Nabors Industries (NBR) 10-Q1 Nov 132013 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 29, 2013
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001163739	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	295,166,266
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$395,923	$524,922
Short-term investments	96,015	253,282
Assets held for sale	396,201	383,857
Accounts receivable, net	1,362,434	1,382,623
Inventory	229,494	251,133
Deferred income taxes	239,171	110,480
Other current assets	237,217	226,560
Total current assets	2,956,455	3,132,857
Long-term investments and other receivables	3,371	4,269
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,463,804	8,712,088
Goodwill	479,557	472,326
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	68,907	61,690
Other long-term assets	230,022	272,792
Total assets	12,202,116	12,656,022
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of debt	11,441	364
Trade accounts payable	521,133	499,010
Accrued liabilities	579,476	599,380
Income taxes payable	13,372	33,628
Total current liabilities	1,125,422	1,132,382
Long-term debt	4,036,027	4,379,336
Other long-term liabilities	441,372	518,664
Deferred income taxes	692,514	599,335
Total liabilities	6,295,335	6,629,717
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)	'	'
Subsidiary preferred stock (Note 8)	69,188	69,188
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common shares, par value $0.001 per share: Authorized common shares 800,000; issued 323,534 and 318,813, respectively	323	319
Capital in excess of par value	2,384,421	2,337,244
Accumulated other comprehensive income	311,631	431,595
Retained earnings	4,074,420	4,120,398
Less: treasury shares, at cost, 28,414 common shares	-944,627	-944,627
Total shareholders' equity	5,826,168	5,944,929
Noncontrolling interest	11,425	12,188
Total equity	5,837,593	5,957,117
Total liabilities and equity	$12,202,116	$12,656,022

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 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	800,000
Common shares, shares issued	323,534	318,813
Treasury shares, at cost	28,414	28,414

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$1,550,819	$1,729,907	$4,544,263	$5,272,499
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates	-2,628	-99,527	1,627	-302,513
Investment income (loss)	1,229	7,224	95,471	32,844
Total revenues and other income	1,549,420	1,637,604	4,641,361	5,002,830
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
Direct costs	980,911	1,107,032	2,948,213	3,353,520
General and administrative expenses	127,943	130,681	390,023	398,534
Depreciation and amortization	273,444	265,637	809,019	766,441
Interest expense	56,059	63,776	176,343	190,068
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	3,266	10,216	27,245	21,777
Impairments and other charges	242,241	'	287,241	147,503
Total costs and other deductions	1,683,864	1,577,342	4,638,084	4,877,843
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-134,444	60,262	3,277	124,987
Income tax expense (benefit):	'	'	'	'
Current	-32,316	50,979	-2,106	111,683
Deferred	-12,368	-55,956	-26,692	-89,562
Total income tax expense (benefit)	-44,684	-4,977	-28,798	22,121
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	750	750	2,250	2,250
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	-90,510	64,489	29,825	100,616
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-14,430	12,155	-34,292	35,888
Net income (loss)	-104,940	76,644	-4,467	136,504
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-441	-988	-6,154	453
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	($105,381)	$75,656	($10,621)	$136,957
Earnings (losses) per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.30)	$0.22	$0.08	$0.35
Basic from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.05)	$0.04	($0.11)	$0.12
Total Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.35)	$0.26	($0.03)	$0.47
Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.30)	$0.22	$0.08	$0.35
Diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.05)	$0.04	($0.11)	$0.12
Total Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.35)	$0.26	($0.03)	$0.47
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	295,076	290,367	293,837	289,822
Diluted (in shares)	295,076	292,501	296,208	292,290

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OTH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	($105,381)	$75,656	($10,621)	$136,957
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	15,716	31,550	-36,853	29,157
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-3,416	13,667	1,586	20,882
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss) (Note 11)	-2	-1,523	-88,159	-14,007
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-3,418	12,144	-86,573	6,875
Pension liability amortization	280	260	842	780
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	153	166	459	548
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	12,731	44,120	-122,125	37,360
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	116	-272	-2,161	-3,856
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	12,615	44,392	-119,964	41,216
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-92,766	120,048	-130,585	178,173
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	441	988	6,154	-453
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	229	390	-572	417
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	670	1,378	5,582	-36
Comprehensive income (loss)	($92,096)	$121,426	($125,003)	$178,137

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	($10,621)	$136,957
Adjustments to net income (loss):	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	820,898	778,393
Depletion and other oil and gas expenses	22,235	223
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-31,535	-81,116
Losses (gains) on long-lived assets, net	12,254	7,016
Impairments and other charges	71,322	162,450
Loss on debt extinguishment	211,981	'
Losses (gains) on investments, net	-90,635	-27,773
Share-based compensation	45,898	13,541
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net	7,021	5,054
Gain on sale of oil and gas operations	'	-48,486
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends	-1,263	302,512
Other	4,966	6,207
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-21,568	46,973
Inventory	20,220	10,900
Other current assets	5,572	-47,086
Other long-term assets	34,435	-26,743
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities	11,271	-221,252
Income taxes payable	-53,846	10,576
Other long-term liabilities	-83,890	65,699
Net cash provided by operating activities	974,715	1,094,045
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of investments	'	-949
Sales and maturities of investments	163,944	30,111
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	-37,516	'
Capital expenditures	-780,711	-1,221,769
Proceeds from sale of affiliate	10,000	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	-5,967	'
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	139,254	128,432
Other	-7	'
Net cash used for investing activities	-511,003	-1,064,175
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	-7,497	-1,748
Dividends to shareholders	-35,357	'
Debt issuance costs	-3,505	'
Proceeds from debt	710,086	'
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	'	710,000
Proceeds from (payments for) commercial paper, net	332,250	'
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	4,375	-4,007
Reduction in long-term debt	-994,181	-276,232
Reduction in revolving credit facility	-590,000	-380,000
Purchase of restricted stock	-3,096	-2,071
Tax (expense) benefit related to share-based awards	'	-54
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	-586,925	45,888
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-5,786	-2,771
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-128,999	72,987
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	524,922	398,575
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$395,923	$471,562

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	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Shares	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings	Treasury Shares	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$5,957,117	$319	$2,337,244	$431,595	$4,120,398	($944,627)	$12,188
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	318,813	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-4,467	'	'	'	-10,621	'	6,154
Dividends to shareholders ($.04/share)	-35,357	'	'	'	-35,357	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-120,536	'	'	-119,964	'	'	-572
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised, net of surrender of unexercised stock options	4,375	'	4,375	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised, net of surrender of unexercised stock options (in shares)	500	470	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of non-controlling interest	-2,899	'	'	'	'	'	-2,899
Share-based compensation	45,902	4	45,898	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation (in shares)	'	4,251	'	'	'	'	'
Other	-6,542	'	-3,096	'	'	'	-3,446
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$5,837,593	$323	$2,384,421	$311,631	$4,074,420	($944,627)	$11,425
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	323,534	'	'	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY	'
Dividends to shareholders (in dollars per share)	$0.04

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended
Nature of Operations	Sep. 30, 2013
Nature of Operations	'
Nature of Operations	'
	Note 1 Nature of Operations

	Nabors has grown from a land drilling business centered in the U.S. Lower 48 states, Canada and Alaska 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 oil and natural gas wells, on land and offshore, Nabors’ fleet of rigs and equipment includes:

	· 477 actively marketed land drilling rigs for oil and gas land drilling operations in the U.S. Lower 48 states, Alaska, Canada and over 20 other countries throughout the world.

	· 448 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.

	· 36 platform, 8 jackup and 4 barge rigs actively marketed in the United States, including the Gulf of Mexico, 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 to the foregoing:

	· 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.

	Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” or “Nabors” mean Nabors Industries Ltd., together with our subsidiaries where the context requires, including Nabors Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Nabors Delaware”), our wholly owned subsidiary.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

	Interim Financial Information

	The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Nabors are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period to conform to the current-period presentation, with no effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted. Therefore, these financial statements should be read along with our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (“2012 Annual Report”). In management’s opinion, the consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of September 30, 2013, as well as the results of our operations and other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and our cash flows and changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, in accordance with GAAP. Interim results for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 may not be indicative of results that will be realized for the full year ending December 31, 2013.

	Our independent registered public accounting firm has reviewed and issued a report on these consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), this report should not be considered a part of any registration statement prepared or certified within the meanings of Sections 7 and 11 of such Act.

	Principles of Consolidation

	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nabors, as well as all majority-owned and nonmajority-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.

	Inventory

	Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out or average cost method, and includes the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. Inventory included the following:

		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	149,630	$	148,822
	Work-in-progress	29,256		45,733
	Finished goods	50,608		56,578
		$	229,494	$	251,133

	Goodwill

	The carrying amount and changes in recorded goodwill for our business lines as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:

				Acquisitions
				and
		Balance at		Purchase			Disposals			Cumulative			Balance at
		December 31,		Price			and			Translation			September 30,
		2012		Adjustments			Impairments			Adjustment			2013
		(In thousands)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	50,149	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	50,149
	Rig Services	32,113		15,828		-1	(8,000		)(2)	(597		)	39,344
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services	82,262		15,828			(8,000		)	(597		)	89,493
	Completion & Production Services
	Completion	334,992		—			—			—			334,992
	Production	55,072		—			—			—			55,072
	Subtotal Completion & Production Services	390,064		—			—			—			390,064
	Total	$	472,326	$	15,828		$	(8,000	)	$	(597	)	$	479,557


	(1) Represents the goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisition of Navigate Energy Services, Inc. (“NES”). See Note 11 - Supplemental Information for additional discussion.

	(2) Represents the goodwill related to Peak Oilfield Service Company (“Peak”), a wholly owned subsidiary in Alaska, for which the accounting criteria of assets held for sale was met at September 30, 2013. Accordingly, we reclassified the goodwill and related carrying value of these assets to assets held for sale at September 30, 2013. See Note 12 — Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations for additional information.

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	9 Months Ended
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'
	Note 3 Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

	Our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments consisted of the following:

			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	395,923		$	524,922
	Short-term investments:
	Trading equity securities		$	—		$	52,705
	Available-for-sale equity securities		76,469			174,610
	Available-for-sale debt securities		19,546			25,967
	Total short-term investments		$	96,015		$	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:

			September 30, 2013									December 31, 2012
			Fair Value			Gross			Gross			Fair Value		Gross		Gross
						Unrealized			Unrealized					Unrealized		Unrealized
						Holding			Holding					Holding		Holding
						Gains			Losses					Gains		Losses
			(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	395,923		$	—		$	—		$	524,922	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments:
	Trading equity securities		—			—			—			52,705		46,981		—
	Available-for-sale equity securities		76,469			47,922			—			174,610		137,282		(1,030		)
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Commercial paper and CDs		—			—			—			206		—		—
	Corporate debt securities		18,448			3,188			—			23,399		1,870		—
	Mortgage-backed debt securities		213			12			—			244		15		—
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities		60			2			(2		)	523		10		(3		)
	Asset-backed debt securities		825			—			(67		)	1,595		28		(192		)
	Total available-for-sale debt securities		19,546			3,202			(69		)	25,967		1,923		(195		)
	Total available-for-sale securities		96,015			51,124			(69		)	200,577		139,205		(1,225		)
	Total short-term investments		96,015			51,124			(69		)	253,282		186,186		(1,225		)
	Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		$	491,938		$	51,124		$	(69	)	$	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 September 30, 2013
			Less Than 12 Months						More Than 12 Months
			Fair Value			Gross			Fair Value			Gross
						Unrealized						Unrealized
						Losses						Losses
			(In thousands)

	Available-for-sale debt securities: (1)
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities		$	22		$	2		$	—		$	—
	Asset-backed debt securities		—			—			446			67
	Total available-for-sale debt securities		22			2			446			67
	Total		$	22		$	2		$	446		$	67


	(1) Our unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities held for more than one year are comprised of various types of securities. Each of these securities has a rating ranging from “A” to “AAA” from Standard & Poor’s and ranging from “A2” to “Aaa” from Moody’s Investors Service and is considered to be of high credit quality. In each case, we do not intend to sell these investments, and it is less likely than not that we will be required to sell them to satisfy our own cash flow and working capital requirements. We believe that we will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of each investment and, therefore, do not consider the decline in value of these investments to be other-than-temporary at September 30, 2013.

	The estimated fair values of our corporate, mortgage-backed, mortgage-CMO and asset-backed debt securities at September 30, 2013, classified by time to contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may 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
			September 30, 2013
			(In thousands)
Debt securities:
Due in one year or less		$	—
Due after one year through five years		15,113
Due in more than five years		4,433
Total debt securities		$	19,546

Certain information regarding our debt and equity securities is presented below:

		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
Available-for-sale
Proceeds from sales and maturities		$	408		$	3,953		$	107,361		$	23,186
Realized gains (losses), net		$	2		$	1,732		$	88,159		$	14,007

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 4 Fair Value Measurements

	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 September 30, 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 the three months ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Short-term investments:
	Available-for-sale equity securities from energy industry	$	75,607	$	862	$	—	$	76,469
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Corporate debt securities	—		18,448		—		18,448
	Mortgage-backed debt securities	—		213		—		213
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities	—		60		—		60
	Asset-backed debt securities	825		—		—		825
	Total short-term investments	$	76,432	$	19,583	$	—	$	96,015

	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 contractual pipeline 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 debt, revolving credit facility and subsidiary preferred stock is estimated based on quoted market prices or prices quoted from third-party financial institutions and other observable inputs, all of which represent Level 2 fair value measurements. The carrying and fair values of these liabilities were as follows:

		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
		Value				Value
		(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016	$	349,803	$	353,959	$	—	$	—
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018	969,623		1,097,743		968,708		1,164,813
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019	339,607		421,952		1,125,000		1,492,819
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020	697,871		732,319		697,648		770,707
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021	698,087		717,374		697,907		755,517
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023	348,733		356,041		—		—
	Subsidiary preferred stock	69,188		69,750		69,188		68,625
	Revolving credit facility	300,000		300,000		890,000		890,000
	Commercial paper	332,250		332,250		—		—
	Other	11,494		11,494		437		437
		$	4,116,656	$	4,392,882	$	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 September 30, 2013, our short-term investments were carried at fair market value and 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-Based Compensation	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Note 5 Share-Based Compensation

	Our share-based employee and director compensation plans are more fully described in Note 8 — Share-Based Compensation in our 2012 Annual Report. Total share-based compensation expense, which includes stock options and restricted stock, totaled $7.1 million and $4.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $45.9 million and $13.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total share-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 included a one-time stock grant valued at $27.0 million, which vested immediately, in connection with the termination of the 2009 employment agreement with Anthony Petrello, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. This share-based compensation expense has been recognized in (Losses) gains on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net in our consolidated statement of income (loss). See discussion of Mr. Petrello’s 2013 employment agreement at Note 9 — Commitments and Contingencies. All other share-based compensation expense 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 13 — Segment Information.

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we awarded 4,729,193 and 934,648 shares of restricted stock, respectively, vesting over periods of up to four years, to our employees and directors. Some of the restricted stock awards made during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 contain provisions relating to market conditions or performance measures, which may affect the grant date or vesting of such awards. All of these awards had an aggregate value at their grant date of $76.8 million and $19.4 million, respectively. The fair value of restricted stock that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $36.6 million and $9.4 million, respectively.

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we awarded options vesting over periods up to four years to purchase 53,672 and 653,699 of our common shares, respectively, to our employees and directors. The fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted-average assumptions:

		Nine Months
		Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$	6.21		$	9.42
	Weighted average risk free interest rate	0.71		%	0.63		%
	Dividend yield	0.82		%	0		%
	Volatility (1)	51.01		%	55.77		%
	Expected life	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.

	The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $3.2 million and $5.7 million, respectively. Additionally, the intrinsic value of stock options surrendered during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $17.9 million. The total fair value of stock options that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $4.0 million and $7.6 million, respectively.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt	'
Debt	'
	Note 6 Debt

	Debt consisted of the following:

		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016	$	349,803	$	—
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018	969,623		968,708
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019	339,607		1,125,000
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020	697,871		697,648
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021	698,087		697,907
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023	348,733		—
	Revolving credit facility	300,000		890,000
	Commercial paper	332,250		—
	Other	11,494		437
		$	4,047,468	$	4,379,700
	Less: current portion of debt	11,441		364
		$	4,036,027	$	4,379,336

	2.35% and 5.10% Senior Notes

	On September 12, 2013, Nabors Delaware completed a private placement of $700 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes, comprised of $350 million principal amount of 2.35% senior notes due 2016 and $350 million principal amount of 5.10% senior notes due 2023, which 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 to redeem a portion of its 9.25% senior notes due 2019, as discussed below.

	9.25% Senior Notes due 2019

	On September 4, 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 redemption all of the notes that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the tender offer, totaling $785.4 million (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 and 5.10% senior notes issued on September 12, 2013, discussed above, borrowings under its commercial paper program and cash on hand. Following the redemption, $339.6 million in principal amount remains outstanding.

	Commercial Paper Program

	During April 2013, Nabors Delaware established a commercial paper program. This program allows 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 in November 2017, more than one year from now. As of September 30, 2013, we had approximately $332.3 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 September 30, 2013 was 0.358%.

	Revolving Credit Facility

	At September 30, 2013, we had $1.2 billion of remaining availability from a total of $1.5 billion under our existing revolving credit facility. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings at September 30, 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. 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.

Common_Shares

Common Shares	9 Months Ended
Common Shares	Sep. 30, 2013
Common Shares	'
Common Shares	'
	Note 7 Common Shares

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, our employees exercised vested options to acquire .5 million of our common shares, resulting in proceeds of $4.4 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, our employees exercised vested options and surrendered unexercised vested stock options to acquire 1.1 million of our common shares. We received $17.0 million relating to exercised options. We used approximately $21.0 million to repurchase surrendered unexercised vested options and to satisfy related tax withholding obligations pursuant to stock option share settlements and exercises by some employees. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we withheld .2 million and .1 million, respectively, of our common shares with a fair value of $3.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively, to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of all stock awards.

	During the three months ended September 30, 2013, our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.04 per common share to our shareholders. This quarterly cash dividend was paid on September 27, 2013 to shareholders of record on September 6, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we paid cash dividends totaling $35.4 million.

Subsidiary_Preferred_Stock

Subsidiary Preferred Stock	9 Months Ended
Subsidiary Preferred Stock	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsidiary Preferred Stock	'
Subsidiary Preferred Stock	'
	Note 8 Subsidiary Preferred Stock

	As of September 30, 2013, dividends on outstanding shares of preferred stock had been declared and paid in full with respect to each quarter since their issuance.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 9 Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

Employment Contracts

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.

We do not have insurance to cover, and we have not recorded an expense or accrued a liability relating to any potential termination obligation.

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 13 — Income Taxes to our 2012 Annual Report 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 self-insured claims, 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 actuarially 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 claims are subject to a $1.0 million deductible. General liability claims are subject to a $5.0 million per-occurrence deductible.

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 do not believe we received proper notice of the judicial proceedings, and believe the amount of the judgment was excessive in any case. We appealed to the Algeria Supreme Court, which reversed the lower court in 2012 and remanded the case to the Ouargla Court of Appeals for treatment consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling. Nevertheless, in January 2013, the Ouargla Court of Appeals reinstated the judgment. We have again appealed 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, the Hassi Messaoud customs office recently initiated efforts to collect the judgment prior to the Supreme Court’s decision. 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 formal negotiations 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.

On March 9, 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 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 $100 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 on April 12, 2012, which mooted ERG’s application for a temporary injunction that was scheduled for hearing by the Texas court on April 13, 2012. 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

Remainder

2014

2015

Thereafter

Total

of 2013

(In thousands)

Financial standby letters of credit and other financial surety instruments

4,765

59,482

—

11,933

76,180

Earnings_Losses_Per_Share

Earnings (Losses) Per Share	9 Months Ended
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	'
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	'
	Note 10 Earnings (Losses) Per Share

	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings (losses) per share computations is as follows:

		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Net income (loss) (numerator):
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	(90,510	)	$	64,489		$	29,825		$	100,616
	Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(441		)	(988		)	(6,154		)	453
	Less: (earnings) losses allocated to unvested shareholders	1,411			—			671			—
	Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations - basic and diluted	$	(89,540	)	$	63,501		$	24,342		$	101,069
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(14,430	)	$	12,155		$	(34,292	)	$	35,888

	Earnings (losses) per share:
	Basic from continuing operations	$	(0.30	)	$	0.22		$	0.08		$	0.35
	Basic from discontinued operations	(0.05		)	0.04			(0.11		)	0.12
	Total Basic	$	(0.35	)	$	0.26		$	(0.03	)	$	0.47

	Diluted from continuing operations	$	(0.30	)	$	0.22		$	0.08		$	0.35
	Diluted from discontinued operations	(0.05		)	0.04			(0.11		)	0.12
	Total Diluted	$	(0.35	)	$	0.26		$	(0.03	)	$	0.47

	Shares (denominator):
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	295,076			290,367			293,837			289,822
	Net effect of dilutive stock options, warrants and restricted stock awards based on the if-converted method	—			2,134			2,371			2,468
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted	295,076			292,501			296,208			292,290

	For all periods presented, the computation of diluted earnings (losses) per share excludes outstanding stock options and warrants with exercise prices greater than the average market price of our common shares, because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive and because they are not considered participating securities. In periods of net loss from continuing operations, outstanding stock options, warrants and restricted stock are excluded because they are anti-dilutive when using the if-converted method, as reflected for the three months ended September 30, 2013.

	The average number of options and warrants that were excluded from diluted earnings (losses) per share that would potentially dilute earnings per share were 18,786,837 and 15,010,906 shares during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 11,887,169 and 13,934,259 shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In any period during which the average market price of our 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_Information

Supplemental Information	9 Months Ended
Supplemental Information	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Information	'
Supplemental Information	'
	Note 11 Supplemental Information

	Accrued liabilities include the following:

			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Accrued compensation		$	165,022		$	158,095
	Deferred revenue		183,049			148,165
	Other taxes payable		63,504			58,590
	Workers’ compensation liabilities		22,645			22,645
	Interest payable		19,012			90,878
	Warranty accrual		6,172			6,436
	Litigation reserves		28,597			26,782
	Current liability to discontinued operations		64,278			68,961
	Professional fees		3,228			2,989
	Current deferred tax liability		12,105			10,721
	Other accrued liabilities		11,864			5,118
			$	579,476		$	599,380

	Investment income (loss) includes the following:

			Three Months						Nine Months
			Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)

	Interest and dividend income		$	1,107		$	1,160		$	4,225		$	6,110
	Gains (losses) on investments, net		122			6,064		-1	91,246		-2	26,734		(1)(3)
			$	1,229		$	7,224		$	95,471		$	32,844


	(1) Includes net unrealized gains of $4.2 million and $11.6 million from our trading securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

	(2) Includes realized gains of $88.2 million from available-for-sale debt and equity securities and net realized gains of $2.5 million from our trading securities.

	(3) Includes $14.0 million realized gain related to debt securities in addition to unrealized gains discussed above.

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

			Three Months						Nine Months
			Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)

	Losses (gains) on sales, disposals and involuntary conversions of long-lived assets		$	2,806		$	2,592		$	8,150		$	6,773
	Litigation expenses		1,983			3,255			7,642			8,791
	Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)		(290		)	2,766			7,017			5,021
	Other losses (gains)		(1,233		)	1,603			4,436			1,192
			$	3,266		$	10,216		$	27,245		$	21,777

	Impairments and other charges include the following:

			Three Months						Nine Months
			Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)

	Termination of employment contract		$	—		$	—		$	45,000	-1	$	—
	Loss on tendered notes		208,197			—			208,197		-2	—
	Provision for retirement of assets		14,044			—			14,044		-3	46,264		-5
	Impairment of long-lived assets		20,000			—			20,000		-4	—
	Intangible asset impairment		—			—			—			74,960		-6
Goodwill impairment		—			—			—			26,279		-7
		$	242,241		$	—		$	287,241		$	147,503

(1) Represents a one-time stock grant valued at $27 million, which vested immediately, and $18 million in cash awarded and paid to Mr. Petrello in connection with the termination of his prior employment agreement. See Note 9 — Commitments and Contingencies for additional discussion.

(2) Represents the loss related to the extinguishment of debt in connection with the tender offer on the 9.25% senior notes. See Note 6 — Debt for additional discussion.

(3) Represents provision for retirement of long-lived assets in our International operations totaling $14.0 million, which reduced the carrying value of some assets to their salvage value. The retirements were related to assets in Saudi Arabia and included obsolete top-drives, nonworking trucks, generators, engines and other miscellaneous equipment. A continued period of lower oil prices and its 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.

(4) Represents impairment of $20.0 million to our fleet of coil-tubing units in our Completion & Production Services operating segment. Intense competition and oversupply of equipment has led to lower utilization and margins for this product line, and we have recently decided to suspend the majority of our operations for these assets. 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 as well as 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. 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.

(5) Represents a provision for retirement of long-lived assets totaling $46.3 million in multiple operating segments, which reduced the carrying value of some assets to their salvage value. 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. A prolonged period of lower natural gas and oil prices and its 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.

(6) Represents impairment of the Superior trade name. 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.

(7) Represents the impairment of goodwill associated with our U.S. Offshore and International reporting units. 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.

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), by component, include the following:

		Gains (losses)			Unrealized			Defined benefit			Foreign			Total
		on cash flow			gains (losses)			pension plan			currency items
		hedges			on available-for-			items
					sale 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		—			1,549			—			(36,853		)	(35,304		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		280			(85,456		)	516			—			(84,660		)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		280			(83,907		)	516			(36,853		)	(119,964		)
As of September 30, 2013		$	(2,513	)	$	50,322		$	(7,116	)	$	270,938		$	311,631


	(a)	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.

The line items that were reclassified from net income include the following:

		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
Line item in consolidated statement of income (loss)		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)

Investment income (loss)		$	2		$	1,523		$	88,159		$	14,007
Interest expense		153			166			459			548
General and administrative expenses		280			260			842			780
Total before tax		$	(431	)	$	1,097		$	86,858		$	12,679
Tax expense (benefit)		(168		)	272			2,198			3,856
Reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)		$	(263	)	$	825		$	84,660		$	8,823

Other

In January 2013, we purchased the business of NES for a total cash price of approximately $37.5 million. This business 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 preliminary fair value estimates as of January 18, 2013. 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.

Assets_HeldforSale_and_Discont

Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations	Sep. 30, 2013
Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
	Note 12 Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations

	Assets Held-for-Sale

	Assets held-for-sale included the following:

		September 30,			December 31,
	Assets Held-for-Sale	2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Oil and Gas (1)	$	264,710	-2	$	377,625
	Rig Services (3)	131,491			6,232
		$	396,201		$	383,857


	(1) Oil and Gas represents a former operating segment of the Company. We began marketing efforts during 2010 to sell our oil and gas investments. As of December 2012, all remaining assets relating to oil and gas were classified as held-for-sale.

	(2) During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the carrying value of these assets was adjusted by $34.4 million to reflect the sales price or current fair value. In July 2013, we sold some of our gas and oil assets and received initial proceeds of $90 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments.

	(3) Represents the carrying value of Peak assets at September 30, 2013. Peak provided heavy equipment to move drilling rigs, water, other fluids and construction materials. At September 30, 2013, the accounting criteria of assets held for sale was met and accordingly, we reclassified the carrying value of these assets to assets held-for-sale. We completed our sale of Peak subsegment to Septemper 30, 2013. The Rig Services balance at December 31, 2012 represents the assets of our logistics services that were sold on April 1, 2013 for a price of $9.3 million.

	Discontinued Operations

	Our condensed statements of income (loss) from discontinued operations for each operating segment were as follows:

		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Operating revenues
	Oil and Gas	$	2,577		$	12,859		$	24,616		$	19,079
	Rig Services	$	34,776		$	44,846		$	116,534		$	140,210

	Income (loss) from Oil and Gas discontinued operations:
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(8,555	)	$	5,527		$	(11,227	)	$	(2,752	)
	Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets	4,834			(3,961		)	47,027		-1	(40,429		)
	Less: Income tax expense (benefit)	2,011			(1,604		)	(9,154		)	2,623
	Income (loss) from Oil and Gas discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(15,400	)	$	11,092		$	(49,100	)	$	35,054

	Income (loss) from Rig Services discontinued operations: (2)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	1,394		$	4,409		$	19,011		$	12,509
	Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of long-lived assets	67			2,459			(922		)	7,728
	Less: Income tax expense (benefit)	357			887			5,125			3,947
	Income (loss) from Rig Services discontinued operations, net of tax	$	970		$	1,063		$	14,808		$	834


	(1) The carrying value of some assets was adjusted. Refer to discussion above.

	(2) Income (loss) from Rig Services discontinued operations includes the operating results from Peak and our discontinued logistics services for all periods presented.

	We have contracts with pipeline companies to pay specified fees based on committed volumes for gas transport and processing. At September 30, 2013, our undiscounted contractual commitments for these contracts approximated $279.9 million, and we had liabilities of $170.5 million, $58.3 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. These amounts represent 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. Decreases in actual production or natural gas prices could result in future charges related to excess pipeline commitments.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 13 Segment Information

	The following table sets forth financial information with respect to our operating segments:

		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	491,857		$	555,784		$	1,443,759		$	1,781,654
	Canada	81,397			102,993			273,053			313,743
	International	383,712			329,245			1,056,649			940,332
	Rig Services (1)	131,151			151,625			383,502			533,934
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (2)	1,088,117			1,139,647			3,156,963			3,569,663
	Completion & Production Services:
	Production Services	246,806			254,827			742,979			752,466
	Completion Services	266,520			381,241			782,674			1,166,940
	Subtotal Completion & Production Services (3)	513,326			636,068			1,525,653			1,919,406

	Other reconciling items (4)	(53,252		)	(145,335		)	(136,726		)	(519,083		)
	Total	$	1,548,191		$	1,630,380		$	4,545,890		$	4,969,986

		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities (5)

	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	92,710		$	115,207		$	240,118		$	427,291
	Canada	12,244			21,679			46,657			64,296
	International	54,271			30,299			108,221			67,838
	Rig Services (1)	2,357			14,027			(1,739		)	58,626
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (2)	161,582			181,212			393,257			618,051
	Completion & Production Services:
	Production Services	25,909			34,035			75,394			87,461
	Completion Services	13,024			47,218			37,650			158,222
	Subtotal Completion & Production Services (3)	38,933			81,253			113,044			245,683
	Other reconciling items (6)	(34,622		)	(36,630		)	(107,666		)	(110,442		)
	Total adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	$	165,893		$	225,835		$	398,635		$	753,292

	U.S. oil and gas joint venture earnings (losses)	—			(98,805		)	—			(301,801		)
	Interest expense	(56,059		)	(63,776		)	(176,343		)	(190,068		)
	Investment income (loss)	1,229			7,224			95,471			32,844
	Gains (losses) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other income (expense), net	(3,266		)	(10,216		)	(27,245		)	(21,777		)
	Impairments and other charges	(242,241		)	—			(287,241		)	(147,503		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(134,444	)	$	60,262		$	3,277		$	124,987

		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Total assets:
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	4,227,580		$	4,157,470
	Canada	633,913			699,699
	International	3,528,697			3,626,307
	Rig Services	642,875			644,350
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (7)	9,033,065			9,127,826
	Completion & Production Services (8) (9)	2,224,980			2,301,802
	Other reconciling items (6)	944,071			1,226,394
	Total assets:	$	12,202,116		$	12,656,022


(1) Includes our drilling technology and top drive manufacturing, directional drilling, rig instrumentation and software, and construction services. These services represent our other businesses that are not aggregated into a reportable operating segment.

(2) Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of $(2.9) million and $(0.7) million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $1.0 million and $(0.7) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(3) Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

(4) Represents the elimination of inter-segment transactions and earnings (losses), net from our former U.S. unconsolidated oil and gas joint venture, accounted for using the equity method, of $(98.8) million and $(301.8) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. In December 2012, we sold our equity interest in the oil and gas joint venture.

(5) 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 our former 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.

(6) Represents the elimination of inter-segment transactions and unallocated corporate expenses, assets and capital expenditures.

(7) Includes $60.9 million and $59.9 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

(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 $8.0 million and $1.8 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'
	Note 14 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 are 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, statements of income (loss) and statements of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and the statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 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 condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for classification of changes in inter-company balances between Nabors Delaware (Issuer) and Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to present them as cash flows from investing activities rather than cash flows from operating activities. For Nabors Delaware (Issuer), cash used for operating activities decreased $51.3 million and cash used for investing activities increased by the same amount for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. For Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors), cash provided by operating activities decreased $51.3 million and cash used for investing activities decreased by the same amount for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The impact of these revisions is not material to the related financial statements taken as a whole. Certain reclassifications to inter-company 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

			September 30, 2013
									Other
			Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
			(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
			Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
			(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,794		$	7,018		$	387,111		$	—		$	395,923
	Short-term investments		—			—			96,015			—			96,015
	Assets held for sale		—			—			396,201			—			396,201
	Accounts receivable, net		—			—			1,362,434			—			1,362,434
	Inventory		—			—			229,494			—			229,494
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			239,171			—			239,171
	Other current assets		50			22,338			214,829			—			237,217
	Total current assets		1,844			29,356			2,925,255			—			2,956,455
	Long-term investments		—			—			3,371			—			3,371
	Property, plant and equipment, net		—			34,686			8,429,118			—			8,463,804
	Goodwill		—			—			479,557			—			479,557
	Intercompany receivables		166,731			3,893			1,414,822			(1,585,446		)	—
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		5,657,795			6,047,144			1,840,765			(13,476,797		)	68,907
	Other long-term assets		—			35,508			194,514			—			230,022
	Total assets		$	5,826,370		$	6,150,587		$	15,287,402		$	(15,062,243	)	$	12,202,116
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of debt		$	—		$	—		$	11,441		$	—		$	11,441
	Trade accounts payable		87			27			521,019			—			521,133
	Accrued liabilities		115			21,291			558,070			—			579,476
	Income taxes payable		—			—			13,372			—			13,372
	Total current liabilities		202			21,318			1,103,902			—			1,125,422
	Long-term debt		—			4,035,974			53			—			4,036,027
	Other long-term liabilities		—			31,049			410,323			—			441,372
	Deferred income taxes		—			(172,709		)	865,223			—			692,514
	Intercompany payable		—			1,585,446			—			(1,585,446		)	—
	Total liabilities		202			5,501,078			2,379,501			(1,585,446		)	6,295,335
	Subsidiary preferred stock		—			—			69,188			—			69,188
	Shareholders’ equity		5,826,168			649,509			12,827,288			(13,476,797		)	5,826,168
	Noncontrolling interest		—			—			11,425			—			11,425
	Total equity		5,826,168			649,509			12,838,713			(13,476,797		)	5,837,593
	Total liabilities and equity		$	5,826,370		$	6,150,587		$	15,287,402		$	(15,062,243	)	$	12,202,116

			December 31, 2012
									Other
			Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
			(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
			Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
			(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	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:
Short-term 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)

		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues		$	—		$	—		$	1,550,819		$	—		$	1,550,819
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(2,628		)	—			(2,628		)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		(102,137		)	88,554			(82,783		)	96,366			—
Investment income (loss)					3			2,363			(1,137		)	1,229
Intercompany interest income		—			31			—			(31		)	—
Total revenues and other income		(102,137		)	88,588			1,467,771			95,198			1,549,420
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs		—			—			980,911			—			980,911
General and administrative expenses		3,089			(311		)	125,319			(154		)	127,943
Depreciation and amortization		—			902			272,542			—			273,444
Interest expense		—			59,417			(3,358		)	—			56,059
Intercompany interest expense		—			—			31			(31		)	—
Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		155			211,989			(209,032		)	154			3,266
Impairments and other charges		—			—			242,241			—			242,241
Total costs and other deductions		3,244			271,997			1,408,654			(31		)	1,683,864
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		(105,381		)	(183,409		)	59,117			95,229			(134,444		)
Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(100,626		)	55,942			—			(44,684		)
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			750			—			750
Income (loss) from continuting operations, net of tax		(105,381		)	(82,783		)	2,425			95,229			(90,510		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			(14,430		)	—			(14,430		)
Net income (loss)		(105,381		)	(82,783		)	(12,005		)	95,229			(104,940		)
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(441		)	—			(441		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	(105,381	)	$	(82,783	)	$	(12,446	)	$	95,229		$	(105,381	)

		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues		$	—		$	—		$	1,729,907		$	—		$	1,729,907
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(99,527		)	—			(99,527		)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		77,976			(152,036		)	(178,917		)	252,977			—
Investment income (loss)		—			2			7,222			—			7,224
Intercompany interest income		—			17,423			—			(17,423		)	—
Total revenues and other income		77,976			(134,611		)	1,458,685			235,554			1,637,604
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs		—			—			1,107,032			—			1,107,032
General and administrative expenses		1,900			159			129,042			(420		)	130,681
Depreciation and amortization		—			902			264,735			—			265,637
Interest expense		—			67,391			(3,615		)	—			63,776
Intercompany interest expense		—			—			17,423			(17,423		)	—
Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		420			(250		)	9,626			420			10,216
Impairments and other charges		—			—			—			—
Total costs and other deductions		2,320			68,202			1,524,243			(17,423		)	1,577,342
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		75,656			(202,813		)	(65,558		)	252,977			60,262
Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(18,787		)	13,810			—			(4,977		)
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			750			—			750
Income (loss) from continuting operations, net of tax		75,656			(184,026		)	(80,118		)	252,977			64,489
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			12,155			—			12,155
Net income (loss)		75,656			(184,026		)	(67,963		)	252,977			76,644
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(988		)	—			(988		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	75,656		$	(184,026	)	$	(68,951	)	$	252,977		$	75,656

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues		$	—		$	—		$	4,544,263		$	—		$	4,544,263
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			1,627			—			1,627
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		4,731			144,574			(107,091		)	(42,214		)	—
Investment income (loss)		1			55			98,825			(3,410		)	95,471
Intercompany interest income		—			92			—			(92		)	—
Total revenues and other income		4,732			144,721			4,537,624			(45,716		)	4,641,361
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs		—			—			2,948,213			—			2,948,213
General and administrative expenses		8,144			116			382,197			(434		)	390,023
Depreciation and amortization		—			2,707			806,312			—			809,019
Interest expense		—			184,871			(8,528		)	—			176,343
Intercompany interest expense		—			—			92			(92		)	—
Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		7,209			211,921			(192,319		)	434			27,245
Impairments and other charges		—			—			287,241			—			287,241
Total costs and other deductions		15,353			399,615			4,223,208			(92		)	4,638,084
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		(10,621		)	(254,894		)	314,416			(45,624		)	3,277
Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(147,803		)	119,005			—			(28,798		)
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			2,250			—			2,250
Income (loss) from continuting operations, net of tax		(10,621		)	(107,091		)	193,161			(45,624		)	29,825
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			(34,292		)	—			(34,292		)
Net income (loss)		(10,621		)	(107,091		)	158,869			(45,624		)	(4,467		)
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(6,154		)	—			(6,154		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	(10,621	)	$	(107,091	)	$	152,715		$	(45,624	)	$	(10,621	)

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues		$	—		$	—		$	5,272,499		$	—		$	5,272,499
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(302,513		)	—			(302,513		)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		143,448			(132,659		)	(212,494		)	201,705			—
Investment income (loss)		—			18			32,826			—			32,844
Intercompany interest income		—			51,433			—			(51,433		)	—
Total revenues and other income		143,448			(81,208		)	4,790,318			150,272			5,002,830
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs		—			—			3,353,520			—			3,353,520
General and administrative expenses		5,449			349			393,778			(1,042		)	398,534
Depreciation and amortization		—			2,707			763,734			—			766,441
Interest expense		—			203,826			(13,758		)	—			190,068
Intercompany interest expense		—			—			51,433			(51,433		)	—
Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		1,042			(1,229		)	20,922			1,042			21,777
Impairments and other charges		—			—			147,503						147,503
Total costs and other deductions		6,491			205,653			4,717,132			(51,433		)	4,877,843
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		136,957			(286,861		)	73,186			201,705			124,987
Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(57,055		)	79,176			—			22,121
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			2,250			—			2,250
Income (loss) from continuting operations, net of tax		136,957			(229,806		)	(8,240		)	201,705			100,616
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			35,888			—			35,888
Net income (loss)		136,957			(229,806		)	27,648			201,705			136,504
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			453			—			453
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	136,957		$	(229,806	)	$	28,101		$	201,705		$	136,957

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Other Comprehensive Income

		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	(105,381	)	$	(82,783	)	$	(12,446	)	$	95,229		$	(105,381	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		15,716			331			16,046			(16,377		)	15,716
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		(3,416		)	(135		)	(3,551		)	3,686			(3,416		)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(2		)	—			(2		)	2			(2		)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		(3,418		)	(135		)	(3,553		)	3,688			(3,418		)
Pension liability amortization and adjustment		280			280			560			(840		)	280
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges		153			153			153			(306		)	153
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes		12,731			629			13,206			(13,835		)	12,731
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		116			116			173			(289		)	116
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		12,615			513			13,033			(13,546		)	12,615
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		(92,766		)	(82,270		)	587			81,683			(92,766		)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		441			—			441			(441		)	441
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		229			—			229			(229		)	229
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		670			—			670			(670		)	670
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	(92,096	)	$	(82,270	)	$	1,257		$	81,013		$	(92,096	)

		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	75,656		$	(184,026	)	$	(68,951	)	$	252,977		$	75,656
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		31,550			(99		)	31,451			(31,352		)	31,550
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		13,667			6			13,673			(13,679		)	13,667
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(1,523		)	(1,200		)	(2,723		)	3,923			(1,523		)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		12,144			(1,194		)	10,950			(9,756		)	12,144
Pension liability amortization and adjustment		260			260			520			(780		)	260
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges		166			166			166			(332		)	166
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes		44,120			(867		)	43,087			(42,220		)	44,120
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(272		)	(272		)	(604		)	876			(272		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		44,392			(595		)	43,691			(43,096		)	44,392
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		120,048			(184,621		)	(25,260		)	209,881			120,048
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		988			—			988			(988		)	988
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		390			—			390			(390		)	390
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		1,378			—			1,378			(1,378		)	1,378
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	121,426		$	(184,621	)	$	(23,882	)	$	208,503		$	121,426

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	(10,621	)	$	(107,091	)	$	152,715		$	(45,624	)	$	(10,621	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		(36,853		)	185			(36,669		)	36,484			(36,853		)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		1,586			98			1,684			(1,782		)	1,586
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(88,159		)	(7,114		)	(95,273		)	102,387			(88,159		)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		(86,573		)	(7,016		)	(93,589		)	100,605			(86,573		)
Pension liability amortization and adjustment		842			842			1,684			(2,526		)	842
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges		459			459			459			(918		)	459
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes		(122,125		)	(5,530		)	(128,115		)	133,645			(122,125		)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(2,161		)	(2,161		)	(4,499		)	6,660			(2,161		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(119,964		)	(3,369		)	(123,616		)	126,985			(119,964		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		(130,585		)	(110,460		)	29,099			81,361			(130,585		)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		6,154			—			6,154			(6,154		)	6,154
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		(572		)	—			(572		)	572			(572		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		5,582			—			5,582			(5,582		)	5,582
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	(125,003	)	$	(110,460	)	$	34,681		$	75,779		$	(125,003	)

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	136,957		$	(229,806	)	$	28,101		$	201,705		$	136,957
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		29,157			(100		)	29,057			(28,957		)	29,157
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		20,882			17			20,899			(20,916		)	20,882
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(14,007		)	(11,488		)	(25,495		)	36,983			(14,007		)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		6,875			(11,471		)	(4,596		)	16,067			6,875
Pension liability amortization and adjustment		780			779			1,560			(2,339		)	780
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges		548			548			548			(1,096		)	548
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes		37,360			(10,244		)	26,569			(16,325		)	37,360
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(3,856		)	(3,856		)	(7,892		)	11,748			(3,856		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		41,216			(6,388		)	34,461			(28,073		)	41,216
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		178,173			(236,194		)	62,562			173,632			178,173
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(453		)	—			(453		)	453			(453		)
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		417			—			417			(417		)	417
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(36		)	—			(36		)	36			(36		)
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	178,137		$	(236,194	)	$	62,526		$	173,668		$	178,137

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities		$	5,671		$	(158,238	)	$	1,098,620		$	28,662		$	974,715
Cash flows from investing activities:
Sales and maturities of investments		—			—			163,944			—			163,944
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net		—			—			(37,516		)				(37,516		)
Capital expenditures								(780,711		)				(780,711		)
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			10,000			—			10,000
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(5,967		)	—			(5,967		)
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims		—			—			139,254			—			139,254
Other		—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates		(100		)	(772,000		)	(1,544,000		)	2,316,100			—
Changes in intercompany balances		—			615,328			(615,328		)	—			—
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		(100		)	(156,672		)	(2,670,331		)	2,316,100			(511,003		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts		—			—			(7,497		)	—			(7,497		)
Dividends to shareholders		(38,767		)	—			—			3,410			(35,357		)
Debt issuance costs		—			(3,505		)	—			—			(3,505		)
Proceeds from debt		—			698,517			11,569			—			710,086
Proceeds from (payments for) commercial paper, net		—			332,250			—			—			332,250
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares		4,375			—			—			—			4,375
Reduction in long-term debt		—			(994,112		)	(69		)	—			(994,181		)
Reduction in revolving credit facility					(590,000		)	—			—			(590,000		)
Purchase of restricted stock		(3,096		)	—			—			—			(3,096		)
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of parent common shares to affiliates		32,072			—			—			(32,072		)	—
Proceeds from parent contributions		—			772,000			1,544,100			(2,316,100		)	—
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		(5,416		)	215,150			1,548,103			(2,344,762		)	(586,925		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(5,786		)	—			(5,786		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		155			(99,760		)	(29,394		)	—			(128,999		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,639			106,778			416,505			—			524,922
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	1,794		$	7,018		$	387,111		$	—		$	395,923

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities		$	6,572		$	(37,698	)	$	1,155,677		$	(30,506	)	$	1,094,045
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of investments		—			—			(949		)	—			(949		)
Sales and maturities of investments		—			—			30,111			—			30,111
Capital expenditures		—			—			(1,221,769		)	—			(1,221,769		)
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims		—			—			128,432			—			128,432
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates		—			—			—			—			—
Changes in intercompany balances		—			(51,262		)	51,262			—			—
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		—			(51,262		)	(1,012,913		)	—			(1,064,175		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts		—			—			(1,748		)	—			(1,748		)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility		—			710,000			—			—			710,000
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares		(4,006		)	—			(1		)	—			(4,007		)
Reduction in long-term debt		—			(224,997		)	(51,235		)	—			(276,232		)
Paydown of revolving credit facility		—			(380,000		)	—			—			(380,000		)
Purchase of restricted stock		(2,071		)	—			—			—			(2,071		)
Tax benefit related to share-based awards		—			—			(54		)	—			(54		)
Cash dividends paid		—			(9,003		)	(21,503		)	30,506			—
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		(6,077		)	96,000			(74,541		)	30,506			45,888
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(2,771		)	—			(2,771		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		495			7,040			65,452			—			72,987
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		203			21			398,351			—			398,575
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	698		$	7,061		$	463,803		$	—		$	471,562

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Note 15 Subsequent Events

	On October 1, we purchased KVS Transportation, Inc. for total consideration of $154.5 million, $66.8 million of which is payable in three future annual installments. This acquisition expands our truck fleet, vacuum truck services, and tank and related equipment services, and will be included in our Production Services operating segment.

	On October 25, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.04 per share to the holders of record of our common shares as of December 10, 2013 to be paid on December 31, 2013.

	On October 31, 2013, we sold Peak, one of our businesses in Alaska, for which we received cash proceeds of $135.5 million. We reclassified the carrying value of these assets to assets held for sale at September 30, 2013 and have included operating results for all periods presented in discontinued operations. See Note 12 for additional details.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
Interim Financial Information	'
	Interim Financial Information

	The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Nabors are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period to conform to the current-period presentation, with no effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted. Therefore, these financial statements should be read along with our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (“2012 Annual Report”). In management’s opinion, the consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of September 30, 2013, as well as the results of our operations and other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and our cash flows and changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, in accordance with GAAP. Interim results for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 may not be indicative of results that will be realized for the full year ending December 31, 2013.

	Our independent registered public accounting firm has reviewed and issued a report on these consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), this report should not be considered a part of any registration statement prepared or certified within the meanings of Sections 7 and 11 of such Act.

Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation

	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nabors, as well as all majority-owned and nonmajority-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.

Inventory	'
	Inventory

	Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out or average cost method, and includes the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. Inventory included the following:

		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	149,630	$	148,822
	Work-in-progress	29,256		45,733
	Finished goods	50,608		56,578
		$	229,494	$	251,133
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill

	The carrying amount and changes in recorded goodwill for our business lines as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:

				Acquisitions
				and
		Balance at		Purchase			Disposals			Cumulative			Balance at
		December 31,		Price			and			Translation			September 30,
		2012		Adjustments			Impairments			Adjustment			2013
		(In thousands)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	50,149	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	50,149
	Rig Services	32,113		15,828		-1	(8,000		)(2)	(597		)	39,344
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services	82,262		15,828			(8,000		)	(597		)	89,493
	Completion & Production Services
	Completion	334,992		—			—			—			334,992
	Production	55,072		—			—			—			55,072
	Subtotal Completion & Production Services	390,064		—			—			—			390,064
	Total	$	472,326	$	15,828		$	(8,000	)	$	(597	)	$	479,557


	(1) Represents the goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisition of Navigate Energy Services, Inc. (“NES”). See Note 11 - Supplemental Information for additional discussion.

	(2) Represents the goodwill related to Peak Oilfield Service Company (“Peak”), a wholly owned subsidiary in Alaska, for which the accounting criteria of assets held for sale was met at September 30, 2013. Accordingly, we reclassified the goodwill and related carrying value of these assets to assets held for sale at September 30, 2013. See Note 12 — Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations for additional information.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
Inventory	'

		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	149,630	$	148,822
	Work-in-progress	29,256		45,733
	Finished goods	50,608		56,578
		$	229,494	$	251,133
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill for various contract drilling segments and other operating segments	'

				Acquisitions
				and
		Balance at		Purchase			Disposals			Cumulative			Balance at
		December 31,		Price			and			Translation			September 30,
		2012		Adjustments			Impairments			Adjustment			2013
		(In thousands)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	50,149	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	50,149
	Rig Services	32,113		15,828		-1	(8,000		)(2)	(597		)	39,344
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services	82,262		15,828			(8,000		)	(597		)	89,493
	Completion & Production Services
	Completion	334,992		—			—			—			334,992
	Production	55,072		—			—			—			55,072
	Subtotal Completion & Production Services	390,064		—			—			—			390,064
	Total	$	472,326	$	15,828		$	(8,000	)	$	(597	)	$	479,557


	(1) Represents the goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisition of Navigate Energy Services, Inc. (“NES”). See Note 11 - Supplemental Information for additional discussion.

	(2) Represents the goodwill related to Peak Oilfield Service Company (“Peak”), a wholly owned subsidiary in Alaska, for which the accounting criteria of assets held for sale was met at September 30, 2013. Accordingly, we reclassified the goodwill and related carrying value of these assets to assets held for sale at September 30, 2013. See Note 12 — Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations for additional information.

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_1

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'

		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	395,923	$	524,922
	Short-term investments:
	Trading equity securities	$	—	$	52,705
	Available-for-sale equity securities	76,469		174,610
	Available-for-sale debt securities	19,546		25,967
	Total short-term investments	$	96,015	$	253,282
Certain information related to our cash and cash equivalents and short term investments	'

		September 30, 2013							December 31, 2012
		Fair Value		Gross		Gross			Fair Value		Gross		Gross
				Unrealized		Unrealized					Unrealized		Unrealized
				Holding		Holding					Holding		Holding
				Gains		Losses					Gains		Losses
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	395,923	$	—	$	—		$	524,922	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments:
	Trading equity securities	—		—		—			52,705		46,981		—
	Available-for-sale equity securities	76,469		47,922		—			174,610		137,282		(1,030		)
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Commercial paper and CDs	—		—		—			206		—		—
	Corporate debt securities	18,448		3,188		—			23,399		1,870		—
	Mortgage-backed debt securities	213		12		—			244		15		—
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities	60		2		(2		)	523		10		(3		)
	Asset-backed debt securities	825		—		(67		)	1,595		28		(192		)
	Total available-for-sale debt securities	19,546		3,202		(69		)	25,967		1,923		(195		)
	Total available-for-sale securities	96,015		51,124		(69		)	200,577		139,205		(1,225		)
	Total short-term investments	96,015		51,124		(69		)	253,282		186,186		(1,225		)
	Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	$	491,938	$	51,124	$	(69	)	$	778,204	$	186,186	$	(1,225	)
Gross unrealized losses of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'

		As of September 30, 2013
		Less Than 12 Months				More Than 12 Months
		Fair Value		Gross		Fair Value			Gross
				Unrealized					Unrealized
				Losses					Losses
		(In thousands)

	Available-for-sale debt securities: (1)
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities	$	22	$	2	$	—		$	—
	Asset-backed debt securities	—		—		446			67
	Total available-for-sale debt securities	22		2		446			67
	Total	$	22	$	2	$	446		$	67


	(1) Our unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities held for more than one year are comprised of various types of securities. Each of these securities has a rating ranging from “A” to “AAA” from Standard & Poor’s and ranging from “A2” to “Aaa” from Moody’s Investors Service and is considered to be of high credit quality. In each case, we do not intend to sell these investments, and it is less likely than not that we will be required to sell them to satisfy our own cash flow and working capital requirements. We believe that we will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of each investment and, therefore, do not consider the decline in value of these investments to be other-than-temporary at September 30, 2013.
Estimated fair values of corporate, mortgage-backed, mortgage-CMO and asset-backed debt securities	'

		Estimated
		Fair Value
		September 30, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Debt securities:
	Due in one year or less	$	—
	Due after one year through five years	15,113
	Due in more than five years	4,433
	Total debt securities	$	19,546
Debt and equity securities	'

		Three Months				Nine Months
		Ended September 30,				Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Available-for-sale
	Proceeds from sales and maturities	$	408	$	3,953	$	107,361		$	23,186
	Realized gains (losses), net	$	2	$	1,732	$	88,159		$	14,007

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	'
Recurring Fair Value Measurements	'

		Fair Value as of September 30, 2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Short-term investments:
	Available-for-sale equity securities from energy industry	$	75,607	$	862	$	—	$	76,469
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Corporate debt securities	—		18,448		—		18,448
	Mortgage-backed debt securities	—		213		—		213
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities	—		60		—		60
	Asset-backed debt securities	825		—		—		825
	Total short-term investments	$	76,432	$	19,583	$	—	$	96,015
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'

		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
		Value				Value
		(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016	$	349,803	$	353,959	$	—	$	—
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018	969,623		1,097,743		968,708		1,164,813
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019	339,607		421,952		1,125,000		1,492,819
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020	697,871		732,319		697,648		770,707
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021	698,087		717,374		697,907		755,517
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023	348,733		356,041		—		—
	Subsidiary preferred stock	69,188		69,750		69,188		68,625
	Revolving credit facility	300,000		300,000		890,000		890,000
	Commercial paper	332,250		332,250		—		—
	Other	11,494		11,494		437		437
		$	4,116,656	$	4,392,882	$	4,448,888	$	5,142,918

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-Based Compensation	'
Fair value of stock options weighted-average assumptions	'

		Nine Months
		Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$	6.21		$	9.42
	Weighted average risk free interest rate	0.71		%	0.63		%
	Dividend yield	0.82		%	0		%
	Volatility (1)	51.01		%	55.77		%
	Expected life	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.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Debt (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt	'
Long-term debt	'

		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016	$	349,803	$	—
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018	969,623		968,708
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019	339,607		1,125,000
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020	697,871		697,648
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021	698,087		697,907
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023	348,733		—
	Revolving credit facility	300,000		890,000
	Commercial paper	332,250		—
	Other	11,494		437
		$	4,047,468	$	4,379,700
	Less: current portion of debt	11,441		364
		$	4,036,027	$	4,379,336

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies

Summary of total maximum amount of financial guarantees issued

Maximum Amount

Remainder

2014

2015

Thereafter

Total

of 2013

(In thousands)

Financial standby letters of credit and other financial surety instruments

4,765

59,482

—

11,933

76,180

Earnings_Losses_Per_Share_Tabl

Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	'
Earnings (losses) per share computations	'

		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Net income (loss) (numerator):
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	(90,510	)	$	64,489		$	29,825		$	100,616
	Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(441		)	(988		)	(6,154		)	453
	Less: (earnings) losses allocated to unvested shareholders	1,411			—			671			—
	Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations - basic and diluted	$	(89,540	)	$	63,501		$	24,342		$	101,069
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(14,430	)	$	12,155		$	(34,292	)	$	35,888

	Earnings (losses) per share:
	Basic from continuing operations	$	(0.30	)	$	0.22		$	0.08		$	0.35
	Basic from discontinued operations	(0.05		)	0.04			(0.11		)	0.12
	Total Basic	$	(0.35	)	$	0.26		$	(0.03	)	$	0.47

	Diluted from continuing operations	$	(0.30	)	$	0.22		$	0.08		$	0.35
	Diluted from discontinued operations	(0.05		)	0.04			(0.11		)	0.12
	Total Diluted	$	(0.35	)	$	0.26		$	(0.03	)	$	0.47

	Shares (denominator):
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	295,076			290,367			293,837			289,822
	Net effect of dilutive stock options, warrants and restricted stock awards based on the if-converted method	—			2,134			2,371			2,468
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted	295,076			292,501			296,208			292,290

Supplemental_Information_Table

Supplemental Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Supplemental Information (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Information	'
Accrued liabilities	'

			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Accrued compensation		$	165,022		$	158,095
	Deferred revenue		183,049			148,165
	Other taxes payable		63,504			58,590
	Workers’ compensation liabilities		22,645			22,645
	Interest payable		19,012			90,878
	Warranty accrual		6,172			6,436
	Litigation reserves		28,597			26,782
	Current liability to discontinued operations		64,278			68,961
	Professional fees		3,228			2,989
	Current deferred tax liability		12,105			10,721
	Other accrued liabilities		11,864			5,118
			$	579,476		$	599,380
Investment income (loss)	'

			Three Months						Nine Months
			Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)

	Interest and dividend income		$	1,107		$	1,160		$	4,225		$	6,110
	Gains (losses) on investments, net		122			6,064		-1	91,246		-2	26,734		(1)(3)
			$	1,229		$	7,224		$	95,471		$	32,844


	(1) Includes net unrealized gains of $4.2 million and $11.6 million from our trading securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

	(2) Includes realized gains of $88.2 million from available-for-sale debt and equity securities and net realized gains of $2.5 million from our trading securities.

	(3) Includes $14.0 million realized gain related to debt securities in addition to unrealized gains discussed above.
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	'

			Three Months						Nine Months
			Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)

	Losses (gains) on sales, disposals and involuntary conversions of long-lived assets		$	2,806		$	2,592		$	8,150		$	6,773
	Litigation expenses		1,983			3,255			7,642			8,791
	Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)		(290		)	2,766			7,017			5,021
	Other losses (gains)		(1,233		)	1,603			4,436			1,192
			$	3,266		$	10,216		$	27,245		$	21,777
Schedule of impairments and other charges	'

			Three Months						Nine Months
			Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)

	Termination of employment contract		$	—		$	—		$	45,000	-1	$	—
	Loss on tendered notes		208,197			—			208,197		-2	—
	Provision for retirement of assets		14,044			—			14,044		-3	46,264		-5
	Impairment of long-lived assets		20,000			—			20,000		-4	—
	Intangible asset impairment		—			—			—			74,960		-6
	Goodwill impairment		—			—			—			26,279		-7
			$	242,241		$	—		$	287,241		$	147,503

	(1) Represents a one-time stock grant valued at $27 million, which vested immediately, and $18 million in cash awarded and paid to Mr. Petrello in connection with the termination of his prior employment agreement. See Note 9 — Commitments and Contingencies for additional discussion.

	(2) Represents the loss related to the extinguishment of debt in connection with the tender offer on the 9.25% senior notes. See Note 6 — Debt for additional discussion.

	(3) Represents provision for retirement of long-lived assets in our International operations totaling $14.0 million, which reduced the carrying value of some assets to their salvage value. The retirements were related to assets in Saudi Arabia and included obsolete top-drives, nonworking trucks, generators, engines and other miscellaneous equipment. A continued period of lower oil prices and its 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.

	(4) Represents impairment of $20.0 million to our fleet of coil-tubing units in our Completion & Production Services operating segment. Intense competition and oversupply of equipment has led to lower utilization and margins for this product line, and we have recently decided to suspend the majority of our operations for these assets. 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 as well as 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. 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.

	(5) Represents a provision for retirement of long-lived assets totaling $46.3 million in multiple operating segments, which reduced the carrying value of some assets to their salvage value. 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. A prolonged period of lower natural gas and oil prices and its 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.

	(6) Represents impairment of the Superior trade name. 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.

	(7) Represents the impairment of goodwill associated with our U.S. Offshore and International reporting units. 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.
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'

			Gains (losses)			Unrealized			Defined benefit			Foreign			Total
			on cash flow			gains (losses)			pension plan			currency items
			hedges			on available-for-			items
						sale 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		—			1,549			—			(36,853		)	(35,304		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		280			(85,456		)	516			—			(84,660		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)		280			(83,907		)	516			(36,853		)	(119,964		)
	As of September 30, 2013		$	(2,513	)	$	50,322		$	(7,116	)	$	270,938		$	311,631


		(a)	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
Schedule of line items that were reclassified from net income	'

			Three Months						Nine Months
			Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
	Line item in consolidated statement of income (loss)		2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)

	Investment income (loss)		$	2		$	1,523		$	88,159		$	14,007
	Interest expense		153			166			459			548
	General and administrative expenses		280			260			842			780
	Total before tax		$	(431	)	$	1,097		$	86,858		$	12,679
	Tax expense (benefit)		(168		)	272			2,198			3,856
	Reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)		$	(263	)	$	825		$	84,660		$	8,823

Assets_HeldforSale_and_Discont1

Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
Schedule of assets held-for-sale	'

		September 30,			December 31,
	Assets Held-for-Sale	2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Oil and Gas (1)	$	264,710	-2	$	377,625
	Rig Services (3)	131,491			6,232
		$	396,201		$	383,857


	(1) Oil and Gas represents a former operating segment of the Company. We began marketing efforts during 2010 to sell our oil and gas investments. As of December 2012, all remaining assets relating to oil and gas were classified as held-for-sale.

	(2) During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the carrying value of these assets was adjusted by $34.4 million to reflect the sales price or current fair value. In July 2013, we sold some of our gas and oil assets and received initial proceeds of $90 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments.

	(3) Represents the carrying value of Peak assets at September 30, 2013. Peak provided heavy equipment to move drilling rigs, water, other fluids and construction materials. At September 30, 2013, the accounting criteria of assets held for sale was met and accordingly, we reclassified the carrying value of these assets to assets held-for-sale. We completed our sale of Peak subsegment to Septemper 30, 2013. The Rig Services balance at December 31, 2012 represents the assets of our logistics services that were sold on April 1, 2013 for a price of $9.3 million.
Schedule of condensed statements of income (loss) from discontinued operations for each operating segment	'

		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Operating revenues
	Oil and Gas	$	2,577		$	12,859		$	24,616		$	19,079
	Rig Services	$	34,776		$	44,846		$	116,534		$	140,210

	Income (loss) from Oil and Gas discontinued operations:
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(8,555	)	$	5,527		$	(11,227	)	$	(2,752	)
	Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets	4,834			(3,961		)	47,027		-1	(40,429		)
	Less: Income tax expense (benefit)	2,011			(1,604		)	(9,154		)	2,623
	Income (loss) from Oil and Gas discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(15,400	)	$	11,092		$	(49,100	)	$	35,054

	Income (loss) from Rig Services discontinued operations: (2)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	1,394		$	4,409		$	19,011		$	12,509
	Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of long-lived assets	67			2,459			(922		)	7,728
	Less: Income tax expense (benefit)	357			887			5,125			3,947
	Income (loss) from Rig Services discontinued operations, net of tax	$	970		$	1,063		$	14,808		$	834


	(1) The carrying value of some assets was adjusted. Refer to discussion above.

	(2) Income (loss) from Rig Services discontinued operations includes the operating results from Peak and our discontinued logistics services for all periods presented.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information	'
Financial information with respect to operating segments	'

		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:

	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	491,857		$	555,784		$	1,443,759		$	1,781,654
	Canada	81,397			102,993			273,053			313,743
	International	383,712			329,245			1,056,649			940,332
	Rig Services (1)	131,151			151,625			383,502			533,934
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (2)	1,088,117			1,139,647			3,156,963			3,569,663
	Completion & Production Services:
	Production Services	246,806			254,827			742,979			752,466
	Completion Services	266,520			381,241			782,674			1,166,940
	Subtotal Completion & Production Services (3)	513,326			636,068			1,525,653			1,919,406

	Other reconciling items (4)	(53,252		)	(145,335		)	(136,726		)	(519,083		)
	Total	$	1,548,191		$	1,630,380		$	4,545,890		$	4,969,986

		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities (5)

	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	92,710		$	115,207		$	240,118		$	427,291
	Canada	12,244			21,679			46,657			64,296
	International	54,271			30,299			108,221			67,838
	Rig Services (1)	2,357			14,027			(1,739		)	58,626
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (2)	161,582			181,212			393,257			618,051
	Completion & Production Services:
	Production Services	25,909			34,035			75,394			87,461
	Completion Services	13,024			47,218			37,650			158,222
	Subtotal Completion & Production Services (3)	38,933			81,253			113,044			245,683
	Other reconciling items (6)	(34,622		)	(36,630		)	(107,666		)	(110,442		)
	Total adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	$	165,893		$	225,835		$	398,635		$	753,292

	U.S. oil and gas joint venture earnings (losses)	—			(98,805		)	—			(301,801		)
	Interest expense	(56,059		)	(63,776		)	(176,343		)	(190,068		)
	Investment income (loss)	1,229			7,224			95,471			32,844
	Gains (losses) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other income (expense), net	(3,266		)	(10,216		)	(27,245		)	(21,777		)
	Impairments and other charges	(242,241		)	—			(287,241		)	(147,503		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(134,444	)	$	60,262		$	3,277		$	124,987

		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Total assets:
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.	$	4,227,580		$	4,157,470
	Canada	633,913			699,699
	International	3,528,697			3,626,307
	Rig Services	642,875			644,350
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (7)	9,033,065			9,127,826
	Completion & Production Services (8) (9)	2,224,980			2,301,802
	Other reconciling items (6)	944,071			1,226,394
	Total assets:	$	12,202,116		$	12,656,022


	(1) Includes our drilling technology and top drive manufacturing, directional drilling, rig instrumentation and software, and construction services. These services represent our other businesses that are not aggregated into a reportable operating segment.

(2) Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of $(2.9) million and $(0.7) million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $1.0 million and $(0.7) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(3) Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

(4) Represents the elimination of inter-segment transactions and earnings (losses), net from our former U.S. unconsolidated oil and gas joint venture, accounted for using the equity method, of $(98.8) million and $(301.8) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. In December 2012, we sold our equity interest in the oil and gas joint venture.

(5) 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 our former 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.

(6) Represents the elimination of inter-segment transactions and unallocated corporate expenses, assets and capital expenditures.

(7) Includes $60.9 million and $59.9 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

(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 $8.0 million and $1.8 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	'

			September 30, 2013
									Other
			Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
			(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
			Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
			(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,794		$	7,018		$	387,111		$	—		$	395,923
	Short-term investments		—			—			96,015			—			96,015
	Assets held for sale		—			—			396,201			—			396,201
	Accounts receivable, net		—			—			1,362,434			—			1,362,434
	Inventory		—			—			229,494			—			229,494
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			239,171			—			239,171
	Other current assets		50			22,338			214,829			—			237,217
	Total current assets		1,844			29,356			2,925,255			—			2,956,455
	Long-term investments		—			—			3,371			—			3,371
	Property, plant and equipment, net		—			34,686			8,429,118			—			8,463,804
	Goodwill		—			—			479,557			—			479,557
	Intercompany receivables		166,731			3,893			1,414,822			(1,585,446		)	—
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		5,657,795			6,047,144			1,840,765			(13,476,797		)	68,907
	Other long-term assets		—			35,508			194,514			—			230,022
	Total assets		$	5,826,370		$	6,150,587		$	15,287,402		$	(15,062,243	)	$	12,202,116
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of debt		$	—		$	—		$	11,441		$	—		$	11,441
	Trade accounts payable		87			27			521,019			—			521,133
	Accrued liabilities		115			21,291			558,070			—			579,476
	Income taxes payable		—			—			13,372			—			13,372
	Total current liabilities		202			21,318			1,103,902			—			1,125,422
	Long-term debt		—			4,035,974			53			—			4,036,027
	Other long-term liabilities		—			31,049			410,323			—			441,372
	Deferred income taxes		—			(172,709		)	865,223			—			692,514
	Intercompany payable		—			1,585,446			—			(1,585,446		)	—
	Total liabilities		202			5,501,078			2,379,501			(1,585,446		)	6,295,335
	Subsidiary preferred stock		—			—			69,188			—			69,188
	Shareholders’ equity		5,826,168			649,509			12,827,288			(13,476,797		)	5,826,168
	Noncontrolling interest		—			—			11,425			—			11,425
	Total equity		5,826,168			649,509			12,838,713			(13,476,797		)	5,837,593
	Total liabilities and equity		$	5,826,370		$	6,150,587		$	15,287,402		$	(15,062,243	)	$	12,202,116

			December 31, 2012
									Other
			Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
			(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
			Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
			(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	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:
Short-term 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)	'

			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
									Other
			Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
			(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
			Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
			(In thousands)
	Revenues and other income:
	Operating revenues		$	—		$	—		$	1,550,819		$	—		$	1,550,819
	Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(2,628		)	—			(2,628		)
	Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		(102,137		)	88,554			(82,783		)	96,366			—
	Investment income (loss)					3			2,363			(1,137		)	1,229
	Intercompany interest income		—			31			—			(31		)	—
	Total revenues and other income		(102,137		)	88,588			1,467,771			95,198			1,549,420
	Costs and other deductions:
	Direct costs		—			—			980,911			—			980,911
	General and administrative expenses		3,089			(311		)	125,319			(154		)	127,943
	Depreciation and amortization		—			902			272,542			—			273,444
	Interest expense		—			59,417			(3,358		)	—			56,059
	Intercompany interest expense		—			—			31			(31		)	—
	Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		155			211,989			(209,032		)	154			3,266
	Impairments and other charges		—			—			242,241			—			242,241
	Total costs and other deductions		3,244			271,997			1,408,654			(31		)	1,683,864
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes		(105,381		)	(183,409		)	59,117			95,229			(134,444		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(100,626		)	55,942			—			(44,684		)
	Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			750			—			750
	Income (loss) from continuting operations, net of tax		(105,381		)	(82,783		)	2,425			95,229			(90,510		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			(14,430		)	—			(14,430		)
	Net income (loss)		(105,381		)	(82,783		)	(12,005		)	95,229			(104,940		)
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(441		)	—			(441		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	(105,381	)	$	(82,783	)	$	(12,446	)	$	95,229		$	(105,381	)

			Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
									Other
			Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
			(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
			Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
			(In thousands)
	Revenues and other income:
	Operating revenues		$	—		$	—		$	1,729,907		$	—		$	1,729,907
	Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(99,527		)	—			(99,527		)
	Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		77,976			(152,036		)	(178,917		)	252,977			—
	Investment income (loss)		—			2			7,222			—			7,224
	Intercompany interest income		—			17,423			—			(17,423		)	—
	Total revenues and other income		77,976			(134,611		)	1,458,685			235,554			1,637,604
	Costs and other deductions:
	Direct costs		—			—			1,107,032			—			1,107,032
	General and administrative expenses		1,900			159			129,042			(420		)	130,681
	Depreciation and amortization		—			902			264,735			—			265,637
	Interest expense		—			67,391			(3,615		)	—			63,776
	Intercompany interest expense		—			—			17,423			(17,423		)	—
	Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		420			(250		)	9,626			420			10,216
	Impairments and other charges		—			—			—			—
	Total costs and other deductions		2,320			68,202			1,524,243			(17,423		)	1,577,342
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes		75,656			(202,813		)	(65,558		)	252,977			60,262
	Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(18,787		)	13,810			—			(4,977		)
	Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			750			—			750
	Income (loss) from continuting operations, net of tax		75,656			(184,026		)	(80,118		)	252,977			64,489
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			12,155			—			12,155
	Net income (loss)		75,656			(184,026		)	(67,963		)	252,977			76,644
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(988		)	—			(988		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	75,656		$	(184,026	)	$	(68,951	)	$	252,977		$	75,656

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues		$	—		$	—		$	4,544,263		$	—		$	4,544,263
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			1,627			—			1,627
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		4,731			144,574			(107,091		)	(42,214		)	—
Investment income (loss)		1			55			98,825			(3,410		)	95,471
Intercompany interest income		—			92			—			(92		)	—
Total revenues and other income		4,732			144,721			4,537,624			(45,716		)	4,641,361
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs		—			—			2,948,213			—			2,948,213
General and administrative expenses		8,144			116			382,197			(434		)	390,023
Depreciation and amortization		—			2,707			806,312			—			809,019
Interest expense		—			184,871			(8,528		)	—			176,343
Intercompany interest expense		—			—			92			(92		)	—
Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		7,209			211,921			(192,319		)	434			27,245
Impairments and other charges		—			—			287,241			—			287,241
Total costs and other deductions		15,353			399,615			4,223,208			(92		)	4,638,084
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		(10,621		)	(254,894		)	314,416			(45,624		)	3,277
Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(147,803		)	119,005			—			(28,798		)
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			2,250			—			2,250
Income (loss) from continuting operations, net of tax		(10,621		)	(107,091		)	193,161			(45,624		)	29,825
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			(34,292		)	—			(34,292		)
Net income (loss)		(10,621		)	(107,091		)	158,869			(45,624		)	(4,467		)
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(6,154		)	—			(6,154		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	(10,621	)	$	(107,091	)	$	152,715		$	(45,624	)	$	(10,621	)

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues		$	—		$	—		$	5,272,499		$	—		$	5,272,499
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(302,513		)	—			(302,513		)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates		143,448			(132,659		)	(212,494		)	201,705			—
Investment income (loss)		—			18			32,826			—			32,844
Intercompany interest income		—			51,433			—			(51,433		)	—
Total revenues and other income		143,448			(81,208		)	4,790,318			150,272			5,002,830
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs		—			—			3,353,520			—			3,353,520
General and administrative expenses		5,449			349			393,778			(1,042		)	398,534
Depreciation and amortization		—			2,707			763,734			—			766,441
Interest expense		—			203,826			(13,758		)	—			190,068
Intercompany interest expense		—			—			51,433			(51,433		)	—
Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net		1,042			(1,229		)	20,922			1,042			21,777
Impairments and other charges		—			—			147,503						147,503
Total costs and other deductions		6,491			205,653			4,717,132			(51,433		)	4,877,843
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		136,957			(286,861		)	73,186			201,705			124,987
Income tax expense (benefit)		—			(57,055		)	79,176			—			22,121
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			—			2,250			—			2,250
Income (loss) from continuting operations, net of tax		136,957			(229,806		)	(8,240		)	201,705			100,616
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			35,888			—			35,888
Net income (loss)		136,957			(229,806		)	27,648			201,705			136,504
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			453			—			453
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	136,957		$	(229,806	)	$	28,101		$	201,705		$	136,957
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Other Comprehensive Income	'

			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
									Other
			Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
			(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
			Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
			(In thousands)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	(105,381	)	$	(82,783	)	$	(12,446	)	$	95,229		$	(105,381	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
	Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		15,716			331			16,046			(16,377		)	15,716
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		(3,416		)	(135		)	(3,551		)	3,686			(3,416		)
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(2		)	—			(2		)	2			(2		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		(3,418		)	(135		)	(3,553		)	3,688			(3,418		)
	Pension liability amortization and adjustment		280			280			560			(840		)	280
	Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges		153			153			153			(306		)	153
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes		12,731			629			13,206			(13,835		)	12,731
	Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		116			116			173			(289		)	116
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		12,615			513			13,033			(13,546		)	12,615
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		(92,766		)	(82,270		)	587			81,683			(92,766		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		441			—			441			(441		)	441
	Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		229			—			229			(229		)	229
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		670			—			670			(670		)	670
	Comprehensive income (loss)		$	(92,096	)	$	(82,270	)	$	1,257		$	81,013		$	(92,096	)

			Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
									Other
			Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
			(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
			Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
			(In thousands)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	75,656		$	(184,026	)	$	(68,951	)	$	252,977		$	75,656
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
	Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		31,550			(99		)	31,451			(31,352		)	31,550
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		13,667			6			13,673			(13,679		)	13,667
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(1,523		)	(1,200		)	(2,723		)	3,923			(1,523		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		12,144			(1,194		)	10,950			(9,756		)	12,144
	Pension liability amortization and adjustment		260			260			520			(780		)	260
	Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges		166			166			166			(332		)	166
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes		44,120			(867		)	43,087			(42,220		)	44,120
	Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(272		)	(272		)	(604		)	876			(272		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		44,392			(595		)	43,691			(43,096		)	44,392
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		120,048			(184,621		)	(25,260		)	209,881			120,048
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		988			—			988			(988		)	988
	Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		390			—			390			(390		)	390
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		1,378			—			1,378			(1,378		)	1,378
	Comprehensive income (loss)		$	121,426		$	(184,621	)	$	(23,882	)	$	208,503		$	121,426

			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
									Other
			Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
			(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
			Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
			(In thousands)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	(10,621	)	$	(107,091	)	$	152,715		$	(45,624	)	$	(10,621	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
	Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		(36,853		)	185			(36,669		)	36,484			(36,853		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		1,586			98			1,684			(1,782		)	1,586
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(88,159		)	(7,114		)	(95,273		)	102,387			(88,159		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		(86,573		)	(7,016		)	(93,589		)	100,605			(86,573		)
	Pension liability amortization and adjustment		842			842			1,684			(2,526		)	842
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges		459			459			459			(918		)	459
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes		(122,125		)	(5,530		)	(128,115		)	133,645			(122,125		)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(2,161		)	(2,161		)	(4,499		)	6,660			(2,161		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(119,964		)	(3,369		)	(123,616		)	126,985			(119,964		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		(130,585		)	(110,460		)	29,099			81,361			(130,585		)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		6,154			—			6,154			(6,154		)	6,154
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		(572		)	—			(572		)	572			(572		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		5,582			—			5,582			(5,582		)	5,582
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	(125,003	)	$	(110,460	)	$	34,681		$	75,779		$	(125,003	)

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	136,957		$	(229,806	)	$	28,101		$	201,705		$	136,957
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors		29,157			(100		)	29,057			(28,957		)	29,157
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		20,882			17			20,899			(20,916		)	20,882
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities		(14,007		)	(11,488		)	(25,495		)	36,983			(14,007		)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities		6,875			(11,471		)	(4,596		)	16,067			6,875
Pension liability amortization and adjustment		780			779			1,560			(2,339		)	780
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges		548			548			548			(1,096		)	548
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes		37,360			(10,244		)	26,569			(16,325		)	37,360
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		(3,856		)	(3,856		)	(7,892		)	11,748			(3,856		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		41,216			(6,388		)	34,461			(28,073		)	41,216
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors		178,173			(236,194		)	62,562			173,632			178,173
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(453		)	—			(453		)	453			(453		)
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest		417			—			417			(417		)	417
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(36		)	—			(36		)	36			(36		)
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	178,137		$	(236,194	)	$	62,526		$	173,668		$	178,137
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	'

			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
									Other
			Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
			(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
			Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
			(In thousands)
	Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities		$	5,671		$	(158,238	)	$	1,098,620		$	28,662		$	974,715
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Sales and maturities of investments		—			—			163,944			—			163,944
	Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net		—			—			(37,516		)				(37,516		)
	Capital expenditures								(780,711		)				(780,711		)
	Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			10,000			—			10,000
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(5,967		)	—			(5,967		)
	Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims		—			—			139,254			—			139,254
	Other		—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
	Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates		(100		)	(772,000		)	(1,544,000		)	2,316,100			—
	Changes in intercompany balances		—			615,328			(615,328		)	—			—
	Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		(100		)	(156,672		)	(2,670,331		)	2,316,100			(511,003		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts		—			—			(7,497		)	—			(7,497		)
	Dividends to shareholders		(38,767		)	—			—			3,410			(35,357		)
	Debt issuance costs		—			(3,505		)	—			—			(3,505		)
	Proceeds from debt		—			698,517			11,569			—			710,086
	Proceeds from (payments for) commercial paper, net		—			332,250			—			—			332,250
	Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares		4,375			—			—			—			4,375
	Reduction in long-term debt		—			(994,112		)	(69		)	—			(994,181		)
	Reduction in revolving credit facility					(590,000		)	—			—			(590,000		)
	Purchase of restricted stock		(3,096		)	—			—			—			(3,096		)
	Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of parent common shares to affiliates		32,072			—			—			(32,072		)	—
	Proceeds from parent contributions		—			772,000			1,544,100			(2,316,100		)	—
	Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		(5,416		)	215,150			1,548,103			(2,344,762		)	(586,925		)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(5,786		)	—			(5,786		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		155			(99,760		)	(29,394		)	—			(128,999		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,639			106,778			416,505			—			524,922
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	1,794		$	7,018		$	387,111		$	—		$	395,923

			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
									Other
			Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
			(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
			Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
			(In thousands)
	Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities		$	6,572		$	(37,698	)	$	1,155,677		$	(30,506	)	$	1,094,045
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of investments		—			—			(949		)	—			(949		)
	Sales and maturities of investments		—			—			30,111			—			30,111
	Capital expenditures		—			—			(1,221,769		)	—			(1,221,769		)
	Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims		—			—			128,432			—			128,432
	Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates		—			—			—			—			—
	Changes in intercompany balances		—			(51,262		)	51,262			—			—
	Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		—			(51,262		)	(1,012,913		)	—			(1,064,175		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts		—			—			(1,748		)	—			(1,748		)
	Proceeds from revolving credit facility		—			710,000			—			—			710,000
	Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares		(4,006		)	—			(1		)	—			(4,007		)
	Reduction in long-term debt		—			(224,997		)	(51,235		)	—			(276,232		)
	Paydown of revolving credit facility		—			(380,000		)	—			—			(380,000		)
	Purchase of restricted stock		(2,071		)	—			—			—			(2,071		)
	Tax benefit related to share-based awards		—			—			(54		)	—			(54		)
	Cash dividends paid		—			(9,003		)	(21,503		)	30,506			—
	Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		(6,077		)	96,000			(74,541		)	30,506			45,888
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(2,771		)	—			(2,771		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		495			7,040			65,452			—			72,987
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		203			21			398,351			—			398,575
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	698		$	7,061		$	463,803		$	—		$	471,562

Nature_of_Operations_Details

Nature of Operations (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	item
	rig
Nature of Operations	'
Number of major business lines	2
Number of platform rigs actively marketed	36
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
Nature of operations	'
Number of actively marketed land drilling rigs	477
Number of states in which oil, gas and geothermal land drilling operations are conducted	48
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	448
Canada	'
Nature of Operations	'
Number of rigs marketing for land well-servicing and workover service	104

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory	'	'
Raw materials	$149,630	$148,822
Work-in-progress	29,256	45,733
Finished goods	50,608	56,578
Total inventory	$229,494	$251,133

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Sep. 30, 2013	Drilling and Rig Services	U.S.	U.S.	Rig Services	Completion and Production Services	Completion and Production Services	Completion	Completion	Production	Production
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill for various contract drilling segments and other operating segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$472,326	$82,262	$50,149	$50,149	$32,113	$390,064	$390,064	$334,992	$334,992	$55,072	$55,072
Acquisitions and purchase price adjustment	15,828	15,828	'	'	15,828	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disposals and Impairments	-8,000	-8,000	'	'	-8,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cumulative Translation Adjustment	-597	-597	'	'	-597	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance	$479,557	$89,493	$50,149	$50,149	$39,344	$390,064	$390,064	$334,992	$334,992	$55,072	$55,072

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_2

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$395,923	$524,922	$471,562	$398,575
Short-term investments:	'	'	'	'
Trading equity securities	'	52,705	'	'
Available-for-sale equity securities	76,469	174,610	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities	19,546	25,967	'	'
Total short-term investments	$96,015	$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	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value	$524,922	$395,923
Short-term investments:	'	'
Trading equity securities, fair value	52,705	'
Trading equity securities, gross unrealized holding gains	46,981	'
Available-for-sale equities securities	'	'
Available-for-sale equity securities, fair value	200,577	96,015
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	25,967	19,546
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	139,205	51,124
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	-1,225	-69
Total short-term investments	253,282	96,015
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, fair value	778,204	491,938
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, gross unrealized gains	186,186	51,124
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, gross unrealized losses	-1,225	-69
Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Available-for-sale equities securities	'	'
Available-for-sale equity securities, fair value	174,610	76,469
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	137,282	47,922
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	19,546
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	1,923	3,202
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	-195	-69
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	18,448
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	1,870	3,188
Mortgage-backed debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	244	213
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	15	12
Mortgage-CMO debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	523	60
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	10	2
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	825
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	28	'
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	-192	-67
Total Short-term investments	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total short-term investments	253,282	96,015
Total short-term investments, gross unrealized gains	186,186	51,124
Total short-term investments, gross unrealized holding losses	($1,225)	($69)

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_4

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details 3) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Gross unrealized losses of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months	$22
Available-for-sale securities, more than 12 months	446
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 Months, aggregate losses	2
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	67
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	22
Available-for-sale securities, more than 12 months	446
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 Months, aggregate losses	2
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	67
Mortgage-CMO debt securities	'
Gross unrealized losses of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months	22
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 Months, aggregate losses	2
Asset-backed debt securities	'
Gross unrealized losses of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'
Available-for-sale securities, more than 12 months	446
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$67

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_5

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details 4) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt securities:	'
Due after one year through five years	$15,113
Due in more than five years	4,433
Total debt securities	$19,546

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_6

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Available-for-sale:	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales and maturities	$408	$3,953	$107,361	$23,186
Realized gains (losses), net	$2	$1,732	$88,159	$14,007

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Amount of transfers of financial assets between Level 1 and Level 2 measures	$0	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	96,015	200,577
Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	76,469	174,610
Recurring	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total short-term investments	96,015	'
Recurring \| Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	76,469	'
Recurring \| Corporate debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	18,448	'
Recurring \| Mortgage-backed debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	213	'
Recurring \| Mortgage-CMO debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	60	'
Recurring \| Asset-backed debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	825	'
Recurring \| Level 1	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total short-term investments	76,432	'
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	75,607	'
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Asset-backed debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	825	'
Recurring \| Level 2	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total short-term investments	19,583	'
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	862	'
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Corporate debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	18,448	'
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Mortgage-backed debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	213	'
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Mortgage-CMO debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	$60	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

5.00% senior notes due September 2020

4.625% senior notes due September 2021

5.10% senior notes due September 2023

Revolving Credit Facility

Commercial paper

Other

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Carrying Value

$4,116,656

$4,448,888

$349,803

$969,623

$968,708

$339,607

$1,125,000

$697,871

$697,648

$698,087

$697,907

$348,733

$300,000

$890,000

$332,250

$11,494

$437

Fair Value

4,392,882

5,142,918

353,959

1,097,743

1,164,813

421,952

1,492,819

732,319

770,707

717,374

755,517

356,041

300,000

890,000

332,250

11,494

437

Subsidiary preferred stock, carrying value

69,188

Subsidiary preferred stock, fair value

69,750

68,625

Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)

2.35%

6.15%

9.25%

5.00%

4.63%

5.10%

2.35%

Securities available-for-sale

96,015

200,577

Trading equity securities, fair value

$52,705

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation expense	$7.10	$4.80	$45.90	$13.50
Petrello	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'
Value of incentives in the form of one-time stock grant	'	'	18	'
Common stock \| Petrello	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'
Value of incentives in the form of one-time stock grant	'	'	27	'
Restricted Stock Award	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'
Shares awarded during period	'	'	4,729,193	934,648
Shares awarded during period, fair value	'	'	76.8	19.4
Fair value of Restricted Stock Awarded to Employees and Directors that vested	'	'	36.6	9.4
Restricted Stock Award \| Maximum	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'
Vesting period of shares	'	'	'4 years	'
Stock options	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	'	'	3.2	5.7
Intrinsic value of stock options surrendered	'	'	'	17.9
Total fair value of options vested during the period	'	'	$4	$7.60
Options awarded (in shares)	'	'	53,672	653,699
Fair value of stock options	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$6.21	$9.42
Weighted-average risk free interest rate (as a percent)	'	'	0.71%	0.63%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	'	'	0.82%	0.00%
Volatility (as a percent)	'	'	51.01%	55.77%
Expected life	'	'	'4 years	'4 years
Stock options \| Maximum	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'
Vesting period of shares	'	'	'4 years	'4 years

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

5.00% senior notes due September 2020

4.625% senior notes due September 2021

5.10% senior notes due September 2023

Revolving Credit Facility

Commercial paper

Long-term debt

Senior Notes

$349,803

$969,623

$968,708

$339,607

$1,125,000

$697,871

$697,648

$698,087

$697,907

$348,733

Revolving credit facility

300,000

890,000

Other

11,494

437

Long-term Debt

4,047,468

4,379,700

332,250

Current portion of debt

11,441

364

Long-term debt

$4,036,027

$4,379,336

Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)

2.35%

6.15%

9.25%

5.00%

4.63%

5.10%

2.35%

Debt_Details_2

Debt (Details 2) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 13, 2013

Sep. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Nabors Delaware

2.35% and 5.10% Senior Notes

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

5.10% senior notes due September 2023

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

Revolving Credit Facility

Commercial paper

Nabors Delaware

Minimum

Nabors Delaware

A consolidated affiliate

Maximum

Debt

Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)

2.35%

5.10%

2.35%

9.25%

Aggregate amount of senior notes

$700,000,000

$350,000,000

$339,600,000

$332,300,000

Principal amount redeemed

785,400,000

14,000,000

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

101.00%

Cash paid to tender senior notes

994,181,000

276,232,000

994,112,000

224,997,000

1,000,000,000

Premium and related fees paid in the redemption

211,900,000

Maximum borrowing capacity

1,500,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity term

'397 days

Remaining period to maturity

'1 year

Remaining availability under credit facility

1,200,000,000

Maximum borrowing capacity

$1,500,000,000

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

1.49%

0.36%

Common_Shares_Details

Common Shares (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Common shares	'	'	'
Vested options exercised by employees to acquire common shares, shares	'	0.5	1.1
Proceeds from stock options exercised	'	$4,400,000	$17,000,000
Amount used to repurchase surrendered unexercised vested options surrendered to satisfy exercise price and related tax withholding obligations	'	21,000,000	'
Common shares withheld by company	'	0.2	0.1
Common shares fair value	'	3,100,000	2,100,000
Dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$0.04	'	'
Cash dividend paid	'	$35,357,000	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (Petrello)	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (Petrello)	Mar. 31, 2013
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
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_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		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	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2009	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2006	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 19, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
	Court of Ouargla Customs Infringement	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	NGH2L	NGH2L
				Maximum		Maximum		Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies, Disclosure	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Judgment against the reporting entity at current exchange rate	$34.80	'	$17.70	'	'	'	'	'
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	'	'
Monetary damages sought based on alleged breach of contract by NGH2L and alleged tortious interference with contractual relations by Parex	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100
Escrow Deposit Retained	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 4) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of total maximum amount of financial guarantees issued	'
Remainder of 2013	$4,765
2014	59,482
Thereafter	11,933
Total	$76,180

Earnings_Losses_Per_Share_Deta

Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income (loss) (numerator):	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	($90,510)	$64,489	$29,825	$100,616
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-441	-988	-6,154	453
Less: (earnings) losses allocated to unvested shareholders	1,411	'	671	'
Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations - basic and diluted	-89,540	63,501	24,342	101,069
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	($14,430)	$12,155	($34,292)	$35,888
Earnings (losses) per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.30)	$0.22	$0.08	$0.35
Basic from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.05)	$0.04	($0.11)	$0.12
Total Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.35)	$0.26	($0.03)	$0.47
Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.30)	$0.22	$0.08	$0.35
Diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.05)	$0.04	($0.11)	$0.12
Total Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.35)	$0.26	($0.03)	$0.47
Shares (denominator):	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	295,076,000	290,367,000	293,837,000	289,822,000
Net effect of dilutive stock options, warrants and restricted stock awards based on the if-converted method (in shares)	'	2,134,000	2,371,000	2,468,000
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted	295,076,000	292,501,000	296,208,000	292,290,000
Average number of options and warrants excluded from diluted earnings (losses) per share (in shares)	18,786,837	15,010,906	11,887,169	13,934,259

Supplemental_Information_Detai

Supplemental Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accrued liabilities	'	'
Accrued compensation	$165,022	$158,095
Deferred revenue	183,049	148,165
Other taxes payable	63,504	58,590
Workers' compensation liabilities	22,645	22,645
Interest payable	19,012	90,878
Warranty accrual	6,172	6,436
Litigation reserves	28,597	26,782
Current liability to discontinued operations	64,278	68,961
Professional fees	3,228	2,989
Current deferred tax liability	12,105	10,721
Other accrued liabilities	11,864	5,118
Accrued liabilities	$579,476	$599,380

Supplemental_Information_Detai1

Supplemental Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Investment income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Interest and dividend income	$1,107	$1,160	$4,225	$6,110
Gains (losses) on investments, net	122	6,064	91,246	26,734
Investment income (loss)	$1,229	$7,224	$95,471	$32,844

Supplemental_Information_Detai2

Supplemental Information (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Supplemental Information	'	'	'
Net unrealized gains from trading securities	$4.20	'	$11.60
Realized gains from available-for-sale debt and equity securities	'	88.2	'
Net realized gains from trading securities	'	2.5	'
Net realized gains from debt securities	'	'	$14

Supplemental_Information_Detai3

Supplemental Information (Details 4) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Supplemental Information	'	'	'	'	'
Losses (gains) on sales, disposals and involuntary conversions of long-lived assets	'	$2,806	$2,592	$8,150	$6,773
Litigation expenses	'	1,983	3,255	7,642	8,791
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)	'	-290	2,766	7,017	5,021
Other losses (gains)	'	-1,233	1,603	4,436	1,192
Losses (gains) on sales and retirements of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	'	3,266	10,216	27,245	21,777
Termination of employment contract	'	'	'	45,000	'
Loss on tendered notes	'	208,197	'	208,197	'
Provision for retirement of assets	'	14,044	'	14,044	46,264
Impairment of long-lived assets	'	20,000	'	20,000	'
Intangible asset impairment	'	'	'	'	74,960
Goodwill impairment	'	'	'	'	26,279
Total impairments and other charges	'	242,241	'	287,241	147,503
Superior trade name, useful life	'10 years	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	'	'	431,595	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	'	-35,304	'
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	-84,660	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	12,615	44,392	-119,964	41,216
Balance at the end of the period	'	311,631	'	311,631	'
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)	'	'	'	280	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	280	'
Balance at the end of the period	'	-2,513	'	-2,513	'
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	'	'	'	1,549	'
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	-85,456	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	-83,907	'
Balance at the end of the period	'	50,322	'	50,322	'
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)	'	'	'	516	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	516	'
Balance at the end of the period	'	-7,116	'	-7,116	'
Foreign currency items	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	'	'	307,791	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	'	-36,853	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	-36,853	'
Balance at the end of the period	'	$270,938	'	$270,938	'

Supplemental_Information_Detai4

Supplemental Information (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from net income	'	'	'	'
Investment income (loss)	$1,229	$7,224	$95,471	$32,844
Interest expense	56,059	63,776	176,343	190,068
General and administrative expenses	127,943	130,681	390,023	398,534
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-134,444	60,262	3,277	124,987
Tax expense (benefit)	-44,684	-4,977	-28,798	22,121
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-105,381	75,656	-10,621	136,957
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)	2	1,523	88,159	14,007
Interest expense	153	166	459	548
General and administrative expenses	280	260	842	780
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-431	1,097	86,858	12,679
Tax expense (benefit)	-168	272	2,198	3,856
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	($263)	$825	$84,660	$8,823

Supplemental_Information_Detai5

Supplemental Information (Details 6) (Petrello, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Employment agreement	'
Value of incentives in the form of one-time stock grant	$18
Common stock	'
Employment agreement	'
Value of incentives in the form of one-time stock grant	$27

Supplemental_Information_Detai6

Supplemental Information (Details 7) (9.25% senior notes)	Sep. 30, 2013
9.25% senior notes	'
Debt	'
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	9.25%

Supplemental_Information_Detai7

Supplemental Information (Details 8) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013
Supplemental Information (Details 8) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	NES
Purchase of business	'	'	'
Cash purchase price	'	'	$37,500,000
Amount of goodwill recorded	$479,557,000	$472,326,000	$15,800,000

Assets_HeldforSale_and_Discont2

Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Oil and gas	Oil and gas	Oil and gas	Rig Services	Rig Services	Rig Services
Assets held-for-sale	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	$396,201,000	$396,201,000	'	$383,857,000	'	$264,710,000	$377,625,000	$131,491,000	'	$6,232,000
Adjustment to carrying value of assets	14,044,000	14,044,000	46,264,000	'	'	34,400,000	'	'	'	'
Initial proceeds	'	'	'	'	90,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Sale price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$9,300,000	'

Assets_HeldforSale_and_Discont3

Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	($14,430,000)	$12,155,000	($34,292,000)	$35,888,000	'
Undiscounted contractual commitments	279,900,000	'	279,900,000	'	'
Liability related to discontinue operation	170,500,000	'	170,500,000	'	206,000,000
Current liability to discontinued operations	64,278,000	'	64,278,000	'	68,961,000
Oil and gas	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	2,577,000	12,859,000	24,616,000	19,079,000	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-8,555,000	5,527,000	-11,227,000	-2,752,000	'
Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets	4,834,000	-3,961,000	47,027,000	-40,429,000	'
Less: Income tax expense (benefit)	2,011,000	-1,604,000	-9,154,000	2,623,000	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-15,400,000	11,092,000	-49,100,000	35,054,000	'
Rig Services	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	34,776,000	44,846,000	116,534,000	140,210,000	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	1,394,000	4,409,000	19,011,000	12,509,000	'
Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets	67,000	2,459,000	-922,000	7,728,000	'
Less: Income tax expense (benefit)	357,000	887,000	5,125,000	3,947,000	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$970,000	$1,063,000	$14,808,000	$834,000	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	$1,548,191,000	$1,630,380,000	$4,545,890,000	$4,969,986,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	165,893,000	225,835,000	398,635,000	753,292,000	'
Joint venture earnings (losses)	-2,628,000	-99,527,000	1,627,000	-302,513,000	'
Interest expense	-56,059,000	-63,776,000	-176,343,000	-190,068,000	'
Investment income (loss)	1,229,000	7,224,000	95,471,000	32,844,000	'
Gains (losses) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other income (expense), net	-3,266,000	-10,216,000	-27,245,000	-21,777,000	'
Impairments and other charges	-242,241,000	'	-287,241,000	-147,503,000	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-134,444,000	60,262,000	3,277,000	124,987,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	12,202,116,000	'	12,202,116,000	'	12,656,022,000
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net	'	'	1,263,000	-302,512,000	'
Assets held-for-sale	396,201,000	'	396,201,000	'	383,857,000
Oil and gas	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Joint venture earnings (losses)	'	-98,805,000	'	-301,801,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Assets held-for-sale	264,710,000	'	264,710,000	'	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:	1,088,117,000	1,139,647,000	3,156,963,000	3,569,663,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	161,582,000	181,212,000	393,257,000	618,051,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	9,033,065,000	'	9,033,065,000	'	9,127,826,000
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net	-2,900,000	-700,000	1,000,000	-700,000	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using equity method	60,900,000	'	60,900,000	'	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:	491,857,000	555,784,000	1,443,759,000	1,781,654,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	92,710,000	115,207,000	240,118,000	427,291,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	4,227,580,000	'	4,227,580,000	'	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:	81,397,000	102,993,000	273,053,000	313,743,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	12,244,000	21,679,000	46,657,000	64,296,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	633,913,000	'	633,913,000	'	699,699,000
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:	383,712,000	329,245,000	1,056,649,000	940,332,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	54,271,000	30,299,000	108,221,000	67,838,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	3,528,697,000	'	3,528,697,000	'	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:	131,151,000	151,625,000	383,502,000	533,934,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	2,357,000	14,027,000	-1,739,000	58,626,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	642,875,000	'	642,875,000	'	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:	513,326,000	636,068,000	1,525,653,000	1,919,406,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	38,933,000	81,253,000	113,044,000	245,683,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	2,224,980,000	'	2,224,980,000	'	2,301,802,000
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net	300,000	'	600,000	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using equity method	8,000,000	'	8,000,000	'	1,800,000
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:	246,806,000	254,827,000	742,979,000	752,466,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	25,909,000	34,035,000	75,394,000	87,461,000	'
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:	266,520,000	381,241,000	782,674,000	1,166,940,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	13,024,000	47,218,000	37,650,000	158,222,000	'
Other reconciling items	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	-53,252,000	-145,335,000	-136,726,000	-519,083,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	-34,622,000	-36,630,000	-107,666,000	-110,442,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	$944,071,000	'	$944,071,000	'	$1,226,394,000

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details) (Increase (decrease) in cash flow, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information	'
Change in cash provided by / used for operating activities	$51.30
Increase (decrease) in cash used for investing activities	-51.3
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information	'
Change in cash provided by / used for operating activities	-51.3
Increase (decrease) in cash used for investing activities	($51.30)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$395,923	$524,922	$471,562	$398,575
Short-term investments	96,015	253,282	'	'
Assets held for sale	396,201	383,857	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	1,362,434	1,382,623	'	'
Inventory	229,494	251,133	'	'
Deferred income taxes	239,171	110,480	'	'
Other current assets	237,217	226,560	'	'
Total current assets	2,956,455	3,132,857	'	'
Long-term investments	3,371	4,269	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,463,804	8,712,088	'	'
Goodwill	479,557	472,326	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	68,907	61,690	'	'
Other long-term assets	230,022	272,792	'	'
Total assets	12,202,116	12,656,022	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Short-term debt	11,441	364	'	'
Trade accounts payable	521,133	499,010	'	'
Accrued liabilities	579,476	599,380	'	'
Income taxes payable	13,372	33,628	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,125,422	1,132,382	'	'
Long-term debt	4,036,027	4,379,336	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	441,372	518,664	'	'
Deferred income taxes	692,514	599,335	'	'
Total liabilities	6,295,335	6,629,717	'	'
Subsidiary preferred stock	69,188	69,188	'	'
Shareholders' equity	5,826,168	5,944,929	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	11,425	12,188	'	'
Total equity	5,837,593	5,957,117	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	12,202,116	12,656,022	'	'
Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,794	1,639	698	203
Other current assets	50	50	'	'
Total current assets	1,844	1,689	'	'
Intercompany receivables	166,731	174,948	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	5,657,795	5,769,518	'	'
Total assets	5,826,370	5,946,155	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Trade accounts payable	87	116	'	'
Accrued liabilities	115	1,110	'	'
Total current liabilities	202	1,226	'	'
Total liabilities	202	1,226	'	'
Shareholders' equity	5,826,168	5,944,929	'	'
Total equity	5,826,168	5,944,929	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	5,826,370	5,946,155	'	'
Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	7,018	106,778	7,061	21
Other current assets	22,338	'	'	'
Total current assets	29,356	106,778	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	34,686	37,300	'	'
Intercompany receivables	3,893	1,690,636	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	6,047,144	5,129,458	'	'
Other long-term assets	35,508	31,904	'	'
Total assets	6,150,587	6,996,076	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Trade accounts payable	27	23	'	'
Accrued liabilities	21,291	91,520	'	'
Total current liabilities	21,318	91,543	'	'
Long-term debt	4,035,974	4,379,263	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	31,049	30,983	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-172,709	-24,906	'	'
Intercompany payable	1,585,446	2,535,988	'	'
Total liabilities	5,501,078	7,012,871	'	'
Shareholders' equity	649,509	-16,795	'	'
Total equity	649,509	-16,795	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	6,150,587	6,996,076	'	'
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	387,111	416,505	463,803	398,351
Short-term investments	96,015	253,282	'	'
Assets held for sale	396,201	383,857	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	1,362,434	1,382,623	'	'
Inventory	229,494	251,133	'	'
Deferred income taxes	239,171	110,480	'	'
Other current assets	214,829	226,510	'	'
Total current assets	2,925,255	3,024,390	'	'
Long-term investments	3,371	4,269	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,429,118	8,674,788	'	'
Goodwill	479,557	472,326	'	'
Intercompany receivables	1,414,822	670,404	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	1,840,765	395,246	'	'
Other long-term assets	194,514	240,888	'	'
Total assets	15,287,402	13,482,311	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Short-term debt	11,441	364	'	'
Trade accounts payable	521,019	498,871	'	'
Accrued liabilities	558,070	506,750	'	'
Income taxes payable	13,372	33,628	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,103,902	1,039,613	'	'
Long-term debt	53	73	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	410,323	487,681	'	'
Deferred income taxes	865,223	624,241	'	'
Total liabilities	2,379,501	2,151,608	'	'
Subsidiary preferred stock	69,188	69,188	'	'
Shareholders' equity	12,827,288	11,249,327	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	11,425	12,188	'	'
Total equity	12,838,713	11,261,515	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	15,287,402	13,482,311	'	'
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany receivables	-1,585,446	-2,535,988	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	-13,476,797	-11,232,532	'	'
Total assets	-15,062,243	-13,768,520	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany payable	-1,585,446	-2,535,988	'	'
Total liabilities	-1,585,446	-2,535,988	'	'
Shareholders' equity	-13,476,797	-11,232,532	'	'
Total equity	-13,476,797	-11,232,532	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	($15,062,243)	($13,768,520)	'	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$1,550,819	$1,729,907	$4,544,263	$5,272,499
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	-2,628	-99,527	1,627	-302,513
Investment income (loss)	1,229	7,224	95,471	32,844
Total revenues and other income	1,549,420	1,637,604	4,641,361	5,002,830
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
Direct costs	980,911	1,107,032	2,948,213	3,353,520
General and administrative expenses	127,943	130,681	390,023	398,534
Depreciation and amortization	273,444	265,637	809,019	766,441
Interest expense	56,059	63,776	176,343	190,068
Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	3,266	10,216	27,245	21,777
Impairments and other charges	242,241	'	287,241	147,503
Total costs and other deductions	1,683,864	1,577,342	4,638,084	4,877,843
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-134,444	60,262	3,277	124,987
Income tax expense (benefit)	-44,684	-4,977	-28,798	22,121
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	750	750	2,250	2,250
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	-90,510	64,489	29,825	100,616
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-14,430	12,155	-34,292	35,888
Net income (loss)	-104,940	76,644	-4,467	136,504
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-441	-988	-6,154	453
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-105,381	75,656	-10,621	136,957
Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	-102,137	77,976	4,731	143,448
Investment income (loss)	'	'	1	'
Total revenues and other income	-102,137	77,976	4,732	143,448
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	3,089	1,900	8,144	5,449
Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	155	420	7,209	1,042
Total costs and other deductions	3,244	2,320	15,353	6,491
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-105,381	75,656	-10,621	136,957
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	-105,381	75,656	-10,621	136,957
Net income (loss)	-105,381	75,656	-10,621	136,957
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-105,381	75,656	-10,621	136,957
Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'	'	'
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	88,554	-152,036	144,574	-132,659
Investment income (loss)	3	2	55	18
Intercompany interest income	31	17,423	92	51,433
Total revenues and other income	88,588	-134,611	144,721	-81,208
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	-311	159	116	349
Depreciation and amortization	902	902	2,707	2,707
Interest expense	59,417	67,391	184,871	203,826
Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	211,989	-250	211,921	-1,229
Total costs and other deductions	271,997	68,202	399,615	205,653
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-183,409	-202,813	-254,894	-286,861
Income tax expense (benefit)	-100,626	-18,787	-147,803	-57,055
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	-82,783	-184,026	-107,091	-229,806
Net income (loss)	-82,783	-184,026	-107,091	-229,806
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-82,783	-184,026	-107,091	-229,806
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'	'	'
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	1,550,819	1,729,907	4,544,263	5,272,499
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	-2,628	-99,527	1,627	-302,513
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	-82,783	-178,917	-107,091	-212,494
Investment income (loss)	2,363	7,222	98,825	32,826
Total revenues and other income	1,467,771	1,458,685	4,537,624	4,790,318
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
Direct costs	980,911	1,107,032	2,948,213	3,353,520
General and administrative expenses	125,319	129,042	382,197	393,778
Depreciation and amortization	272,542	264,735	806,312	763,734
Interest expense	-3,358	-3,615	-8,528	-13,758
Intercompany interest expense	31	17,423	92	51,433
Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	-209,032	9,626	-192,319	20,922
Impairments and other charges	242,241	'	287,241	147,503
Total costs and other deductions	1,408,654	1,524,243	4,223,208	4,717,132
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	59,117	-65,558	314,416	73,186
Income tax expense (benefit)	55,942	13,810	119,005	79,176
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	750	750	2,250	2,250
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	2,425	-80,118	193,161	-8,240
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-14,430	12,155	-34,292	35,888
Net income (loss)	-12,005	-67,963	158,869	27,648
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-441	-988	-6,154	453
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-12,446	-68,951	152,715	28,101
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	96,366	252,977	-42,214	201,705
Investment income (loss)	-1,137	'	-3,410	'
Intercompany interest income	-31	-17,423	-92	-51,433
Total revenues and other income	95,198	235,554	-45,716	150,272
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	-154	-420	-434	-1,042
Intercompany interest expense	-31	-17,423	-92	-51,433
Losses (gains) on sales of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	154	420	434	1,042
Total costs and other deductions	-31	-17,423	-92	-51,433
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	95,229	252,977	-45,624	201,705
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	95,229	252,977	-45,624	201,705
Net income (loss)	95,229	252,977	-45,624	201,705
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$95,229	$252,977	($45,624)	$201,705

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	($105,381)	$75,656	($10,621)	$136,957
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	15,716	31,550	-36,853	29,157
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-3,416	13,667	1,586	20,882
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities	-2	-1,523	-88,159	-14,007
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-3,418	12,144	-86,573	6,875
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	280	260	842	780
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges	153	166	459	548
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	12,731	44,120	-122,125	37,360
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	116	-272	-2,161	-3,856
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	12,615	44,392	-119,964	41,216
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-92,766	120,048	-130,585	178,173
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	441	988	6,154	-453
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	229	390	-572	417
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	670	1,378	5,582	-36
Comprehensive income (loss)	-92,096	121,426	-125,003	178,137
Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-105,381	75,656	-10,621	136,957
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	15,716	31,550	-36,853	29,157
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-3,416	13,667	1,586	20,882
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities	-2	-1,523	-88,159	-14,007
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-3,418	12,144	-86,573	6,875
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	280	260	842	780
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges	153	166	459	548
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	12,731	44,120	-122,125	37,360
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	116	-272	-2,161	-3,856
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	12,615	44,392	-119,964	41,216
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-92,766	120,048	-130,585	178,173
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	229	390	-572	417
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	670	1,378	5,582	-36
Comprehensive income (loss)	-92,096	121,426	-125,003	178,137
Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'	'	'
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-82,783	-184,026	-107,091	-229,806
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	331	-99	185	-100
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-135	6	98	17
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities	'	-1,200	-7,114	-11,488
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-135	-1,194	-7,016	-11,471
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	280	260	842	779
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges	153	166	459	548
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	629	-867	-5,530	-10,244
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	116	-272	-2,161	-3,856
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	513	-595	-3,369	-6,388
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-82,270	-184,621	-110,460	-236,194
Comprehensive income (loss)	-82,270	-184,621	-110,460	-236,194
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'	'	'
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-12,446	-68,951	152,715	28,101
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	16,046	31,451	-36,669	29,057
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-3,551	13,673	1,684	20,899
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities	-2	-2,723	-95,273	-25,495
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-3,553	10,950	-93,589	-4,596
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	560	520	1,684	1,560
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges	153	166	459	548
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	13,206	43,087	-128,115	26,569
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	173	-604	-4,499	-7,892
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	13,033	43,691	-123,616	34,461
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	587	-25,260	29,099	62,562
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	441	988	6,154	-453
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	229	390	-572	417
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	670	1,378	5,582	-36
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,257	-23,882	34,681	62,526
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	95,229	252,977	-45,624	201,705
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	-16,377	-31,352	36,484	-28,957
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	3,686	-13,679	-1,782	-20,916
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities	2	3,923	102,387	36,983
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	3,688	-9,756	100,605	16,067
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	-840	-780	-2,526	-2,339
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges	-306	-332	-918	-1,096
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-13,835	-42,220	133,645	-16,325
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-289	876	6,660	11,748
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-13,546	-43,096	126,985	-28,073
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	81,683	209,881	81,361	173,632
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	-229	-390	572	-417
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-670	-1,378	-5,582	36
Comprehensive income (loss)	$81,013	$208,503	$75,779	$173,668

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ6

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 5) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$974,715	$1,094,045
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of investments	'	-949
Sales and maturities of investments	163,944	30,111
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	-37,516	'
Capital expenditures	-780,711	-1,221,769
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliates	10,000	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	-5,967	'
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	139,254	128,432
Other	-7	'
Net cash used for investing activities	-511,003	-1,064,175
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	-7,497	-1,748
Dividends to shareholders	-35,357	'
Debt issuance costs	-3,505	'
Proceeds from debt	710,086	'
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	'	710,000
Proceeds from (payments for) commercial paper, net	332,250	'
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	4,375	-4,007
Reduction in long-term debt	-994,181	-276,232
Reduction in revolving credit facility	-590,000	-380,000
Purchase of restricted stock	-3,096	-2,071
Tax benefit related to share-based awards	'	-54
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	-586,925	45,888
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-5,786	-2,771
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-128,999	72,987
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	524,922	398,575
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	395,923	471,562
Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	5,671	6,572
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates	-100	'
Net cash used for investing activities	-100	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Dividends to shareholders	-38,767	'
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	4,375	-4,006
Purchase of restricted stock	-3,096	-2,071
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of parent common shares to affiliate	32,072	'
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	-5,416	-6,077
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	155	495
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,639	203
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,794	698
Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	-158,238	-37,698
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates	-772,000	'
Changes in intercompany balances	615,328	-51,262
Net cash used for investing activities	-156,672	-51,262
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Dividends to shareholders	'	-9,003
Debt issuance costs	-3,505	'
Proceeds from debt	698,517	'
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	'	710,000
Proceeds from (payments for) commercial paper, net	332,250	'
Reduction in long-term debt	-994,112	-224,997
Reduction in revolving credit facility	-590,000	-380,000
Proceeds from parent contributions	772,000	'
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	215,150	96,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-99,760	7,040
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	106,778	21
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	7,018	7,061
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	1,098,620	1,155,677
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of investments	'	-949
Sales and maturities of investments	163,944	30,111
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	-37,516	'
Capital expenditures	-780,711	-1,221,769
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliates	10,000	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	-5,967	'
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	139,254	128,432
Other	-7	'
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates	-1,544,000	'
Changes in intercompany balances	-615,328	51,262
Net cash used for investing activities	-2,670,331	-1,012,913
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	-7,497	-1,748
Dividends to shareholders	'	-21,503
Proceeds from debt	11,569	'
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	'	-1
Reduction in long-term debt	-69	-51,235
Tax benefit related to share-based awards	'	-54
Proceeds from parent contributions	1,544,100	'
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	1,548,103	-74,541
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-5,786	-2,771
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-29,394	65,452
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	416,505	398,351
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	387,111	463,803
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	28,662	-30,506
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates	2,316,100	'
Net cash used for investing activities	2,316,100	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Dividends to shareholders	3,410	30,506
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of parent common shares to affiliate	-32,072	'
Proceeds from parent contributions	-2,316,100	'
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	($2,344,762)	$30,506

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 02, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
			Subsequent event	Subsequent event	Subsequent event
				KVS Transportation, Inc.	Peak
				item
Subsequent event	'	'	'	'	'
Total consideration	'	'	'	$154,500,000	'
Amount payable in future annual installments to acquire business	'	'	'	66,800,000	'
Number of future annual installments	'	'	'	3	'
Dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$0.04	'	$0.04	'	'
Cash proceeds from sale of businesses in Alaska	'	$10,000,000	'	'	$135,500,000