services.
	•
	Completion & Production Services
	This business line is comprised of our operations involved in the completion, life-of-well maintenance and eventual plugging and abandonment of a well. These services include stimulation, coiled-tubing, cementing, wireline, workover, well-servicing and fluids management.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 3—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Inter-segment sales are recorded at cost or cost plus a profit margin. We evaluate the performance of our segments based on several criteria, including adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities.
	The following table sets forth financial information with respect to our operating segments:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:(1)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	1,914,786		$	2,276,808		$	1,999,241
	Canada		361,676			429,411			426,455
	International		1,464,264			1,265,060			1,104,461
	Rig Services(2)		516,004			688,310			626,169
	Subtotal drilling and rig services(3)		4,256,730			4,659,589			4,156,326
	Completion & Production Services:
	Completion Services		1,074,713			1,462,767			1,237,306
	Production Services		1,009,214			1,000,873			849,522
	Subtotal completion and production services(4)		2,083,927			2,463,640			2,086,828
	Other reconciling items(5)		(188,603	)		(568,896	)		(144,226	)
	Total	$	6,152,054		$	6,554,333		$	6,098,928
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities:(1)(6)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	315,496		$	509,894		$	442,831
	Canada		61,193			91,360			89,344
	International		177,833			91,226			123,813
	Rig Services(2)		(3,918	)		67,366			55,856
	Subtotal drilling and rig services(3)		550,604			759,846			711,844
	Completion & Production Services:
	Completion Services		51,722			188,518			229,125
	Production Services		102,130			108,835			80,018
	Subtotal completion and production services(4)		153,852			297,353			309,143
	Other reconciling items(7)		(146,237	)		(148,649	)		(154,981	)
	Total adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	$	558,219		$	908,550		$	866,006
	U.S. oil and gas joint venture earnings (losses)		—			(289,199	)		88,486
	Interest expense		(223,418	)		(251,904	)		(256,632	)
	Investment income (loss)		96,577			63,137			19,939
	Gains (losses) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other income (expense), net		(37,977	)		136,636			(4,474	)
	Impairments and other charges		(287,241	)		(290,260	)		(198,072	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		106,160			276,960			515,253
	Income tax expense (benefit)		(55,181	)		40,986			165,083
	Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		3,000			3,000			3,000
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		158,341			232,974			347,170
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(11,179	)		(67,526	)		(97,601	)
	Net income (loss)		147,162			165,448			249,569
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(7,180	)		(621	)		(1,045	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	139,982		$	164,827		$	248,524
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Depreciation and amortization(1)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	440,210		$	406,740		$	360,604
Canada		57,796			59,191			57,382
International		346,659			330,388			273,315
Rig Services(2)		32,029			29,617			28,192
Subtotal drilling and rig services		876,694			825,936			719,493
Completion & Production Services:
Completion Services		109,242			112,401			102,009
Production Services		103,502			104,201			96,885
Subtotal completion and production services		212,744			216,602			198,894
Other reconciling items(7)		(2,761	)		(2,615	)		(265	)
Total depreciation and amortization	$	1,086,677		$	1,039,923		$	918,122
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses:(9)
Drilling & Rig Services:
U.S.	$	644,792		$	758,555		$	719,741
Canada		59,386			78,729			58,134
International		248,980			265,249			653,759
Rig Services(2)		70,831			39,923			136,739
Subtotal drilling and rig services		1,023,989			1,142,456			1,568,373
Completion & Production Services(8)		325,449			238,300			487,900
Other reconciling items(7)		16,556			52,830			191,462
Total capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses	$	1,365,994		$	1,433,586		$	2,247,735
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Total assets:
Drilling & Rig Services:
U.S.	$	4,248,630		$	4,157,470
Canada		608,018			699,698
International		3,584,339			3,626,307
Rig Services		474,275			644,350
Subtotal drilling and rig services(10)		8,915,262			9,127,825
Completion & Production Services(8)(11)		2,394,865			2,301,803
Other reconciling items(7)(12)		849,684			1,226,394
Total assets	$	12,159,811		$	12,656,022
-1
All periods present the operating activities of our wholly owned oil and gas businesses, our previously held equity interests in oil and gas joint ventures in Canada and Colombia, aircraft logistics operations and construction services as discontinued operations.
-2
Includes our drilling technology and top drive manufacturing, directional drilling, rig instrumentation and software services. These services represent our other companies that are not aggregated into a reportable operating segment.
-3
Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of ($0.4) and ($3.1) million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2011, respectively.
-4
Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
-5
Represents the elimination of inter-segment transactions and earnings (losses), net from the U.S. unconsolidated oil and gas joint venture, accounted for using the equity method until sold in December 2012, of ($289.2) million and $88.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
-6
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities is computed by subtracting the sum of direct costs, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization and earnings (losses) from the U.S. oil and gas joint venture from the sum of Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates. These amounts should not be used as a substitute for the amounts reported in accordance with GAAP. However, management evaluates the performance of our business units and the consolidated company based on several criteria, including adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities, because it believes that these financial measures accurately reflect our ongoing profitability. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, which is a GAAP measure, is provided in the above table.
-7
Represents the elimination of inter-segment transactions and unallocated corporate expenses, assets and capital expenditures.
-8
Reflects assets allocated to the line of business to conduct its operations. Further allocation to individual operating segments of Completion & Production Services is not available.
-9
Includes the portion of the purchase price of acquisitions allocated to fixed assets and goodwill based on their fair market value.
-10
Includes $57.0 million and $59.9 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
-11
Includes $7.4 million and $1.8 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
-12
Includes assets of $239.9 million and $377.6 million from oil and gas businesses classified as assets held-for-sale as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The following table sets forth financial information with respect to Nabors' operations by geographic area:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
				Revised			Revised
	(In thousands)
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:
U.S.	$	4,146,125		$	4,625,614		$	4,311,009
Outside the U.S.		2,005,929			1,928,719			1,787,919
	$	6,152,054		$	6,554,333		$	6,098,928
Property, plant and equipment, net:
U.S.	$	5,474,746		$	5,179,578		$	4,974,239
Outside the U.S.		3,123,067			3,532,510			3,655,707
	$	8,597,813		$	8,712,088		$	8,629,946
Goodwill:
U.S.	$	498,149		$	456,463		$	466,794
Outside the U.S.		14,815			15,863			34,464
	$	512,964		$	472,326		$	501,258

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'
	Note 24 Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
	Nabors has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the issued public debt securities of Nabors Delaware. The following condensed consolidating financial information is included so that separate financial statements of Nabors Delaware is not required to be filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidating financial statements present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.
	The following condensed consolidating financial information presents condensed consolidating balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012,and statements of income (loss), statements of other comprehensive income (loss) and the statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 of (a) Nabors, parent/guarantor, (b) Nabors Delaware, issuer of public debt securities guaranteed by Nabors, (c) the non-guarantor subsidiaries, (d) consolidating adjustments necessary to consolidate Nabors and its subsidiaries and (e) Nabors on a consolidated basis.
	We corrected our 2011 condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for classification of changes in intercompany balances between Nabors Delaware (Issuer/Guarantor) and Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors) to present them as cash flows from investing activities rather than cash flows from operating activities. For Nabors Delaware (Issuer / Guarantor), cash used for operating activities increased $78 million and cash provided by investing activities increased by the same amount for the year ended December 31, 2011. For Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors), cash provided by operating activities increased $78 million and cash used for investing activities increased by the same amount for the year ended December 31, 2011. The impact of these revisions is not material to the related financial statements taken as a whole.
	The revision adjustments described in Note 2, are reflected in the condensed consolidating statements of income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
	Certain reclassifications to intercompany payable and receivable balances in the condensed consolidating balance sheet have been made to the prior period to conform to current period presentation, with no effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
		December 31, 2013
		Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
		(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
		Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
					Guarantor)			Guarantors)
		(In thousands)
			ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash	$	730		$	7,029		$	382,156		$	—		$	389,915
	Short-term investments		—			—			117,218			—			117,218
	Assets held for sale		—			—			243,264			—			243,264
	Accounts receivable, net		27			—			1,399,516			—			1,399,543
	Inventory		—			—			209,793			—			209,793
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			121,316			—			121,316
	Other current assets		50			26,378			246,353			—			272,781
	Total current assets		807			33,407			2,719,616			—			2,753,830
	Long-term investments		—			—			3,236			—			3,236
	Property, plant and equipment, net		—			33,815			8,563,998			—			8,597,813
	Goodwill		—			—			512,964			—			512,964
	Intercompany receivables		160,136			3,891			1,583,539			(1,747,566	)		—
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		5,808,606			6,097,337			1,854,111			(13,695,794	)		64,260
	Other long-term assets		—			34,487			193,221			—			227,708
	Total assets	$	5,969,549		$	6,202,937		$	15,430,685		$	(15,443,360	)	$	12,159,811
			LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current debt	$	—		$	—		$	10,185		$	—		$	10,185
	Trade accounts payable		86			25			545,401			—			545,512
	Accrued liabilities		378			65,947			630,768			—			697,093
	Income taxes payable		—			—			58,634			—			58,634
	Total current liabilities		464			65,972			1,244,988			—			1,311,424
	Long-term debt		—			3,904,059			58			—			3,904,117
	Other long-term liabilities		—			31,071			346,673			—			377,744
	Deferred income taxes		—			(213,233	)		729,394			—			516,161
	Intercompany payable		—			1,747,566			—			(1,747,566	)		—
	Total liabilities		464			5,535,435			2,321,113			(1,747,566	)		6,109,446
	Subsidiary preferred stock		—			—			69,188			—			69,188
	Shareholders' equity		5,969,085			667,502			13,028,293			(13,695,794	)		5,969,086
	Noncontrolling interest		—			—			12,091			—			12,091
	Total equity		5,969,085			667,502			13,040,384			(13,695,794	)		5,981,177
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,969,549		$	6,202,937		$	15,430,685		$	(15,443,360	)	$	12,159,811
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
		December 31, 2012
		Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
		(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
		Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
					Guarantor)			Guarantors)
		(In thousands)
			ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash	$	1,639		$	106,778		$	416,505		$	—		$	524,922
	Short-term investments		—			—			253,282			—			253,282
	Assets held for sale		—			—			383,857			—			383,857
	Accounts receivable, net		—			—			1,382,623			—			1,382,623
	Inventory		—			—			251,133			—			251,133
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			110,480			—			110,480
	Other current assets		50			—			226,510			—			226,560
Total current assets		1,689			106,778			3,024,390			—			3,132,857
Long-term investments		—			—			4,269			—			4,269
Property, plant and equipment, net		—			37,300			8,674,788			—			8,712,088
Goodwill		—			—			472,326			—			472,326
Intercompany receivables		174,948			1,690,636			670,404			(2,535,988	)		—
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		5,769,518			5,129,458			395,246			(11,232,532	)		61,690
Other long-term assets		—			31,904			240,888			—			272,792
Total assets	$	5,946,155		$	6,996,076		$	13,482,311		$	(13,768,520	)	$	12,656,022
		LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current debt	$	—		$	—		$	364		$	—		$	364
Trade accounts payable		116			23			498,871			—			499,010
Accrued liabilities		1,110			91,520			506,750			—			599,380
Income taxes payable		—			—			33,628			—			33,628
Total current liabilities		1,226			91,543			1,039,613			—			1,132,382
Long-term debt		—			4,379,263			73			—			4,379,336
Other long-term liabilities		—			30,983			487,681			—			518,664
Deferred income taxes		—			(24,906	)		624,241			—			599,335
Intercompany payable		—			2,535,988			—			(2,535,988	)		—
Total liabilities		1,226			7,012,871			2,151,608			(2,535,988	)		6,629,717
Subsidiary preferred stock		—			—			69,188			—			69,188
Shareholders' equity		5,944,929			(16,795	)		11,249,327			(11,232,532	)		5,944,929
Noncontrolling interest		—			—			12,188			—			12,188
Total equity		5,944,929			(16,795	)		11,261,515			(11,232,532	)		5,957,117
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,946,155		$	6,996,076		$	13,482,311		$	(13,768,520	)	$	12,656,022
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
	(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
				Guarantor)			Guarantors)
	(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues	$	—		$	—		$	6,152,015		$	—		$	6,152,015
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			39			—			39
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		158,445			191,821			(92,137	)		(258,129	)		—
Investment income (loss)		1			75			101,047			(4,546	)		96,577
Intercompany interest income		—			92			—			(92	)		—
Total revenues and other income		158,446			191,988			6,160,964			(262,767	)		6,248,631
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs		—			—			3,981,828			—			3,981,828
General and administrative expenses		11,111			796			514,000			(577	)		525,330
Depreciation and amortization		—			3,610			1,083,067			—			1,086,677
Interest expense		—			234,512			(11,094	)		—			223,418
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		7,353			211,976			(181,929	)		577			37,977
Impairments and other charges								287,241						287,241
Intercompany interest espense		—			—			92			(92	)		—
Total costs and other deductions		18,464			450,894			5,673,205			(92	)		6,142,471
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		139,982			(258,906	)		487,759			(262,675	)		106,160
Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(166,769	)		111,588			—			(55,181	)
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			3,000			—			3,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		139,982			(92,137	)		373,171			(262,675	)		158,341
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			(11,179	)		—			(11,179	)
Net income (loss)		139,982			(92,137	)		361,992			(262,675	)		147,162
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(7,180	)		—			(7,180	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	139,982		$	(92,137	)	$	354,812		$	(262,675	)	$	139,982
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Nabors (Parent/			Nabors Delaware			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Guarantor)			(Issuer/			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
				Guarantor)			(Non-
							Guarantors)
	Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised
	(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues	$	—		$	—		$	6,843,051		$	—		$	6,843,051
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(288,718	)		—			(288,718	)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		173,199			(99,048	)		(206,413	)		132,262			—
Investment income (loss)		—			43			63,094			—			63,137
Intercompany interest income		—			69,145			—			(69,145	)		—
Total revenues and other income		173,199			(29,860	)		6,411,014			63,117			6,617,470
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs		—			—			4,367,106			—			4,367,106
General and administrative expenses		7,141			458			521,962			(1,608	)		527,953
Depreciation and amortization		—			3,610			1,036,313			—			1,039,923
Interest expense		—			268,904			(17,000	)		—			251,904
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		1,231			(2,451	)		(137,024	)		1,608			(136,636	)
Impairments and other charges		—			—			290,260			—			290,260
Intercompany interest expense		—			—			69,145			(69,145	)		—
Total costs and other deductions		8,372			270,521			6,130,762			(69,145	)		6,340,510
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		164,827			(300,381	)		280,252			132,262			276,960
Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(74,493	)		115,479			—			40,986
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			3,000			—			3,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		164,827			(225,888	)		161,773			132,262			232,974
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			(67,526	)		—			(67,526	)
Net income (loss)		164,827			(225,888	)		94,247			132,262			165,448
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(621	)		—			(621	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	164,827		$	(225,888	)	$	93,626		$	132,262		$	164,827
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
	(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
				Guarantor)			Guarantors)
	Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised
	(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues	$	—		$	—		$	6,013,480		$	—		$	6,013,480
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			85,448			—			85,448
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		261,090			233,028			126,256			(620,374	)		—
Investment income (loss)		4			68			19,867			—			19,939
Intercompany interest income		—			69,437			—			(69,437	)		—
Total revenues and other income		261,094			302,533			6,245,051			(689,811	)		6,118,867
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs		—			—			3,738,506			—			3,738,506
General and administrative expenses		11,970			348			476,090			(600	)		487,808
Depreciation and amortization		—			3,532			914,590			—			918,122
Interest expense		—			278,657			(22,025	)		—			256,632
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		600			(1,904	)		5,178			600			4,474
Impairments and other charges		—			—			198,072			—			198,072
Intercompany interest expense		—			—			69,437			(69,437	)		—
Total costs and other deductions		12,570			280,633			5,379,848			(69,437	)		5,603,614
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		248,524			21,900			865,203			(620,374	)		515,253
Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(78,118	)		243,201			—			165,083
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			3,000			—			3,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		248,524			100,018			619,002			(620,374	)		347,170
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			(97,601	)		—			(97,601	)
Net income (loss)		248,524			100,018			521,401			(620,374	)		249,569
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(1,045	)		—			(1,045	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		248,524			100,018			520,356			(620,374	)		248,524
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
	(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
				Guarantor)			Guarantors)
	(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	139,982		$	(92,137	)	$	354,812		$	(262,675	)	$	139,982
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		(65,447	)		87			(65,357	)		65,270			(65,447	)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		23,007			98			23,105			(23,203	)		23,007
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(88,158	)		(7,114	)		(95,272	)		102,386			(88,158	)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		(65,151	)		(7,016	)		(72,167	)		79,183			(65,151	)
Pension plan		5,916			5,916			11,832			(17,748	)		5,916
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges		613			613			613			(1,226	)		613
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax		(124,069	)		(400	)		(125,079	)		125,479			(124,069	)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(66	)		(66	)		(370	)		436			(66	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(124,003	)		(334	)		(124,709	)		125,043			(124,003	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		15,979			(92,471	)		230,103			(137,632	)		15,979
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		7,180			—			7,180			(7,180	)		7,180
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		(932	)		—			(932	)		932			(932	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		6,248			—			6,248			(6,248	)		6,248
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	22,227		$	(92,471	)	$	236,351		$	(143,880	)	$	22,227
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
	(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
				Guarantor)			Guarantors)
	Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised
	(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	164,827		$	(225,888	)	$	93,626		$	132,262		$	164,827
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		21,073			(88	)		20,987			(20,899	)		21,073
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		98,138			133			98,271			(98,404	)		98,138
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(13,405	)		(11,488	)		(24,893	)		36,381			(13,405	)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		84,733			(11,355	)		73,378			(62,023	)		84,733
Pension plan		(324	)		(324	)		(648	)		972			(324	)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges		702			702			702			(1,404	)		702
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax		106,184			(11,065	)		94,419			(83,354	)		106,184
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(4,147	)		(4,147	)		(8,533	)		12,680			(4,147	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		110,331			(6,918	)		102,952			(96,034	)		110,331
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		275,158			(232,806	)		196,578			36,228			275,158
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		621			—			621			(621	)		621
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		311			—			311			(311	)		311
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		932			—			932			(932	)		932
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	276,090		$	(232,806	)	$	197,510		$	35,296		$	276,090
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
	(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
				Guarantor)			Guarantors)
	Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised
	(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	248,524		$	100,018		$	520,356		$	(620,374	)	$	248,524
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		(20,257	)		(5,511	)		(25,768	)		31,279			(20,257	)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		5,356			226			5,582			(5,808	)		5,356
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(3,036	)		—			(3,036	)		3,036			(3,036	)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		2,320			226			2,546			(2,772	)		2,320
Pension plan		(5,391	)		(5,391	)		(10,782	)		16,173			(5,391	)
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges		763			763			763			(1,526	)		763
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax		(22,565	)		(9,913	)		(33,241	)		43,154			(22,565	)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,777	)		(1,777	)		(3,793	)		5,570			(1,777	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(20,788	)		(8,136	)		(29,448	)		37,584			(20,788	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		227,736			91,882			490,908			(582,790	)		227,736
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		1,045			—			1,045			(1,045	)		1,045
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		(185	)		—			(185	)		185			(185	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		860			—			860			(860	)		860
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	228,596		$	91,882		$	491,768		$	(583,650	)	$	228,596
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
	(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
				Guarantor)			Guarantors)
	(In thousands)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	16,746		$	(157,952	)	$	1,531,902		$	27,527		$	1,418,223
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of investments		—			—			—			—			—
Sales and maturities of investments		—			—			164,510			—			164,510
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			12,640			—			12,640
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net		—			—			(116,971	)		—			(116,971	)
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(5,967	)		—			(5,967	)
Capital expenditures		—			—			(1,178,205	)		—			(1,178,205	)
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims		—			—			308,538			—			308,538
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates		(100	)		(772,000	)		(1,544,000	)		2,316,100			—
Other		—			—			(13	)		—			(13	)
Changes in intercompany balances		—			748,537			(748,537	)		—			—
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		(100	)		(23,463	)		(3,108,005	)		2,316,100			(815,468	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts		—			—			(4,421	)		—			(4,421	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			698,434			319			—			698,753
Debt issuance costs		—			(4,500	)		—			—			(4,500	)
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares		37,455			—			—			(32,072	)		5,383
Reduction in long-term debt		—			(994,112	)		(69	)		—			(994,181	)
Dividends to shareholders		(51,713	)		—			—			4,545			(47,168	)
Proceeds (reductions) in commercial paper, net		—			329,844			—			—			329,844
Reduction in revolving credit facilities		—			(720,000	)		—			—			(720,000	)
Proceeds from parent contributions		—			772,000			1,544,100			(2,316,100	)		—
Other		(3,296	)		—			10,000			—			6,704
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		(17,554	)		81,666			1,549,929			(2,343,627	)		(729,586	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(8,176	)		—			(8,176	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(908	)		(99,749	)		(34,350	)		—			(135,007	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,639			106,778			416,505			—			524,922
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	731		$	7,029		$	382,155		$	—		$	389,915
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
	(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
				Guarantor)			Guarantors)
	(In thousands)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	7,253		$	39,708		$	1,546,250		$	(30,506	)	$	1,562,705
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of investments		—			—			(949	)		—			(949	)
Sales and maturities of investments		—			—			31,944			—			31,944
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			159,529			—			159,529
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net		(35	)		—			—			35			—
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(1,325	)		—			(1,325	)
Capital expenditures		—			—			(1,518,628	)		—			(1,518,628	)
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims		—			—			149,801			—			149,801
Changes in intercompany balances		—			274,482			(274,482	)		—			—
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		(35	)		274,482			(1,454,110	)		35			(1,179,628	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts		—			—			1,612			—			1,612
Debt issuance costs		—			(3,433	)		—			—			(3,433	)
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities		—			710,000			—			—			710,000
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares		(3,622	)		—			(3	)		—			(3,625	)
Reduction in long-term debt		—			(224,997	)		(51,261	)		—			(276,258	)
Reduction in revolving credit facilities		—			(680,000	)		—			—			(680,000	)
Other		(2,160	)		—			(263	)		—			(2,423	)
Proceeds from parent contributions		—			—			35			(35	)		—
Cash dividends paid		—			(9,003	)		(21,503	)		30,506			—
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		(5,782	)		(207,433	)		(71,383	)		30,471			(254,127	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(2,603	)		—			(2,603	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1,436			106,757			18,154			—			126,347
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		203			21			398,351			—			398,575
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,639		$	106,778		$	416,505		$	—		$	524,922
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
	(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
				Guarantor)			Guarantors)
	(In thousands)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	6,612		$	(109,125	)	$	1,559,000		$	—		$	1,456,487
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of investments		—			—			(11,746	)		—			(11,746	)
Sales and maturities of investments		—			—			39,063			—			39,063
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliate		—			—			142,984			—			142,984
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net		—			—			(55,459	)		—			(55,459	)
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(112,262	)		—			(112,262	)
Capital expenditures		—			—			(2,042,617	)		—			(2,042,617	)
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims		—			—			180,558			—			180,558
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates		(26,235	)		(65,000	)		—			91,235			—
Changes in intercompany balances		—			77,947			(77,947	)		—			—
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		(26,235	)		12,947			(1,937,426	)		91,235			(1,859,479	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts		—			—			6,375			—			6,375
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			697,578			—			—			697,578
Debt issuance costs		—			(7,141	)		—			—			(7,141	)
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities		—			1,510,000			50,000			—			1,560,000
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares		11,605			—			—			—			11,605
Reduction in long-term debt		—			(1,404,246	)		(35	)		—			(1,404,281	)
Reduction in revolving credit facilities		—			(700,000	)		—			—			(700,000	)
Proceeds from parent contributions		—			—			91,235			(91,235	)		—
Other		(2,626	)		(12	)		1,747			—			(891	)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		8,979			96,179			149,322			(91,235	)		163,245
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(3,380	)		—			(3,380	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(10,644	)		1			(232,484	)		—			(243,127	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		10,847			20			630,835			—			641,702
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	203		$	21		$	398,351		$	—		$	398,575

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Note 25 Subsequent Events
	On February 21, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.04 per share to the holders of record of our common shares as of March 10, 2014 to be paid on March 31, 2014.

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'
		Balance at		Charged to			Charged to			Deductions			Balance at
		Beginnning		Costs and			Other						End of
		of Period		Expenses			Accounts						Period
		(In thousands)
	2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	32,847		(1,880	)		(294	)		(3,539	)	$	27,134
	Inventory reserve	$	6,645		18,469			(366	)		(2,748	)	$	22,000
	Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	$	1,520,852		—			26,589			—		$	1,547,441
	2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	41,703		(5,979	)		179			(3,056	)	$	32,847
	Inventory reserve	$	6,984		(3,141	)		9			2,793		$	6,645
	Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	$	1,485,540		—			35,312			—		$	1,520,852
	2011
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	22,507		5,352			(29	)		13,873		$	41,703
	Inventory reserve	$	6,784		(1,185	)		1,889			(504	)	$	6,984
	Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	$	1,514,153		—			—			(28,613	)	$	1,485,540

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nabors, as well as all majority owned and non-majority owned subsidiaries required to be consolidated under GAAP. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	Investments in operating entities where we have the ability to exert significant influence, but where we do not control operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method. Our share of the net income (loss) of these entities is recorded as earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated statements of income (loss). The investments in these entities are included in investment in unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated balance sheets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and various other short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Investments	'
	Short-term investments
	Short-term investments consist of equity securities, corporate debt securities, mortgage-backed debt securities and asset-backed debt securities. Securities classified as available-for-sale are stated at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and temporary losses for available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and, until realized, are presented in the statement of other comprehensive income (loss). Unrealized holding losses are included in earnings during the period for which the loss is determined to be other-than-temporary.
	In computing realized gains and losses on the sale of equity securities, the specific-identification method is used. In accordance with this method, the cost of the equity securities sold is determined using the specific cost of the security when originally purchased.
	Long-term investments and other receivables
	We have investments in overseas funds that invest primarily in a variety of public and private U.S. and non-U.S. securities (including asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, global structured-asset securitizations, whole-loan mortgages, and participations in whole loans and whole-loan mortgages). These investments are non-marketable and do not have published fair values. The fair value of these investments approximates their carrying value and totaled $3.2 million and $4.3 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Inventory	'
	Inventory
	Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out or weighted-average costs methods and includes the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. Inventory included the following:
		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	128,606	$	148,822
	Work-in-progress		26,762		45,733
	Finished goods		54,425		56,578
		$	209,793	$	251,133
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment, including renewals and betterments, are stated at cost, while maintenance and repairs are expensed currently. Interest costs applicable to the construction of qualifying assets are capitalized as a component of the cost of such assets. We provide for the depreciation of our drilling and workover rigs using the units-of-production method. For each day a rig is operating, we depreciate it over an approximate 4,927-day period, with the exception of our jackup rigs which are depreciated over an 8,030-day period, after provision for salvage value. For each day a rig asset is not operating, it is depreciated over an assumed depreciable life of 20 years, with the exception of our jackup rigs, where a 30-year depreciable life is used, after provision for salvage value.
	Depreciation on our buildings, well-servicing rigs, oilfield hauling and mobile equipment, marine transportation and supply vessels, and other machinery and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset after provision for salvage value (buildings—10 to 30 years; well-servicing rigs—3 to 15 years; marine transportation and supply vessels—10 to 25 years; oilfield hauling and mobile equipment and other machinery and equipment—3 to 10 years). Amortization of capitalized leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense. Upon retirement or other disposal of fixed assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective property, plant and equipment accounts and any gains or losses are included in our income statement.
	We review our assets for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded in the period in which it is determined that the sum of estimated future cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Impairment charges are recorded using discounted cash flows which requires the estimation of dayrates and utilization, and such estimates can change based on market conditions, technological advances in the industry or changes in regulations governing the industry.
	For an asset classified as held for sale, we consider the asset impaired when its carrying amount exceeds fair value less its cost to sell. Fair value is determined in the same manner as an impaired long-lived asset that is held and used.
	Significant and unanticipated changes to the assumptions could result in future impairments. A significantly prolonged period of lower oil and natural gas prices could adversely affect the demand for and prices of our services, which could result in future impairment charges. As the determination of whether impairment charges should be recorded on our long-lived assets is subject to significant management judgment, and an impairment of these assets could result in a material charge on our consolidated statements of income (loss), management believes that accounting estimates related to impairment of long-lived assets are critical.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	We initially assess goodwill for impairment based on qualitative factors to determine whether to perform the two-step annual goodwill impairment test, a Level 3 fair value measurement. After qualitative assessment, step one of the impairment test compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
	The fair values calculated in these impairment tests were determined using discounted cash flow models involving assumptions based on our utilization of rigs or other oil and gas service equipment, revenues and earnings from affiliates, as well as direct costs, general and administrative costs, depreciation, applicable income taxes, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Our discounted cash flow projections for each reporting unit were based on financial forecasts. The future cash flows were discounted to present value using discount rates determined to be appropriate for each reporting unit. Terminal values for each reporting unit were calculated using a Gordon Growth methodology with a long-term growth rate of 3%.
	Our estimated fair values of our reporting units incorporate judgment and the use of estimates by management. Potential factors requiring assessment include a further or sustained decline in our stock price, declines in oil and natural gas prices, a variance in results of operations from forecasts, and additional transactions in the oil and gas industry. Another factor in determining whether impairment has occurred is the relationship between our market capitalization and our book value. As part of our annual review, we compared the sum of our reporting units' estimated fair value, which included the estimated fair value of non-operating assets and liabilities, less debt, to our market capitalization and assessed the reasonableness of our estimated fair value. Any of the above-mentioned factors may cause us to re-evaluate goodwill during any quarter throughout the year.
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for our business lines for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 was as follows:
		Balance at		Acquisitions and Purchase Price Adjustments			Disposals and Impairments			Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Balance at December 31, 2012
		December 31,
		2011
		(In thousands)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	57,445	$	—		$	(7,296	)(1)	$	—		$	50,149
	International		18,983		—			(18,983	)(1)		—			—
	Rig Services		34,766		—			(3,035	)(2)		382			32,113
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services		111,194		—			(29,314	)		382			82,262
	Completion & Production Services
	Completion		334,992		—			—			—			334,992
	Production		55,072		—			—			—			55,072
	Subtotal Completion & Production
	Services		390,064		—			—			—			390,064
	Total	$	501,258	$	—		$	(29,314	)	$	382		$	472,326
		Balance at		Acquisitions			Disposals			Cumulative			Balance at
		December 31,		and			and			Translation			December 31,
		2012		Purchase			Impairments			Adjustment			2013
				Price
				Adjustments
		(In thousands)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	50,149	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	50,149
	Rig Services		32,113		15,828	-3		(9,631	)(4)		(1,049	)		37,261
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services		82,262		15,828			(9,631	)		(1,049	)		87,410
	Completion & Production Services
	Completion		334,992					—			—			334,992
	Production		55,072		35,490	-5		—			—			90,562
	Subtotal Completion & Production
	Services		390,064		35,490			—			—			425,554
	Total	$	472,326	$	51,318		$	(9,631	)	$	(1,049	)	$	512,964
	-1
	Represents the impairment of goodwill associated with our operations in our U.S. and International drilling operating segments. As of December 31, 2012, our International operating segment had no recorded goodwill.
	-2
	Represents the removal of goodwill in connection with our sale of a subsidiary that provided trucking and logistics services.
	-3
	Represents the goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisition of NES. See Note 6—Acquisitions for additional discussion.
	-4
	Represents the removal of goodwill in connection with our sale of Peak and the logistic assets from one of our Canada subsidiaries.
	-5
	Represents the goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisition of KVS. See Note 6—Acquisitions for additional discussion.
	Goodwill for the consolidated company, totaling approximately $76.7 million, is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
Litigation and Insurance Reserves	'
	Litigation and Insurance Reserves
	We estimate our reserves related to litigation and insurance based on the facts and circumstances specific to the litigation and insurance claims and our past experience with similar claims. We maintain actuarially determined accruals in our consolidated balance sheets to cover self-insurance retentions. See Note 19—Commitments and Contingencies regarding self-insurance accruals. We estimate the range of our liability related to pending litigation when we believe the amount and range of loss can reasonably be estimated. We record our best estimate of a loss when the loss is considered probable. When a liability is probable and there is a range of estimated loss with no best estimate in the range, we record the minimum estimated liability related to the lawsuits or claims. As additional information becomes available, we assess the potential liability related to our pending litigation and claims and revise our estimates. Due to uncertainties related to the resolution of lawsuits and claims, the ultimate outcome may differ from our estimates. For matters where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and significant, we disclose the nature of the matter and a range of potential exposure, unless an estimate cannot be made at the time of disclosure.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenues and costs on daywork contracts daily as the work progresses. For certain contracts, we receive lump-sum payments for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment. We defer revenue related to mobilization periods and recognize the revenue over the term of the related drilling contract. Costs incurred related to a mobilization period for which a contract is secured are deferred and recognized over the term of the related drilling contract. Costs incurred to relocate rigs and other drilling equipment to areas in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred. We defer recognition of revenue on amounts received from customers for prepayment of services until those services are provided.
	We recognize revenue for top drives and instrumentation systems we manufacture when the earnings process is complete. This generally occurs when products have been shipped, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectability is probable, and pricing is fixed and determinable.
	In connection with the performance of our cementing services, we recognize product and service revenue when the products are delivered or services are provided to the customer and collectability is reasonably assured. Product sale prices are determined by published price lists provided to our customers.
	We recognize, as operating revenue, proceeds from business interruption insurance claims in the period that the applicable proof of loss documentation is received. Proceeds from casualty insurance settlements in excess of the carrying value of damaged assets are recognized in losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net in the period that the applicable proof of loss documentation is received. Proceeds from casualty insurance settlements that are expected to be less than the carrying value of damaged assets are recognized at the time the loss is incurred and recorded in losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net.
	We recognize reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred as revenues and account for out-of-pocket expenses as direct costs.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We are a Bermuda exempted company and are not subject to income taxes in Bermuda. Consequently, income taxes have been provided based on the tax laws and rates in effect in the countries where we operate and earn income. The income taxes in these jurisdictions vary substantially. Our effective tax rate for financial statement purposes will continue to fluctuate from year to year because our operations are conducted in different taxing jurisdictions.
	We recognize increases to our tax reserves for uncertain tax positions along with interest and penalties as an increase to other long-term liabilities.
	For U.S. and other jurisdictional income tax purposes, we have net operating and other loss carryforwards that we are required to assess quarterly for potential valuation allowances. We consider the sufficiency of existing temporary differences and expected future earnings levels in determining the amount, if any, of valuation allowance required against such carryforwards and against deferred tax assets.
	Nabors realizes an income tax benefit associated with certain awards issued under our stock plans. We recognize the benefits related to tax deductions up to the amount of the compensation expense recorded for the award in the consolidated statements of income (loss). Any excess tax benefit (i.e., tax deduction in excess of compensation expense) is reflected as an increase in capital in excess of par. Any shortfall is recorded as a reduction to capital in excess of par to the extent of our aggregate accumulated pool of windfall benefits, beyond which the shortfall would be recognized in the consolidated statements of income (loss).
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation
	For certain of our foreign subsidiaries, such as those in Canada and Argentina, the local currency is the functional currency, and therefore translation gains or losses associated with foreign-denominated monetary accounts are accumulated in a separate section of the consolidated statements of changes in equity. For our other international subsidiaries, the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, and therefore local currency transaction gains and losses, arising from remeasurement of payables and receivables denominated in local currency, are included in our consolidated statements of income (loss).
Cash Flows	'
	Cash Flows
	We treat the redemption price, including accrued original issue discount, on our convertible debt instruments as a financing activity for purposes of reporting cash flows in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the amounts of revenues and expenses recognized during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from such estimates. Areas where critical accounting estimates are made by management include:
	•
	depreciation of property, plant and equipment;
	•
	impairment of long-lived assets;
	•
	impairment of goodwill and intangible assets;
	•
	income taxes;
	•
	litigation and self-insurance reserves; and
	•
	fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Revision_of_Prior_Period_Finan1

Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements	'
Schedule of effect on consolidated statements of income (loss)	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012									2011
	(In thousands, except per share	As			Adjustment			Revised			As			Adjustment			Revised
	amounts)	Reported(1)									Reported(1)
	Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates	$	(301,320	)	$	12,602		$	(288,718	)	$	56,647		$	28,801		$	85,448
	Total revenues and other income		6,604,868			12,602			6,617,470			6,090,066			28,801			6,118,867
	Direct costs		4,368,702			(1,596	)		4,367,106			3,736,910			1,596			3,738,506
	Total costs and other deductions		6,342,106			(1,596	)		6,340,510			5,602,018			1,596			5,603,614
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		262,762			14,198			276,960			488,048			27,205			515,253
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(115,413	)		13,405			(102,008	)		33,021			22,360			55,381
	Income tax expense (benefit)		27,581			13,405			40,986			142,723			22,360			165,083
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		232,181			793			232,974			342,325			4,845			347,170
	Net income (loss)		164,655			793			165,448			244,724			4,845			249,569
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		164,034			793			164,827			243,679			4,845			248,524
	Earnings (losses) per share:(2)
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.8		$	—		$	0.8		$	1.19		$	0.02		$	1.21
	Total Basic	$	0.57		$	—		$	0.57		$	0.85		$	0.02		$	0.87
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.79		$	—		$	0.79		$	1.17		$	0.02		$	1.18
	Total Diluted	$	0.56		$	—		$	0.56		$	0.83		$	0.02		$	0.85
	-1
	Amounts reflect the retrospective reclassification of the results of Peak as discontinued operations. Refer to Note 5—Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations for additional information.
	-2
	Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the columns presented. Therefore, the sum of the earnings per share may not equal the total revised.
Schedule of effect on consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss)	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012									2011
	(In thousands)	As			Adjustment			Revised			As			Adjustment			Revised
		Reported									Reported
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	164,034		$	793		$	164,827		$	243,679		$	4,845		$	248,524
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		274,365			793			275,158			222,891			4,845			227,736
	Comprehensive income (loss)		275,297			793			276,090			223,751			4,845			228,596
Schedule of effect on consolidated statements of cash flow	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012									2011
	(In thousands)	As			Adjustment			Revised			As			Adjustment			Revised
		Reported									Reported
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	164,034		$	793		$	164,827		$	243,679		$	4,845		$	248,524
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(145,147	)		13,405			(131,742	)		(34,739	)		22,360			(12,379	)
	Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends		312,319			(12,602	)		299,717			(132,388	)		(28,801	)		(161,189	)
	Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(223,199	)		(1,596	)		(224,795	)		517,615			1,596			519,211
	Net cash provided by operating activities		1,562,705			—			1,562,705			1,456,487			—			1,456,487
Schedule of effect on consolidated statements of changes in equity	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2011									2010
	(In thousands)	As			Adjustment			Revised			As			Adjustment			Revised
		Reported									Reported
	Retained earnings	$	3,956,364		$	(793	)	$	3,955,571		$	3,707,881		$	(5,638	)	$	3,702,243
	Total equity		5,601,217			(793	)		5,600,424			5,342,863			(5,638	)		5,337,225

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
Inventory	'
		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	128,606	$	148,822
	Work-in-progress		26,762		45,733
	Finished goods		54,425		56,578
		$	209,793	$	251,133
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill for various contract drilling segments and other operating segments	'
		Balance at		Acquisitions and Purchase Price Adjustments			Disposals and Impairments			Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Balance at December 31, 2012
		December 31,
		2011
		(In thousands)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	57,445	$	—		$	(7,296	)(1)	$	—		$	50,149
	International		18,983		—			(18,983	)(1)		—			—
	Rig Services		34,766		—			(3,035	)(2)		382			32,113
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services		111,194		—			(29,314	)		382			82,262
	Completion & Production Services
	Completion		334,992		—			—			—			334,992
	Production		55,072		—			—			—			55,072
	Subtotal Completion & Production
	Services		390,064		—			—			—			390,064
	Total	$	501,258	$	—		$	(29,314	)	$	382		$	472,326
		Balance at		Acquisitions			Disposals			Cumulative			Balance at
		December 31,		and			and			Translation			December 31,
		2012		Purchase			Impairments			Adjustment			2013
				Price
				Adjustments
		(In thousands)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	50,149	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	50,149
	Rig Services		32,113		15,828	-3		(9,631	)(4)		(1,049	)		37,261
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services		82,262		15,828			(9,631	)		(1,049	)		87,410
	Completion & Production Services
	Completion		334,992					—			—			334,992
	Production		55,072		35,490	-5		—			—			90,562
	Subtotal Completion & Production
	Services		390,064		35,490			—			—			425,554
	Total	$	472,326	$	51,318		$	(9,631	)	$	(1,049	)	$	512,964
	-1
	Represents the impairment of goodwill associated with our operations in our U.S. and International drilling operating segments. As of December 31, 2012, our International operating segment had no recorded goodwill.
	-2
	Represents the removal of goodwill in connection with our sale of a subsidiary that provided trucking and logistics services.
	-3
	Represents the goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisition of NES. See Note 6—Acquisitions for additional discussion.
	-4
	Represents the removal of goodwill in connection with our sale of Peak and the logistic assets from one of our Canada subsidiaries.
	-5
	Represents the goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisition of KVS. See Note 6—Acquisitions for additional discussion.

Impairments_and_Other_Charges_

Impairments and Other Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Impairments and Other Charges	'
Schedule of impairments and other charges	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(In thousands)
	Loss on tendered notes	$	208,197	$	—	$	—
	Provision for retirement of assets		14,044		138,666		98,072
	Impairment of long-lived assets		20,000		50,355		—
	Termination of employment contract		45,000		—		100,000
	Intangible asset impairment		—		74,960		—
	Goodwill impairment		—		26,279		—
	Total	$	287,241	$	290,260	$	198,072

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco1

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
Schedule of assets held for sale	'
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Oil and Gas	$	239,936		$	377,625
	Rig Services		3,328			6,232
		$	243,264		$	383,857
Schedule of condensed statements of income (loss) from discontinued operations for each operating segment	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands, except percentages)
	Operating revenues
	Oil and Gas	$	25,327		$	27,363		$	125,654	-1
	Rig Services	$	127,154		$	172,335		$	76,584
	Income (loss) from Oil & Gas discontinued operations:
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(17,371	)		(3,958	)		18,880
	Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets		24,087	-2		106,096	-3		208,455	-4
	Less: Income tax expense (benefit)		(14,062	)		(44,021	)		(98,181	)
	Income (loss) from Oil and Gas discontinued operations, net of tax		(27,396	)		(66,033	)		(91,394	)
	Income (loss) from Rig Services discontinued operations:
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		17,680			9,846			458
	Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets		-4,368	-5		9,087	-6		8,800	-6
	Less: Income tax expense (benefit)		5,831			2,252			(2,135	)
	Income (loss) from Rig Services discontinued operations, net of tax		16,217			(1,493	)		(6,207	)
	Oil and Gas
	-1
	Includes approximately $83 million of equity in earnings during 2011 for our proportionate share of Remora's net income, inclusive of the gains recognized for asset sales during 2011.
	-2
	Includes impairments during 2013 of $61.5 million to write down the carrying value of some of our wholly owned oil and gas-centered assets, partially offset by a gain related to our restructure of our future pipeline obligations.
	-3
	Includes adjustments during 2012 to increase our pipeline contractual commitments by $128.1 million and other gains and losses related to the sale of our wholly owned oil and gas-centered assets.
	-4
	Includes impairments during 2011 of $255.0 million to write down the carrying value of our wholly owned oil and gas-centered assets.
	Rig Services
	-5
	Represents the gains recognized from our sale of our logistics services and construction services. In April 2013, we sold the assets of one of our former Canadian subsidiaries that provided logistics services for proceeds of $9.3 million. In October 2013, we sold Peak, one of our businesses in Alaska, for which we received cash proceeds of $135.5 million.
	-6
	Includes $7.8 million and $7.9 million, respectively, of impairment (a Level 3 measurement) in 2012 and 2011 to our aircraft and logistics assets as a result of the continued downturn in the oil and gas industry in Canada.
Schedule of reconciling amounts for the consolidated statements of income (loss)	'
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2012									December 31, 2011
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	As			Discontinued			As			As			Discontinued			As
		Previously			Operations(1)			Reported(2)			Previously			Operations(1)			Reported(2)
		Filed									Filed
	Revenues and other income:
	Operating Revenues	$	6,989,573		$	(146,522	)	$	6,843,051		$	6,060,351		$	(46,871	)	$	6,013,480
	Earnings from affiliates		(301,320	)		—			(301,320	)		56,647			0			56,647
	Investment income		63,137			—			63,137			19,940			(1	)		19,939
	Total revenues and other income		6,751,390			(146,522	)		6,604,868			6,136,938			(46,872	)		6,090,066
	Costs and other deductions:
	Direct Costs		4,483,320			(114,618	)		4,368,702			3,775,964			(39,054	)		3,736,910
	General and administrative expenses		532,568			(4,615	)		527,953			489,892			(2,084	)		487,808
	Depreciation and amortization		1,055,517			(15,594	)		1,039,923			924,094			(5,972	)		918,122
	Interest Expense		251,552			352			251,904			256,633			(1	)		256,632
	Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		(136,510	)		(126	)		(136,636	)		4,514			(40	)		4,474
	Impairments and other charges		290,260			—			290,260			198,072			—			198,072
	Total costs and other deductions		6,476,707			(134,601	)		6,342,106			5,649,169			(47,151	)		5,602,018
	Income before income taxes		274,683			(11,921	)		262,762			487,769			279			488,048
	Income tax expense:
	Current		142,994			—			142,994			109,702			—			109,702
	Deferred		(110,366	)		(5,047	)		(115,413	)		32,903			118			33,021
	Total income tax expense		32,628			(5,047	)		27,581			142,605			118			142,723
	Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		3,000			—			3,000			3,000			—			3,000
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		239,055			(6,874	)		232,181			342,164			161			342,325
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		(74,400	)		6,874			(67,526	)		(97,440	)		(161	)		(97,601	)
	Net income (loss)		164,655			—			164,655			244,724			—			244,724
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(621	)		—			(621	)		(1,045	)		—			(1,045	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	164,034		$	—		$	164,034		$	243,679		$	—		$	243,679
	Earnings per share:(3)
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.82		$	(0.02	)	$	0.8		$	1.19		$	—		$	1.19
	Basic from discontinued operations		(0.25	)		0.02			(0.23	)		(0.34	)		—			(0.34	)
	Total Basic	$	0.57		$	—		$	0.57		$	0.85		$	—		$	0.85
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.82		$	(0.02	)	$	0.79		$	1.17		$	—		$	1.17
	Diluted from discontinued operations		(0.26	)		0.02			(0.23	)		(0.34	)		—			(0.34	)
	Total Diluted	$	0.56		$	—		$	0.56		$	0.83		$	—		$	0.83
	-1
	Amounts represents the operating results from Peak, as discussed above.
	-2
	Amounts reflect discontinued operations presentation for Peak prior to adjustments required as a result of our revisions to our consolidated statements of income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
	-3
	Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the columns presented. Therefore, the sum of the earnings per share may not equal the total revised.
		Quarter Ended
		March 31, 2012									June 30, 2012
	(In thousands, except per share	As			Discontinued			As Reported(2)			As			Discontinued			As Reported(2)
	amounts)	Previously			Operations(1)						Previously			Operations(1)
		Filed									Filed
	Revenues and other income:
	Operating Revenues	$	1,890,426		$	(45,738	)	$	1,844,688		$	1,737,114		$	(39,210	)	$	1,697,904
	Earnings from affiliates		(68,669	)		—			(68,669	)		(134,317	)		—			(134,317	)
	Investment income		20,252			—			20,252			5,368			—			5,368
	Total revenues and other income		1,842,009			(45,738	)		1,796,271			1,608,165			(39,210	)		1,568,955
	Costs and other deductions:
	Direct Costs		1,184,816			(30,703	)		1,154,113			1,123,256			(30,881	)		1,092,375
	General and administrative expenses		136,346			(878	)		135,468			133,612			(1,227	)		132,385
	Depreciation and amortization		247,621			(4,074	)		243,547			261,016			(3,759	)		257,257
	Interest Expense		62,654			11			62,665			63,459			168			63,627
	Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		(1,840	)		(5	)		(1,845	)		13,414			(8	)		13,406
	Impairments and other charges		—			—			—			147,503			—			147,503
	Total costs and other deductions		1,629,597			(35,649	)		1,593,948			1,742,260			(35,707	)		1,706,553
	Income before income taxes		212,412			(10,089	)		202,323			(134,095	)		(3,503	)		(137,598	)
	Income tax expense:
	Current		26,006			—			26,006			34,698			—			34,698
Deferred		43,038			(4,271	)		38,767			(70,890	)		(1,483	)		(72,373	)
Total income tax expense		69,044			(4,271	)		64,773			(36,192	)		(1,483	)		(37,675	)
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		750			—			750			750			—			750
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		142,618			(5,818	)		136,800			(98,653	)		(2,020	)		(100,673	)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		(8,795	)		5,818			(2,977	)		24,690			2,020			26,710
Net income (loss)		133,823			—			133,823			(73,963	)		—			(73,963	)
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		267			—			267			1,174			—			1,174
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	134,090		$	—		$	134,090		$	(72,789	)	$	—		$	(72,789	)
Earnings per share:(3)
Basic from continuing operations	$	0.5		$	(0.02	)	$	0.48		$	(0.34	)	$	—		$	(0.34	)
Basic from discontinued operations		(0.04	)		0.02			(0.02	)		0.09			—			0.09
Total Basic	$	0.46		$	—		$	0.46		$	(0.25	)	$	—		$	(0.25	)
Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.49		$	(0.02	)	$	0.47		$	(0.34	)	$	—		$	(0.34	)
Diluted from discontinued operations		(0.03	)		0.02			(0.01	)		0.09			—			0.09
Total Diluted	$	0.46		$	—		$	0.46		$	(0.25	)	$	—		$	(0.25	)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2012
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	As			Discontinued			As Reported(2)
	Previously			Operations(1)
	Filed
Revenues and other income:
Operating Revenues	$	3,627,540			(84,948	)	$	3,542,592
Earnings from affiliates		(202,986	)		—			(202,986	)
Investment income		25,620			—			25,620
Total revenues and other income		3,450,174			(84,948	)		3,365,226
Costs and other deductions:
Direct Costs		2,308,072			(61,584	)		2,246,488
General and administrative expenses		269,958			(2,105	)		267,853
Depreciation and amortization		508,637			(7,833	)		500,804
Interest Expense		126,113			179			126,292
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		11,574			(13	)		11,561
Impairments and other charges		147,503			—			147,503
Total costs and other deductions		3,371,857			(71,356	)		3,300,501
Income before income taxes		78,317			(13,592	)		64,725
Income tax expense:
Current		60,704			—			60,704
Deferred		(27,852	)		(5,754	)		(33,606	)
Total income tax expense		32,852			(5,754	)		27,098
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		1,500			—			1,500
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		43,965			(7,838	)		36,127
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		15,895			7,838			23,733
Net income (loss)		59,860			—			59,860
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		1,441			—			1,441
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	61,301		$	—		$	61,301
Earnings per share:(3)
Basic from continuing operations	$	0.16		$	(0.03	)	$	0.13
Basic from discontinued operations		0.05			0.03			0.08
Total Basic	$	0.21		$	—		$	0.21
Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.16		$	(0.03	)	$	0.13
Diluted from discontinued operations		0.05			0.03			0.08
Total Diluted	$	0.21		$	—		$	0.21
-1
Amounts represents the operating results from Peak, as discussed above.
-2
Amounts reflect discontinued operations presentation for Peak prior to adjustments required as a result of our revisions to our consolidated statements of income (loss) for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 and the six months ended June 30, 2012.
-3
Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the columns presented. Therefore, the sum of the earnings per share may not equal the total revised

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_1

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'
		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	389,915	$	524,922
	Short-term investments:
	Trading equity securities		—		52,705
	Available-for-sale equity securities		96,942		174,610
	Available-for-sale debt securities		20,276		25,967
	Total short-term investments	$	117,218	$	253,282
Certain information related to our cash and cash equivalents and short term investments	'
		December 31,
		Fair Value		2013		Gross			Fair Value		2012		Gross
				Gross		Unrealized					Gross		Unrealized
				Unrealized		Holding					Unrealized		Holding
				Holding		Losses					Holding		Losses
				Gains							Gains
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	389,915	$	—	$	—		$	524,922	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments:
	Trading equity securities		—		—		—			52,705		46,981		—
	Available-for-sale equity securities		96,942		68,395		—			174,610		137,282		(1,030	)
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Commercial paper and CDs		—		—		—			206		—		—
	Corporate debt securities		19,388		4,122		—			23,399		1,870		—
	Mortgage-backed debt securities		210		11		—			244		15		—
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities		20		—		(2	)		523		10		(3	)
	Asset-backed debt securities		658		2		(54	)		1,595		28		(192	)
	Total available-for-sale debt securities		20,276		4,135		(56	)		25,967		1,923		(195	)
	Total available-for-sale securities		117,218		72,530		(56	)		200,577		139,205		(1,225	)
	Total short-term investments		117,218		72,530		(56	)		253,282		186,186		(1,225	)
	Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	$	507,133	$	72,530	$	(56	)	$	778,204	$	186,186	$	(1,225	)
Gross unrealized losses of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'
		As of December 31, 2013
		Less Than 12 Months				More Than 12 Months
		Fair Value		Gross		Fair Value			Gross
				Unrealized					Unrealized
				Losses					Losses
		(In thousands)
	Available-for-sale equity securities	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
	Available-for-sale debt securities:(1)
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities		—		—		20			2
	Asset-backed debt securities		395		54		—			—
	Total available-for-sale debt securities		395		54		20			2
	Total	$	395	$	54	$	20		$	2
Estimated fair values of corporate, mortgage-backed, mortgage-CMO and asset-backed debt securities	'
		Estimated
		Fair Value
		December 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	Due in one year or less	$	—
	Due after one year through five years		15,600
	Due in more than five years		4,676
	Total debt securities	$	20,276
Debt and equity securities	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(In thousands)
	Available-for-sale
	Proceeds from sales and maturities	$	107,586	$	24,010	$	12,672
	Realized gains (losses), net	$	88,158	$	13,405	$	3,036

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	'
Recurring Fair Value Measurements	'
		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Short-term investments:
	Available-for-sale equity securities from energy industry	$	96,080		$	862	$	—	$	96,942
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Corporate debt securities		—			19,388		—		19,388
	Mortgage-backed debt securities		—			210		—		210
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities		—			20		—		20
	Asset-backed debt securities		658			—		—		658
	Total short-term investments	$	96,738		$	20,480	$	—	$	117,218
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
		December 31,
		2013							2012
		Effective			Carrying		Fair Value		Effective			Carrying		Fair Value
		Interest			Value				Interest			Value
		Rate							Rate
		(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016		2.56	%	$	349,820	$	354,694		6.42	%	$	—	$	—
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018		6.42	%		969,928		1,097,480		6.42	%		968,708		1,164,813
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019		9.33	%		339,607		428,733		9.33	%		1,125,000		1,492,819
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020		5.2	%		697,947		731,955		5.2	%		697,648		770,707
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021		4.75	%		698,148		709,793		4.75	%		697,907		755,517
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023		5.26	%		348,765		349,731		0	%		—		—
	Subsidiary preferred stock		4	%		69,188		69,000		4	%		69,188		68,625
	Revolving credit facilities		2.28	%		170,000		170,000		2.17	%		890,000		890,000
	Commercial paper		0.45	%		329,844		329,844		0	%		—		—
	Other		0	%		10,243		10,243		0	%		437		437
	Total				$	3,983,490	$	4,251,473				$	4,448,888	$	5,142,918

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock options	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'
Stock option transactions under various stock-based employee compensation plans	'
	Options	Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-	Aggregate
					Average		Average	Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining	Value
					Price		Contractual
							Term
		(In thousands, except exercise price)
	Options outstanding as of December 31, 2012		22,464		$	20.53
	Granted		63			16.06
	Exercised		(577	)		9.34
	Surrendered(1)		—			9.18
	Forfeited		(3,564	)		19.36
	Options outstanding as of December 31, 2013		18,386		$	21.1	3.22 years	$	51,136
	Options exercisable as of December 31, 2013		17,837		$	21.1	3.06 years	$	50,818
	-1
	Represents unexercised vested stock options that were surrendered by employees, to satisfy the option exercise price and related income taxes. See related discussion at Note 15—Common Shares.
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to value awards granted during the period	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$6.05		$9.40		$6.24
	Weighted average risk free interest rate	0.79%		0.63%		0.65%
	Dividend yield	0.84%		0%		0%
	Volatility(1)	51.01%		55.74%		51.09%
	Expected life	4.0 years		4.0 years		4.0 years
	-1
	Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from publicly traded options to purchase Nabors' common shares, historical volatility of Nabors' common shares and other factors.
Unvested stock options	'
	Unvested Stock Options	Outstanding			Weighted-Average
					Grant-Date Fair
					Value
		(In thousands, except fair value)
	Unvested as of December 31, 2012		1,626		$	5.62
	Granted		63			6.05
	Vested		(1,075	)		3.97
	Forfeited		(65	)		5.47
	Unvested as of December 31, 2013		549		$	8.88
Restricted Stock	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'
Unvested restricted stock	'
	Restricted stock	Outstanding			Weighted-Average
					Grant-Date Fair
					Value
		(In thousands, except fair value)
	Unvested as of December 31, 2012		1,781		$	23.42
	Granted		4,493			16.43
	Vested		(2,262	)		18.48
	Forfeited		(248	)		20.07
	Unvested as of December 31, 2013		3,764		$	18.26
Restricted Stock Based on Market Conditions	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to value awards granted during the period	'
	The grant date fair value of these awards was based on a Monte Carlo model, using the following assumptions during 2013:
	Risk free interest rate		0.41	%
	Expected volatility		46	%
	Closing stock price	$	16.53
	Expected term (in years)		2.82
Unvested restricted stock	'
	Market based restricted stock	Outstanding			Weighted-Average
					Grant-Date Fair
					Value
		(In thousands, except fair value)
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012		—		$	—
	Granted		354			10.42
	Vested		—			—
	Forfeited		—			—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		354		$	10.42

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Major Components of Property, Plant and Equipment	'
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Land	$	63,733		$	49,965
	Buildings		163,962			154,878
	Drilling, workover and well-servicing rigs, and related equipment		12,818,136			12,364,021
	Marine transportation and supply vessels		14,062			14,054
	Oilfield hauling and mobile equipment		1,322,798			1,313,339
	Other machinery and equipment		168,465			176,468
	Construction-in-process(1)		693,475			363,537
		$	15,244,631		$	14,436,262
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(6,646,818	)		(5,724,174	)
		$	8,597,813		$	8,712,088
	-1
	Relates primarily to amounts capitalized for new or substantially new drilling, workover and well-servicing rigs that were under construction and had not yet been placed in service as of December 31, 2013 or 2012.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	'
		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Current assets	$	442,703	$	174,977
	Long-term assets	$	138,222	$	161,207
	Current liabilities	$	440,585	$	194,504
	Long-term liabilities	$	4,169	$	3,389
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012			2011
				Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Gross revenues	$	562,101	$	657,362		$	760,257
	Gross margin	$	46,446	$	107,035		$	205,502
	Net income (loss)	$	1,088	$	(624,172	)	$	327,760
	Nabors' earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates(1)(2)	$	39	$	(288,718	)	$	85,448
	-1
	Nabors' earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates included in discontinued operations, net of tax was $76.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
	-2
	As more fully described in Note 2, our earnings (losses) from affiliates was revised by $12.6 million and $28.8 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt	'
Long-term debt	'
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016	$	349,820		$	—
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018		969,928			968,708
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019		339,607			1,125,000
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020		697,947			697,648
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021		698,148			697,907
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023		348,765			—
	Revolving credit facilities		170,000			890,000
	Commercial paper		329,844			—
	Other		10,243			437
		$	3,914,302		$	4,379,700
	Less: current portion		10,185			364
		$	3,904,117		$	4,379,336
Maturity of primary debt	'
	As of December 31, 2013, the maturities of our primary debt for each of the five years after 2013 and thereafter are as follows:
		Paid at Maturity
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	—
	2015		—
	2016		350,000	-1
	2017		499,844	-2
	2018		975,000	-3
	Thereafter		2,089,607	-4
		$	3,914,451
	-1
	Represents our 2.35% senior notes due September 2016.
	-2
	Represents amounts drawn on our revolving credit facility and commercial paper, which expires November 2017
	-3
	Represents our 6.15% senior notes due February 2018
	-4
	Represents our 9.25% senior notes due January 2019, 5.0% senior notes due September 2020, 4.625% senior notes due September 2021 and 5.10% senior notes due September 2023
Short-Term Borrowings	'
		December 31,
		2013
		(In thousands)
	Credit available	$	523,204
	Less: Letters of credit outstanding, inclusive of financial and performance guarantees		321,818
	Remaining availability	$	201,386

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of January 1	$	83,950		$	68,848		$	81,174
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		145			922			1,850
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		3,360			16,372	-2		11,748
	Reductions for tax positions for prior years		(30,320	)(1)		(1,174	)		(11,082	)
	Settlements		(9,583	)		(1,018	)		(14,842	)
	Balance as of December 31	$	47,552		$	83,950		$	68,848
	-1
	Includes $21.6 million related to settlements in Mexico, Canada and Algeria and $8.7 million due to the expiration of statutes.
	-2
	Includes an unrecognized tax benefit of $10.4 million related to a Mexico audit assessment.
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	United States and Other Jurisdictions
	United States	$	(84,032	)	$	193,125		$	205,754
	Other jurisdictions		190,192			83,835			309,499
	Income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations	$	106,160		$	276,960		$	515,253
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Current:
	U.S. federal	$	(16,934	)	$	25,802		$	27,649
	Outside the U.S.		50,866			82,950			43,732
	State		5,933			34,242			38,321
		$	39,865		$	142,994		$	109,702
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal	$	(71,251	)	$	(79,193	)	$	51,739
	Outside the U.S.		(10,288	)		(9,484	)		16,692
	State		(13,507	)		(13,331	)		(13,050	)
		$	(95,046	)	$	(102,008	)	$	55,381
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	(55,181	)	$	40,986		$	165,083
Reconciliation of the differences between taxes on income (loss) before income taxes	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Income tax provision at statutory (Bermuda rate of 0%)	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Taxes on U.S. and other international earnings (losses) at greater than the Bermuda rate		(33,277	)		(39,830	)		122,292
	Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance		25,592			33,730			4,785
	Effect of change in tax rate		—			—			(258	)
	Tax reserves and interest		(39,921	)		26,176			12,993
	State income taxes		(7,575	)		20,910			25,271
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	(55,181	)	$	40,986		$	165,083
	Effective tax rate		(52.0	)%		14.8	%		32	%
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	1,658,084		$	1,826,597
	Equity compensation		32,219			29,337
	Deferred revenue		35,689			33,523
	Tax credit and other attribute carryforwards		109,294			110,563
	Insurance loss reserves		4,645			10,873
	Accrued interest		224,959			55,143
	Other		162,678			49,556
	Subtotal		2,227,568			2,115,592
	Valuation allowance		(1,547,441	)		(1,520,852	)
	Deferred tax assets:	$	680,127		$	594,740
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and amortization for tax in excess of book expense	$	967,689		$	945,888
	Variable interest investments		85,979			144,020
	Other		17,890			—
	Deferred tax liability	$	1,071,558		$	1,089,908
	Net deferred assets (liabilities)	$	(391,431	)	$	(495,168	)
	Balance Sheet Summary:
	Net current deferred asset	$	121,316		$	110,480
	Net noncurrent deferred asset(1)		6,491			4,408
	Net current deferred liability(2)		(3,075	)		(10,721	)
	Net noncurrent deferred liability		(516,161	)		(599,335	)
	Net deferred asset (liability)	$	(391,429	)	$	(495,168	)
	-1
	This amount is included in other long-term assets.
	-2
	This amount is included in accrued liabilities.
NOL carryforwards by year of expiration	'
		Total			U.S. Federal			Non-U.S.
		(In thousands)
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014	$	14,538		$	—		$	14,538
	2015		12,052			—			12,052
	2016		37,089			—			37,089
	2017		46,234			—			46,234
	2018		55,688			999			54,689
	2019		27,418			17,722			9,696
	2020		17,065			—			17,065
	2021		24,020			—			24,020
	2022		475			—			475
	2023		5,673			—			5,673
	2030		28,173			—			28,173
	2031		259,630			189,444			70,186
	2032		82,328			—			82,328
	2033		94,533			4,778			89,755
	Subtotal: expiring NOLs	$	704,916		$	212,943		$	491,973
	Non-expiring NOLs		4,924,153			—			4,924,153
	Total	$	5,629,069		$	212,943		$	5,416,126

Pension_Postretirement_and_Pos1

Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'
Pool pension plan	'
		Pension Benefits
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	29,205		$	26,659
	Remeasurement		—			—
	Interest cost		1,078			1,116
	Actuarial loss (gain)		(3,360	)		2,107
	Benefit payments		(730	)		(677	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year(1)	$	26,193		$	29,205
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	18,780		$	16,352
	Actual (loss) returns on plan assets		2,736			1,598
	Employer contributions		598			1,507
	Benefit payments		(730	)		(677	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	21,384		$	18,780
	Funded status:
	Underfunded status at end of year	$	(4,809	)	$	(10,425	)
	Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
	Other long-term liabilities	$	(4,809	)	$	(10,425	)
	-1
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the accumulated benefit obligation was the same as the projected benefit obligation.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost (recognized in our consolidated statements of income):
	Interest cost	$	1,078		$	1,116		$	1,198
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,210	)		(1,086	)		(1,008	)
	Recognized net actuarial loss		1,123			1,034			628
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	991		$	1,064		$	818
	Weighted-average assumptions:
	Weighted-average discount rates		4.75	%		3.75	%		4.25	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		6.5	%		6.5	%		6.5	%
Investments within the fair value of Pool Pension Plan	'
		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(In thousands)
	Assets:(1)
	Cash	$	—		$	558		$	—		$	558
	Short-term investments:
	Available-for-sale equity securities(2)		—			11,988			—			11,988
	Available-for-sale debt securities(3)		—			8,838			—			8,838
	Total investments		—			20,826			—			20,826
	Total	$	—		$	21,384		$	—		$	21,384
	-1
	Includes investments in collective trust funds that are valued based on the fair value of the underlying investments using quoted prices in active markets or other significant inputs that are deemed observable.
	-2
	Includes funds that invest primarily in U.S. common stocks and foreign equity securities.
	-3
	Includes funds that invest primarily in investment grade debt.
Weighted-average asset allocations of Pool Pension Plan	'
		Pension Benefits
		2013			2012
	Cash		3	%		3	%
	Equity securities		56	%		55	%
	Debt securities		41	%		42	%
	Total		100	%		100	%
Benefits paid for five years thereafter	'
	As of December 31, 2013, we expect that benefits to be paid in each of the next five years after 2013 and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter will be as follows:
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	1,060
	2015		1,171
	2016		1,258
	2017		1,370
	2018		1,476
	2019 - 2023		8,602
		$	14,937

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Minimum rental commitments under non cancellable operating leases	'
	The minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, with lease terms in excess of one year subsequent to December 31, 2013, were as follows:
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	24,689
	2015		11,660
	2016		8,001
	2017		4,896
	2018		1,578
	Thereafter		7,926
		$	58,750
Schedule of pipeline contractual commitments	'
	Our pipeline contractual commitments as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	44,365
	2015		29,285
	2016		15,522
	2017		14,195
	2018		13,829
	Thereafter(1)		53,954
		$	171,150
	-1
	Final commitment period is for the period ending October 2029. See Note 5—Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations for additional discussion.
Minimum salary and bonus obligations under employment contract	'
	Our minimum salary and bonus obligations under these contracts as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	6,984
	2015		6,443
	2016		5,774
	2017		3,640
	2018		1,200
	Thereafter		300
		$	24,341
Summary of total maximum amount of financial guarantees issued	'
		Maximum Amount
		2014		2015		2016		Thereafter		Total
		(In thousands)
	Financial standby letters of credit and other financial surety instruments	$	70,144		34		—		11,933	$	82,111

Earnings_Losses_Per_Share_Tabl

Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	'
Earnings (losses) per share computations	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands, except per share
		amounts)
	Net income (loss) (numerator):
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	158,341		$	232,974		$	347,170
	Less: net (income) loss attributable noncontrolling interest		(7,180	)		(621	)		(1,045	)
	Less: net (income) loss allocated to unvested shareholders		(1,277	)		—			—
	Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations—basic and diluted		149,884			232,353			346,125
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(11,179	)		(67,526	)		(97,601	)
	Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	138,705		$	164,827		$	248,524
	Earnings (losses) per share:
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.51		$	0.8		$	1.21
	Basic from discontinued operations		(0.04	)		(0.23	)		(0.34	)
	Total Basic	$	0.47		$	0.57		$	0.87
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.51		$	0.79		$	1.18
	Diluted from discontinued operations		(0.04	)		(0.23	)		(0.33	)
	Total Diluted	$	0.47		$	0.56		$	0.85
	Shares (denominator):
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding—basic		294,182			289,965			287,118
	Net effect of dilutive stock options, warrants and restricted stock awards based on the if-converted method		2,410			2,358			5,366
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding—diluted		296,592			292,323			292,484

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc1

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	'
Accrued liabilities	'
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Accrued compensation	$	172,803		$	158,095
	Deferred revenue		202,918			148,165
	Other taxes payable		76,781			58,590
	Workers' compensation liabilities		29,459			22,645
	Interest payable		64,728			90,878
	Warranty accrual		4,653			6,436
	Litigation reserves		30,784			26,782
	Current liability to discontinued operations		64,404			68,961
	Professional fees		2,971			2,989
	Current deferred tax liability		3,075			10,721
	Current liability to acquisition of KVS		22,033			—
	Other accrued liabilities		22,484			5,118
		$	697,093		$	599,380
Investment income (loss)	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Interest and dividend income	$	5,120		$	7,536		$	9,929
	Gains (losses) on investments, net		91,457	-1		55,601	-2		10,010	-3
		$	96,577		$	63,137		$	19,939
	-1
	Includes net gains of $2.5 million from our trading securities and $89.0 million realized gains from short-term and other long-term investments.
	-2
	Includes net unrealized gains of $41.1 million from our trading securities and $14.5 million realized gains from short-term and other long-term investments.
	-3
	Reflects gain (loss) on sale of debt securities and gains (losses) from our long-term investments of $18.0 million, partially offset by net unrealized losses of $8.0 million from our trading securities.
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Losses (gains) on sales, disposals and involuntary conversions of long-lived assets	$	13,624		$	-147,522	-1	$	-11,196	-2
	Litigation expenses		11,684			5,382			11,301
	Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)		6,219			4,787			5,499
	Losses (gains) on derivative instruments		—			(1,281	)		(2,159	)
	Other losses (gains)		6,450			1,998			1,029
		$	37,977		$	(136,636	)	$	4,474
	-1
	Includes a $160 million gain from the sale of our equity interest in Sabine.
	-2
	Includes a $13.1 million pre-tax gain from our acquisition of Peak during 2011 representing the excess of the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities over the net carrying value of our previously held equity interest. See Note 6—Acquisitions for additional discussion.
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
		Gains			Unrealized			Defined			Foreign			Total
		(losses) on			gains (losses)			benefit			currency
		cash flow			on available-			pension plan			items
		hedges			for-sale			items
					securities
		(In thousands(a))
	As of January 1, 2013	$	(2,793	)	$	134,229		$	(7,632	)	$	307,791		$	431,595
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		—			22,968			—			(65,447	)		(42,479	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		374			(85,455	)		3,557			—			(81,524	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)		374			(62,487	)		3,557			(65,447	)		(124,003	)
	As of December 31, 2013	$	(2,419	)	$	71,742		$	(4,075	)	$	242,344		$	307,592
	(a)
	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
Schedule of line items that were reclassified from net income	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Investment income (loss), net of income taxes of $2,664, $4,316 and $86	$	88,158		$	13,405		$	3,036
	Interest expense, net of income taxes of ($239), ($239) and ($239)		613			702			763
	General and administrative expenses, net of incomes taxes of ($2,359), $70 and $2,102		5,916			(324	)		(5,391	)
	Total before tax		81,629			13,027			7,664
	Tax expense (benefit)		66			4,147			1,777
	Reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)	$	81,563		$	8,880		$	5,887
Supplemental cash flow information	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Cash paid for income taxes	$	100,749		$	85,044		$	53,759
	Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest	$	239,637		$	250,045		$	208,212
	Acquisitions of businesses:
	Fair value of assets acquired	$	140,740		$	—		$	80,585
	Goodwill		51,318			—			8,000
	Liabilities assumed		(8,232	)		—			(10,471	)
	Gain on acquisition		—			—			(13,114	)
	Future consideration payments (fair value)		(64,174	)		—			—
	Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses		119,652			—			65,000
	Cash acquired in acquisitions of businesses		(2,681	)		—			(9,541	)
	Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net	$	116,971		$	—		$	55,459

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_1

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	'
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	'
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Quarter Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates from continuing operations(1)	$	1,538,373		$	1,459,326		$	1,548,965		$	1,605,390
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	92,207		$	28,128		$	(90,510	)	$	128,516
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		7,011			(26,873	)		(14,430	)		23,113
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(97	)		(5,616	)		(441	)		(1,026	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	99,121		$	(4,361	)	$	(105,381	)	$	150,603
	Earnings (losses) per share:(2)
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.31		$	0.08		$	(0.30	)	$	0.43
	Basic from discontinued operations		0.03			(0.09	)		(0.05	)		0.07
	Total Basic	$	0.34		$	(0.01	)	$	(0.35	)	$	0.5
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.31		$	0.08		$	(0.30	)	$	0.42
	Diluted from discontinued operations		0.02			(0.09	)		(0.05	)		0.08
	Total Diluted	$	0.33		$	(0.01	)	$	(0.35	)	$	0.5
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Quarter Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
		Restated			Restated
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates from continuing operations(3)	$	1,810,367		$	1,541,841		$	1,630,380		$	1,571,745
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	158,546		$	(121,626	)	$	64,489		$	131,565
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(2,977	)		26,710			12,155			(103,414	)
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		267			1,174			(988	)		(1,074	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	155,836		$	(93,742	)	$	75,656		$	27,077
	Earnings (losses) per share:(2)
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.55		$	(0.41	)	$	0.22		$	0.45
	Basic from discontinued operations		(0.01	)		0.09			0.04			(0.36	)
	Total Basic	$	0.54		$	(0.32	)	$	0.26		$	0.09
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.54		$	(0.41	)	$	0.22		$	0.45
	Diluted from discontinued operations		(0.01	)		0.09			0.04			(0.36	)
	Total Diluted	$	0.53		$	(0.32	)	$	0.26		$	0.09
	-1
	Includes earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net, accounted for by the equity method, of $2.9 million, $1.4 million, ($2.6) million and ($1.6) million, respectively.
	-2
	Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal the total computed for the year.
	-3
	Includes earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net, accounted for by the equity method, of ($34.3) million, ($156.1) million, ($99.5) million and $1.2 million, respectively.
Schedule of effect on consolidated balance sheets	'
		2012
		March 31
	(In thousands)	As Reported			Adjustment			Restated
	Inventory	$	265,787		$	(3,200	)	$	262,587
	Total current assets		3,129,224			(3,200	)		3,126,024
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		303,103			21,746			324,849
	Total assets		13,148,194			18,546			13,166,740
	Deferred income taxes		855,057			(2,407	)		852,650
	Total liabilities		7,255,826			(2,407	)		7,253,419
	Retained earnings		4,090,454			20,953			4,111,407
	Total shareholders' equity		5,810,923			20,953			5,831,876
	Total equity		5,823,180			20,953			5,844,133
	Total liabilities and equity		13,148,194			20,953			13,169,147
Schedule of effect on consolidated statements of income (loss)	'
		Quarter Ended
		March 31, 2012									June 30, 2012
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	As			Adjustment			Restated			As			Adjustment			Restated
		Reported(1)									Reported(1)
	Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates	$	(68,669	)	$	34,348		$	(34,321	)	$	(134,317	)	$	(21,746	)	$	(156,063	)
	Total revenues and other income		1,796,271			34,348			1,830,619			1,568,955			(21,746	)		1,547,209
	Direct costs		1,154,113			1,604			1,155,717			1,092,375			(3,200	)		1,089,175
	Total costs and other deductions		1,593,948			1,604			1,595,552			1,706,553			(3,200	)		1,703,353
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		202,323			32,744			235,067			(137,598	)		(18,546	)		(156,144	)
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		38,767			10,998			49,765			(72,373	)		2,407			(69,966	)
	Income tax expense (benefit)		64,773			10,998			75,771			(37,675	)		2,407			(35,268	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		136,800			21,746			158,546			(100,673	)		(20,953	)		(121,626	)
	Net income (loss)		133,823			21,746			155,569			(73,963	)		(20,953	)		(94,916	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		134,090			21,746			155,836			(72,789	)		(20,953	)		(93,742	)
	Earnings (losses) per share:(2)
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.48		$	0.08		$	0.55		$	(0.34	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.41	)
	Total Basic	$	0.46		$	0.08		$	0.54		$	(0.25	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.32	)
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.47		$	0.07		$	0.54		$	(0.34	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.41	)
	Total Diluted	$	0.46		$	0.07		$	0.53		$	(0.25	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.32	)
		Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2012
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	As			Adjustment			Restated
		Reported(1)
	Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates	$	(202,986	)	$	12,602		$	(190,384	)
	Total revenues and other income		3,365,226			12,602			3,377,828
	Direct costs		2,246,488			(1,596	)		2,244,892
	Total costs and other deductions		3,300,501			(1,596	)		3,298,905
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		64,725			14,198			78,923
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(33,606	)		13,405			(20,201	)
	Income tax expense (benefit)		27,098			13,405			40,503
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		36,127			793			36,920
	Net income (loss)		59,860			793			60,653
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		61,301			793			62,094
	Earnings (losses) per share:(2)
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.13			—		$	0.13
	Total Basic	$	0.21			—		$	0.21
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.13			—		$	0.13
	Total Diluted	$	0.21			—		$	0.21
	-1
	Amounts reflect the retrospective reclassification of the results of Peak as discontinued operations. Refer to Note 5—Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations for additional information.
	-2
	Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the columns presented. Therefore, the sum of the earnings per share may not equal the total revised.
Schedule of effect on consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss)	'
		Quarter Ended
		March 31, 2012									June 30, 2012
	(In thousands)	As Reported			Adjustment			Restated			As Reported			Adjustment			Restated
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	134,090		$	21,746		$	155,836		$	(72,789	)	$	(20,953	)	$	(93,742	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		155,289			21,746			177,035			(97,164	)		(20,953	)		(118,117	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)		155,265			21,746			177,011			(98,554	)		(20,953	)		(119,507	)
		Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2012
	(In thousands)	As Reported			Adjustment			Restated
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	61,301		$	793		$	62,094
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	58,125		$	793		$	58,918
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	56,711		$	793		$	57,504
Schedule of effect on consolidated statements of cash flow	'
		Three Months Ended									Six Months Ended
		March 31, 2012									June 30, 2012
	(In thousands)	As			Adjustment			Restated			As			Adjustment			Restated
		Reported									Reported
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	134,090		$	21,746		$	155,836		$	61,301		$	793		$	62,094
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		38,802			10,998			49,800			(15,404	)		13,405			(1,999	)
	Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends		68,668			(34,348	)		34,320			202,985			(12,602	)		190,383
	Inventory		7,883			3,200			11,083
	Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(119,195	)		(1,596	)		(120,791	)		(94,423	)		(1,596	)		(96,019	)
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	244,183		$	—		$	244,183		$	711,937		$	—		$	711,937
Schedule of effect on consolidated statements of changes in equity	'
		March 31, 2012
	(In thousands)	As Reported			Adjustment			Revised
	Retained earnings	$	4,090,454		$	20,953		$	4,111,407
	Total equity		5,823,180			20,953			5,844,133

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information	'
Financial information with respect to operating segments	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:(1)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	1,914,786		$	2,276,808		$	1,999,241
	Canada		361,676			429,411			426,455
	International		1,464,264			1,265,060			1,104,461
	Rig Services(2)		516,004			688,310			626,169
	Subtotal drilling and rig services(3)		4,256,730			4,659,589			4,156,326
	Completion & Production Services:
	Completion Services		1,074,713			1,462,767			1,237,306
	Production Services		1,009,214			1,000,873			849,522
	Subtotal completion and production services(4)		2,083,927			2,463,640			2,086,828
	Other reconciling items(5)		(188,603	)		(568,896	)		(144,226	)
	Total	$	6,152,054		$	6,554,333		$	6,098,928
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities:(1)(6)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	315,496		$	509,894		$	442,831
	Canada		61,193			91,360			89,344
	International		177,833			91,226			123,813
	Rig Services(2)		(3,918	)		67,366			55,856
	Subtotal drilling and rig services(3)		550,604			759,846			711,844
	Completion & Production Services:
	Completion Services		51,722			188,518			229,125
	Production Services		102,130			108,835			80,018
	Subtotal completion and production services(4)		153,852			297,353			309,143
	Other reconciling items(7)		(146,237	)		(148,649	)		(154,981	)
	Total adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	$	558,219		$	908,550		$	866,006
	U.S. oil and gas joint venture earnings (losses)		—			(289,199	)		88,486
	Interest expense		(223,418	)		(251,904	)		(256,632	)
	Investment income (loss)		96,577			63,137			19,939
	Gains (losses) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other income (expense), net		(37,977	)		136,636			(4,474	)
	Impairments and other charges		(287,241	)		(290,260	)		(198,072	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		106,160			276,960			515,253
	Income tax expense (benefit)		(55,181	)		40,986			165,083
	Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		3,000			3,000			3,000
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		158,341			232,974			347,170
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(11,179	)		(67,526	)		(97,601	)
	Net income (loss)		147,162			165,448			249,569
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(7,180	)		(621	)		(1,045	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	139,982		$	164,827		$	248,524
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Depreciation and amortization(1)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	440,210		$	406,740		$	360,604
	Canada		57,796			59,191			57,382
	International		346,659			330,388			273,315
	Rig Services(2)		32,029			29,617			28,192
	Subtotal drilling and rig services		876,694			825,936			719,493
	Completion & Production Services:
	Completion Services		109,242			112,401			102,009
	Production Services		103,502			104,201			96,885
	Subtotal completion and production services		212,744			216,602			198,894
	Other reconciling items(7)		(2,761	)		(2,615	)		(265	)
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	1,086,677		$	1,039,923		$	918,122
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses:(9)
Drilling & Rig Services:
U.S.	$	644,792		$	758,555		$	719,741
Canada		59,386			78,729			58,134
International		248,980			265,249			653,759
Rig Services(2)		70,831			39,923			136,739
Subtotal drilling and rig services		1,023,989			1,142,456			1,568,373
Completion & Production Services(8)		325,449			238,300			487,900
Other reconciling items(7)		16,556			52,830			191,462
Total capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses	$	1,365,994		$	1,433,586		$	2,247,735
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Total assets:
Drilling & Rig Services:
U.S.	$	4,248,630		$	4,157,470
Canada		608,018			699,698
International		3,584,339			3,626,307
Rig Services		474,275			644,350
Subtotal drilling and rig services(10)		8,915,262			9,127,825
Completion & Production Services(8)(11)		2,394,865			2,301,803
Other reconciling items(7)(12)		849,684			1,226,394
Total assets	$	12,159,811		$	12,656,022
-1
All periods present the operating activities of our wholly owned oil and gas businesses, our previously held equity interests in oil and gas joint ventures in Canada and Colombia, aircraft logistics operations and construction services as discontinued operations.
-2
Includes our drilling technology and top drive manufacturing, directional drilling, rig instrumentation and software services. These services represent our other companies that are not aggregated into a reportable operating segment.
-3
Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of ($0.4) and ($3.1) million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2011, respectively.
-4
Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
-5
Represents the elimination of inter-segment transactions and earnings (losses), net from the U.S. unconsolidated oil and gas joint venture, accounted for using the equity method until sold in December 2012, of ($289.2) million and $88.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
-6
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities is computed by subtracting the sum of direct costs, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization and earnings (losses) from the U.S. oil and gas joint venture from the sum of Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates. These amounts should not be used as a substitute for the amounts reported in accordance with GAAP. However, management evaluates the performance of our business units and the consolidated company based on several criteria, including adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities, because it believes that these financial measures accurately reflect our ongoing profitability. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, which is a GAAP measure, is provided in the above table.
-7
Represents the elimination of inter-segment transactions and unallocated corporate expenses, assets and capital expenditures.
-8
Reflects assets allocated to the line of business to conduct its operations. Further allocation to individual operating segments of Completion & Production Services is not available.
-9
Includes the portion of the purchase price of acquisitions allocated to fixed assets and goodwill based on their fair market value.
-10
Includes $57.0 million and $59.9 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
-11
Includes $7.4 million and $1.8 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
-12
Includes assets of $239.9 million and $377.6 million from oil and gas businesses classified as assets held-for-sale as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Schedule of financial information with respect to Nabors' operations by geographic area	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
					Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:
	U.S.	$	4,146,125		$	4,625,614		$	4,311,009
	Outside the U.S.		2,005,929			1,928,719			1,787,919
		$	6,152,054		$	6,554,333		$	6,098,928
	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	U.S.	$	5,474,746		$	5,179,578		$	4,974,239
	Outside the U.S.		3,123,067			3,532,510			3,655,707
		$	8,597,813		$	8,712,088		$	8,629,946
	Goodwill:
	U.S.	$	498,149		$	456,463		$	466,794
	Outside the U.S.		14,815			15,863			34,464
		$	512,964		$	472,326		$	501,258

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	'
		December 31, 2013
		Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
		(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
		Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
					Guarantor)			Guarantors)
		(In thousands)
			ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash	$	730		$	7,029		$	382,156		$	—		$	389,915
	Short-term investments		—			—			117,218			—			117,218
	Assets held for sale		—			—			243,264			—			243,264
	Accounts receivable, net		27			—			1,399,516			—			1,399,543
	Inventory		—			—			209,793			—			209,793
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			121,316			—			121,316
	Other current assets		50			26,378			246,353			—			272,781
	Total current assets		807			33,407			2,719,616			—			2,753,830
	Long-term investments		—			—			3,236			—			3,236
	Property, plant and equipment, net		—			33,815			8,563,998			—			8,597,813
	Goodwill		—			—			512,964			—			512,964
	Intercompany receivables		160,136			3,891			1,583,539			(1,747,566	)		—
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		5,808,606			6,097,337			1,854,111			(13,695,794	)		64,260
	Other long-term assets		—			34,487			193,221			—			227,708
	Total assets	$	5,969,549		$	6,202,937		$	15,430,685		$	(15,443,360	)	$	12,159,811
			LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current debt	$	—		$	—		$	10,185		$	—		$	10,185
	Trade accounts payable		86			25			545,401			—			545,512
	Accrued liabilities		378			65,947			630,768			—			697,093
	Income taxes payable		—			—			58,634			—			58,634
	Total current liabilities		464			65,972			1,244,988			—			1,311,424
	Long-term debt		—			3,904,059			58			—			3,904,117
	Other long-term liabilities		—			31,071			346,673			—			377,744
	Deferred income taxes		—			(213,233	)		729,394			—			516,161
	Intercompany payable		—			1,747,566			—			(1,747,566	)		—
	Total liabilities		464			5,535,435			2,321,113			(1,747,566	)		6,109,446
	Subsidiary preferred stock		—			—			69,188			—			69,188
	Shareholders' equity		5,969,085			667,502			13,028,293			(13,695,794	)		5,969,086
	Noncontrolling interest		—			—			12,091			—			12,091
	Total equity		5,969,085			667,502			13,040,384			(13,695,794	)		5,981,177
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,969,549		$	6,202,937		$	15,430,685		$	(15,443,360	)	$	12,159,811
		December 31, 2012
		Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
		(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
		Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
					Guarantor)			Guarantors)
		(In thousands)
			ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash	$	1,639		$	106,778		$	416,505		$	—		$	524,922
	Short-term investments		—			—			253,282			—			253,282
	Assets held for sale		—			—			383,857			—			383,857
	Accounts receivable, net		—			—			1,382,623			—			1,382,623
	Inventory		—			—			251,133			—			251,133
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			110,480			—			110,480
	Other current assets		50			—			226,510			—			226,560
	Total current assets		1,689			106,778			3,024,390			—			3,132,857
	Long-term investments		—			—			4,269			—			4,269
	Property, plant and equipment, net		—			37,300			8,674,788			—			8,712,088
	Goodwill		—			—			472,326			—			472,326
	Intercompany receivables		174,948			1,690,636			670,404			(2,535,988	)		—
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		5,769,518			5,129,458			395,246			(11,232,532	)		61,690
	Other long-term assets		—			31,904			240,888			—			272,792
	Total assets	$	5,946,155		$	6,996,076		$	13,482,311		$	(13,768,520	)	$	12,656,022
		LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current debt	$	—		$	—		$	364		$	—		$	364
Trade accounts payable		116			23			498,871			—			499,010
Accrued liabilities		1,110			91,520			506,750			—			599,380
Income taxes payable		—			—			33,628			—			33,628
Total current liabilities		1,226			91,543			1,039,613			—			1,132,382
Long-term debt		—			4,379,263			73			—			4,379,336
Other long-term liabilities		—			30,983			487,681			—			518,664
Deferred income taxes		—			(24,906	)		624,241			—			599,335
Intercompany payable		—			2,535,988			—			(2,535,988	)		—
Total liabilities		1,226			7,012,871			2,151,608			(2,535,988	)		6,629,717
Subsidiary preferred stock		—			—			69,188			—			69,188
Shareholders' equity		5,944,929			(16,795	)		11,249,327			(11,232,532	)		5,944,929
Noncontrolling interest		—			—			12,188			—			12,188
Total equity		5,944,929			(16,795	)		11,261,515			(11,232,532	)		5,957,117
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,946,155		$	6,996,076		$	13,482,311		$	(13,768,520	)	$	12,656,022
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)	'
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
		(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
		Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
					Guarantor)			Guarantors)
		(In thousands)
	Revenues and other income:
	Operating revenues	$	—		$	—		$	6,152,015		$	—		$	6,152,015
	Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			39			—			39
	Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		158,445			191,821			(92,137	)		(258,129	)		—
	Investment income (loss)		1			75			101,047			(4,546	)		96,577
	Intercompany interest income		—			92			—			(92	)		—
	Total revenues and other income		158,446			191,988			6,160,964			(262,767	)		6,248,631
	Costs and other deductions:
	Direct costs		—			—			3,981,828			—			3,981,828
	General and administrative expenses		11,111			796			514,000			(577	)		525,330
	Depreciation and amortization		—			3,610			1,083,067			—			1,086,677
	Interest expense		—			234,512			(11,094	)		—			223,418
	Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		7,353			211,976			(181,929	)		577			37,977
	Impairments and other charges								287,241						287,241
	Intercompany interest espense		—			—			92			(92	)		—
	Total costs and other deductions		18,464			450,894			5,673,205			(92	)		6,142,471
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes		139,982			(258,906	)		487,759			(262,675	)		106,160
	Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(166,769	)		111,588			—			(55,181	)
	Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			3,000			—			3,000
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		139,982			(92,137	)		373,171			(262,675	)		158,341
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			(11,179	)		—			(11,179	)
	Net income (loss)		139,982			(92,137	)		361,992			(262,675	)		147,162
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(7,180	)		—			(7,180	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	139,982		$	(92,137	)	$	354,812		$	(262,675	)	$	139,982
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Nabors (Parent/			Nabors Delaware			Other			Consolidating			Total
		Guarantor)			(Issuer/			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
					Guarantor)			(Non-
								Guarantors)
		Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Revenues and other income:
	Operating revenues	$	—		$	—		$	6,843,051		$	—		$	6,843,051
	Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(288,718	)		—			(288,718	)
	Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		173,199			(99,048	)		(206,413	)		132,262			—
	Investment income (loss)		—			43			63,094			—			63,137
	Intercompany interest income		—			69,145			—			(69,145	)		—
	Total revenues and other income		173,199			(29,860	)		6,411,014			63,117			6,617,470
	Costs and other deductions:
	Direct costs		—			—			4,367,106			—			4,367,106
	General and administrative expenses		7,141			458			521,962			(1,608	)		527,953
	Depreciation and amortization		—			3,610			1,036,313			—			1,039,923
	Interest expense		—			268,904			(17,000	)		—			251,904
	Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		1,231			(2,451	)		(137,024	)		1,608			(136,636	)
	Impairments and other charges		—			—			290,260			—			290,260
	Intercompany interest expense		—			—			69,145			(69,145	)		—
	Total costs and other deductions		8,372			270,521			6,130,762			(69,145	)		6,340,510
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes		164,827			(300,381	)		280,252			132,262			276,960
	Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(74,493	)		115,479			—			40,986
	Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			3,000			—			3,000
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		164,827			(225,888	)		161,773			132,262			232,974
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			(67,526	)		—			(67,526	)
	Net income (loss)		164,827			(225,888	)		94,247			132,262			165,448
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(621	)		—			(621	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	164,827		$	(225,888	)	$	93,626		$	132,262		$	164,827
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
(Parent/		Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
Guarantor)		(Issuer/			(Non-
		Guarantor)			Guarantors)
	Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised
	(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues	$	—		$	—		$	6,013,480		$	—		$	6,013,480
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			85,448			—			85,448
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		261,090			233,028			126,256			(620,374	)		—
Investment income (loss)		4			68			19,867			—			19,939
Intercompany interest income		—			69,437			—			(69,437	)		—
Total revenues and other income		261,094			302,533			6,245,051			(689,811	)		6,118,867
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs		—			—			3,738,506			—			3,738,506
General and administrative expenses		11,970			348			476,090			(600	)		487,808
Depreciation and amortization		—			3,532			914,590			—			918,122
Interest expense		—			278,657			(22,025	)		—			256,632
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		600			(1,904	)		5,178			600			4,474
Impairments and other charges		—			—			198,072			—			198,072
Intercompany interest expense		—			—			69,437			(69,437	)		—
Total costs and other deductions		12,570			280,633			5,379,848			(69,437	)		5,603,614
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		248,524			21,900			865,203			(620,374	)		515,253
Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(78,118	)		243,201			—			165,083
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			3,000			—			3,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		248,524			100,018			619,002			(620,374	)		347,170
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			(97,601	)		—			(97,601	)
Net income (loss)		248,524			100,018			521,401			(620,374	)		249,569
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(1,045	)		—			(1,045	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		248,524			100,018			520,356			(620,374	)		248,524
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
		(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
		Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
					Guarantor)			Guarantors)
		(In thousands)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	139,982		$	(92,137	)	$	354,812		$	(262,675	)	$	139,982
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
	Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		(65,447	)		87			(65,357	)		65,270			(65,447	)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		23,007			98			23,105			(23,203	)		23,007
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(88,158	)		(7,114	)		(95,272	)		102,386			(88,158	)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		(65,151	)		(7,016	)		(72,167	)		79,183			(65,151	)
	Pension plan		5,916			5,916			11,832			(17,748	)		5,916
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges		613			613			613			(1,226	)		613
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax		(124,069	)		(400	)		(125,079	)		125,479			(124,069	)
	Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(66	)		(66	)		(370	)		436			(66	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(124,003	)		(334	)		(124,709	)		125,043			(124,003	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		15,979			(92,471	)		230,103			(137,632	)		15,979
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		7,180			—			7,180			(7,180	)		7,180
	Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		(932	)		—			(932	)		932			(932	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		6,248			—			6,248			(6,248	)		6,248
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	22,227		$	(92,471	)	$	236,351		$	(143,880	)	$	22,227
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
		(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
		Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
					Guarantor)			Guarantors)
		Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	164,827		$	(225,888	)	$	93,626		$	132,262		$	164,827
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
	Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		21,073			(88	)		20,987			(20,899	)		21,073
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		98,138			133			98,271			(98,404	)		98,138
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(13,405	)		(11,488	)		(24,893	)		36,381			(13,405	)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		84,733			(11,355	)		73,378			(62,023	)		84,733
	Pension plan		(324	)		(324	)		(648	)		972			(324	)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges		702			702			702			(1,404	)		702
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax		106,184			(11,065	)		94,419			(83,354	)		106,184
	Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(4,147	)		(4,147	)		(8,533	)		12,680			(4,147	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		110,331			(6,918	)		102,952			(96,034	)		110,331
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		275,158			(232,806	)		196,578			36,228			275,158
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		621			—			621			(621	)		621
	Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		311			—			311			(311	)		311
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		932			—			932			(932	)		932
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	276,090		$	(232,806	)	$	197,510		$	35,296		$	276,090
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
		(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
		Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
					Guarantor)			Guarantors)
		Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised			Revised
		(In thousands)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	248,524		$	100,018		$	520,356		$	(620,374	)	$	248,524
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
	Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		(20,257	)		(5,511	)		(25,768	)		31,279			(20,257	)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		5,356			226			5,582			(5,808	)		5,356
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(3,036	)		—			(3,036	)		3,036			(3,036	)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		2,320			226			2,546			(2,772	)		2,320
	Pension plan		(5,391	)		(5,391	)		(10,782	)		16,173			(5,391	)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges		763			763			763			(1,526	)		763
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax		(22,565	)		(9,913	)		(33,241	)		43,154			(22,565	)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,777	)		(1,777	)		(3,793	)		5,570			(1,777	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(20,788	)		(8,136	)		(29,448	)		37,584			(20,788	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		227,736			91,882			490,908			(582,790	)		227,736
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		1,045			—			1,045			(1,045	)		1,045
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		(185	)		—			(185	)		185			(185	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		860			—			860			(860	)		860
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	228,596		$	91,882		$	491,768		$	(583,650	)	$	228,596
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	'
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
		(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
		Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
					Guarantor)			Guarantors)
		(In thousands)
	Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	16,746		$	(157,952	)	$	1,531,902		$	27,527		$	1,418,223
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of investments		—			—			—			—			—
	Sales and maturities of investments		—			—			164,510			—			164,510
	Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			12,640			—			12,640
	Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net		—			—			(116,971	)		—			(116,971	)
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(5,967	)		—			(5,967	)
	Capital expenditures		—			—			(1,178,205	)		—			(1,178,205	)
	Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims		—			—			308,538			—			308,538
	Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates		(100	)		(772,000	)		(1,544,000	)		2,316,100			—
	Other		—			—			(13	)		—			(13	)
	Changes in intercompany balances		—			748,537			(748,537	)		—			—
	Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		(100	)		(23,463	)		(3,108,005	)		2,316,100			(815,468	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts		—			—			(4,421	)		—			(4,421	)
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			698,434			319			—			698,753
	Debt issuance costs		—			(4,500	)		—			—			(4,500	)
	Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares		37,455			—			—			(32,072	)		5,383
	Reduction in long-term debt		—			(994,112	)		(69	)		—			(994,181	)
	Dividends to shareholders		(51,713	)		—			—			4,545			(47,168	)
	Proceeds (reductions) in commercial paper, net		—			329,844			—			—			329,844
	Reduction in revolving credit facilities		—			(720,000	)		—			—			(720,000	)
	Proceeds from parent contributions		—			772,000			1,544,100			(2,316,100	)		—
	Other		(3,296	)		—			10,000			—			6,704
	Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		(17,554	)		81,666			1,549,929			(2,343,627	)		(729,586	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(8,176	)		—			(8,176	)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(908	)		(99,749	)		(34,350	)		—			(135,007	)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,639			106,778			416,505			—			524,922
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	731		$	7,029		$	382,155		$	—		$	389,915
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
		(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
		Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
					Guarantor)			Guarantors)
		(In thousands)
	Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	7,253		$	39,708		$	1,546,250		$	(30,506	)	$	1,562,705
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of investments		—			—			(949	)		—			(949	)
	Sales and maturities of investments		—			—			31,944			—			31,944
	Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			159,529			—			159,529
	Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net		(35	)		—			—			35			—
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(1,325	)		—			(1,325	)
	Capital expenditures		—			—			(1,518,628	)		—			(1,518,628	)
	Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims		—			—			149,801			—			149,801
	Changes in intercompany balances		—			274,482			(274,482	)		—			—
	Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		(35	)		274,482			(1,454,110	)		35			(1,179,628	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts		—			—			1,612			—			1,612
	Debt issuance costs		—			(3,433	)		—			—			(3,433	)
	Proceeds from revolving credit facilities		—			710,000			—			—			710,000
	Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares		(3,622	)		—			(3	)		—			(3,625	)
	Reduction in long-term debt		—			(224,997	)		(51,261	)		—			(276,258	)
	Reduction in revolving credit facilities		—			(680,000	)		—			—			(680,000	)
	Other		(2,160	)		—			(263	)		—			(2,423	)
	Proceeds from parent contributions		—			—			35			(35	)		—
	Cash dividends paid		—			(9,003	)		(21,503	)		30,506			—
	Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		(5,782	)		(207,433	)		(71,383	)		30,471			(254,127	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(2,603	)		—			(2,603	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1,436			106,757			18,154			—			126,347
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		203			21			398,351			—			398,575
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,639		$	106,778		$	416,505		$	—		$	524,922
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Nabors			Nabors			Other			Consolidating			Total
	(Parent/			Delaware			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Guarantor)			(Issuer/			(Non-
				Guarantor)			Guarantors)
	(In thousands)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	6,612		$	(109,125	)	$	1,559,000		$	—		$	1,456,487
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of investments		—			—			(11,746	)		—			(11,746	)
Sales and maturities of investments		—			—			39,063			—			39,063
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliate		—			—			142,984			—			142,984
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net		—			—			(55,459	)		—			(55,459	)
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(112,262	)		—			(112,262	)
Capital expenditures		—			—			(2,042,617	)		—			(2,042,617	)
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims		—			—			180,558			—			180,558
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates		(26,235	)		(65,000	)		—			91,235			—
Changes in intercompany balances		—			77,947			(77,947	)		—			—
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		(26,235	)		12,947			(1,937,426	)		91,235			(1,859,479	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts		—			—			6,375			—			6,375
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			697,578			—			—			697,578
Debt issuance costs		—			(7,141	)		—			—			(7,141	)
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities		—			1,510,000			50,000			—			1,560,000
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares		11,605			—			—			—			11,605
Reduction in long-term debt		—			(1,404,246	)		(35	)		—			(1,404,281	)
Reduction in revolving credit facilities		—			(700,000	)		—			—			(700,000	)
Proceeds from parent contributions		—			—			91,235			(91,235	)		—
Other		(2,626	)		(12	)		1,747			—			(891	)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		8,979			96,179			149,322			(91,235	)		163,245
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(3,380	)		—			(3,380	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(10,644	)		1			(232,484	)		—			(243,127	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		10,847			20			630,835			—			641,702
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	203		$	21		$	398,351		$	—		$	398,575

Nature_of_Operations_Details

Nature of Operations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	rig
	item
Nature of Operations	'
Number of platform rigs actively marketed	38
Number of jack-up rigs actively marketed	8
Number of barge rigs actively marketed	4
Number of hydraulic horsepower pressure pumping services in key basins throughout United States and Canada	800,000
Number of major business lines	2
Nature of operations	'
Number of actively marketed land drilling rigs	485
Minimum number of countries in which oil and gas land drilling operations are conducted	20
Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia	'
Nature of Operations	'
Ownership percentage	51.00%
Number of rigs actively markets in joint venture	5
U.S.	'
Nature of Operations	'
Number of rigs marketing for land well-servicing and workover service	445
Canada	'
Nature of Operations	'
Number of rigs marketing for land well-servicing and workover service	104

Revision_of_Prior_Period_Finan2

Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Effect on consolidated statements of income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates

($1,600,000)

($2,600,000)

$1,400,000

$2,900,000

$1,200,000

($99,500,000)

($156,063,000)

($34,321,000)

($190,384,000)

$39,000

($288,718,000)

$85,448,000

'

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,547,209,000

1,830,619,000

3,377,828,000

6,248,631,000

6,617,470,000

6,118,867,000

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,089,175,000

1,155,717,000

2,244,892,000

3,981,828,000

4,367,106,000

3,738,506,000

'

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,703,353,000

1,595,552,000

3,298,905,000

6,142,471,000

6,340,510,000

5,603,614,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-156,144,000

235,067,000

78,923,000

106,160,000

276,960,000

515,253,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-69,966,000

49,765,000

-20,201,000

-95,046,000

-102,008,000

55,381,000

'

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-35,268,000

75,771,000

40,503,000

-55,181,000

40,986,000

165,083,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

128,516,000

-90,510,000

28,128,000

92,207,000

131,656,000

64,489,000

-121,626,000

158,546,000

36,920,000

158,341,000

232,974,000

347,170,000

'

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-94,916,000

155,569,000

60,653,000

147,162,000

165,448,000

249,569,000

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

150,603,000

-105,381,000

-4,361,000

99,121,000

27,077,000

75,656,000

-93,742,000

155,836,000

62,094,000

139,982,000

164,827,000

248,524,000

'

Earnings (losses) per share:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$0.43

($0.30)

$0.08

$0.31

$0.45

$0.22

($0.41)

$0.55

$0.13

$0.51

$0.80

$1.21

'

Total Basic (in dollars per share)

$0.50

($0.35)

($0.01)

$0.34

$0.09

$0.26

($0.32)

$0.54

$0.21

$0.47

$0.57

$0.87

'

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$0.42

($0.30)

$0.08

$0.31

$0.45

$0.22

($0.41)

$0.54

$0.13

$0.51

$0.79

$1.18

'

Total Diluted (in dollars per share)

$0.50

($0.35)

($0.01)

$0.33

$0.09

$0.26

($0.32)

$0.53

$0.21

$0.47

$0.56

$0.85

'

Effect on consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

150,603,000

-105,381,000

-4,361,000

99,121,000

27,077,000

75,656,000

-93,742,000

155,836,000

62,094,000

139,982,000

164,827,000

248,524,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-118,117,000

177,035,000

58,918,000

15,979,000

275,158,000

227,736,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-119,507,000

177,011,000

57,504,000

22,227,000

276,090,000

228,596,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of cash flow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

150,603,000

-105,381,000

-4,361,000

99,121,000

27,077,000

75,656,000

-93,742,000

155,836,000

62,094,000

139,982,000

164,827,000

248,524,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,800,000

-1,999,000

-103,277,000

-131,742,000

-12,379,000

'

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,320,000

190,383,000

800,000

299,717,000

-161,189,000

'

Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-120,791,000

-96,019,000

113,550,000

-224,795,000

519,211,000

'

Net cash provided by operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

244,183,000

711,937,000

1,418,223,000

1,562,705,000

1,456,487,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of changes in equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retained earnings

4,213,212,000

'

'

'

4,120,398,000

'

'

4,111,407,000

'

4,213,212,000

4,120,398,000

3,955,571,000

3,702,243,000

Total equity

5,981,177,000

'

'

'

5,957,117,000

'

'

5,844,133,000

'

5,981,177,000

5,957,117,000

5,600,424,000

5,337,225,000

As Reported

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect on consolidated statements of income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

-134,317,000

-68,669,000

-202,986,000

'

-301,320,000

56,647,000

'

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,568,955,000

1,796,271,000

3,365,226,000

'

6,604,868,000

6,090,066,000

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,092,375,000

1,154,113,000

2,246,488,000

'

4,368,702,000

3,736,910,000

'

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,706,553,000

1,593,948,000

3,300,501,000

'

6,342,106,000

5,602,018,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-137,598,000

202,323,000

64,725,000

'

262,762,000

488,048,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,373,000

38,767,000

-33,606,000

'

-115,413,000

33,021,000

'

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-37,675,000

64,773,000

27,098,000

'

27,581,000

142,723,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

-100,673,000

136,800,000

36,127,000

'

232,181,000

342,325,000

'

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-73,963,000

133,823,000

59,860,000

'

164,655,000

244,724,000

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,789,000

134,090,000

61,301,000

'

164,034,000

243,679,000

'

Earnings (losses) per share:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.34)

$0.48

$0.13

'

$0.80

$1.19

'

Total Basic (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.25)

$0.46

$0.21

'

$0.57

$0.85

'

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.34)

$0.47

$0.13

'

$0.79

$1.17

'

Total Diluted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.25)

$0.46

$0.21

'

$0.56

$0.83

'

Effect on consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,789,000

134,090,000

61,301,000

'

164,034,000

243,679,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-97,164,000

155,289,000

58,125,000

'

274,365,000

222,891,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-98,554,000

155,265,000

56,711,000

'

275,297,000

223,751,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of cash flow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,789,000

134,090,000

61,301,000

'

164,034,000

243,679,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,802,000

-15,404,000

'

-145,147,000

-34,739,000

'

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

68,668,000

202,985,000

'

312,319,000

-132,388,000

'

Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-119,195,000

-94,423,000

'

-223,199,000

517,615,000

'

Net cash provided by operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

244,183,000

711,937,000

'

1,562,705,000

1,456,487,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of changes in equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retained earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,090,454,000

'

'

'

3,956,364,000

3,707,881,000

Total equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,823,180,000

'

'

'

5,601,217,000

5,342,863,000

Adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect on consolidated statements of income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,746,000

34,348,000

12,602,000

'

12,602,000

28,801,000

'

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,746,000

34,348,000

12,602,000

'

12,602,000

28,801,000

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,200,000

1,604,000

-1,596,000

'

-1,596,000

1,596,000

'

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,200,000

1,604,000

-1,596,000

'

-1,596,000

1,596,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-18,546,000

32,744,000

14,198,000

'

14,198,000

27,205,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,407,000

10,998,000

13,405,000

'

13,405,000

22,360,000

'

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,407,000

10,998,000

13,405,000

'

13,405,000

22,360,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Earnings (losses) per share:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.08

'

'

'

$0.02

'

Total Basic (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.08

'

'

'

$0.02

'

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.07

'

'

'

$0.02

'

Total Diluted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.07

'

'

'

$0.02

'

Effect on consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of cash flow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,998,000

13,405,000

'

13,405,000

22,360,000

'

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-34,348,000

-12,602,000

'

-12,602,000

-28,801,000

'

Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,596,000

-1,596,000

'

-1,596,000

1,596,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of changes in equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retained earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,953,000

'

'

'

-793,000

-5,638,000

Total equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20,953,000

'

'

'

($793,000)

($5,638,000)

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Investments	'	'	'
Fair value of equity security investments	$3,200,000	$4,300,000	'
Goodwill	'	'	'
Long-term growth rate used to calculate terminal values for each reporting unit (as a percent)	3.00%	'	'
Inventory	'	'	'
Raw materials	128,606,000	148,822,000	'
Work-in-progress	26,762,000	45,733,000	'
Finished goods	54,425,000	56,578,000	'
Total inventory	$209,793,000	$251,133,000	$262,587,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Drilling rigs excluding jackup rigs	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Operating rig asset depreciable life, operating days	'4927 days
Non-operating rig asset depreciable life	'20 years
Jackup rigs	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Operating rig asset depreciable life, operating days	'8030 days
Non-operating rig asset depreciable life	'30 years
Buildings | Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life	'10 years
Buildings | Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life	'30 years
Well-servicing rigs | Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life	'3 years
Well-servicing rigs | Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life	'15 years
Marine transportation and supply vessels | Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life	'10 years
Marine transportation and supply vessels | Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life	'25 years
Oilfield hauling and mobile equipment and other machinery and equipment | Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life	'3 years
Oilfield hauling and mobile equipment and other machinery and equipment | Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life	'10 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Drilling and Rig Services

Drilling and Rig Services

U.S.

U.S.

International

Rig Services

Rig Services

Completion and Production Services

Completion and Production Services

Completion

Completion

Completion

Production

Production

Change in the carrying amount of goodwill for various contract drilling segments and other operating segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

$472,326,000

$501,258,000

$82,262,000

$111,194,000

$57,445,000

$50,149,000

$18,983,000

$32,113,000

$34,766,000

$390,064,000

$390,064,000

$334,992,000

$334,992,000

$334,992,000

$55,072,000

$55,072,000

Acquisitions and purchase price adjustment

51,318,000

'

15,828,000

'

'

'

'

15,828,000

'

35,490,000

'

'

'

'

35,490,000

'

Disposals and Impairments

-9,631,000

-29,314,000

-9,631,000

-29,314,000

-7,296,000

'

-18,983,000

-9,631,000

-3,035,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative Translation Adjustment

-1,049,000

382,000

-1,049,000

382,000

'

'

'

-1,049,000

382,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending Balance

512,964,000

472,326,000

87,410,000

82,262,000

50,149,000

50,149,000

'

37,261,000

32,113,000

425,554,000

390,064,000

334,992,000

334,992,000

334,992,000

90,562,000

55,072,000

Discontinued Operation, additional disclosures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill for the consolidated company, expected to be deductible for tax purposes

$76,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairments_and_Other_Charges_1

Impairments and Other Charges (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

rig

9.25% senior notes

9.25% senior notes

Petrello

Common Shares

Canada

U.S.

U.S.

International

International

Rig Services

Completion and Production Services

Completion and Production Services

US Production Services

Trade Names

Petrello

Summary of Impairments and other charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on tendered notes

$208,197,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Provision for retirement of assets

14,044,000

138,666,000

98,072,000

'

'

'

'

33,700,000

37,100,000

63,200,000

16,500,000

26,100,000

2,000,000

20,000,000

49,400,000

8,900,000

'

Impairment of long-lived assets

20,000,000

50,355,000

'

'

'

'

'

32,900,000

17,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Termination of employment contract

45,000,000

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible asset impairment

0

74,960,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

Goodwill impairments

0

26,279,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total impairments and other charges

287,241,000

290,260,000

198,072,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

9.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal amount repurchased

'

'

'

785,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of principal and accrued and unpaid interest of senior notes

994,181,000

276,258,000

1,404,281,000

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Jackup rigs decommissioned and retired

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of trucks and rigs retired

'

'

116

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of common shares contributed as charity

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cahs awarded in connection with termination of prior contract

'

'

'

'

'

$18,000,000

$27,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lived intangible asset

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco2

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets held-for-sale	'	'
Assets held for sale	$243,264	$383,857
Oil and gas	'	'
Assets held-for-sale	'	'
Assets held for sale	239,936	377,625
Rig Services	'	'
Assets held-for-sale	'	'
Assets held for sale	$3,328	$6,232

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco3

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details 2) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2013

Oil and gas

Oil and gas

Oil and gas

Oil and gas

Oil and gas

Oil and gas

Rig Services

Rig Services

Rig Services

Rig Services

Rig Services

Rig Services

Rig Services

Remora

Sabine

Canada

Aircraft logistics assets

Aircraft logistics assets

Peak

Discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term deferred income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Undiscounted contractual commitments

171,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

171,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liability related to discontinue operation

113,600,000

'

'

'

206,000,000

'

'

'

'

113,600,000

206,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current liability to discontinued operations

64,404,000

'

'

'

68,961,000

'

'

'

'

64,404,000

68,961,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,327,000

27,363,000

125,654,000

'

'

'

127,154,000

172,335,000

76,584,000

'

'

'

'

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,371,000

-3,958,000

18,880,000

'

'

'

17,680,000

9,846,000

458,000

'

'

'

'

Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,087,000

106,096,000

208,455,000

'

'

'

-4,368,000

9,087,000

8,800,000

'

'

'

'

Less: Income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-14,062,000

-44,021,000

-98,181,000

'

'

'

5,831,000

2,252,000

-2,135,000

'

'

'

'

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

23,113,000

-14,430,000

-26,873,000

7,011,000

-103,414,000

12,155,000

26,710,000

-2,977,000

'

-11,179,000

-67,526,000

-97,601,000

-27,396,000

-66,033,000

-91,394,000

'

'

'

16,217,000

-1,493,000

-6,207,000

'

'

'

'

Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates

-1,600,000

-2,600,000

1,400,000

2,900,000

1,200,000

-99,500,000

-156,063,000

-34,321,000

-190,384,000

39,000

-288,718,000

85,448,000

'

-289,199,000

88,486,000

83,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write own of carrying value of assets offset by gain of future pipeline obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in pipeline contractual commitments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

128,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write own of carrying value of assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

255,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross cash proceeds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

90,000,000

'

'

303,800,000

254,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of long-lived assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

50,355,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,800,000

7,900,000

'

Sale price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,300,000

'

'

'

Cash proceeds from sale of businesses in Alaska

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$135,500,000

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco4

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details 3) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Revenues and other income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,152,015

$6,843,051

$6,013,480

Earnings from affiliates

-1,600

-2,600

1,400

2,900

1,200

-99,500

-156,063

-34,321

-190,384

39

-288,718

85,448

Investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

96,577

63,137

19,939

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,547,209

1,830,619

3,377,828

6,248,631

6,617,470

6,118,867

Costs and other deductions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,089,175

1,155,717

2,244,892

3,981,828

4,367,106

3,738,506

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

525,330

527,953

487,808

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,086,677

1,039,923

918,122

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

223,418

251,904

256,632

Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,977

-136,636

4,474

Impairments and other charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

287,241

290,260

198,072

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,703,353

1,595,552

3,298,905

6,142,471

6,340,510

5,603,614

Income before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-156,144

235,067

78,923

106,160

276,960

515,253

Income tax expense:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39,865

142,994

109,702

Deferred

'

'

'

'

'

'

-69,966

49,765

-20,201

-95,046

-102,008

55,381

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-35,268

75,771

40,503

-55,181

40,986

165,083

Subsidiary preferred stock dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,000

-3,000

-3,000

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

128,516

-90,510

28,128

92,207

131,656

64,489

-121,626

158,546

36,920

158,341

232,974

347,170

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

23,113

-14,430

-26,873

7,011

-103,414

12,155

26,710

-2,977

'

-11,179

-67,526

-97,601

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-94,916

155,569

60,653

147,162

165,448

249,569

Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

-1,026

-441

-5,616

-97

-1,074

-988

1,174

267

'

-7,180

-621

-1,045

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

150,603

-105,381

-4,361

99,121

27,077

75,656

-93,742

155,836

62,094

139,982

164,827

248,524

Earnings per share: (3)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$0.43

($0.30)

$0.08

$0.31

$0.45

$0.22

($0.41)

$0.55

$0.13

$0.51

$0.80

$1.21

Basic from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

$0.07

($0.05)

($0.09)

$0.03

($0.36)

$0.04

$0.09

($0.01)

'

($0.04)

($0.23)

($0.34)

Total Basic (in dollars per share)

$0.50

($0.35)

($0.01)

$0.34

$0.09

$0.26

($0.32)

$0.54

$0.21

$0.47

$0.57

$0.87

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$0.42

($0.30)

$0.08

$0.31

$0.45

$0.22

($0.41)

$0.54

$0.13

$0.51

$0.79

$1.18

Diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

$0.08

($0.05)

($0.09)

$0.02

($0.36)

$0.04

$0.09

($0.01)

'

($0.04)

($0.23)

($0.33)

Total Diluted (in dollars per share)

$0.50

($0.35)

($0.01)

$0.33

$0.09

$0.26

($0.32)

$0.53

$0.21

$0.47

$0.56

$0.85

Peak

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues and other income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,697,904

1,844,688

3,542,592

'

6,843,051

6,013,480

Earnings from affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

-134,317

-68,669

-202,986

'

-301,320

56,647

Investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,368

20,252

25,620

'

63,137

19,939

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,568,955

1,796,271

3,365,226

'

6,604,868

6,090,066

Costs and other deductions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,092,375

1,154,113

2,246,488

'

4,368,702

3,736,910

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

132,385

135,468

267,853

'

527,953

487,808

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

257,257

243,547

500,804

'

1,039,923

918,122

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

63,627

62,665

126,292

'

251,904

256,632

Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,406

-1,845

11,561

'

-136,636

4,474

Impairments and other charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

147,503

'

147,503

'

290,260

198,072

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,706,553

1,593,948

3,300,501

'

6,342,106

5,602,018

Income before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-137,598

202,323

64,725

'

262,762

488,048

Income tax expense:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,698

26,006

60,704

'

142,994

109,702

Deferred

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,373

38,767

-33,606

'

-115,413

33,021

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-37,675

64,773

27,098

'

-27,581

142,723

Subsidiary preferred stock dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

750

750

1,500

'

3,000

3,000

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

-100,673

136,800

36,127

'

232,181

342,325

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,710

-2,977

23,733

'

-67,526

-97,601

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-73,963

133,823

59,860

'

164,655

244,724

Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,174

267

1,441

'

-621

-1,045

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,789

134,090

61,301

'

164,034

243,679

Earnings per share: (3)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.34)

$0.48

$0.13

'

$0.80

$1.19

Basic from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.09

($0.02)

$0.08

'

($0.23)

($0.34)

Total Basic (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.25)

$0.46

$0.21

'

$0.57

$0.85

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.34)

$0.47

$0.13

'

$0.79

$1.17

Diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.09

($0.01)

$0.08

'

($0.23)

($0.34)

Total Diluted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.25)

$0.46

$0.21

'

$0.56

$0.83

As Previously Filed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues and other income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,989,573

'

Earnings from affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

-134,317

-68,669

-202,986

'

-301,320

56,647

Investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

63,137

'

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,568,955

1,796,271

3,365,226

'

6,604,868

6,090,066

Costs and other deductions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,092,375

1,154,113

2,246,488

'

4,368,702

3,736,910

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,706,553

1,593,948

3,300,501

'

6,342,106

5,602,018

Income before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-137,598

202,323

64,725

'

262,762

488,048

Income tax expense:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,373

38,767

-33,606

'

-115,413

33,021

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-37,675

64,773

27,098

'

27,581

142,723

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

-100,673

136,800

36,127

'

232,181

342,325

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-73,963

133,823

59,860

'

164,655

244,724

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,789

134,090

61,301

'

164,034

243,679

Earnings per share: (3)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.34)

$0.48

$0.13

'

$0.80

$1.19

Total Basic (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.25)

$0.46

$0.21

'

$0.57

$0.85

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.34)

$0.47

$0.13

'

$0.79

$1.17

Total Diluted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.25)

$0.46

$0.21

'

$0.56

$0.83

As Previously Filed | Peak

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues and other income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,737,114

1,890,426

3,627,540

'

6,989,573

6,060,351

Earnings from affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

-134,317

-68,669

-202,986

'

-301,320

56,647

Investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,368

20,252

25,620

'

63,137

19,940

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,608,165

1,842,009

3,450,174

'

6,751,390

6,136,938

Costs and other deductions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,123,256

1,184,816

2,308,072

'

4,483,320

3,775,964

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

133,612

136,346

269,958

'

532,568

489,892

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

261,016

247,621

508,637

'

1,055,517

924,094

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

63,459

62,654

126,113

'

251,552

256,633

Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,414

-1,840

11,574

'

-136,510

4,514

Impairments and other charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

147,503

'

147,503

'

290,260

198,072

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,742,260

1,629,597

3,371,857

'

6,476,707

5,649,169

Income before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-134,095

212,412

78,317

'

274,683

487,769

Income tax expense:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,698

26,006

60,704

'

142,994

109,702

Deferred

'

'

'

'

'

'

-70,890

43,038

-27,852

'

-110,366

32,903

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-36,192

69,044

32,852

'

32,628

142,605

Subsidiary preferred stock dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

750

750

1,500

'

3,000

3,000

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

-98,653

142,618

43,965

'

239,055

342,164

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,690

-8,795

15,895

'

-74,400

-97,440

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-73,963

133,823

59,860

'

164,655

244,724

Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,174

267

1,441

'

-621

-1,045

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,789

134,090

61,301

'

164,034

243,679

Earnings per share: (3)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.34)

$0.50

$0.16

'

$0.82

$1.19

Basic from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.09

($0.04)

$0.05

'

($0.25)

($0.34)

Total Basic (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.25)

$0.46

$0.21

'

$0.57

$0.85

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.34)

$0.49

$0.16

'

$0.82

$1.17

Diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.09

($0.03)

$0.05

'

($0.26)

($0.34)

Total Diluted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.25)

$0.46

$0.21

'

$0.56

$0.83

Discontinued operation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues and other income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-146,522

'

Earnings from affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,746

34,348

12,602

'

12,602

28,801

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,746

34,348

12,602

'

12,602

28,801

Costs and other deductions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,200

1,604

-1,596

'

-1,596

1,596

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,200

1,604

-1,596

'

-1,596

1,596

Income before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-18,546

32,744

14,198

'

14,198

27,205

Income tax expense:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,407

10,998

13,405

'

13,405

22,360

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,407

10,998

13,405

'

13,405

22,360

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953

21,746

793

'

793

4,845

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953

21,746

793

'

793

4,845

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953

21,746

793

'

793

4,845

Earnings per share: (3)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.08

'

'

'

$0.02

Total Basic (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.08

'

'

'

$0.02

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.07

'

'

'

$0.02

Total Diluted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.07

'

'

'

$0.02

Discontinued operation | Peak

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues and other income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

-39,210

-45,738

-84,948

'

-146,522

-46,871

Earnings from affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

-39,210

-45,738

-84,948

'

-146,522

-46,872

Costs and other deductions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

-30,881

-30,703

-61,584

'

-114,618

-39,054

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,227

-878

-2,105

'

-4,615

-2,084

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,759

-4,074

-7,833

'

-15,594

-5,972

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

168

11

179

'

352

-1

Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

-8

-5

-13

'

-126

-40

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

-35,707

-35,649

-71,356

'

-134,601

-47,151

Income before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,503

-10,089

-13,592

'

-11,921

279

Income tax expense:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,483

-4,271

-5,754

'

-5,047

118

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,483

-4,271

-5,754

'

-5,047

118

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,020

-5,818

-7,838

'

-6,874

161

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,020

$5,818

$7,838

'

$6,874

($161)

Earnings per share: (3)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.02)

($0.03)

'

($0.02)

'

Basic from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.02

$0.03

'

$0.02

'

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.02)

($0.03)

'

($0.02)

'

Diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.02

$0.03

'

$0.02

'

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
				NES	KVS	Peak
					item
Preliminary Estimates for Allocation of Purchase Price as of Acquisition Date	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consideration paid in cash	$119,652,000	$65,000,000	'	$37,500,000	'	$65,000,000
Goodwill	512,964,000	501,258,000	472,326,000	15,800,000	'	'
Total Consideration	'	'	'	'	149,000,000	'
Amount payable in future annual installments to acquire business	'	'	'	'	66,800,000	'
Number of annual installments	'	'	'	'	3	'
Equity interest acquired (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%
Previously held equity interest (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%
Previously held equity interest carrying value	'	'	'	'	'	$38,100,000

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_2

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$389,915	$524,922	$398,575	$641,702
Short-term investments:	'	'	'	'
Trading equity securities	'	52,705	'	'
Available-for-sale equity securities	96,942	174,610	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities	20,276	25,967	'	'
Total short-term investments	$117,218	$253,282	'	'

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_3

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value	$524,922	$389,915
Short-term investments:	'	'
Trading equity securities, fair value	52,705	3,200
Trading equity securities, gross unrealized holding gains	46,981	'
Available-for-sale equities securities	'	'
Available-for-sale equity securities, fair value	200,577	117,218
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	25,967	20,276
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	139,205	72,530
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	-1,225	-56
Total short-term investments	253,282	117,218
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, fair value	778,204	507,133
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, gross unrealized gains	186,186	72,530
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, gross unrealized losses	-1,225	-56
Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Available-for-sale equities securities	'	'
Available-for-sale equity securities, fair value	174,610	96,942
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	137,282	68,395
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	-1,030	'
Available-for-sale debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	25,967	20,276
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	1,923	4,135
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	-195	-56
Commercial paper and CDs	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	206	'
Corporate debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	23,399	19,388
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	1,870	4,122
Mortgage-backed debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	244	210
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	15	11
Mortgage-CMO debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	523	20
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	10	'
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	-3	-2
Asset-backed debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	1,595	658
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	28	2
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	-192	-54
Total Short-term investments	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total short-term investments	253,282	117,218
Total short-term investments, gross unrealized gains	186,186	72,530
Total short-term investments, gross unrealized holding losses	($1,225)	($56)

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_4

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Gross unrealized losses of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months	$395
Available-for-sale securities, more than 12 months	20
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 Months, aggregate losses	54
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	2
Available-for-sale debt securities	'
Gross unrealized losses of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months	395
Available-for-sale securities, more than 12 months	20
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 Months, aggregate losses	54
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	2
Mortgage-CMO debt securities	'
Gross unrealized losses of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'
Available-for-sale securities, more than 12 months	20
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	2
Asset-backed debt securities	'
Gross unrealized losses of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months	395
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 Months, aggregate losses	$54

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_5

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt securities:	'
Due after one year through five years	$15,600
Due in more than five years	4,676
Total debt securities	$20,276

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_6

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Available-for-sale:	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales and maturities	$107,586	$24,010	$12,672
Realized gains (losses), net	$88,158	$13,405	$3,036

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Amount of transfers of financial assets between Level 1 and Level 2 measures	$0	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	117,218	200,577
Total short-term investments	117,200	'
Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	96,942	174,610
Recurring	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total short-term investments	117,218	'
Recurring | Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	96,942	'
Recurring | Corporate debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	19,388	'
Recurring | Mortgage-backed debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	210	'
Recurring | Mortgage-CMO debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	20	'
Recurring | Asset-backed debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	658	'
Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total short-term investments	96,738	'
Recurring | Level 1 | Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	96,080	'
Recurring | Level 1 | Asset-backed debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	658	'
Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total short-term investments	20,480	'
Recurring | Level 2 | Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	862	'
Recurring | Level 2 | Corporate debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	19,388	'
Recurring | Level 2 | Mortgage-backed debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	210	'
Recurring | Level 2 | Mortgage-CMO debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	$20	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Subsidiary preferred stock, effective interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%	'	4.00%
Carrying Value	$3,983,490	'	4,448,888
Fair Value	4,251,473	'	5,142,918
Subsidiary preferred stock, carrying value	69,188	'	69,188
Subsidiary preferred stock, fair value	69,000	'	68,625
Securities available-for-sale	117,218	'	200,577
Trading equity securities, fair value	3,200	'	52,705
Securities classified as available-for-sale and trading	117,200	'	'
2.35% senior notes due September 2016	'	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.56%	'	6.42%
Carrying Value	349,820	'	'
Fair Value	354,694	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	2.35%	2.35%	'
6.15% senior notes due February 2018	'	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	6.42%	'	6.42%
Carrying Value	969,928	'	968,708
Fair Value	1,097,480	'	1,164,813
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	6.15%	'	'
9.25% senior notes due January 2019	'	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	9.33%	'	9.33%
Carrying Value	339,607	'	1,125,000
Fair Value	428,733	'	1,492,819
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	9.25%	'	'
5.00% senior notes due September 2020	'	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.20%	'	5.20%
Carrying Value	697,947	'	697,648
Fair Value	731,955	'	770,707
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	5.00%	'	'
4.625% senior notes due September 2021	'	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.75%	'	4.75%
Carrying Value	698,148	'	697,907
Fair Value	709,793	'	755,517
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	4.63%	'	'
5.10% senior notes due September 2023	'	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.26%	'	'
Carrying Value	348,765	'	'
Fair Value	349,731	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	5.10%	5.10%	'
Revolving Credit Facility	'	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.28%	'	2.17%
Carrying Value	170,000	'	890,000
Fair Value	170,000	'	890,000
Commercial paper	'	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	0.45%	'	'
Carrying Value	329,844	'	'
Fair Value	329,844	'	'
Other	'	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Carrying Value	10,243	'	437
Fair Value	$10,243	'	437

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation expense	$53,300,000	$18,300,000	$21,200,000
Options	'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-5,383,000	3,625,000	-11,605,000
Restricted Stock Award	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation expense	51,100,000	14,100,000	13,400,000
Number of types of performance share awards	2	'	'
Option to purchase common stock available for grant	6,800,000	'	'
Restricted Stock Award | Maximum	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'
Vesting period of shares	'5 years	'	'
Stock options	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'
Option to purchase common stock available for grant	7,800,000	14,300,000	'
Exercise period	'10 years	'	'
Options	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	22,464,000	'	'
Granted (in shares)	63,000	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-577,000	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-3,564,000	'	'
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	18,386,000	22,464,000	'
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	17,837,000	20,800,000	24,900,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$20.53	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$16.06	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$9.34	'	'
Surrendered (in dollars per share)	$9.18	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$19.36	'	'
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$21.10	$20.53	'
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$21.10	$20.99	$19.83
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the end of the period	'3 years 2 months 19 days	'	'
Options exercisable at the end of the period	'3 years 22 days	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars)	51,136,000	'	'
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars)	$50,818,000	'	'
Fair value of stock options	'	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$6.05	$9.40	$6.24
Weighted-average risk free interest rate (as a percent)	0.79%	0.63%	0.65%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%
Volatility (as a percent)	51.01%	55.74%	51.09%
Expected life	'4 years	'4 years	'4 years
Stock options | Employees, Executives and Directors	'	'	'
Options	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	63,638	658,061	930,753
Stock options | Minimum	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'
Vesting period of shares	'3 years	'	'
Stock options | Maximum	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'
Vesting period of shares	'5 years	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail1

Share-Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unvested Stock Options	'	'	'
Unvested stock options	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	1,626,000	'	'
Granted (in shares)	63,000	'	'
Vested (in shares)	-1,075,000	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-65,000	'	'
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	549,000	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$5.62	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$6.05	'	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	$3.97	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$5.47	'	'
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$8.88	'	'
Total future compensation cost related to unvested options that are expected to vest	$3.80	'	'
Weighted Average Period for Cost recognition	'1 year	'	'
Stock options	'	'	'
Unvested stock options	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	63,000	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$6.05	$9.40	$6.24
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	4.1	23.7	18.3
Total fair value of option vested during the period	$4.30	$7.90	$5.20

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail2

Share-Based Compensation (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			Restricted Stock Award	Restricted Stock Award	Restricted Stock Award	Restricted Stock Award	Restricted Stock Award	Restricted Stock Award	Restricted Stock Based on Performance Conditions	Restricted Stock Based on Performance Conditions	Restricted Stock Based on Market Conditions
				Employees and Director	Employees and Director	Employees and Director	Maximum	Maximum	Executives	Executives
								Employees and Director	Subsequent event	Subsequent event
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting period of shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'4 years	'3 years	'	'3 years
Unvested restricted stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares))	'	'	1,781,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	4,493,000	4,493,443	944,015	'	'	'	362,311	'	353,933
Vested (in shares)	'	'	-2,262,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	'	'	-248,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	'	'	3,764,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	354,000
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$23.42	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$16.43	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$10.42
Vested (in dollars per share)	'	'	$18.48	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	'	$20.07	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$18.26	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$10.42
Aggregate value of restricted stock awards at date of grant	'	'	'	$73,800,000	$19,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value awards vested	'	'	'	37,500,000	9,700,000	21,400,000	'	'	'	'	3,700,000
Total future compensation cost related to unvested stock that are expected to vest	'	'	48,800,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liability related to awards	$172,803,000	$158,095,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,800,000	'
Weighted Average Period for Cost recognition	'	'	'1 year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumptions used to value grant date fair value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Risk free interest rate (as a percent	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.41%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	46.00%
Closing stock price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$16.53
Expected term (in years)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2 years 9 months 25 days

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$15,244,631,000	$14,436,262,000	'
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-6,646,818,000	-5,724,174,000	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,597,813,000	8,712,088,000	8,629,946,000
Repair and maintenance expense	510,800,000	563,500,000	586,400,000
Interest costs capitalized	13,000,000	19,400,000	24,000,000
Land	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	63,733,000	49,965,000	'
Buildings	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	163,962,000	154,878,000	'
Dirlling, workover and well-servicing rigs, and related equipment	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	12,818,136,000	12,364,021,000	'
Marine transportation and supply vessels	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	14,062,000	14,054,000	'
Oilfield hauling and mobile equipment	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,322,798,000	1,313,339,000	'
Other machinery and equipment	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	168,465,000	176,468,000	'
Construction-in-progress	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$693,475,000	$363,537,000	'

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Summarized financial data for investment in unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nabors' earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates

($1,600,000)

($2,600,000)

$1,400,000

$2,900,000

$1,200,000

($99,500,000)

($156,063,000)

($34,321,000)

($190,384,000)

$39,000

($288,718,000)

$85,448,000

Adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summarized financial data for investment in unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nabors' earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,746,000

34,348,000

12,602,000

'

12,602,000

28,801,000

Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage

51.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

51.00%

'

'

Assets held for sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summarized financial data for investment in unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current assets

442,703,000

'

'

'

174,977,000

'

'

'

'

442,703,000

174,977,000

'

Long-term assets

138,222,000

'

'

'

161,207,000

'

'

'

'

138,222,000

161,207,000

'

Current liabilities

440,585,000

'

'

'

194,504,000

'

'

'

'

440,585,000

194,504,000

'

Long-term liabilities

4,169,000

'

'

'

3,389,000

'

'

'

'

4,169,000

3,389,000

'

Gross revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

562,101,000

657,362,000

760,257,000

Gross margin

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

46,446,000

107,035,000

205,502,000

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,088,000

-624,172,000

327,760,000

Nabors' earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39,000

-288,718,000

85,448,000

Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates included in discontinued operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$76,500,000

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk1

Financial Instruments and Risk Concentration (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
2.35% senior notes due September 2016	'	'
Financial Instruments and Risk Concentration	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	2.35%	2.35%
5.10% senior notes due September 2023	'	'
Financial Instruments and Risk Concentration	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	5.10%	5.10%
6.15% senior notes due February 2018	'	'
Financial Instruments and Risk Concentration	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	6.15%	'
9.25% senior notes due January 2019	'	'
Financial Instruments and Risk Concentration	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	9.25%	'
5.00% senior notes due September 2020	'	'
Financial Instruments and Risk Concentration	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	5.00%	'
4.625% senior notes due September 2021	'	'
Financial Instruments and Risk Concentration	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	4.63%	'

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

5.00% senior notes due September 2020

5.00% senior notes due September 2020

4.625% senior notes due September 2021

4.625% senior notes due September 2021

5.10% senior notes due September 2023

5.10% senior notes due September 2023

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Commercial paper

Long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes

'

'

$349,820

'

$969,928

$968,708

$339,607

$1,125,000

$697,947

$697,648

$698,148

$697,907

$348,765

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

170,000

890,000

'

Other

10,243

437

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

3,914,302

4,379,700

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

329,844

Current debt

10,185

364

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

$3,904,117

$4,379,336

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)

'

'

2.35%

2.35%

6.15%

'

9.25%

'

5.00%

'

4.63%

'

5.10%

5.10%

'

'

'

Debt_Details_2

Debt (Details 2) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

5.00% senior notes due September 2020

5.00% senior notes due September 2020

4.625% senior notes due September 2021

4.625% senior notes due September 2021

Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on senior note due (as a percent)

'

'

2.35%

2.35%

6.15%

'

9.25%

'

5.00%

'

4.63%

'

Maturity of primary debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

$350,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

499,844

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

975,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Thereafter

2,089,607

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt total

$3,983,490

$4,448,888

$349,820

'

$969,928

$968,708

$339,607

$1,125,000

$697,947

$697,648

$698,148

$697,907

Debt_Details_3

Debt (Details 3) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 22, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 29, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-11

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

2.35% and 5.10% Senior Notes Due September 2016 and September 2023

2.35% and 5.10% Senior Notes Due September 2016 and September 2023

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

5.10% senior notes due September 2023

5.10% senior notes due September 2023

5.10% senior notes due September 2023

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

5.00% senior notes due September 2020

5.00% senior notes due September 2020

5.00% senior notes due September 2020

4.625% senior notes due September 2021

4.625% senior notes due September 2021

4.625% senior notes due September 2021

5.375% senior notes due August 2012

5.375% senior notes due August 2012

0.94% Senior Exchangeable Notes Due May 2011

0.94% Senior Exchangeable Notes Due May 2011

0.94% Senior Exchangeable Notes Due May 2011

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Commercial paper

Commercial paper

Commercial paper

Commercial paper

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

A consolidated affiliate

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Minimum

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Nabors Delaware

Maximum

Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.35%

2.35%

'

5.10%

5.10%

'

'

9.25%

'

9.25%

6.15%

'

6.15%

'

5.00%

5.00%

'

4.63%

'

4.63%

'

5.38%

0.94%

'

0.94%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate amount of senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$700,000,000

'

'

$350,000,000

'

'

$350,000,000

'

$339,600,000

'

'

'

$975,000,000

'

$575,000,000

'

'

$700,000,000

'

'

'

$275,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$329,800,000

'

'

Principal amount redeemed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

785,400,000

'

14,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of notes

698,753,000

'

697,578,000

'

'

697,578,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price of debt instrument (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price of principal amount of debt instrument including accrued and unpaid interest (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

101.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101.00%

'

'

101.00%

'

'

'

101.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of debt

994,181,000

276,258,000

1,404,281,000

994,112,000

224,997,000

1,404,246,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

282,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Premium and related fees paid in the redemption

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

211,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of debt, portion financed through line of credit borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

270,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of debt accrued interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current portion of long-term debt

10,185,000

364,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000,000

'

Debt instrument, maturity term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'397 days

Remaining period to maturity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

Remaining availability under credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate on revolving credit facilities (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.49%

'

0.45%

'

'

'

Debt_Details_4

Debt (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	item
Short-Term Borrowings	'
Number of letter of credit facilities	10
Letter Of Credit	'
Short-Term Borrowings	'
Credit available	523,204
Less: Letters of credit outstanding, inclusive of financial and performance guarantees	321,818
Remaining availability	201,386

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	'	'	'
Balance as of January 1	$83,950,000	$68,848,000	$81,174,000
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	145,000	922,000	1,850,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	3,360,000	16,372,000	11,748,000
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-30,320,000	-1,174,000	-11,082,000
Settlements	-9,583,000	-1,018,000	-14,842,000
Balance as of December 31	47,552,000	83,950,000	68,848,000
Reductions for tax positions for prior years related to settlements in Mexico, Canada and Algeria	21,600,000	'	'
Reductions for tax positions for prior years due to expiration of statutes	8,700,000	'	'
Interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	20,600,000	42,800,000	28,200,000
Liability related to unrecognized tax benefit for accrued interest and penalties	5,200,000	2,700,000	4,600,000
Mexico Audit Assessment	'	'	'
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	'	'	'
Addition to unrecognized tax benefits	$10,400,000	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
United States and Other Jurisdictions	'	'	'
United States	($84,032)	$193,125	$205,754
Other jurisdictions	190,192	83,835	309,499
Income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations	$106,160	$276,960	$515,253
US Federal tax rate (as a percent)	35.00%	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current:	'	'	'	'	'	'
U.S. federal	'	'	'	($16,934)	$25,802	$27,649
Outside the U.S.	'	'	'	50,866	82,950	43,732
State	'	'	'	5,933	34,242	38,321
Total	'	'	'	39,865	142,994	109,702
Deferred:	'	'	'	'	'	'
U.S. federal	'	'	'	-71,251	-79,193	51,739
Outside the U.S.	'	'	'	-10,288	-9,484	16,692
State	'	'	'	-13,507	-13,331	-13,050
Total	-69,966	49,765	-20,201	-95,046	-102,008	55,381
Total income tax expense (benefit)	($35,268)	$75,771	$40,503	($55,181)	$40,986	$165,083

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of the differences between taxes on income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'
Taxes on U.S. and other international earnings (losses) at greater than the Bermuda rate	'	'	'	($33,277)	($39,830)	$122,292
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	'	'	'	25,592	33,730	4,785
Effect of change in tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	-258
Tax reserves and interest	'	'	'	-39,921	26,176	12,993
State income taxes	'	'	'	-7,575	20,910	25,271
Total income tax expense (benefit)	-35,268	75,771	40,503	-55,181	40,986	165,083
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	'	'	'	-52.00%	14.80%	32.00%
Additional interest expense for uncertain tax positions	'	'	'	$10,200	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details_5

Income Taxes (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$1,658,084	$1,826,597	'
Equity compensation	32,219	29,337	'
Deferred revenue	35,689	33,523	'
Tax credit and other attribute carryforwards	109,294	110,563	'
Insurance loss reserve	4,645	10,873	'
Accrued interest	224,959	55,143	'
Other	162,678	49,556	'
Subtotal	2,227,568	2,115,592	'
Valuation allowance	-1,547,441	-1,520,852	'
Deferred tax assets	680,127	594,740	'
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'
Depreciation, amortization and depletion for tax in excess of book expense	967,689	945,888	'
Variable interest investments	85,979	144,020	'
Other	17,890	'	'
Deferred tax liability	1,071,558	1,089,908	'
Net deferred assets (liabilities)	-391,431	-495,168	'
Balance Sheet Summary :	'	'	'
Net current deferred asset	121,316	110,480	'
Net noncurrent deferred asset	6,491	4,408	'
Net current deferred liability	-3,075	-10,721	'
Net noncurrent deferred liability	-516,161	-599,335	-852,650
Net deferred assets (liabilities)	($391,431)	($495,168)	'

Income_Taxes_Details_6

Income Taxes (Details 6) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Deferred tax asset relating to NOL carryforwards that have an indefinite life	$1,440,000,000
Recognized valuation allowance relating to NOL carryforwards	1,430,000,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	704,916,000
Non-expiring NOLs	4,924,153,000
Total	5,629,069,000
2014	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	14,538,000
2015	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	12,052,000
2016	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	37,089,000
2017	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	46,234,000
2018	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	55,688,000
2019	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	27,418,000
2020	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	17,065,000
2021	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	24,020,000
2022	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	475,000
2023	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	5,673,000
2030	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	28,173,000
2031	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	259,630,000
2032	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	82,328,000
2033	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	94,533,000
U.S. Federal	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	212,943,000
Total	212,943,000
U.S. Federal | 2018	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	999,000
U.S. Federal | 2019	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	17,722,000
U.S. Federal | 2031	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	189,444,000
U.S. Federal | 2033	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	4,778,000
Non-U.S.	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	491,973,000
Non-expiring NOLs	4,924,153,000
Total	5,416,126,000
Non-U.S. | 2014	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	14,538,000
Non-U.S. | 2015	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	12,052,000
Non-U.S. | 2016	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	37,089,000
Non-U.S. | 2017	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	46,234,000
Non-U.S. | 2018	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	54,689,000
Non-U.S. | 2019	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	9,696,000
Non-U.S. | 2020	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	17,065,000
Non-U.S. | 2021	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	24,020,000
Non-U.S. | 2022	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	475,000
Non-U.S. | 2023	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	5,673,000
Non-U.S. | 2030	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	28,173,000
Non-U.S. | 2031	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	70,186,000
Non-U.S. | 2032	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	82,328,000
Non-U.S. | 2033	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
Expiring NOLs	89,755,000
State Income Tax	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
NOL carryforwards for alternative minimum tax purpose	$304,000,000

Common_Shares_Details

Common Shares (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Common Shares	'	'	'
Common shares, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000	'
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00	'
Common shares, shares issued	323,710,583	318,813,500	'
Preferred shares, shares issued	0	'	'
Shares purchased	0	0	0
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised, net of surrender of unexercised stock options (in shares)	5,383,000	-3,625,000	11,605,000
Preferred shares, shares authorized	25,000,000	'	'
Preferred shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	'	'
Proceeds from stock options exercised	$5,400,000	$17,400,000	$11,600,000
Amount paid to repurchase surrendered unexercised vested options to satisfy exercise price and related tax withholding obligations	'	21,000,000	'
Common stock dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$0.04	'	'
Cash dividends paid	47,168,000	'	'
Officers and directors	'	'	'
Common Shares	'	'	'
Restricted stock awarded to executive officers, key employees & directors	4,847,376	944,015	1,096,379
Restricted shares awarded, average market price (in dollars per share)	$16.28	$20.69	$27.32
Employees	'	'	'
Common Shares	'	'	'
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised, net of surrender of unexercised stock options (in shares)	1,284	807,142	82,138
Value of surrendered unexercised vested stock options	'	$79,600,000	$7,600,000

Common_Shares_Details_2

Common Shares (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 16, 2012	Jul. 16, 2012	Jul. 16, 2012
		Series A Preferred Stock	Series A Preferred Stock Rights	Series A Preferred Stock Rights
				Maximum
Shareholder Rights Plan	'	'	'	'
Number of purchase rights issued per Common Share	'	'	$1	'
Number of shares each Right entitled to purchase	'	'	0.001	'
Par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00	'	'
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$80	'
Minimum percentage holding of common shares for exercising preferred share purchase rights	'	'	10.00%	'
Conditions of rights issuance, number of days following announcement	'	'	'10 days	'20 days
Conditions of rights issuance, business days following Commencement or Announcement to make an offer	'	'	'10 days	'

Subsidiary_Preferred_Stock_Det

Subsidiary Preferred Stock (Details) (Series A Preferred Stock, NCPS, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
	item
Series A Preferred Stock | NCPS	'
Subsidiary preferred stock	'
Subsidiary preferred stock, shares outstanding	75,000
Subsidiary Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01
Subsidiary Preferred Stock, shares authorized	10,000,000
Cumulative dividends per annum on preferred stock (in dollars per share)	$40
Liquidation value (in dollars per share)	$1,000
Liquidation preference (in dollars)	$75
Redemption price of preferred stock (as a percent)	101.00%
Conversion price of preferred stock into Superior common stock (in shares)	22.12
Conversion price of preferred stock (in dollars per share)	$25
Conversion rate of preferred stock into deemed common shares (in shares)	40
Number of deemed common shares in conversion	3,000,000
Redemption value of preferred stock	$75.80
Number of voter per share entitled under preferred stock voting rights	1

Pension_Postretirement_and_Pos2

Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits (Details) (Pension Benefits, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Benefits	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$29,205,000	$26,659,000	'
Interest cost	1,078,000	1,116,000	1,198,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	-3,360,000	2,107,000	'
Benefit payments	-730,000	-677,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	26,193,000	29,205,000	26,659,000
Change in plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	18,780,000	16,352,000	'
Actual (loss) return on plan assets	2,736,000	1,598,000	'
Employer contributions	598,000	1,507,000	'
Benefit payments	-730,000	-677,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	21,384,000	18,780,000	16,352,000
Funded status:	'	'	'
Underfunded status at end of year	-4,809,000	-10,425,000	'
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	-4,809,000	-10,425,000	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost (recognized in our consolidated statements of income):	'	'	'
Interest cost	1,078,000	1,116,000	1,198,000
Expected return on plan assets	-1,210,000	-1,086,000	-1,008,000
Recognized net actuarial loss	1,123,000	1,034,000	628,000
Net periodic benefit cost	991,000	1,064,000	818,000
Weighted-average assumptions:	'	'	'
Weighted-average discount rate (as a percent)	4.75%	3.75%	4.25%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Net actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-6,600,000	-12,700,000	-12,100,000
Amount expected to recognize as a components of net periodic benefit costs	$500,000	'	'

Pension_Postretirement_and_Pos3

Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits (Details 2) (Pension Benefits, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'	'	'
Fair Value of Plan assets	$21,384	$18,780	$16,352
Cash	'	'	'
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'	'	'
Fair Value of Plan assets	558	'	'
Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'	'
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'	'	'
Fair Value of Plan assets	11,988	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities	'	'	'
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'	'	'
Fair Value of Plan assets	8,838	'	'
Total Short-term investments	'	'	'
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'	'	'
Fair Value of Plan assets	20,826	'	'
Level 2	'	'	'
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'	'	'
Fair Value of Plan assets	21,384	'	'
Level 2 | Cash	'	'	'
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'	'	'
Fair Value of Plan assets	558	'	'
Level 2 | Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'	'
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'	'	'
Fair Value of Plan assets	11,988	'	'
Level 2 | Available-for-sale debt securities	'	'	'
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'	'	'
Fair Value of Plan assets	8,838	'	'
Level 2 | Total Short-term investments	'	'	'
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits	'	'	'
Fair Value of Plan assets	$20,826	'	'

Pension_Postretirement_and_Pos4

Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits (Details 3) (Pension Benefits)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash	'	'
Weighted-average asset allocations of Pool Pension Plan	'	'
Weighted-average asset allocations	3.00%	3.00%
Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Weighted-average asset allocations of Pool Pension Plan	'	'
Weighted-average asset allocations	56.00%	55.00%
Securities investment target allocation percentage	55.00%	'
Available-for-sale debt securities	'	'
Weighted-average asset allocations of Pool Pension Plan	'	'
Weighted-average asset allocations	41.00%	42.00%
Securities investment target allocation percentage	45.00%	'
Total investments	'	'
Weighted-average asset allocations of Pool Pension Plan	'	'
Weighted-average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%

Pension_Postretirement_and_Pos5

Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits (Details 4) (Pension Benefits, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefits	'	'
Benefits paid for five years thereafter	'	'
2014	$1,060,000	'
2015	1,171,000	'
2016	1,258,000	'
2017	1,370,000	'
2018	1,476,000	'
2019-2023	8,602,000	'
Total	14,937,000	'
Contribution to defined contribution plans	23,100,000	19,000,000
Contribution to defined benefit pool pension plan	598,000	1,507,000
Expected Contribution to defined benefit pool pension plan in 2014	$1,400,000	'

RelatedParty_Transactions_Deta

Related-Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transactions	'	'	'
Revenue from related party	$190.60	$164	$218.40
Expenses from business transactions with unconsolidated affiliates	0.1	0.1	0.9
Accounts receivable from affiliated entities	87.1	68.7	'
Accounts payable to affiliated entities	6.4	3.2	'
Long-term payables with affiliated entities	0.8	0.8	'
Mr. Linn | LINN	'	'	'
Related Party Transactions	'	'	'
Revenue from related party	3.2	12.5	'
Accounts receivable from affiliated entities	0.2	1.9	'
Mr. Crane | CCG	'	'	'
Related Party Transactions	'	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliated entities	1.4	1.4	'
Amount paid to related party for services provided	39.4	4.2	'
Key employees, including Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello	'	'	'
Related Party Transactions	'	'	'
Premium payments to date related to life insurance policies	6.5	'	'
Cash surrender value included in other long-term assets	$5.90	$5.80	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Minimum rental commitments under non cancellable operating leases	'	'	'
2014	$24,689,000	'	'
2015	11,660,000	'	'
2016	8,001,000	'	'
2017	4,896,000	'	'
2018	1,578,000	'	'
Thereafter	7,926,000	'	'
Total	58,750,000	'	'
Minimum period of operating lease	'30 days	'	'
Rental expense relating to operating leases	40,500,000	35,500,000	36,300,000
Minimum volume commitment	'	'	'
2014	44,365,000	'	'
2015	29,285,000	'	'
2016	15,522,000	'	'
2017	14,195,000	'	'
2018	13,829,000	'	'
Thereafter	53,954,000	'	'
Total	171,150,000	'	'
Minimum salary and bonus obligations	'	'	'
2014	6,984,000	'	'
2015	6,443,000	'	'
2016	5,774,000	'	'
2017	3,640,000	'	'
2018	1,200,000	'	'
Thereafter	300,000	'	'
Total	$24,341,000	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (Petrello, USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
		item
Employment contracts	'	'
Initial term of the employment agreement	'5 years	'
Automatic extension period	'1 year	'
New term of the employment agreement	'90 days	'
Employment benefit due to death or disability, payment period	'30 days	'
Employment agreement termination without cause, benefit as a ratio to 3 year average base salary and bonus	2.99	'
Employment agreement termination without cause, benefit base period	'3 years	'
Salary	'	$1.70
Cash bonus	'	1.5
Employment agreement quarterly deferred bonus	'	0.3
Employment agreement amount of group life insurance multiplier of base salary	'	3
Insurance policy amount	'	$5
TSR Shares	'	'
Employment contracts	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'
Value of award that will vest as percentage of base salary	150.00%	'
Performance Shares	'	'
Employment contracts	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'
Value of award that will vest as percentage of base salary	200.00%	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			South America Africa the Middle East and Asia Excluding Colombia	COLOMBIA	Mexico	Mexico	Mexico
						Minimum	Maximum
Income tax contingencies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate remaining amounts assessed or expected to assessed range	'	'	'	'	'	$30	$35
Reduction in reserves	'	'	'	'	20	'	'
Employer's liability claims subject to per-occurrence deductible	2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Workers automobile claims	1	'	'	'	'	'	'
General liability claims subject to per-occurrence deductible	5	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deductions in land rigs and for offshore rigs	5	'	'	'	'	'	'
Political risk insurance losses deductible	'	'	0.25	'	'	'	'
Political risk insurance deductible for foreign operation	'	'	'	0.5	'	'	'
Self-insurance accruals	181.7	171.2	'	'	'	'	'
Self-insurance recoveries/receivables	$44.70	$24.60	'	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 19, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
	Court of Ouargla Customs Infringement	Court of Ouargla Customs Infringement	Court of Ouargla Customs Infringement	Court of Ouargla Foreign Currency Controls	Court of Ouargla Foreign Currency Controls	Court of Ouargla Foreign Currency Controls	Court of Ouargla Foreign Currency Controls	NGH2L	NGH2L
			Maximum				Maximum		Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies, Disclosure	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Judgment against the reporting entity at current exchange rate	'	$17.70	'	$34.80	'	'	'	'	'
Payment of contract amount in foreign currency	'	'	'	'	'	7.5	'	'	'
Payment of contract amount in domestic currency	'	'	'	'	'	3.2	'	'	'
Approximate multiplier of the amount at issue for fines and penalties	'	'	'	'	4	'	'	'	'
Amount paid to customs authority	3.1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Posted security paid	1.33	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Potential judgment in excess of accrual	'	'	13.3	'	'	'	26.8	'	'
Escrow Deposit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'
Monetary damages sought based on alleged breach of contract by NGH2L and alleged tortious interference with contractual relations by Parex	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$750

Commitments_and_Contingencies_5

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of total maximum amount of financial guarantees issued	'
2014	$70,144
2015	34
Thereafter	11,933
Total	$82,111

Earnings_Losses_Per_Share_Deta

Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income (loss) (numerator):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$128,516	($90,510)	$28,128	$92,207	$131,656	$64,489	($121,626)	$158,546	$36,920	$158,341	$232,974	$347,170
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1,026	-441	-5,616	-97	-1,074	-988	1,174	267	'	-7,180	-621	-1,045
Less: net (income) loss allocated to unvested shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,277	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations - basic and diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	149,884	232,353	346,125
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	23,113	-14,430	-26,873	7,011	-103,414	12,155	26,710	-2,977	'	-11,179	-67,526	-97,601
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$150,603	($105,381)	($4,361)	$99,121	$27,077	$75,656	($93,742)	$155,836	$62,094	$139,982	$164,827	$248,524
Earnings (losses) per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.43	($0.30)	$0.08	$0.31	$0.45	$0.22	($0.41)	$0.55	$0.13	$0.51	$0.80	$1.21
Basic from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.07	($0.05)	($0.09)	$0.03	($0.36)	$0.04	$0.09	($0.01)	'	($0.04)	($0.23)	($0.34)
Total Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.50	($0.35)	($0.01)	$0.34	$0.09	$0.26	($0.32)	$0.54	$0.21	$0.47	$0.57	$0.87
Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.42	($0.30)	$0.08	$0.31	$0.45	$0.22	($0.41)	$0.54	$0.13	$0.51	$0.79	$1.18
Diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.08	($0.05)	($0.09)	$0.02	($0.36)	$0.04	$0.09	($0.01)	'	($0.04)	($0.23)	($0.33)
Total Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.50	($0.35)	($0.01)	$0.33	$0.09	$0.26	($0.32)	$0.53	$0.21	$0.47	$0.56	$0.85
Shares (denominator):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	294,182	289,965	287,118
Net effect of dilutive stock options, warrants and restricted stock awards based on the if-converted method (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,410	2,358	5,366
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	296,592	292,323	292,484

Earnings_Losses_Per_Share_Deta1

Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	16-May-11
				0.94% Senior Exchangeable Notes Due May 2011
Debt	'	'	'	'
Average number of options and warrants excluded from diluted earnings (losses) per share (in shares)	11,642,417	14,200,915	9,241,543	'
Purchase amount of 0.94% senior exchangeable notes due 2011	'	'	'	$1.20

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc2

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued liabilities	'	'
Accrued compensation	$172,803	$158,095
Deferred revenue	202,918	148,165
Other taxes payable	76,781	58,590
Workers' compensation liabilities	29,459	22,645
Interest payable	64,728	90,878
Warranty accrual	4,653	6,436
Litigation reserves	30,784	26,782
Current liability to discontinued operations	64,404	68,961
Professional fees	2,971	2,989
Current deferred tax liability	3,075	10,721
Current liability to acquisition of KVS	22,033	'
Other accrued liabilities	22,484	5,118
Accrued liabilities	$697,093	$599,380

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc3

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment income (loss)	'	'	'
Interest and dividend income	$5,120	$7,536	$9,929
Gains (losses) on investments, net	91,457	55,601	10,010
Investment income (loss)	$96,577	$63,137	$19,939

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc4

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on sale of debt securities and gains (losses) from long term investments	'	'	$18
Net unrealized gains (loss) from trading securities	2.5	41.1	-8
Realized gains on short-term and long term investments	89	14.5	'
Peak	'	'	'
Additional disclosure	'	'	'
Gain on acquisition of equity method investment	'	'	13.1
NFR Energy	'	'	'
Additional disclosure	'	'	'
Gain on sale of equity interest	'	$160	'

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc5

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	'	'	'
Losses (gains) on sales, disposals and involuntary conversions of long-lived assets	$13,624	($147,522)	($11,196)
Litigation expenses	11,684	5,382	11,301
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)	6,219	4,787	5,499
Losses (gains) on derivative instruments	'	-1,281	-2,159
Other losses (gains)	6,450	1,998	1,029
Losses (gains) on sales and retirements of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	37,977	-136,636	4,474
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	431,595	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-42,479	'	'
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-81,524	'	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-124,003	110,331	-20,788
Balance at the end of the period	307,592	431,595	'
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	-2,793	'	'
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	374	'	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	374	'	'
Balance at the end of the period	-2,419	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	134,229	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	22,968	'	'
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-85,455	'	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-62,487	'	'
Balance at the end of the period	71,742	'	'
Defined benefit pension plan items	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	-7,632	'	'
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,557	'	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	3,557	'	'
Balance at the end of the period	-4,075	'	'
Foreign currency items	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	307,791	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-65,447	'	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-65,447	'	'
Balance at the end of the period	$242,344	'	'

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc6

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from net income	'	'	'
Investment income (loss)	$96,577	$63,137	$19,939
Interest expense	223,418	251,904	256,632
General and administrative expenses	525,330	527,953	487,808
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	106,160	276,960	515,253
Tax expense (benefit)	-55,181	40,986	165,083
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	139,982	164,827	248,524
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | Reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)	'	'	'
Unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from net income	'	'	'
Investment income (loss)	88,158	13,405	3,036
Investment income (loss), income taxes	2,664	4,316	86
Interest expense	613	702	763
Interest expense, income taxes	-239	-239	-239
General and administrative expenses	5,916	-324	-5,391
General and administrative expenses, income taxes	-2,359	70	2,102
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	81,629	13,027	7,664
Tax expense (benefit)	66	4,147	1,777
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$81,563	$8,880	$5,887

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc7

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental cash flow information	'	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	$100,749	$85,044	$53,759
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest	239,637	250,045	208,212
Acquisitions of businesses:	'	'	'
Fair value of assets acquired	140,740	'	80,585
Goodwill	51,318	'	8,000
Liabilities assumed	-8,232	'	-10,471
Gain on acquisition	'	'	-13,114
Future consideration payments (fair value)	-64,174	'	'
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses	119,652	'	65,000
Cash acquired in acquisitions of businesses	-2,681	'	-9,541
Cash paid for acquisition of business, net	$116,971	'	$55,459

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_2

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates from continuing operations	$1,605,390	$1,548,965	$1,459,326	$1,538,373	$1,571,745	$1,630,380	$1,541,841	$1,810,367	'	$6,152,054	$6,554,333	$6,098,928
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	128,516	-90,510	28,128	92,207	131,656	64,489	-121,626	158,546	36,920	158,341	232,974	347,170
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	23,113	-14,430	-26,873	7,011	-103,414	12,155	26,710	-2,977	'	-11,179	-67,526	-97,601
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1,026	-441	-5,616	-97	-1,074	-988	1,174	267	'	-7,180	-621	-1,045
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	150,603	-105,381	-4,361	99,121	27,077	75,656	-93,742	155,836	62,094	139,982	164,827	248,524
Earnings (losses) per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.43	($0.30)	$0.08	$0.31	$0.45	$0.22	($0.41)	$0.55	$0.13	$0.51	$0.80	$1.21
Basic from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.07	($0.05)	($0.09)	$0.03	($0.36)	$0.04	$0.09	($0.01)	'	($0.04)	($0.23)	($0.34)
Total Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.50	($0.35)	($0.01)	$0.34	$0.09	$0.26	($0.32)	$0.54	$0.21	$0.47	$0.57	$0.87
Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.42	($0.30)	$0.08	$0.31	$0.45	$0.22	($0.41)	$0.54	$0.13	$0.51	$0.79	$1.18
Diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.08	($0.05)	($0.09)	$0.02	($0.36)	$0.04	$0.09	($0.01)	'	($0.04)	($0.23)	($0.33)
Total Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.50	($0.35)	($0.01)	$0.33	$0.09	$0.26	($0.32)	$0.53	$0.21	$0.47	$0.56	$0.85
Additional disclosure	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates	($1,600)	($2,600)	$1,400	$2,900	$1,200	($99,500)	($156,063)	($34,321)	($190,384)	$39	($288,718)	$85,448

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_3

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Details 2) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Effect on consolidated balance sheet

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory

$209,793,000

'

'

'

$251,133,000

'

'

$262,587,000

'

$209,793,000

$251,133,000

'

'

Total current assets

2,753,830,000

'

'

'

3,132,857,000

'

'

3,126,024,000

'

2,753,830,000

3,132,857,000

'

'

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

64,260,000

'

'

'

61,690,000

'

'

324,849,000

'

64,260,000

61,690,000

'

'

Total assets

12,159,811,000

'

'

'

12,656,022,000

'

'

13,166,740,000

'

12,159,811,000

12,656,022,000

'

'

Deferred income taxes

516,161,000

'

'

'

599,335,000

'

'

852,650,000

'

516,161,000

599,335,000

'

'

Total liabilities

6,109,446,000

'

'

'

6,629,717,000

'

'

7,253,419,000

'

6,109,446,000

6,629,717,000

'

'

Retained earnings

4,213,212,000

'

'

'

4,120,398,000

'

'

4,111,407,000

'

4,213,212,000

4,120,398,000

3,955,571,000

3,702,243,000

Total shareholders' equity

5,969,086,000

'

'

'

5,944,929,000

'

'

5,831,876,000

'

5,969,086,000

5,944,929,000

'

'

Total equity

5,981,177,000

'

'

'

5,957,117,000

'

'

5,844,133,000

'

5,981,177,000

5,957,117,000

5,600,424,000

5,337,225,000

Total liabilities and equity

12,159,811,000

'

'

'

12,656,022,000

'

'

13,169,147,000

'

12,159,811,000

12,656,022,000

'

'

Effect on consolidated statements of income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates

-1,600,000

-2,600,000

1,400,000

2,900,000

1,200,000

-99,500,000

-156,063,000

-34,321,000

-190,384,000

39,000

-288,718,000

85,448,000

'

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,547,209,000

1,830,619,000

3,377,828,000

6,248,631,000

6,617,470,000

6,118,867,000

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,089,175,000

1,155,717,000

2,244,892,000

3,981,828,000

4,367,106,000

3,738,506,000

'

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,703,353,000

1,595,552,000

3,298,905,000

6,142,471,000

6,340,510,000

5,603,614,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-156,144,000

235,067,000

78,923,000

106,160,000

276,960,000

515,253,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-69,966,000

49,765,000

-20,201,000

-95,046,000

-102,008,000

55,381,000

'

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-35,268,000

75,771,000

40,503,000

-55,181,000

40,986,000

165,083,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

128,516,000

-90,510,000

28,128,000

92,207,000

131,656,000

64,489,000

-121,626,000

158,546,000

36,920,000

158,341,000

232,974,000

347,170,000

'

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-94,916,000

155,569,000

60,653,000

147,162,000

165,448,000

249,569,000

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

150,603,000

-105,381,000

-4,361,000

99,121,000

27,077,000

75,656,000

-93,742,000

155,836,000

62,094,000

139,982,000

164,827,000

248,524,000

'

Earnings (losses) per share:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$0.43

($0.30)

$0.08

$0.31

$0.45

$0.22

($0.41)

$0.55

$0.13

$0.51

$0.80

$1.21

'

Total Basic (in dollars per share)

$0.50

($0.35)

($0.01)

$0.34

$0.09

$0.26

($0.32)

$0.54

$0.21

$0.47

$0.57

$0.87

'

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$0.42

($0.30)

$0.08

$0.31

$0.45

$0.22

($0.41)

$0.54

$0.13

$0.51

$0.79

$1.18

'

Total Diluted (in dollars per share)

$0.50

($0.35)

($0.01)

$0.33

$0.09

$0.26

($0.32)

$0.53

$0.21

$0.47

$0.56

$0.85

'

Effect on consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

150,603,000

-105,381,000

-4,361,000

99,121,000

27,077,000

75,656,000

-93,742,000

155,836,000

62,094,000

139,982,000

164,827,000

248,524,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-118,117,000

177,035,000

58,918,000

15,979,000

275,158,000

227,736,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-119,507,000

177,011,000

57,504,000

22,227,000

276,090,000

228,596,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of cash flow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

150,603,000

-105,381,000

-4,361,000

99,121,000

27,077,000

75,656,000

-93,742,000

155,836,000

62,094,000

139,982,000

164,827,000

248,524,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,800,000

-1,999,000

-103,277,000

-131,742,000

-12,379,000

'

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,320,000

190,383,000

800,000

299,717,000

-161,189,000

'

Inventory

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,083,000

'

39,412,000

14,447,000

-114,896,000

'

Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-120,791,000

-96,019,000

113,550,000

-224,795,000

519,211,000

'

Net cash provided by operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

244,183,000

711,937,000

1,418,223,000

1,562,705,000

1,456,487,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of changes in equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retained earnings

4,213,212,000

'

'

'

4,120,398,000

'

'

4,111,407,000

'

4,213,212,000

4,120,398,000

3,955,571,000

3,702,243,000

Total equity

5,981,177,000

'

'

'

5,957,117,000

'

'

5,844,133,000

'

5,981,177,000

5,957,117,000

5,600,424,000

5,337,225,000

As Reported

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect on consolidated balance sheet

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

265,787,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total current assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,129,224,000

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

303,103,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,148,194,000

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

855,057,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,255,826,000

'

'

'

'

'

Retained earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,090,454,000

'

'

'

3,956,364,000

3,707,881,000

Total shareholders' equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,810,923,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,823,180,000

'

'

'

5,601,217,000

5,342,863,000

Total liabilities and equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,148,194,000

'

'

'

'

'

Effect on consolidated statements of income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

-134,317,000

-68,669,000

-202,986,000

'

-301,320,000

56,647,000

'

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,568,955,000

1,796,271,000

3,365,226,000

'

6,604,868,000

6,090,066,000

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,092,375,000

1,154,113,000

2,246,488,000

'

4,368,702,000

3,736,910,000

'

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,706,553,000

1,593,948,000

3,300,501,000

'

6,342,106,000

5,602,018,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-137,598,000

202,323,000

64,725,000

'

262,762,000

488,048,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,373,000

38,767,000

-33,606,000

'

-115,413,000

33,021,000

'

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-37,675,000

64,773,000

27,098,000

'

27,581,000

142,723,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

-100,673,000

136,800,000

36,127,000

'

232,181,000

342,325,000

'

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-73,963,000

133,823,000

59,860,000

'

164,655,000

244,724,000

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,789,000

134,090,000

61,301,000

'

164,034,000

243,679,000

'

Earnings (losses) per share:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.34)

$0.48

$0.13

'

$0.80

$1.19

'

Total Basic (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.25)

$0.46

$0.21

'

$0.57

$0.85

'

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.34)

$0.47

$0.13

'

$0.79

$1.17

'

Total Diluted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.25)

$0.46

$0.21

'

$0.56

$0.83

'

Effect on consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,789,000

134,090,000

61,301,000

'

164,034,000

243,679,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-97,164,000

155,289,000

58,125,000

'

274,365,000

222,891,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-98,554,000

155,265,000

56,711,000

'

275,297,000

223,751,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of cash flow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,789,000

134,090,000

61,301,000

'

164,034,000

243,679,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,802,000

-15,404,000

'

-145,147,000

-34,739,000

'

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

68,668,000

202,985,000

'

312,319,000

-132,388,000

'

Inventory

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,883,000

'

'

'

'

'

Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-119,195,000

-94,423,000

'

-223,199,000

517,615,000

'

Net cash provided by operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

244,183,000

711,937,000

'

1,562,705,000

1,456,487,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of changes in equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retained earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,090,454,000

'

'

'

3,956,364,000

3,707,881,000

Total equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,823,180,000

'

'

'

5,601,217,000

5,342,863,000

Adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect on consolidated balance sheet

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total current assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,746,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,546,000

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,407,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,407,000

'

'

'

'

'

Retained earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,953,000

'

'

'

-793,000

-5,638,000

Total shareholders' equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,953,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,953,000

'

'

'

-793,000

-5,638,000

Total liabilities and equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,953,000

'

'

'

'

'

Effect on consolidated statements of income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,746,000

34,348,000

12,602,000

'

12,602,000

28,801,000

'

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,746,000

34,348,000

12,602,000

'

12,602,000

28,801,000

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,200,000

1,604,000

-1,596,000

'

-1,596,000

1,596,000

'

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,200,000

1,604,000

-1,596,000

'

-1,596,000

1,596,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-18,546,000

32,744,000

14,198,000

'

14,198,000

27,205,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,407,000

10,998,000

13,405,000

'

13,405,000

22,360,000

'

Total income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,407,000

10,998,000

13,405,000

'

13,405,000

22,360,000

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Earnings (losses) per share:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.08

'

'

'

$0.02

'

Total Basic (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.08

'

'

'

$0.02

'

Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.07

'

'

'

$0.02

'

Total Diluted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.07)

$0.07

'

'

'

$0.02

'

Effect on consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of cash flow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,953,000

21,746,000

793,000

'

793,000

4,845,000

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,998,000

13,405,000

'

13,405,000

22,360,000

'

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-34,348,000

-12,602,000

'

-12,602,000

-28,801,000

'

Inventory

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,596,000

-1,596,000

'

-1,596,000

1,596,000

'

Effect on consolidated statements of changes in equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retained earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,953,000

'

'

'

-793,000

-5,638,000

Total equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20,953,000

'

'

'

($793,000)

($5,638,000)

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

item

item

Financial information with respect to reportable segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of major business lines

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

$1,605,390,000

$1,548,965,000

$1,459,326,000

$1,538,373,000

$1,571,745,000

$1,630,380,000

$1,541,841,000

$1,810,367,000

'

$6,152,054,000

$6,554,333,000

$6,098,928,000

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

558,219,000

908,550,000

866,006,000

U.S. oil and gas joint venture earnings (losses)

-1,600,000

-2,600,000

1,400,000

2,900,000

1,200,000

-99,500,000

-156,063,000

-34,321,000

-190,384,000

39,000

-288,718,000

85,448,000

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-223,418,000

-251,904,000

-256,632,000

Investment income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

96,577,000

63,137,000

19,939,000

Gains (losses) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other income (expense), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-37,977,000

136,636,000

-4,474,000

Impairments and other charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-287,241,000

-290,260,000

-198,072,000

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-156,144,000

235,067,000

78,923,000

106,160,000

276,960,000

515,253,000

Income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-35,268,000

75,771,000

40,503,000

-55,181,000

40,986,000

165,083,000

Subsidiary preferred stock dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,000,000

-3,000,000

-3,000,000

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

128,516,000

-90,510,000

28,128,000

92,207,000

131,656,000

64,489,000

-121,626,000

158,546,000

36,920,000

158,341,000

232,974,000

347,170,000

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

23,113,000

-14,430,000

-26,873,000

7,011,000

-103,414,000

12,155,000

26,710,000

-2,977,000

'

-11,179,000

-67,526,000

-97,601,000

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-94,916,000

155,569,000

60,653,000

147,162,000

165,448,000

249,569,000

Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

-1,026,000

-441,000

-5,616,000

-97,000

-1,074,000

-988,000

1,174,000

267,000

'

-7,180,000

-621,000

-1,045,000

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

150,603,000

-105,381,000

-4,361,000

99,121,000

27,077,000

75,656,000

-93,742,000

155,836,000

62,094,000

139,982,000

164,827,000

248,524,000

Depreciation and amortization:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,086,677,000

1,039,923,000

918,122,000

Capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital expenditures and acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,365,994,000

1,433,586,000

2,247,735,000

ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

12,159,811,000

'

'

'

12,656,022,000

'

'

13,166,740,000

'

12,159,811,000

12,656,022,000

'

Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-34,320,000

-190,383,000

-800,000

-299,717,000

161,189,000

Assets held-for-sale

243,264,000

'

'

'

383,857,000

'

'

'

'

243,264,000

383,857,000

'

Oil and gas

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

U.S. oil and gas joint venture earnings (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-289,199,000

88,486,000

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-27,396,000

-66,033,000

-91,394,000

ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets held-for-sale

239,936,000

'

'

'

377,625,000

'

'

'

'

239,936,000

377,625,000

'

Operating segment | Drilling and Rig Services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,256,730,000

4,659,589,000

4,156,326,000

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

550,604,000

759,846,000

711,844,000

Depreciation and amortization:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

876,694,000

825,936,000

719,493,000

Capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital expenditures and acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,023,989,000

1,142,456,000

1,568,373,000

ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

8,915,262,000

'

'

'

9,127,825,000

'

'

'

'

8,915,262,000

9,127,825,000

'

Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-400,000

'

-3,100,000

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using equity method

57,000,000

'

'

'

59,900,000

'

'

'

'

57,000,000

59,900,000

'

Operating segment | Drilling and Rig Services | Reportable subsegments | U.S.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,914,786,000

2,276,808,000

1,999,241,000

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

315,496,000

509,894,000

442,831,000

Depreciation and amortization:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

440,210,000

406,740,000

360,604,000

Capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital expenditures and acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

644,792,000

758,555,000

719,741,000

ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

4,248,630,000

'

'

'

4,157,470,000

'

'

'

'

4,248,630,000

4,157,470,000

'

Operating segment | Drilling and Rig Services | Reportable subsegments | Canada

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

361,676,000

429,411,000

426,455,000

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61,193,000

91,360,000

89,344,000

Depreciation and amortization:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

57,796,000

59,191,000

57,382,000

Capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital expenditures and acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

59,386,000

78,729,000

58,134,000

ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

608,018,000

'

'

'

699,698,000

'

'

'

'

608,018,000

699,698,000

'

Operating segment | Drilling and Rig Services | Reportable subsegments | International

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,464,264,000

1,265,060,000

1,104,461,000

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

177,833,000

91,226,000

123,813,000

Depreciation and amortization:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

346,659,000

330,388,000

273,315,000

Capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital expenditures and acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

248,980,000

265,249,000

653,759,000

ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

3,584,339,000

'

'

'

3,626,307,000

'

'

'

'

3,584,339,000

3,626,307,000

'

Operating segment | Drilling and Rig Services | Reportable subsegments | Rig Services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

516,004,000

688,310,000

626,169,000

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,918,000

67,366,000

55,856,000

Depreciation and amortization:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,029,000

29,617,000

28,192,000

Capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital expenditures and acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

70,831,000

39,923,000

136,739,000

ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

474,275,000

'

'

'

644,350,000

'

'

'

'

474,275,000

644,350,000

'

Operating segment | Completion and Production Services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,083,927,000

2,463,640,000

2,086,828,000

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

153,852,000

297,353,000

309,143,000

Depreciation and amortization:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

212,744,000

216,602,000

198,894,000

Capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital expenditures and acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

325,449,000

238,300,000

487,900,000

ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

2,394,865,000

'

'

'

2,301,803,000

'

'

'

'

2,394,865,000

2,301,803,000

'

Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

500,000

'

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using equity method

7,400,000

'

'

'

1,800,000

'

'

'

'

7,400,000

1,800,000

'

Operating segment | Completion and Production Services | Reportable subsegments | Completion Services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,074,713,000

1,462,767,000

1,237,306,000

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

51,722,000

188,518,000

229,125,000

Depreciation and amortization:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

109,242,000

112,401,000

102,009,000

Operating segment | Completion and Production Services | Reportable subsegments | Production Services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,009,214,000

1,000,873,000

849,522,000

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

102,130,000

108,835,000

80,018,000

Depreciation and amortization:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103,502,000

104,201,000

96,885,000

Other reconciling items

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-188,603,000

-568,896,000

-144,226,000

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-146,237,000

-148,649,000

-154,981,000

Depreciation and amortization:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,761,000

-2,615,000

-265,000

Capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital expenditures and acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,556,000

52,830,000

191,462,000

ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

849,684,000

'

'

'

1,226,394,000

'

'

'

'

849,684,000

1,226,394,000

'

Assets held-for-sale

$239,900,000

'

'

'

$377,600,000

'

'

'

'

$239,900,000

$377,600,000

'

Segment_Information_Details_2

Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial information with respect to entity's operations by geographic area	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates from continuing operations:	$1,605,390	$1,548,965	$1,459,326	$1,538,373	$1,571,745	$1,630,380	$1,541,841	$1,810,367	$6,152,054	$6,554,333	$6,098,928
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,597,813	'	'	'	8,712,088	'	'	'	8,597,813	8,712,088	8,629,946
Goodwill	512,964	'	'	'	472,326	'	'	'	512,964	472,326	501,258
U.S.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Financial information with respect to entity's operations by geographic area	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates from continuing operations:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,146,125	4,625,614	4,311,009
Property, plant and equipment, net	5,474,746	'	'	'	5,179,578	'	'	'	5,474,746	5,179,578	4,974,239
Goodwill	498,149	'	'	'	456,463	'	'	'	498,149	456,463	57,445
Outside the U.S.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Financial information with respect to entity's operations by geographic area	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates from continuing operations:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,005,929	1,928,719	1,787,919
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,123,067	'	'	'	3,532,510	'	'	'	3,123,067	3,532,510	3,655,707
Goodwill	$14,815	'	'	'	$15,863	'	'	'	$14,815	$15,863	$34,464

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details) (Increase (decrease) in cash flow, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Nabors Delaware (Issuer/Guarantor)	'
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information	'
Increase (decrease) in cash used for operating activities	$78
Increase (decrease) in cash used for investing activities	78
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information	'
Increase (decrease) in cash used for operating activities	78
Increase (decrease) in cash used for investing activities	$78

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	$389,915	$524,922	'	$398,575	$641,702
Short-term investments	117,218	253,282	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	243,264	383,857	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	1,399,543	1,382,623	'	'	'
Inventory	209,793	251,133	262,587	'	'
Deferred income taxes	121,316	110,480	'	'	'
Other current assets	272,781	226,560	'	'	'
Total current assets	2,753,830	3,132,857	3,126,024	'	'
Long-term investments	3,236	4,269	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,597,813	8,712,088	'	8,629,946	'
Goodwill	512,964	472,326	'	501,258	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	64,260	61,690	324,849	'	'
Other long-term assets	227,708	272,792	'	'	'
Total assets	12,159,811	12,656,022	13,166,740	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Current debt	10,185	364	'	'	'
Trade accounts payable	545,512	499,010	'	'	'
Accrued liabilities	697,093	599,380	'	'	'
Income taxes payable	58,634	33,628	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,311,424	1,132,382	'	'	'
Long-term debt	3,904,117	4,379,336	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	377,744	518,664	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	516,161	599,335	852,650	'	'
Total liabilities	6,109,446	6,629,717	7,253,419	'	'
Subsidiary preferred stock	69,188	69,188	'	'	'
Shareholders' equity	5,969,086	5,944,929	5,831,876	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	12,091	12,188	'	'	'
Total equity	5,981,177	5,957,117	5,844,133	5,600,424	5,337,225
Total liabilities and equity	12,159,811	12,656,022	13,169,147	'	'
Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	730	1,639	'	203	10,847
Accounts receivable, net	27	'	'	'	'
Other current assets	50	50	'	'	'
Total current assets	807	1,689	'	'	'
Intercompany receivables	160,136	174,948	'	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	5,808,606	5,769,518	'	'	'
Total assets	5,969,549	5,946,155	'	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Trade accounts payable	86	116	'	'	'
Accrued liabilities	378	1,110	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	464	1,226	'	'	'
Total liabilities	464	1,226	'	'	'
Shareholders' equity	5,969,085	5,944,929	'	'	'
Total equity	5,969,085	5,944,929	'	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	5,969,549	5,946,155	'	'	'
Nabors Delaware (Issuer/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	7,029	106,778	'	21	20
Other current assets	26,378	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	33,407	106,778	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	33,815	37,300	'	'	'
Intercompany receivables	3,891	1,690,636	'	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	6,097,337	5,129,458	'	'	'
Other long-term assets	34,487	31,904	'	'	'
Total assets	6,202,937	6,996,076	'	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Trade accounts payable	25	23	'	'	'
Accrued liabilities	65,947	91,520	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	65,972	91,543	'	'	'
Long-term debt	3,904,059	4,379,263	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	31,071	30,983	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-213,233	-24,906	'	'	'
Intercompany payable	1,747,566	2,535,988	'	'	'
Total liabilities	5,535,435	7,012,871	'	'	'
Shareholders' equity	667,502	-16,795	'	'	'
Total equity	667,502	-16,795	'	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	6,202,937	6,996,076	'	'	'
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	382,156	416,505	'	398,351	630,835
Short-term investments	117,218	253,282	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	243,264	383,857	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	1,399,516	1,382,623	'	'	'
Inventory	209,793	251,133	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	121,316	110,480	'	'	'
Other current assets	246,353	226,510	'	'	'
Total current assets	2,719,616	3,024,390	'	'	'
Long-term investments	3,236	4,269	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,563,998	8,674,788	'	'	'
Goodwill	512,964	472,326	'	'	'
Intercompany receivables	1,583,539	670,404	'	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	1,854,111	395,246	'	'	'
Other long-term assets	193,221	240,888	'	'	'
Total assets	15,430,685	13,482,311	'	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Current debt	10,185	364	'	'	'
Trade accounts payable	545,401	498,871	'	'	'
Accrued liabilities	630,768	506,750	'	'	'
Income taxes payable	58,634	33,628	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,244,988	1,039,613	'	'	'
Long-term debt	58	73	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	346,673	487,681	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	729,394	624,241	'	'	'
Total liabilities	2,321,113	2,151,608	'	'	'
Subsidiary preferred stock	69,188	69,188	'	'	'
Shareholders' equity	13,028,293	11,249,327	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	12,091	12,188	'	'	'
Total equity	13,040,384	11,261,515	'	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	15,430,685	13,482,311	'	'	'
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Intercompany receivables	-1,747,566	-2,535,988	'	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	-13,695,794	-11,232,532	'	'	'
Total assets	-15,443,360	-13,768,520	'	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Intercompany payable	-1,747,566	-2,535,988	'	'	'
Total liabilities	-1,747,566	-2,535,988	'	'	'
Shareholders' equity	-13,695,794	-11,232,532	'	'	'
Total equity	-13,695,794	-11,232,532	'	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	($15,443,360)	($13,768,520)	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 3) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Revenues and other income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,152,015

$6,843,051

$6,013,480

Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates

-1,600

-2,600

1,400

2,900

1,200

-99,500

-156,063

-34,321

-190,384

39

-288,718

85,448

Investment income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

96,577

63,137

19,939

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,547,209

1,830,619

3,377,828

6,248,631

6,617,470

6,118,867

Costs and other deductions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,089,175

1,155,717

2,244,892

3,981,828

4,367,106

3,738,506

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

525,330

527,953

487,808

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,086,677

1,039,923

918,122

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

223,418

251,904

256,632

Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,977

-136,636

4,474

Impairments and other charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

287,241

290,260

198,072

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,703,353

1,595,552

3,298,905

6,142,471

6,340,510

5,603,614

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

-156,144

235,067

78,923

106,160

276,960

515,253

Income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-35,268

75,771

40,503

-55,181

40,986

165,083

Subsidiary preferred stock dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000

3,000

3,000

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

128,516

-90,510

28,128

92,207

131,656

64,489

-121,626

158,546

36,920

158,341

232,974

347,170

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

23,113

-14,430

-26,873

7,011

-103,414

12,155

26,710

-2,977

'

-11,179

-67,526

-97,601

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-94,916

155,569

60,653

147,162

165,448

249,569

Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

-1,026

-441

-5,616

-97

-1,074

-988

1,174

267

'

-7,180

-621

-1,045

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

150,603

-105,381

-4,361

99,121

27,077

75,656

-93,742

155,836

62,094

139,982

164,827

248,524

Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues and other income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

158,445

173,199

261,090

Investment income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

4

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

158,446

173,199

261,094

Costs and other deductions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,111

7,141

11,970

Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,353

1,231

600

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,464

8,372

12,570

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

139,982

164,827

248,524

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

139,982

164,827

248,524

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

139,982

164,827

248,524

Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,180

-621

-1,045

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

139,982

164,827

248,524

Nabors Delaware (Issuer/Guarantor)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues and other income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

191,821

-99,048

233,028

Investment income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75

43

68

Intercompany interest income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

92

69,145

69,437

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

191,988

-29,860

302,533

Costs and other deductions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

796

458

348

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,610

3,610

3,532

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

234,512

268,904

278,657

Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

211,976

-2,451

-1,904

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

450,894

270,521

280,633

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-258,906

-300,381

21,900

Income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-166,769

-74,493

-78,118

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-92,137

-225,888

100,018

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-92,137

-225,888

100,018

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-92,137

-225,888

100,018

Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues and other income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,152,015

6,843,051

6,013,480

Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39

-288,718

85,448

Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-92,137

-206,413

126,256

Investment income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101,047

63,094

19,867

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,160,964

6,411,014

6,245,051

Costs and other deductions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,981,828

4,367,106

3,738,506

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

514,000

521,962

476,090

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,083,067

1,036,313

914,590

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-11,094

-17,000

-22,025

Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-181,929

-137,024

5,178

Impairments and other charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

287,241

290,260

198,072

Intercompany interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

92

69,145

69,437

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,673,205

6,130,762

5,379,848

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

487,759

280,252

865,203

Income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

111,588

115,479

243,201

Subsidiary preferred stock dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000

3,000

3,000

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

373,171

161,773

619,002

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-11,179

-67,526

-97,601

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

361,992

94,247

521,401

Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,180

-621

-1,045

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

354,812

93,626

520,356

Consolidating Adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues and other income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-258,129

132,262

-620,374

Investment income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,546

'

'

Intercompany interest income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-92

-69,145

-69,437

Total revenues and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-262,767

63,117

-689,811

Costs and other deductions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-577

-1,608

-600

Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

577

1,608

600

Intercompany interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-92

-69,145

-69,437

Total costs and other deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-92

-69,145

-69,437

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-262,675

132,262

-620,374

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-262,675

132,262

-620,374

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-262,675

132,262

-620,374

Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,180

621

1,045

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($262,675)

$132,262

($620,374)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 4) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Statements of Other Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

$150,603

($105,381)

($4,361)

$99,121

$27,077

$75,656

($93,742)

$155,836

$62,094

$139,982

$164,827

$248,524

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65,447

21,073

-20,257

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,007

98,138

5,356

Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-88,158

-13,405

-3,036

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65,151

84,733

2,320

Pension plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,916

-324

-5,391

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

613

702

763

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-124,069

106,184

-22,565

Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-66

-4,147

-1,777

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-124,003

110,331

-20,788

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

-118,117

177,035

58,918

15,979

275,158

227,736

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

1,026

441

5,616

97

1,074

988

-1,174

-267

'

7,180

621

1,045

Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-932

311

-185

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,248

932

860

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-119,507

177,011

57,504

22,227

276,090

228,596

Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Statements of Other Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

139,982

164,827

248,524

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65,447

21,073

-20,257

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,007

98,138

5,356

Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-88,158

-13,405

-3,036

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65,151

84,733

2,320

Pension plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,916

-324

-5,391

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

613

702

763

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-124,069

106,184

-22,565

Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-66

-4,147

-1,777

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-124,003

110,331

-20,788

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,979

275,158

227,736

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,180

621

1,045

Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-932

311

-185

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,248

932

860

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,227

276,090

228,596

Nabors Delaware (Issuer/Guarantor)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Statements of Other Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-92,137

-225,888

100,018

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

87

-88

-5,511

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

98

133

226

Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,114

-11,488

'

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,016

-11,355

226

Pension plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,916

-324

-5,391

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

613

702

763

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-400

-11,065

-9,913

Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-66

-4,147

-1,777

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-334

-6,918

-8,136

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-92,471

-232,806

91,882

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-92,471

-232,806

91,882

Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Statements of Other Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

354,812

93,626

520,356

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65,357

20,987

-25,768

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,105

98,271

5,582

Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-95,272

-24,893

-3,036

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,167

73,378

2,546

Pension plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,832

-648

-10,782

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

613

702

763

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-125,079

94,419

-33,241

Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-370

-8,533

-3,793

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-124,709

102,952

-29,448

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

230,103

196,578

490,908

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,180

621

1,045

Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-932

311

-185

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,248

932

860

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

236,351

197,510

491,768

Consolidating Adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Statements of Other Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-262,675

132,262

-620,374

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65,270

-20,899

31,279

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-23,203

-98,404

-5,808

Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

102,386

36,381

3,036

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79,183

-62,023

-2,772

Pension plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,748

972

16,173

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,226

-1,404

-1,526

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,479

-83,354

43,154

Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

436

12,680

5,570

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,043

-96,034

37,584

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-137,632

36,228

-582,790

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,180

-621

-1,045

Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

932

-311

185

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-6,248

-932

-860

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($143,880)

$35,296

($583,650)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ6

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$244,183	$711,937	$1,418,223	$1,562,705	$1,456,487
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'	'	'
Purchases of investments	'	'	'	-949	-11,746
Sales and maturities of investments	'	'	164,510	31,944	39,063
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	12,640	159,529	142,984
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	'	'	-116,971	'	-55,459
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	-5,967	-1,325	-112,262
Capital expenditures	'	'	-1,178,205	-1,518,628	-2,042,617
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	'	'	308,538	149,801	180,558
Other	'	'	-13	'	'
Net cash used for investing activities	'	'	-815,468	-1,179,628	-1,859,479
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	'	'	-4,421	1,612	6,375
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	'	'	698,753	'	'
Debt issuance costs	'	'	-4,500	-3,433	-7,141
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	'	'	'	710,000	1,560,000
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	'	'	5,383	-3,625	11,605
Reduction in long-term debt	'	'	-994,181	-276,258	-1,404,281
Dividends to shareholders	'	'	-47,168	'	'
Proceeds (reductions) in commercial paper, net	'	'	329,844	'	'
Reduction in revolving credit facilities	'	'	-720,000	-680,000	-700,000
Repurchase of equity component of convertible debt	'	'	'	'	-12
Purchase of restricted stock	'	'	'	-2,160	-2,626
Tax benefit related to share-based awards	'	'	'	-263	1,747
Other	'	'	6,704	-2,423	-891
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	'	'	-729,586	-254,127	163,245
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	'	-8,176	-2,603	-3,380
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	-135,007	126,347	-243,127
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	398,575	398,575	524,922	398,575	641,702
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	'	'	389,915	524,922	398,575
Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	'	'	16,746	7,253	6,612
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'	'	'
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	'	'	'	-35	'
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates	'	'	-100	'	-26,235
Net cash used for investing activities	'	'	-100	-35	-26,235
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	'	'	37,455	-3,622	11,605
Dividends to shareholders	'	'	-51,713	'	'
Other	'	'	-3,296	-2,160	-2,626
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	'	'	-17,554	-5,782	8,979
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	-908	1,436	-10,644
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	203	203	1,639	203	10,847
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	'	'	730	1,639	203
Nabors Delaware (Issuer/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	'	'	-157,952	39,708	-109,125
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'	'	'
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates	'	'	-772,000	'	-65,000
Changes in intercompany balances	'	'	748,537	274,482	77,947
Net cash used for investing activities	'	'	-23,463	274,482	12,947
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	'	'	698,434	'	697,578
Debt issuance costs	'	'	-4,500	-3,433	-7,141
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	'	'	'	710,000	1,510,000
Reduction in long-term debt	'	'	-994,112	-224,997	-1,404,246
Dividends to shareholders	'	'	'	9,003	'
Proceeds (reductions) in commercial paper, net	'	'	329,844	'	'
Reduction in revolving credit facilities	'	'	-720,000	-680,000	-700,000
Proceeds from parent contributions	'	'	772,000	'	'
Other	'	'	'	'	-12
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	'	'	81,666	-207,433	96,179
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	-99,749	106,757	1
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	21	21	106,778	21	20
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	'	'	7,029	106,778	21
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	'	'	1,531,902	1,546,250	1,559,000
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'	'	'
Purchases of investments	'	'	'	-949	-11,746
Sales and maturities of investments	'	'	164,510	31,944	39,063
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	12,640	159,529	142,984
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	'	'	-116,971	'	-55,459
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	-5,967	-1,325	-112,262
Capital expenditures	'	'	-1,178,205	-1,518,628	-2,042,617
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	'	'	308,538	149,801	180,558
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates	'	'	-1,544,000	'	'
Other	'	'	-13	'	'
Changes in intercompany balances	'	'	-748,537	-274,482	-77,947
Net cash used for investing activities	'	'	-3,108,005	-1,454,110	-1,937,426
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	'	'	-4,421	1,612	6,375
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	'	'	319	'	'
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	'	'	'	'	50,000
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	'	'	'	-3	'
Reduction in long-term debt	'	'	-69	-51,261	-35
Dividends to shareholders	'	'	'	21,503	'
Proceeds from parent contributions	'	'	1,544,100	35	91,235
Other	'	'	10,000	-263	1,747
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	'	'	1,549,929	-71,383	149,322
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	'	-8,176	-2,603	-3,380
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	-34,350	18,154	-232,484
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	398,351	398,351	416,505	398,351	630,835
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	'	'	382,156	416,505	398,351
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	'	'	27,527	-30,506	'
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'	'	'
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	'	'	'	35	'
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates	'	'	2,316,100	'	91,235
Net cash used for investing activities	'	'	2,316,100	35	91,235
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	'	'	-32,072	'	'
Dividends to shareholders	'	'	-4,545	-30,506	'
Proceeds from parent contributions	'	'	-2,316,100	-35	-91,235
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	'	'	($2,343,627)	$30,471	($91,235)

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 21, 2014
		Subsequent event
Subsequent event	'	'
Dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$0.04	$0.04

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL1

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'	'	'
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of period	$32,847	$41,703	$22,507
Charged to Costs and Expenses	-1,880	-5,979	5,352
Charged to Other Accounts	-294	179	-29
Deductions	-3,539	-3,056	13,873
Balance at End of Period	27,134	32,847	41,703
Inventory reserve	'	'	'
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of period	6,645	6,984	6,784
Charged to Costs and Expenses	18,469	-3,141	-1,185
Charged to Other Accounts	-366	9	1,889
Deductions	-2,748	2,793	-504
Balance at End of Period	22,000	6,645	6,984
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	'	'	'
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of period	1,520,852	1,485,540	1,514,153
Charged to Other Accounts	26,589	35,312	'
Deductions	'	'	-28,613
Balance at End of Period	$1,547,441	$1,520,852	$1,485,540