Nabors Industries (NBR) 10-Q 10 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 05, 2014
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-14	'
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	'	289,439,033
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$404,453	$389,915
Short-term investments	60,365	117,218
Assets held for sale	158,327	243,264
Accounts receivable, net	1,624,441	1,399,543
Inventory	242,876	209,793
Deferred income taxes	91,837	121,316
Other current assets	210,172	272,781
Total current assets	2,792,471	2,753,830
Long-term investments and other receivables	2,568	3,236
Property, plant and equipment, net	9,016,508	8,597,813
Goodwill	512,203	512,964
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	60,451	64,260
Other long-term assets	235,139	227,708
Total assets	12,619,340	12,159,811
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of debt	196	10,185
Trade accounts payable	693,931	545,512
Accrued liabilities	702,508	697,093
Income taxes payable	18,946	58,634
Total current liabilities	1,415,581	1,311,424
Long-term debt	4,255,136	3,904,117
Other long-term liabilities	596,968	377,744
Deferred income taxes	478,421	516,161
Total liabilities	6,746,106	6,109,446
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)	'	'
Subsidiary preferred stock	'	69,188
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common shares, par value $0.001 per share: Authorized common shares 800,000; issued 0 and 323,711, respectively	328	324
Capital in excess of par value	2,443,381	2,392,585
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Revised)	132,222	216,140
Retained earnings (Revised)	4,481,606	4,304,664
Less: treasury shares, at cost, 38,788 and 28,414 common shares, respectively	-1,194,664	-944,627
Total shareholders' equity	5,862,873	5,969,086
Noncontrolling interest	10,361	12,091
Total equity	5,873,234	5,981,177
Total liabilities and equity	$12,619,340	$12,159,811

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	328,230	323,711
Treasury shares, at cost	38,788	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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$1,813,762	$1,551,593	$5,020,361	$4,545,037
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates	-2,851	-2,628	-5,872	1,627
Investment income (loss)	2,189	1,229	10,235	95,471
Total revenues and other income	1,813,100	1,550,194	5,024,724	4,642,135
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
Direct costs	1,181,986	981,685	3,310,220	2,948,987
General and administrative expenses	138,967	127,943	406,863	390,023
Depreciation and amortization	286,581	273,444	851,528	809,019
Interest expense	43,138	56,059	134,251	176,343
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	-1,513	3,266	16,467	27,245
Impairments and other charges	0	242,241	0	287,241
Total costs and other deductions	1,649,159	1,684,638	4,719,329	4,638,858
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	163,941	-134,444	305,395	3,277
Income tax expense (benefit):	'	'	'	'
Current	72,371	-32,316	93,606	-2,106
Deferred	-10,860	-12,368	-7,331	-26,692
Total income tax expense (benefit)	61,511	-44,684	86,275	-28,798
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	'	750	1,984	2,250
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	102,430	-90,510	217,136	29,825
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	4,005	-14,430	4,488	-34,292
Net income (loss)	106,435	-104,940	221,624	-4,467
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-387	-441	-1,213	-6,154
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$106,048	($105,381)	$220,411	($10,621)
Earnings (losses) per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.34	($0.30)	$0.72	$0.08
Basic from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.02	($0.05)	$0.02	($0.11)
Total Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.36	($0.35)	$0.74	($0.03)
Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.34	($0.30)	$0.71	$0.08
Diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.01	($0.05)	$0.02	($0.11)
Total Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.35	($0.35)	$0.73	($0.03)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	292,621	295,076	292,613	293,837
Diluted (in shares)	295,005	295,076	295,353	296,208

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$106,048	($105,381)	$220,411	($10,621)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	-41,713	15,716	-46,052	-36,853
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-15,054	-3,416	-34,587	1,586
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities	267	-2	-4,636	-88,159
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-14,787	-3,418	-39,223	-86,573
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	123	280	369	842
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of cash flow hedges	153	153	459	459
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-56,224	12,731	-84,447	-122,125
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	107	116	-529	-2,161
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-56,331	12,615	-83,918	-119,964
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	49,717	-92,766	136,493	-130,585
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	387	441	1,213	6,154
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	522	-229	624	572
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	135	-670	-589	-5,582
Comprehensive income (loss)	$49,582	($92,096)	$137,082	($125,003)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$221,624	($4,467)
Adjustments to net income (loss):	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	851,605	820,898
Depletion and other oil and gas expense	2,110	22,235
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-4,888	-31,535
Impairments and other charges	'	71,322
Losses on debt extinguishment	-3,212	-211,981
Losses (gains) on long-lived assets, net	-12,066	12,254
Losses (gains) on investments, net	-4,930	-90,635
Share-based compensation	28,141	45,898
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net	3,416	7,021
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends	3,527	-1,263
Other	-2,924	-1,188
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-229,161	-21,568
Inventory	-34,987	20,220
Other current assets	74,249	5,572
Other long-term assets	8,791	34,435
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities	168,801	11,271
Income taxes payable	-50,904	-53,846
Other long-term liabilities	218,728	-83,890
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,244,344	974,715
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of investments	-319	'
Sales and maturities of investments	23,580	163,944
Proceeds from sales of unconsolidated affiliate	'	10,000
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	-10,200	-37,516
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	-2,061	-5,967
Capital expenditures	-1,344,222	-780,711
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	129,825	139,254
Other	-3,931	-7
Net cash used for investing activities	-1,207,328	-511,003
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	-3,867	-7,497
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	30,240	4,375
Dividends paid to shareholders	-41,781	-35,357
Proceeds from long- term debt	15,000	710,086
Reduction in short-term debt	-10,000	'
Debt issuance costs	'	-3,505
Reduction in long-term debt	-40,098	-994,181
Proceeds from (payment for) commercial paper, net	441,530	332,250
Purchase of preferred stock	-70,875	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-250,037	'
Reduction in revolving credit facilities	-70,000	-590,000
Other	-7,581	-3,096
Net cash used for financing activities	-7,469	-586,925
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-15,009	-5,786
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	14,538	-128,999
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	389,915	524,922
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$404,453	$395,923

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Common Shares	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings	Treasury Shares	Non-controlling Interest	Total
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012 (As previously reported)	$319	$2,337,244	$431,595	$4,120,398	($944,627)	$12,188	$5,957,117
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	319	2,337,244	340,143	4,211,850	-944,627	12,188	5,957,117
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012 (As previously reported)	318,813	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	318,813	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revision (Note 2) (Adjustment of opening balance)	'	'	-91,452	91,452	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	-10,621	'	6,154	-4,467
Dividends to shareholders	'	'	'	-35,357	'	'	-35,357
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	-119,964	'	'	-572	-120,536
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised	'	4,375	'	'	'	'	4,375
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised (in shares)	470	'	'	'	'	'	500
Deconsolidation of noncontrollinginterest	'	'	'	'	'	2,899	2,899
Share-based compensation	4	45,898	'	'	'	'	45,902
Share-based compensation (in shares)	4,251	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	'	-3,096	'	'	'	-3,446	-6,542
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	323	2,384,421	220,179	4,165,872	-944,627	11,425	5,837,593
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	323,534	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013 (As previously reported)	324	2,392,585	307,592	4,213,212	-944,627	12,091	5,981,177
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	324	2,392,585	216,140	4,304,664	-944,627	12,091	5,981,177
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013 (As previously reported)	323,711	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	323,711	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revision (Note 2) (Adjustment of opening balance)	'	'	-91,452	91,452	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	220,411	'	1,213	221,624
Dividends to shareholders	'	'	'	-41,781	'	'	-41,781
Redemption of subsidiary preferred stock	'	'	'	1,688	'	'	1,688
Repurchase of treasury shares	'	'	'	'	250,037	'	250,037
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	-83,918	'	'	-624	-84,542
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised	3	30,237	'	'	'	'	30,240
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised (in shares)	3,034	'	'	'	'	'	3,000
Share-based compensation	'	28,141	'	'	'	'	28,141
Other	1	-7,582	'	'	'	-2,319	-9,900
Other (in shares)	1,485	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$328	$2,443,381	$132,222	$4,481,606	($1,194,664)	$10,361	$5,873,234
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	328,230	'	'	'	'	'	'

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Nature of Operations	'
Nature of Operations	'
	Note 1 Nature of Operations
	Nabors has grown from a land drilling business centered in the United States and Canada to a global business aimed at optimizing the entire well life cycle, with operations on land and offshore in most of the major oil and gas markets in the world. The majority of our business is conducted through two business lines:
	Drilling & Rig Services
	This business line is comprised of our global drilling rig operations and drilling-related services, which primarily consists of equipment manufacturing, instrumentation optimization software and directional drilling services.
	Completion & Production Services
	This business line is comprised of our operations involved in the completion, life-of-well maintenance and eventual plugging and abandonment of a well.  These services include stimulation, coiled-tubing, cementing, wireline, workover, well-servicing and fluids management.
	As a global provider of services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells, Nabors’ fleet of rigs and equipment includes:
		·	501 actively marketed land drilling rigs for oil and gas land drilling operations in the United States, Canada and over 20 other countries throughout the world.
		·	444 actively marketed rigs for land well-servicing and workover services in the United States and approximately 98 rigs for land well-servicing and workover services in Canada.
		·	37 platform and 7 jackup rigs actively marketed in the United States and multiple international markets.
		·	Approximately 805,000 hydraulic horsepower for hydraulic fracturing, cementing, nitrogen and acid pressure pumping services in key basins throughout the United States.
	In addition:
		·	We offer a wide range of ancillary well-site services, including engineering, transportation and disposal, construction, maintenance, well logging, directional drilling, rig instrumentation, data collection and other support services in select U.S. and international markets.
		·	We manufacture and lease or sell top drives for a broad range of drilling applications, directional drilling systems, rig instrumentation and data collection equipment, pipeline handling equipment and rig reporting software.
		·	We have a 51% ownership interest in a joint venture in Saudi Arabia, which owns and actively markets 5 rigs in addition to the rigs we lease to the joint venture.
	In June 2014, we along with certain of our subsidiaries, including Nabors Red Lion Limited (“Red Lion”), signed a definitive agreement to merge our completion and production services businesses with C&J Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE: CJES), an independent oilfield services and manufacturing company.  Following the completion of this transaction, we will own approximately 53 percent of the combined company. Our expectation is to complete the transaction in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2014, but could extend into 2015. Following completion of the transaction, we expect to account for our investment in the combined company using the equity method of accounting.
	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, 2014
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”). 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, 2013 (“2013 Annual Report”).  In management’s opinion, the consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of September 30, 2014, as well as the results of our operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and cash flows and changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, in accordance with GAAP.  Interim results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 may not be indicative of results that will be realized for the full year ending December 31, 2014.
	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”), their 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.
	Prior Period Revision
	During the first quarter of 2014, we determined that we had incorrectly applied certain aspects of ASC 830 - Foreign Currency Matters with respect to the recording of foreign currency gains or losses on certain intercompany transactions.  GAAP requires the recognition of foreign currency gains or losses on U.S. dollar denominated intercompany balances of our subsidiaries that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar.  The impact was primarily related to the periods between 2002 and 2009, which is the period over which a series of intercompany loans were outstanding between our Canadian subsidiary, whose functional currency is the Canadian dollar, and other subsidiaries whose functional currencies are the U.S. dollar.
	The net effect understated net income for periods before 2009 by approximately $91.5 million, due to foreign currency gains that should have been recorded through net income, rather than through Cumulative Translation Adjustment (a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income).  The correction of this error resulted in a revision to increase the beginning Retained Earnings at January 1, 2010 by approximately $91.5 million with the offset being a decrease to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, both of which are components of Shareholders’ Equity.  There was no material impact to our assets, liabilities, cash flows or profit and loss for any periods presented, and we do not consider this revision material to any period.
	Principles of Consolidation
	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nabors, as well as all majority owned and non-majority owned subsidiaries required to be consolidated under GAAP.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	Investments in operating entities where we have the ability to exert significant influence, but where we do not control operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method.  Our share of the net income (loss) of these entities is recorded as earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).  The investments in these entities are included in investment in unconsolidated affiliates in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Inventory
	Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out or weighted-average cost methods and includes the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead.  Inventory included the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	153,229	$	128,606
	Work-in-progress	40,550		26,762
	Finished goods	49,097		54,425
		$	242,876	$	209,793
	Goodwill
	We initially assess goodwill for impairment based on qualitative factors to determine whether to perform the two-step annual goodwill impairment test, a Level 3 fair value measurement. After qualitative assessment, step one of the impairment test compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess
	The fair values calculated in these impairment tests were determined using discounted cash flow models involving assumptions based on our utilization of rigs or other oil and gas service equipment, revenues and earnings from affiliates, as well as direct costs, general and administrative costs, depreciation, applicable income taxes, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Our discounted cash flow projections for each reporting unit were based on financial forecasts. The future cash flows were discounted to present value using discount rates determined to be appropriate for each reporting unit. Terminal values for each reporting unit were calculated using a Gordon Growth methodology with a long-term growth rate of 3%.
	Our estimated fair values of our reporting units incorporate judgment and the use of estimates by management. Potential factors requiring assessment include a further or sustained decline in our stock price, declines in oil and natural gas prices, a variance in results of operations from forecasts, and additional transactions in the oil and gas industry. Another factor in determining whether impairment has occurred is the relationship between our market capitalization and our book value. As part of our annual review, we compared the sum of our reporting units’ estimated fair value, which included the estimated fair value of non-operating assets and liabilities, less debt, to our market capitalization and assessed the reasonableness of our estimated fair value. Any of the above-mentioned factors may cause us to re-evaluate goodwill during any quarter throughout the year.
	Based on our review, there was no goodwill impairment for the third quarter of 2014.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) relating to the reporting of discontinued operations and the disclosures related to disposals of components of an entity. The new standard addresses the question around whether the disposal represents a strategic shift, if the operations and cash flows can be clearly distinguished and continuing involvement will no longer preclude a disposal from being presented as discontinued operations. These changes are effective for interim and annual periods that begin after December 15, 2014. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU relating to the revenue recognition from contracts with customers that creates a common revenue standard for GAAP and IFRS. The new standard will require recognition of revenue when promised goods are transferred or services to customers are performed in an amount that reflects the consideration, including costs incurred, to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. These changes are effective for interim and annual periods that begin after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued an ASU relating to the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period.  The new standard will require the reporting entity to apply existing guidance in Topic 718-Compensation-Stock Compensation relating to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards.  As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered.  These changes are effective for interim and annual periods that begin after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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
	Certain information related to our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments follows:
		September 30, 2014							December 31, 2013
		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	$	404,453		$	—	$	—	$	389,915	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments:
	Available-for-sale equity securities	60,346			33,021		—		96,942		68,395		—
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Corporate debt securities	—			—		—		19,388		4,122		—
	Mortgage-backed debt securities	—			—		—		210		11		—
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities	19			—		—		20		—		(2		)
	Asset-backed debt securities	—			—		—		658		2		(54		)
	Total available-for-sale debt securities	19			—		—		20,276		4,135		(56		)
	Total available-for-sale securities	60,365			33,021		—		117,218		72,530		(56		)
	Total short-term investments	60,365			33,021		—		117,218		72,530		(56		)
	Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	$	464,818		$	33,021	$	—	$	507,133	$	72,530	$	(56	)
	Certain information regarding our available-for-sale debt and equity securities is presented below:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)					(In thousands)
	Available-for-sale
	Proceeds from sales and maturities	$	—		$	408	$	22,313	$	107,361
	Realized gains (losses), net	$	(267	)	$	2	$	4,636	$	88,159

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014.  Our debt securities could transfer into or out of a Level 1 or 2 measures depending on the availability of independent and current pricing at the end of each quarter.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no transfers of our financial assets between Level 1 and Level 2 measures.  Additionally, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3. Our financial assets 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, 2014
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
			(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Short-term investments:
	Available-for-sale equity securities (energy industry)		$	60,006	$	340	$	—	$	60,346
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities		—		19		—		19
	Total short-term investments		$	60,006	$	359	$	—	$	60,365
	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 and our pipeline contractual commitments.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of our financial instruments has been estimated in accordance with GAAP.  The fair value of our long-term debt, revolving credit facility and commercial paper is estimated based on quoted market prices or prices quoted from third-party financial institutions. The carrying and fair values of these liabilities were as follows:
			September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Value		Value		Value		Value
			(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016		$	349,870	$	357,242	$	349,820	$	354,694
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018		948,900		1,074,186		969,928		1,097,480
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019		339,607		426,835		339,607		428,733
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020		698,177		768,607		697,947		731,955
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021		698,328		755,300		698,148		709,793
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023		348,861		380,114		348,765		349,731
	Subsidiary preferred stock (1)		—		—		69,188		69,000
	Revolving credit facility		100,000		100,000		170,000		170,000
	Commercial paper		771,374		771,374		329,844		329,844
	Other		215		215		10,243		10,243
	Total		$	4,255,332	$	4,633,873	$	3,983,490	$	4,251,473
		-1		We redeemed all outstanding subsidiary preferred stock during the second quarter of 2014.  See Note 8 — Subsidiary Preferred Stock for additional discussion.
	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.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-Based Compensation	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Note 5 Share-Based Compensation
	We have several share-based employee and director compensation plans, which are more fully described in Note 9 — Share-Based Compensation in our 2013 Annual Report. Total share-based compensation expense, which includes stock options and restricted stock, totaled $8.9 million and $7.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $28.1 million and $45.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Share-based compensation expense has been allocated to our various operating segments.  See Note 13 — Segment Information.
	Stock Options
	The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $49.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively. The total fair value of stock options that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
	Restricted Stock
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we awarded 1,154,615 and 4,375,260 shares of restricted stock, respectively, vesting over periods of up to four years, to our employees and directors.  These awards had an aggregate value at their date of grant of $26.4 million and $71.7 million, respectively.  The fair value of restricted stock that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $26.6 million and $36.6 million, respectively. The fair value of these awards is based on the closing price of Nabors stock on the date the awards are granted.
	Restricted Stock Based on Performance
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we awarded 362,311 shares of restricted stock, vesting over a period of three years, to some of our executives.  The performance awards granted were based upon achievement of specific financial or operational objectives. The number of shares granted was determined by the number of performance goals achieved during the period beginning January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013.
	Our awards based on performance conditions are liability-classified awards until shares are granted, of which our accrued liabilities included $1.9 million at September 30, 2014 for the performance period beginning January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The fair value of these awards are estimated at each reporting period, based on internal metrics and marked to market.
	Restricted Stock Based on Market Conditions
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we awarded 395,550 and 353,933 shares of restricted stock, respectively, which are equity-classified awards and will vest based on our performance compared to our peer group over a three-year period. These awards had an aggregate fair value at their date of grant of $4.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively, after consideration of all assumptions. The grant date fair value of these awards was based on a Monte Carlo model, using the following assumptions during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Risk free interest rate	0.80		%	0.41		%
	Expected Volatility	40.00		%	46.00		%
	Closing stock price at grant date	$	18.19		$	16.53
	Expected term (in years)	2.97 years			2.82 years

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt	'
Debt	'
	Note 6 Debt
	Debt consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016	$	349,870	$	349,820
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018	948,900		969,928
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019	339,607		339,607
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020	698,177		697,947
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021	698,328		698,148
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023	348,861		348,765
	Commercial paper	771,374		329,844
	Revolving credit facility	100,000		170,000
	Other	215		10,243
		$	4,255,332	$	3,914,302
	Less: current portion	196		10,185
		$	4,255,136	$	3,904,117
	Commercial Paper Program
	As of September 30, 2014, we had approximately $771.4 million of commercial paper outstanding.  The weighted average interest rate on borrowings at September 30, 2014 was 0.35%. Our commercial paper borrowings are classified as long-term debt because the borrowings are fully supported by availability under our revolving credit facility, which as currently structured matures in November 2017, more than one year from the date of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Revolving Credit Facility
	As of September 30, 2014, we had approximately $100.0 million of borrowings outstanding. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings at September 30, 2014 was 1.46%. 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 the agreement. We were in compliance with all covenants under the agreement at September 30, 2014. 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.
	6.15% Senior Notes Due February 2018
	During the three months ended September 30, 2014, Nabors Delaware redeemed $22.0 million principal amount of these notes. Nabors Delaware paid the holders an aggregate of approximately $25.7 million which includes approximately $0.6 million in accrued interest and $3.1 million premium, which is reflected in losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expenses (income), net in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

Common_Shares

Common Shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Common Shares.	'
Common Shares	'
	Note 7 Common Shares
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, our employees exercised vested options to acquire 3.0 million and 0.5 million of our common shares, respectively, resulting in proceeds of $30.2 million and $4.4 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we withheld 0.3 million and 0.2 million, respectively, of our common shares with a fair value of $7.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of all stock awards.
	On July 24, 2014, a cash dividend of $0.06 per share was declared for shareholders of record on September 9, 2014. The dividend was paid on September 30, 2014 in the amount of $18.0 million and was charged to retained earnings in our Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	On September 11, 2014, with approval of the Board of Directors (“Board”), we purchased 10.375 million of our common shares, at $24.10 per share, for a total aggregate amount of approximately $250 million. This purchase was an isolated event and was not part of a broader Board approved repurchase program. The Board continuously seeks to increase returns to shareholders, and as a result, this could lead to additional repurchases in the future, although we do not have a plan in place to do so at this time.

Subsidiary_Preferred_Stock

Subsidiary Preferred Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsidiary Preferred Stock	'
Subsidiary Preferred Stock	'
	Note 8 Subsidiary Preferred Stock
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we paid $70.9 million to redeem the 75,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding of our subsidiary and paid all dividends due on such shares.  The result of the redemption was a loss of $1.688 million, representing the difference between the redemption amount and the carrying value of the subsidiary preferred stock. The loss results in a charge to retained earnings and a reduction to net income used to determine income available for common shareholders in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share in the period of transaction.  We also paid regular and accrued dividends of $750,000 and $108,750, respectively, and special dividends of $375,000.  These dividends were treated as regular dividends, and as such were reflected in earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 9 Commitments and Contingencies
	Contingencies
	Income Tax
	We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous other jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are regularly audited by tax authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different than what is reflected in income tax provisions and accruals. An audit or litigation could materially affect our financial position, income tax provision, net income, or cash flows in the period or periods challenged.
	It is possible that future changes to tax laws (including tax treaties) could impact our ability to realize the tax savings recorded to date as well as future tax savings, resulting from our 2002 corporate reorganization.  See Note 14 — Income Taxes to our 2013 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 we 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 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 expense for any amount in excess of the current reserve.
	Self-Insurance
	We estimate the level of our liability related to insurance and record reserves for these amounts in our consolidated financial statements. Our estimates are based on the facts and circumstances specific to existing claims and our past experience with similar claims. These loss estimates and accruals recorded in our financial statements for claims have historically been reasonable in light of the actual amount of claims paid and are 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. Effective April 1, 2014, some of our workers’ compensation claims, employers’ liability and marine employers’ liability claims are subject to a $3.0 million per-occurrence deductible; additionally, some of our automobile liability claims are subject to a $2.5 million deductible.  General liability claims remain subject to a $5.0 million per-occurrence deductible.
	In addition, we are subject to a $5.0 million deductible for land rigs and for offshore rigs.  This applies to all kinds of risks of physical damage except for named windstorms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico for which we are self-insured.
	Litigation
	Nabors and its subsidiaries are defendants or otherwise involved in a number of lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. We estimate the range of our liability related to pending litigation when we believe the amount and range of loss can be estimated. We record our best estimate of a loss when the loss is considered probable. When a liability is probable and there is a range of estimated loss with no best estimate in the range, we record the minimum estimated liability related to the lawsuits or claims. As additional information becomes available, we assess the potential liability related to our pending litigation and claims and revise our estimates. Due to uncertainties related to the resolution of lawsuits and claims, the ultimate outcome may differ from our estimates. For matters where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and significant, we disclose the nature of the matter and a range of potential exposure, unless an estimate cannot be made at the time of disclosure. In the opinion of management and based on liability accruals provided, our ultimate exposure with respect to these pending lawsuits and claims is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or cash flows, although they could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for a particular reporting period.
	In 2009, the Court of Ouargla entered a judgment of approximately $17.7 million (at current exchange rates) against us relating to alleged customs infractions in Algeria.  We believe we did not receive proper notice of the judicial proceedings, and that the amount of the judgment was excessive in any case.  We asserted the lack of legally required notice as a basis for challenging the judgment on appeal to the Algeria Supreme Court.  In May 2012, that court reversed the lower court and remanded the case to the Ouargla Court of Appeals for treatment consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling. In January 2013, the Ouargla Court of Appeals reinstated the judgment.  We have again lodged an appeal to the Algeria Supreme Court, asserting the same challenges as before. Based upon our understanding of applicable law and precedent, we continue to believe that we will prevail. Although the appeal remains ongoing at this time, the Hassi Messaoud customs office recently initiated efforts to collect the judgment prior to the Supreme Court’s decision in the case.  As a result, we paid approximately $3.1 million and posted security of approximately $1.33 million to suspend those collection efforts and to enter into a formal negotiations process with the customs authority.  We have recorded a reserve in the amount of the posted security. If we are ultimately required to pay a fine or judgment related to this matter, the resulting loss could be up to $13.3 million in excess of amounts accrued.
	In 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 upheld the lower court’s ruling, and we appealed the matter to the Algeria Supreme Court, which overturned the decision on September 25, 2014. The case will be reheard in light of the Algeria Supreme Court’s opinion. While our payments were consistent with our historical operations in the country, and, we believe, those of other multinational corporations there, as well as interpretations of the law by the Central Bank of Algeria, the ultimate resolution of this matter could result in a loss of up to $26.8 million in excess of amounts accrued.
	In 2012, Nabors Global Holdings II Limited (“NGH2L”) signed a contract with ERG Resources, LLC (“ERG”) relating to the sale of all of the Class A shares of NGH2L’s wholly owned subsidiary, Ramshorn International Limited, an oil and gas exploration company.  When ERG failed to meet its closing obligations, NGH2L terminated the transaction on March 19, 2012 and, as contemplated in the agreement, retained ERG’s $3.0 million escrow deposit. ERG filed suit the following day in the 61st Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas, in a case styled ERG Resources, LLC v. Nabors Global Holdings II Limited, Ramshorn International Limited, and Parex Resources, Inc.; Cause No. 2012-16446, seeking injunctive relief to halt any sale of the shares to a third party, specifically naming as defendant Parex Resources, Inc. (“Parex”).  The lawsuit also seeks monetary damages of up to $750.0 million based on an alleged breach of contract by NGH2L and alleged tortious interference with contractual relations by Parex. Nabors successfully defeated ERG’s effort to obtain a temporary restraining order from the Texas court on March 20, 2012.  Nabors completed the sale of Ramshorn’s Class A shares to a Parex affiliate in April 2012, which mooted ERG’s application for a temporary injunction.  The lawsuit is staid, pending further court actions. ERG retains its causes of action for monetary damages, but Nabors believes the claims are foreclosed by the terms of the agreement and are without factual or legal merit.  Although we are vigorously defending the lawsuit, its ultimate outcome cannot be determined at this time.
	On July 30, 2014, Nabors and Red Lion, along with C&J Energy Services, Inc. (“CJES”), and the members of the board of directors of CJES, including its management directors, were sued in a putative shareholder class action by the stockholders of CJES.  The case is styled City of Miami General Employees’ and Sanitation Employees’ Retirement Trust, et al. v. C&J Energy Services, Inc., et al.; C.A. No. 9980; In the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.  The complaint alleges that the CJES directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the transaction between CJES, Nabors and Red Lion, and that CJES, Nabors and Red Lion aided and abetted these alleged violations.  The complaint seeks injunctive relief, including an injunction against the consummation of the transactions, together with attorney’s fees and costs.  We believe that the case is without merit and intend to vigorously defend it.
	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 of		2015		2016		Thereafter		Total
		2014
		(In thousands)
	Financial standby letters of credit and other financial surety instruments	$	63,632	$	127,994	$	75	$	18	$	191,719

Earnings_Losses_Per_Share

Earnings (Losses) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	'
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	'
	Note 10 Earnings (Losses) Per Share
	Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260, Earnings per Share, requires companies to treat unvested share-based payment awards that have non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents as a separate class of securities in calculating earnings (losses) per share.  We have granted and expect to continue to grant to employees restricted stock grants that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends.  Such grants are considered participating securities under ASC 260.  As such, we are required to include these grants in the calculation of our basic earnings (losses) per share and calculate basic earnings (losses) per share using the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings.
	Basic earnings (losses) per share is computed utilizing the two-class method and is calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented.
	Diluted earnings (losses) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the periods utilizing the two-class method for stock options and unvested restricted stock.
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings (losses) per share computations is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	BASIC EPS:
	Net income (loss) (numerator):
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	102,430		$	(90,510	)	$	217,136		$	29,825
	Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(387		)	(441		)	(1,213		)	(6,154		)
	Less: loss on redemption of subsidiary preferred stock	—			—			(1,688		)	—
	Less: (earnings) losses allocated to unvested shareholders	(1,579		)	1,411			(3,286		)	671
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations	$	100,464		$	(89,540	)	$	210,949		$	24,342
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	4,005		$	(14,430	)	$	4,488		$	(34,292	)
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	292,621			295,076			292,613			293,837
	Earnings (losses) per share:
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.34		$	(0.30	)	$	0.72		$	0.08
	Basic from discontinued operations	0.02			(0.05		)	0.02			(0.11		)
	Total Basic	$	0.36		$	(0.35	)	$	0.74		$	(0.03	)
	DILUTED EPS:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributed to common shareholders	$	100,464		$	(89,540	)	$	210,949		$	24,342
	Add: effect of reallocating undistributed earnings of unvested shareholders	11			—			25			—
	Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations attributed to common shareholders	$	100,475		$	(89,540	)	$	210,974		$	24,342
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	4,005		$	(14,430	)	$	4,488		$	(34,292	)
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	292,621			295,076			292,613			293,837
	Add: dilutive effect of potential common shares	2,384			—			2,740			2,371
	Weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding	295,005			295,076			295,353			296,208
	Earnings (losses) per share:
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.34		$	(0.30	)	$	0.71		$	0.08
	Diluted from discontinued operations	0.01			(0.05		)	0.02			(0.11		)
	Total Diluted	$	0.35		$	(0.35	)	$	0.73		$	(0.03	)
	For all periods presented, the computation of diluted earnings (losses) per share excludes outstanding stock options 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. The average number of options that were excluded from diluted earnings (losses) per share that would potentially dilute earnings (losses) per share were 5,389,090 and 18,786,837 shares during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 6,341,624 and 11,887,169 shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  In any period during which the average market price of our common shares exceeds the exercise prices of these stock options, such stock options will be included in our diluted earnings (losses) per share computation using the if-converted method of accounting.

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	'
Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	'
	Note 11 Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information
	Accrued liabilities include the following:
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Accrued compensation		$	182,028		$	172,803
	Deferred revenue		314,773			202,918
	Other taxes payable		58,287			76,781
	Workers’ compensation liabilities		29,459			29,459
	Interest payable		17,857			64,728
	Warranty accrual		4,791			4,653
	Litigation reserves		23,750			30,784
	Current liability to discontinued operations		23,817			64,404
	Professional fees		2,842			2,971
	Current deferred tax liability		3,075			3,075
	Current liability to acquisition of KVS		22,033			22,033
	Other accrued liabilities		19,796			22,484
			$	702,508		$	697,093
	Investment income (loss) includes the following:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Interest and dividend income		$	2,323		$	1,107		$	5,318		$	4,225
	Gains (losses) on investments, net		(134		)	122			4,917		-1	91,246		-2
			$	2,189		$	1,229		$	10,235		$	95,471
		-1		Includes realized gains of $4.9 million from the sale of available-for-sale securities.
		-2		Includes realized gains of $88.2 million from the sale of available-for-sale securities and net realized gains of $2.5 million from the sale of our trading securities.
	Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net include the following:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Losses (gains) on sales, disposals and involuntary conversions of long-lived assets		$	(27,641	)(1)	$	2,806		$	(14,095	)(1)	$	8,150
	Litigation expenses		3,177			1,983			6,804			7,642
	Merger transaction expenses		17,000		-2	—			17,000		-2	—
	Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)		2,374			(290		)	3,417			7,017
	Other losses (gains)		3,577			(1,233		)	3,341			4,436
			$	(1,513	)	$	3,266		$	16,467		$	27,245
		-1		Includes a $22.2 million gain related to the disposition of our Alaska E&P assets. See Note 12 — Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations.
		-2		Represents transaction costs related to the merger with CJES, including professional fees and other costs incurred to re-organize the business in contemplation of the merger.
	Impairments and other charges include the following:
			Three Months			Nine Months
			Ended			Ended
			September 30,			September 30,
			2013			2013
			(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
	Impairment of long-lived assets		20,000			20,000		-4
			$	242,241		$	287,241
	There were no impairment charges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
		-1		Represents a one-time stock grant valued at $27.0 million, which vested immediately, and $18.0 million in cash awarded and paid to Mr. Petrello in connection with the termination of his prior employment agreement. See Note 9 — Commitments and Contingencies to our 2013 Annual Report for additional discussion.
		-2		Represents the loss related to the extinguishment of debt in connection with the tender offer for our 9.25% senior notes.
		-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.
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), by component, includes the following:
			Gains			Unrealized			Defined			Foreign			Total
			(losses) on			gains (losses)			benefit			currency
			cash flow			on available-			pension plan			items
			hedges			for-sale			items
						securities
		(In thousands)
As of January 1, 2013 (1)		$	(2,793	)	$	134,229		$	(7,632	)	$	216,339		$	340,143
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		—			1,549			—			(36,853		)	(35,304		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		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	)	$	179,486		$	220,179
		Gains			Unrealized			Defined			Foreign			Total
		(losses) on			gains (losses)			benefit			currency
		cash flow			on available-			pension plan			items
		hedges			for-sale			items
					securities
		(In thousands)
As of January 1, 2014 (1)		$	(2,419	)	$	71,742		$	(4,075	)	$	150,892		$	216,140
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		—			(34,646		)	—			(46,052		)	(80,698		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		280			(3,726		)	226			—			(3,220		)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		280			(38,372		)	226			(46,052		)	(83,918		)
As of September 30, 2014		$	(2,139	)	$	33,370		$	(3,849	)	$	104,840		$	132,222
(1) Reflects amounts reclassified from foreign currency translation adjustment to retained earnings as discussed in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
(2) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
The line items that were reclassified to net income include the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
Line item in consolidated statement of income (loss)		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
Investment income (loss)		$	(267	)	$	2		$	4,636		$	88,159
Interest expense		153			153			459			459
General and administrative expenses		123			280			369			842
Total before tax		$	(543	)	$	(431	)	$	3,808		$	86,858
Tax expense (benefit)		(141		)	(168		)	588			2,198
Reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)		$	(402	)	$	(263	)	$	3,220		$	84,660

Assets_HeldforSale_and_Discont

Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
	Note 12 Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Oil and Gas		$	158,327		$	239,936
	Rig Services		—			3,328
			$	158,327		$	243,264
	Assets held-for-sale as of September 30, 2014 consisted solely of our oil and gas holdings in the Horn River basin in Western Canada.
	We have contracts with pipeline companies to pay specified fees based on committed volumes for gas transport and processing.  At September 30, 2014, our undiscounted contractual commitments for these contracts approximated $95.2 million and we had liabilities of $47.1 million, $23.8 million of which were classified as current and were included in accrued liabilities.  At December 31, 2013, we had liabilities of $113.6 million, $64.4 million of which were classified as current and were 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.
	Discontinued Operations
	Our condensed statements of income (loss) from discontinued operations for each operating segment were as follows:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Operating revenues
	Oil and Gas		$	2,314		$	1,803		$	10,842		$	23,842
	Income (loss) from Oil and Gas discontinued operations:
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		$	(509	)	$	(8,555	)	$	1,027		$	(11,227	)
	Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets and obligations		(7,312		) (1)	4,834			(5,901		) (1)	47,027
	Less: Income tax expense (benefit)		2,798			2,011			2,440			(9,154		)
	Income (loss) from Oil and Gas discontinued operations, net of tax		$	4,005		$	(15,400	)	$	4,488		$	(49,100	)
		-1		Reflects a gain related to our pipeline contractual commitments resulting from mitigation agreements to transfer pipeline/processing capacity.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we sold a large portion of our oil and gas properties located on the North Slope of Alaska. Under the terms of the agreement, we received $35.1 million at closing and expect to receive additional payments of $27.0 million upon certain future dates or the properties achieving certain production targets. In addition, we will retain a working interest at various interests and an overriding royalty interest in the properties at various interests. The working interest is fully carried up to $600 million of total project costs. The transaction generally remains subject to approval of local Alaska regulatory authorities, among other usual and customary conditions. The $22.2 million gain from the transaction is included in losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The retained interest, which is valued at approximately $26.2 million, is no longer classified as assets-held-for-sale and is included in other long-term assets. We have not recast prior period results as the balances are not material to our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for any period.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, Rig Services contributed operating revenues of $34.8 million and $116.5 million, respectively.  Income from discontinued operations, net of tax was $1.0 million and $14.8 million, respectively, for the same periods.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 13 Segment Information
	The following table sets forth financial information with respect to our operating segments:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates: (1)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.		$	571,736		$	491,857		$	1,615,106		$	1,443,759
	Canada		80,491			81,397			246,973			273,053
	International		424,698			383,712			1,191,018			1,056,649
	Rig Services (2)		191,437			131,151			496,903			383,502
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (3)		1,268,362			1,088,117			3,550,000			3,156,963
	Completion & Production Services:
	Completion Services		352,027			266,520			856,565			782,674
	Production Services		259,863			246,806			793,641			742,979
	Subtotal Completion & Production Services (4)		611,890			513,326			1,650,206			1,525,653
	Other reconciling items (5)		(69,341		)	(52,478		)	(185,717		)	(135,952		)
	Total		$	1,810,911		$	1,548,965		$	5,014,489		$	4,546,664
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities (1) (6)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.		$	117,212		$	92,710		$	279,683		$	240,118
	Canada		11,517			12,244			37,902			46,657
	International		68,452			54,271			167,154			108,221
	Rig Services (2)		21,136			2,357			38,923			(1,739		)
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (3)		218,317			161,582			523,662			393,257
	Completion & Production Services:
	Completion Services		14,211			13,024			(20,005		)	37,650
	Production Services		21,182			25,909			81,662			75,394
	Subtotal Completion & Production Services (4)		35,393			38,933			61,657			113,044
	Other reconciling items (5)		(50,333		)	(34,622		)	(139,441		)	(107,666		)
	Total adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities		$	203,377		$	165,893		$	445,878		$	398,635
	Interest expense		(43,138		)	(56,059		)	(134,251		)	(176,343		)
	Investment income (loss)		2,189			1,229			10,235			95,471
	Gains (losses) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other income (expense), net		1,513			(3,266		)	(16,467		)	(27,245		)
	Impairments and other charges		—			(242,241		)	—			(287,241		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		163,941			(134,444		)	305,395			3,277
	Income tax expense (benefit)		61,511			(44,684		)	86,275			(28,798		)
	Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			750			1,984			2,250
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		102,430			(90,510		)	217,136			29,825
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		4,005			(14,430		)	4,488			(34,292		)
	Net income (loss)		106,435			(104,940		)	221,624			(4,467		)
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(387		)	(441		)	(1,213		)	(6,154		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	106,048		$	(105,381	)	$	220,411		$	(10,621	)
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Total assets:
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.		$	4,438,876		$	4,248,630
	Canada		599,979			608,018
	International		3,988,285			3,584,339
	Rig Services		522,673			474,275
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (7)		9,549,813			8,915,262
	Completion & Production Services (8) (9)		2,326,016			2,394,865
	Other reconciling items (5)		743,511			849,684
	Total assets:		$	12,619,340		$	12,159,811
		-1		All periods present the operating activities of our wholly owned oil and gas businesses, aircraft logistics operations and construction services as discontinued operations.
		-2		Includes our drilling technology and top drive manufacturing, directional drilling, rig instrumentation and software services. These services represent our other companies that are not aggregated into a separate reportable operating segment.
	-3		Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of $(2.9) million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and $(6.1) million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	-4		Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of $0 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	-5		Represents the elimination of inter-segment transactions and unallocated corporate expenses and assets.
	-6		Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities is computed by subtracting the sum of direct costs, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization from the sum of Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates. Adjusted income is a non-GAAP measure and should not be used in isolation as a substitute for the amounts reported in accordance with GAAP. However, management evaluates the performance of our business units and the consolidated company based on several criteria, including adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities, because it believes that these financial measures accurately reflect our ongoing profitability. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, which is a GAAP measure, is provided in the above table.
	-7		Includes $50.8 million and $56.9 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	-8		Reflects assets allocated to the line of business necessary to conduct its operations. Further allocation to individual operating segments of Completion & Production Services is not available.
	-9		Includes $9.7 million and $7.4 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, a 100% owned subsidiary. Nabors’ guarantee of the issuer is joint and several. Nabors, as guarantor, has no restrictions on dividends paid to shareholders. 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and statements of income (loss) and statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 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.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
		September 30, 2014
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
		ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,423		$	7		$	402,023		$	—		$	404,453
	Short-term investments	—			—			60,365			—			60,365
	Assets held for sale	—			—			158,327			—			158,327
	Accounts receivable, net	—			—			1,624,441			—			1,624,441
	Inventory	—			—			242,876			—			242,876
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			91,837			—			91,837
	Other current assets	50			5,428			204,694			—			210,172
	Total current assets	2,473			5,435			2,784,563			—			2,792,471
	Long-term investments	—			—			2,568			—			2,568
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			31,201			8,985,307			—			9,016,508
	Goodwill	—			—			512,203			—			512,203
	Intercompany receivables	182,433			—			1,386,139			(1,568,572		)	—
	Investment in consolidated affiliates	5,712,818			6,209,501			1,812,792			(13,735,111		)	—
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			60,451			—			60,451
	Other long-term assets	—			30,618			204,521			—			235,139
	Total assets	$	5,897,724		$	6,276,755		$	15,748,544		$	(15,303,683	)	$	12,619,340
		LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of debt	$	—		$	—		$	196		$	—		$	196
	Trade accounts payable	65			5			693,861			—			693,931
	Accrued liabilities	5,786			17,810			678,912			—			702,508
	Income taxes payable	—			—			18,946			—			18,946
	Total current liabilities	5,851			17,815			1,391,915			—			1,415,581
	Long-term debt	—			4,277,063			(21,927		)	—			4,255,136
	Other long-term liabilities	—			30,076			566,892			—			596,968
	Deferred income taxes	—			(276,525		)	754,946			—			478,421
	Intercompany payable	29,000			1,539,572			—			(1,568,572		)	—
	Total liabilities	34,851			5,588,001			2,691,826			(1,568,572		)	6,746,106
	Subsidiary preferred stock	—			—			—			—			—
	Shareholders’ equity	5,862,873			688,754			13,046,357			(13,735,111		)	5,862,873
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			10,361			—			10,361
	Total equity	5,862,873			688,754			13,056,718			(13,735,111		)	5,873,234
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,897,724		$	6,276,755		$	15,748,544		$	(15,303,683	)	$	12,619,340
		December 31, 2013
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
		ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	730		$	7,029		$	382,156		$	—		$	389,915
	Short-term investments	—			—			117,218			—			117,218
	Assets held for sale	—			—			243,264			—			243,264
	Accounts receivable, net	27			—			1,399,516			—			1,399,543
	Inventory	—			—			209,793			—			209,793
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			121,316			—			121,316
	Other current assets	50			26,378			246,353			—			272,781
	Total current assets	807			33,407			2,719,616			—			2,753,830
	Long-term investments	—			—			3,236			—			3,236
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			33,815			8,563,998			—			8,597,813
Goodwill	—			—			512,964			—			512,964
Intercompany receivables	160,136			3,891			1,583,539			(1,747,566		)	—
Investment in consolidated affiliates	5,808,607			6,097,337			1,789,851			(13,695,795		)	—
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			64,260			—			64,260
Other long-term assets	—			34,487			193,221			—			227,708
Total assets	$	5,969,550		$	6,202,937		$	15,430,685		$	(15,443,361	)	$	12,159,811
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	$	—		$	—		$	10,185		$	—		$	10,185
Trade accounts payable	86			25			545,401			—			545,512
Accrued liabilities	378			65,947			630,768			—			697,093
Income taxes payable	—			—			58,634			—			58,634
Total current liabilities	464			65,972			1,244,988			—			1,311,424
Long-term debt	—			3,904,059			58			—			3,904,117
Other long-term liabilities	—			31,071			346,673			—			377,744
Deferred income taxes	—			(213,233		)	729,394			—			516,161
Intercompany payable	—			1,747,566			—			(1,747,566		)	—
Total liabilities	464			5,535,435			2,321,113			(1,747,566		)	6,109,446
Subsidiary preferred stock	—			—			69,188			—			69,188
Shareholders’ equity	5,969,086			667,502			13,028,293			(13,695,795		)	5,969,086
Noncontrolling interest	—			—			12,091			—			12,091
Total equity	5,969,086			667,502			13,040,384			(13,695,795		)	5,981,177
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,969,550		$	6,202,937		$	15,430,685		$	(15,443,361	)	$	12,159,811
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
							Other
	Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
	(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
	Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
	(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues	$	—		$	—		$	1,813,762		$	—		$	1,813,762
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			(2,851		)	—			(2,851		)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	116,378			67,504			31,859			(215,741		)	—
Investment income (loss)	—			1,694			2,199			(1,704		)	2,189
Intercompany Interest income	—			—			—			—			—
Total revenues and other income	116,378			69,198			1,844,969			(217,445		)	1,813,100
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs	—			—			1,181,986			—			1,181,986
General and administrative expenses	3,097			7,957			128,065			(152		)	138,967
Depreciation and amortization	—			902			285,679			—			286,581
Interest expense	—			49,415			(6,277		)	—			43,138
Intercompany interest expense	7			—			(7		)	—			—
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	7,226			—			(8,891		)	152			(1,513		)
Other	—			—			—			—			—
Total costs and other deductions	10,330			58,274			1,580,555			—			1,649,159
Income from continuing operations before income tax	106,048			10,924			264,414			(217,445		)	163,941
Income tax expense (benefit)	—			(20,935		)	82,446			—			61,511
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	—			—			—			—			—
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	106,048			31,859			181,968			(217,445		)	102,430
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			4,005			—			4,005
Net income (loss)	106,048			31,859			185,973			(217,445		)	106,435
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(387		)	—			(387		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	106,048		$	31,859		$	185,586		$	(217,445	)	$	106,048
	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	$	—		$	—		$	1,551,593		$	—		$	1,551,593
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			1,468,545			95,198			1,550,194
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs	—			—			981,685			—			981,685
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 and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	155			211,989			(209,032		)	154			3,266
Impairment and other charges							242,241						242,241
Other	—			—			—			—			—
Total costs and other deductions	3,244			271,997			1,409,428			(31		)	1,684,638
Income from continuing operations before income tax	(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 continuing 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	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
							Other
	Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
	(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
	Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
	(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues	$	—		$	—		$	5,020,361		$	—		$	5,020,361
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			(5,872		)	—			(5,872		)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	235,970			112,112			13,614			(361,696		)	—
Investment income (loss)	—			1,840			12,371			(3,976		)	10,235
Intercompany Interest income	—			—			—			—			—
Total revenues and other income	235,970			113,952			5,040,474			(365,672		)	5,024,724
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs	—			—			3,310,220			—			3,310,220
General and administrative expenses	7,989			7,607			391,697			(430		)	406,863
Depreciation and amortization	—			2,706			848,822			—			851,528
Interest expense	—			148,097			(13,846		)	—			134,251
Intercompany interest expense	66			—			(66		)	—			—
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	7,504			(223		)	8,756			430			16,467
Other	—			—			—			—			—
Total costs and other deductions	15,559			158,187			4,545,583			—			4,719,329
Income from continuing operations before income tax	220,411			(44,235		)	494,891			(365,672		)	305,395
Income tax expense (benefit)	—			(57,849		)	144,124			—			86,275
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	—			—			1,984			—			1,984
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	220,411			13,614			348,783			(365,672		)	217,136
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			4,488			—			4,488
Net income (loss)	220,411			13,614			353,271			(365,672		)	221,624
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(1,213		)	—			(1,213		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	220,411		$	13,614		$	352,058		$	(365,672	)	$	220,411
	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	$	—		$	—		$	4,545,037		$	—		$	4,545,037
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			4,538,398			(45,716		)	4,642,135
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs	—			—			2,948,987			—			2,948,987
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 and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	7,209			211,921			(192,319		)	434			27,245
Impairment and other charges	—			—			287,241			—			287,241
Other	—			—			—			—			—
Total costs and other deductions	15,353			399,615			4,223,982			(92		)	4,638,858
Income from continuing operations before income tax	(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 continuing 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	)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
							Other
	Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
	(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
	Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
	(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	106,048		$	31,859		$	185,586		$	(217,445	)	$	106,048
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax:
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	(41,713		)	(33		)	(41,707		)	41,740			(41,713		)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	(15,054		)	(87		)	(15,141		)	15,228			(15,054		)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on marketable securities	267			(1,889		)	(1,622		)	3,511			267
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	(14,787		)	(1,976		)	(16,763		)	18,739			(14,787		)
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	123			123			246			(369		)	123
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of cash flow hedges	153			153			153			(306		)	153
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(56,224		)	(1,733		)	(58,071		)	59,804			(56,224		)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	107			107			390			(497		)	107
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(56,331		)	(1,840		)	(58,461		)	60,301			(56,331		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	49,717			30,019			127,125			(157,144		)	49,717
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			387			—			387
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(522		)	—			(522		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(135		)	—			(135		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	49,717		$	30,019		$	126,990		$	(157,144	)	$	49,582
	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 tax:
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 cash flow hedges	153			153			153			(306		)	153
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	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	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
							Other
	Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
	(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
	Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
	(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	220,411		$	13,614		$	352,058		$	(365,672	)	$	220,411
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax:
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	(46,052		)	1,688			(46,062		)	44,374			(46,052		)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	(34,587		)	156			(34,431		)	34,275			(34,587		)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on marketable securities	(4,636		)	(2,395		)	(7,031		)	9,426			(4,636		)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	(39,223		)	(2,239		)	(41,462		)	43,701			(39,223		)
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	369			369			738			(1,107		)	369
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of cash flow hedges	459			459			459			(918		)	459
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(84,447		)	277			(86,327		)	86,050			(84,447		)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(529		)	(529		)	(1,237		)	1,766			(529		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(83,918		)	806			(85,090		)	84,284			(83,918		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	136,493			14,420			266,968			(281,388		)	136,493
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			1,213			—			1,213
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(624		)	—			(624		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			589			—			589
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	136,493		$	14,420		$	267,557		$	(281,388	)	$	137,082
	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 tax:
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 cash flow hedges	459			459			459			(918		)	459
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(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	)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
							Other
	Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
	(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
	Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
	(In thousands)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	(7,632	)	$	(22,760	)	$	1,262,289		$	12,447		$	1,244,344
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of investments	—			—			(319		)	—			(319		)
Sales and maturities of investments	—			—			23,580			—			23,580
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	—			—			(10,200		)	—			(10,200		)
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			(2,061		)	—			(2,061		)
Capital expenditures	—			—			(1,344,222		)	—			(1,344,222		)
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	—			—			129,825			—			129,825
Other	—			—			(3,931		)	—			(3,931		)
Changes in intercompany balances	—			(355,792		)	355,792			—			—
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	—			(355,792		)	(851,536		)	—			(1,207,328		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	—			—			(3,867		)	—			(3,867		)
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	30,240			—			—			—			30,240
Purchase of treasury stock	—			—			(250,037		)	—			(250,037		)
Dividends to shareholders	(45,758		)	—			—			3,977			(41,781		)
Proceeds from (payments for) commercial paper, net	—			441,530			—			—			441,530
Cash paid for common shares tendered	(7,581		)	—			—			—			(7,581		)
Proceeds from issuance of intercompany debt	35,000			—			(35,000		)	—			—
Paydown of intercompany debt	(19,000		)	—			19,000			—			—
Proceeds from debt	—			—			15,000			—			15,000
Reduction in short-term debt	—			—			(10,000		)				(10,000		)
Reduction in long-term debt	—			(70,000		)	(40,098		)	—			(110,098		)
Redemption of subsidiary Preferred Shares	—			—			(70,875		)	—			(70,875		)
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of parent common shares to affiliates	16,424			—			—			(16,424		)	—
Other	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	9,325			371,530			(375,877		)	(12,447		)	(7,469		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(15,009		)	—			(15,009		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,693			(7,022		)	19,867			—			14,538
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	730			7,029			382,156			—			389,915
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	2,423		$	7		$	402,023		$	—		$	404,453
	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		)
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			(5,967		)	—			(5,967		)
Capital expenditures	—			—			(780,711		)	—			(780,711		)
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	—			—			139,254			—			139,254
Proceeds from sales of unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			10,000			—			10,000
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		)
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	4,375			—			—			—			4,375
Dividends to shareholders	(38,767		)	—			—			3,410			(35,357		)
Proceeds from (payments for) commercial paper, net	—			332,250			—			—			332,250
Proceeds from parent contributions	—			772,000			1,544,100			(2,316,100		)	—
Debt issuance costs	—			(3,505		)	—			—			(3,505		)
Proceeds from debt	—			698,517			11,569			—			710,086
Reduction in revolving credit facilities	—			(590,000		)	—			—			(590,000		)
Reduction in long-term debt	—			(994,112		)	(69		)	—			(994,181		)
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of parent common shares to affiliates	32,072			—			—			(32,072		)	—
Other	(3,096		)	—			—			—			(3,096		)
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

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Note 15 Subsequent Events
	On October 24, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share to the holders of record of our common shares as of December 10, 2014 to be paid on December 31, 2014.
	In October 2014, we purchased the outstanding shares of 2TD Drilling AS (“2TD”), a drilling technology company based out of Norway. 2TD is in the process of developing a rotary steerable system for directional drilling which will be included as part of our Rig Services segment. Under the terms of the transaction, we paid an initial amount of $40.0 million for the purchase of the shares. We may also be required to make future payments of up to an additional $40.0 million, contingent on the achievement of various milestone objectives.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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”). 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, 2013 (“2013 Annual Report”).  In management’s opinion, the consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of September 30, 2014, as well as the results of our operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and cash flows and changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, in accordance with GAAP.  Interim results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 may not be indicative of results that will be realized for the full year ending December 31, 2014.
	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”), their 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.
Prior Period Revision	'
	Prior Period Revision
	During the first quarter of 2014, we determined that we had incorrectly applied certain aspects of ASC 830 - Foreign Currency Matters with respect to the recording of foreign currency gains or losses on certain intercompany transactions.  GAAP requires the recognition of foreign currency gains or losses on U.S. dollar denominated intercompany balances of our subsidiaries that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar.  The impact was primarily related to the periods between 2002 and 2009, which is the period over which a series of intercompany loans were outstanding between our Canadian subsidiary, whose functional currency is the Canadian dollar, and other subsidiaries whose functional currencies are the U.S. dollar.
	The net effect understated net income for periods before 2009 by approximately $91.5 million, due to foreign currency gains that should have been recorded through net income, rather than through Cumulative Translation Adjustment (a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income).  The correction of this error resulted in a revision to increase the beginning Retained Earnings at January 1, 2010 by approximately $91.5 million with the offset being a decrease to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, both of which are components of Shareholders’ Equity.  There was no material impact to our assets, liabilities, cash flows or profit and loss for any periods presented, and we do not consider this revision material to any period.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nabors, as well as all majority owned and non-majority owned subsidiaries required to be consolidated under GAAP.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	Investments in operating entities where we have the ability to exert significant influence, but where we do not control operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method.  Our share of the net income (loss) of these entities is recorded as earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).  The investments in these entities are included in investment in unconsolidated affiliates in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Inventory	'
	Inventory
	Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out or weighted-average cost methods and includes the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead.  Inventory included the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	153,229	$	128,606
	Work-in-progress	40,550		26,762
	Finished goods	49,097		54,425
		$	242,876	$	209,793
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	We initially assess goodwill for impairment based on qualitative factors to determine whether to perform the two-step annual goodwill impairment test, a Level 3 fair value measurement. After qualitative assessment, step one of the impairment test compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess
	The fair values calculated in these impairment tests were determined using discounted cash flow models involving assumptions based on our utilization of rigs or other oil and gas service equipment, revenues and earnings from affiliates, as well as direct costs, general and administrative costs, depreciation, applicable income taxes, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Our discounted cash flow projections for each reporting unit were based on financial forecasts. The future cash flows were discounted to present value using discount rates determined to be appropriate for each reporting unit. Terminal values for each reporting unit were calculated using a Gordon Growth methodology with a long-term growth rate of 3%.
	Our estimated fair values of our reporting units incorporate judgment and the use of estimates by management. Potential factors requiring assessment include a further or sustained decline in our stock price, declines in oil and natural gas prices, a variance in results of operations from forecasts, and additional transactions in the oil and gas industry. Another factor in determining whether impairment has occurred is the relationship between our market capitalization and our book value. As part of our annual review, we compared the sum of our reporting units’ estimated fair value, which included the estimated fair value of non-operating assets and liabilities, less debt, to our market capitalization and assessed the reasonableness of our estimated fair value. Any of the above-mentioned factors may cause us to re-evaluate goodwill during any quarter throughout the year.
	Based on our review, there was no goodwill impairment for the third quarter of 2014.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) relating to the reporting of discontinued operations and the disclosures related to disposals of components of an entity. The new standard addresses the question around whether the disposal represents a strategic shift, if the operations and cash flows can be clearly distinguished and continuing involvement will no longer preclude a disposal from being presented as discontinued operations. These changes are effective for interim and annual periods that begin after December 15, 2014. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU relating to the revenue recognition from contracts with customers that creates a common revenue standard for GAAP and IFRS. The new standard will require recognition of revenue when promised goods are transferred or services to customers are performed in an amount that reflects the consideration, including costs incurred, to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. These changes are effective for interim and annual periods that begin after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued an ASU relating to the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period.  The new standard will require the reporting entity to apply existing guidance in Topic 718-Compensation-Stock Compensation relating to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards.  As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered.  These changes are effective for interim and annual periods that begin after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
Inventory	'
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	153,229	$	128,606
	Work-in-progress	40,550		26,762
	Finished goods	49,097		54,425
		$	242,876	$	209,793

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_1

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'
Certain information related to our cash and cash equivalents and short term investments	'
		September 30, 2014							December 31, 2013
		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	$	404,453		$	—	$	—	$	389,915	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments:
	Available-for-sale equity securities	60,346			33,021		—		96,942		68,395		—
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Corporate debt securities	—			—		—		19,388		4,122		—
	Mortgage-backed debt securities	—			—		—		210		11		—
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities	19			—		—		20		—		(2		)
	Asset-backed debt securities	—			—		—		658		2		(54		)
	Total available-for-sale debt securities	19			—		—		20,276		4,135		(56		)
	Total available-for-sale securities	60,365			33,021		—		117,218		72,530		(56		)
	Total short-term investments	60,365			33,021		—		117,218		72,530		(56		)
	Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	$	464,818		$	33,021	$	—	$	507,133	$	72,530	$	(56	)
Available-for-sale of Debt and equity securities	'
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)					(In thousands)
	Available-for-sale
	Proceeds from sales and maturities	$	—		$	408	$	22,313	$	107,361
	Realized gains (losses), net	$	(267	)	$	2	$	4,636	$	88,159

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements	'
Recurring Fair Value Measurements	'
			Fair Value as of September 30, 2014
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
			(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Short-term investments:
	Available-for-sale equity securities (energy industry)		$	60,006	$	340	$	—	$	60,346
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	Mortgage-CMO debt securities		—		19		—		19
	Total short-term investments		$	60,006	$	359	$	—	$	60,365
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
			September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Value		Value		Value		Value
			(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016		$	349,870	$	357,242	$	349,820	$	354,694
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018		948,900		1,074,186		969,928		1,097,480
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019		339,607		426,835		339,607		428,733
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020		698,177		768,607		697,947		731,955
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021		698,328		755,300		698,148		709,793
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023		348,861		380,114		348,765		349,731
	Subsidiary preferred stock (1)		—		—		69,188		69,000
	Revolving credit facility		100,000		100,000		170,000		170,000
	Commercial paper		771,374		771,374		329,844		329,844
	Other		215		215		10,243		10,243
	Total		$	4,255,332	$	4,633,873	$	3,983,490	$	4,251,473
		-1		We redeemed all outstanding subsidiary preferred stock during the second quarter of 2014.  See Note 8 — Subsidiary Preferred Stock for additional discussion.

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables) (Restricted Stock Based on Market Conditions)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restricted Stock Based on Market Conditions	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'
Schedule of grant date fair value	'
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Risk free interest rate	0.80		%	0.41		%
	Expected Volatility	40.00		%	46.00		%
	Closing stock price at grant date	$	18.19		$	16.53
	Expected term (in years)	2.97 years			2.82 years

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt	'
Long-term debt	'
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	2.35% senior notes due September 2016	$	349,870	$	349,820
	6.15% senior notes due February 2018	948,900		969,928
	9.25% senior notes due January 2019	339,607		339,607
	5.00% senior notes due September 2020	698,177		697,947
	4.625% senior notes due September 2021	698,328		698,148
	5.10% senior notes due September 2023	348,861		348,765
	Commercial paper	771,374		329,844
	Revolving credit facility	100,000		170,000
	Other	215		10,243
		$	4,255,332	$	3,914,302
	Less: current portion	196		10,185
		$	4,255,136	$	3,904,117

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Summary of total maximum amount of financial guarantees issued	'
		Maximum Amount
		Remainder of		2015		2016		Thereafter		Total
		2014
		(In thousands)
	Financial standby letters of credit and other financial surety instruments	$	63,632	$	127,994	$	75	$	18	$	191,719

Earnings_Losses_Per_Share_Tabl

Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	'
Earnings (losses) per share computations	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	BASIC EPS:
	Net income (loss) (numerator):
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	102,430		$	(90,510	)	$	217,136		$	29,825
	Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(387		)	(441		)	(1,213		)	(6,154		)
	Less: loss on redemption of subsidiary preferred stock	—			—			(1,688		)	—
	Less: (earnings) losses allocated to unvested shareholders	(1,579		)	1,411			(3,286		)	671
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations	$	100,464		$	(89,540	)	$	210,949		$	24,342
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	4,005		$	(14,430	)	$	4,488		$	(34,292	)
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	292,621			295,076			292,613			293,837
	Earnings (losses) per share:
	Basic from continuing operations	$	0.34		$	(0.30	)	$	0.72		$	0.08
	Basic from discontinued operations	0.02			(0.05		)	0.02			(0.11		)
	Total Basic	$	0.36		$	(0.35	)	$	0.74		$	(0.03	)
	DILUTED EPS:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributed to common shareholders	$	100,464		$	(89,540	)	$	210,949		$	24,342
	Add: effect of reallocating undistributed earnings of unvested shareholders	11			—			25			—
	Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations attributed to common shareholders	$	100,475		$	(89,540	)	$	210,974		$	24,342
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	4,005		$	(14,430	)	$	4,488		$	(34,292	)
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	292,621			295,076			292,613			293,837
	Add: dilutive effect of potential common shares	2,384			—			2,740			2,371
	Weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding	295,005			295,076			295,353			296,208
	Earnings (losses) per share:
	Diluted from continuing operations	$	0.34		$	(0.30	)	$	0.71		$	0.08
	Diluted from discontinued operations	0.01			(0.05		)	0.02			(0.11		)
	Total Diluted	$	0.35		$	(0.35	)	$	0.73		$	(0.03	)

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc1

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	'
Accrued liabilities	'
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Accrued compensation		$	182,028		$	172,803
	Deferred revenue		314,773			202,918
	Other taxes payable		58,287			76,781
	Workers’ compensation liabilities		29,459			29,459
	Interest payable		17,857			64,728
	Warranty accrual		4,791			4,653
	Litigation reserves		23,750			30,784
	Current liability to discontinued operations		23,817			64,404
	Professional fees		2,842			2,971
	Current deferred tax liability		3,075			3,075
	Current liability to acquisition of KVS		22,033			22,033
	Other accrued liabilities		19,796			22,484
			$	702,508		$	697,093
Investment income (loss)	'
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Interest and dividend income		$	2,323		$	1,107		$	5,318		$	4,225
	Gains (losses) on investments, net		(134		)	122			4,917		-1	91,246		-2
			$	2,189		$	1,229		$	10,235		$	95,471
		-1		Includes realized gains of $4.9 million from the sale of available-for-sale securities.
		-2		Includes realized gains of $88.2 million from the sale of available-for-sale securities and net realized gains of $2.5 million from the sale of our trading securities.
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	'
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Losses (gains) on sales, disposals and involuntary conversions of long-lived assets		$	(27,641	)(1)	$	2,806		$	(14,095	)(1)	$	8,150
	Litigation expenses		3,177			1,983			6,804			7,642
	Merger transaction expenses		17,000		-2	—			17,000		-2	—
	Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)		2,374			(290		)	3,417			7,017
	Other losses (gains)		3,577			(1,233		)	3,341			4,436
			$	(1,513	)	$	3,266		$	16,467		$	27,245
		-1		Includes a $22.2 million gain related to the disposition of our Alaska E&P assets. See Note 12 — Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations.
		-2		Represents transaction costs related to the merger with CJES, including professional fees and other costs incurred to re-organize the business in contemplation of the merger.
Schedule of impairments and other charges	'
			Three Months			Nine Months
			Ended			Ended
			September 30,			September 30,
			2013			2013
			(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
	Impairment of long-lived assets		20,000			20,000		-4
			$	242,241		$	287,241
		-1		Represents a one-time stock grant valued at $27.0 million, which vested immediately, and $18.0 million in cash awarded and paid to Mr. Petrello in connection with the termination of his prior employment agreement. See Note 9 — Commitments and Contingencies to our 2013 Annual Report for additional discussion.
		-2		Represents the loss related to the extinguishment of debt in connection with the tender offer for our 9.25% senior notes.
		-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.
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
			Gains			Unrealized			Defined			Foreign			Total
			(losses) on			gains (losses)			benefit			currency
			cash flow			on available-			pension plan			items
			hedges			for-sale			items
						securities
			(In thousands)
	As of January 1, 2013 (1)		$	(2,793	)	$	134,229		$	(7,632	)	$	216,339		$	340,143
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		—			1,549			—			(36,853		)	(35,304		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		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	)	$	179,486		$	220,179
			Gains			Unrealized			Defined			Foreign			Total
			(losses) on			gains (losses)			benefit			currency
			cash flow			on available-			pension plan			items
			hedges			for-sale			items
						securities
			(In thousands)
	As of January 1, 2014 (1)		$	(2,419	)	$	71,742		$	(4,075	)	$	150,892		$	216,140
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		—			(34,646		)	—			(46,052		)	(80,698		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		280			(3,726		)	226			—			(3,220		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)		280			(38,372		)	226			(46,052		)	(83,918		)
	As of September 30, 2014		$	(2,139	)	$	33,370		$	(3,849	)	$	104,840		$	132,222
	(1) Reflects amounts reclassified from foreign currency translation adjustment to retained earnings as discussed in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
	(2) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
Schedule of line items that were reclassified from net income	'
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	Line item in consolidated statement of income (loss)		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Investment income (loss)		$	(267	)	$	2		$	4,636		$	88,159
	Interest expense		153			153			459			459
	General and administrative expenses		123			280			369			842
	Total before tax		$	(543	)	$	(431	)	$	3,808		$	86,858
	Tax expense (benefit)		(141		)	(168		)	588			2,198
	Reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses included in net income (loss)		$	(402	)	$	(263	)	$	3,220		$	84,660

Assets_HeldforSale_and_Discont1

Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
Schedule of assets held for sale	'
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Oil and Gas		$	158,327		$	239,936
	Rig Services		—			3,328
			$	158,327		$	243,264
Schedule of condensed statements of income (loss) from discontinued operations for each operating segment	'
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Operating revenues
	Oil and Gas		$	2,314		$	1,803		$	10,842		$	23,842
	Income (loss) from Oil and Gas discontinued operations:
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		$	(509	)	$	(8,555	)	$	1,027		$	(11,227	)
	Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets and obligations		(7,312		) (1)	4,834			(5,901		) (1)	47,027
	Less: Income tax expense (benefit)		2,798			2,011			2,440			(9,154		)
	Income (loss) from Oil and Gas discontinued operations, net of tax		$	4,005		$	(15,400	)	$	4,488		$	(49,100	)
		-1		Reflects a gain related to our pipeline contractual commitments resulting from mitigation agreements to transfer pipeline/processing capacity.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information	'
Financial information with respect to operating segments	'
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates: (1)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.		$	571,736		$	491,857		$	1,615,106		$	1,443,759
	Canada		80,491			81,397			246,973			273,053
	International		424,698			383,712			1,191,018			1,056,649
	Rig Services (2)		191,437			131,151			496,903			383,502
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (3)		1,268,362			1,088,117			3,550,000			3,156,963
	Completion & Production Services:
	Completion Services		352,027			266,520			856,565			782,674
	Production Services		259,863			246,806			793,641			742,979
	Subtotal Completion & Production Services (4)		611,890			513,326			1,650,206			1,525,653
	Other reconciling items (5)		(69,341		)	(52,478		)	(185,717		)	(135,952		)
	Total		$	1,810,911		$	1,548,965		$	5,014,489		$	4,546,664
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities (1) (6)
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.		$	117,212		$	92,710		$	279,683		$	240,118
	Canada		11,517			12,244			37,902			46,657
	International		68,452			54,271			167,154			108,221
	Rig Services (2)		21,136			2,357			38,923			(1,739		)
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (3)		218,317			161,582			523,662			393,257
	Completion & Production Services:
	Completion Services		14,211			13,024			(20,005		)	37,650
	Production Services		21,182			25,909			81,662			75,394
	Subtotal Completion & Production Services (4)		35,393			38,933			61,657			113,044
	Other reconciling items (5)		(50,333		)	(34,622		)	(139,441		)	(107,666		)
	Total adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities		$	203,377		$	165,893		$	445,878		$	398,635
	Interest expense		(43,138		)	(56,059		)	(134,251		)	(176,343		)
	Investment income (loss)		2,189			1,229			10,235			95,471
	Gains (losses) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other income (expense), net		1,513			(3,266		)	(16,467		)	(27,245		)
	Impairments and other charges		—			(242,241		)	—			(287,241		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		163,941			(134,444		)	305,395			3,277
	Income tax expense (benefit)		61,511			(44,684		)	86,275			(28,798		)
	Subsidiary preferred stock dividend		—			750			1,984			2,250
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		102,430			(90,510		)	217,136			29,825
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		4,005			(14,430		)	4,488			(34,292		)
	Net income (loss)		106,435			(104,940		)	221,624			(4,467		)
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(387		)	(441		)	(1,213		)	(6,154		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors		$	106,048		$	(105,381	)	$	220,411		$	(10,621	)
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Total assets:
	Drilling & Rig Services:
	U.S.		$	4,438,876		$	4,248,630
	Canada		599,979			608,018
	International		3,988,285			3,584,339
	Rig Services		522,673			474,275
	Subtotal Drilling & Rig Services (7)		9,549,813			8,915,262
	Completion & Production Services (8) (9)		2,326,016			2,394,865
	Other reconciling items (5)		743,511			849,684
	Total assets:		$	12,619,340		$	12,159,811
		-1		All periods present the operating activities of our wholly owned oil and gas businesses, aircraft logistics operations and construction services as discontinued operations.
		-2		Includes our drilling technology and top drive manufacturing, directional drilling, rig instrumentation and software services. These services represent our other companies that are not aggregated into a separate reportable operating segment.
		-3		Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of $(2.9) million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and $(6.1) million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		-4		Includes earnings (losses), net from unconsolidated affiliates, accounted for using the equity method, of $0 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	-5		Represents the elimination of inter-segment transactions and unallocated corporate expenses and assets.
	-6		Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities is computed by subtracting the sum of direct costs, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization from the sum of Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates. Adjusted income is a non-GAAP measure and should not be used in isolation as a substitute for the amounts reported in accordance with GAAP. However, management evaluates the performance of our business units and the consolidated company based on several criteria, including adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities, because it believes that these financial measures accurately reflect our ongoing profitability. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, which is a GAAP measure, is provided in the above table.
	-7		Includes $50.8 million and $56.9 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	-8		Reflects assets allocated to the line of business necessary to conduct its operations. Further allocation to individual operating segments of Completion & Production Services is not available.
	-9		Includes $9.7 million and $7.4 million of investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	'
		September 30, 2014
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
		ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,423		$	7		$	402,023		$	—		$	404,453
	Short-term investments	—			—			60,365			—			60,365
	Assets held for sale	—			—			158,327			—			158,327
	Accounts receivable, net	—			—			1,624,441			—			1,624,441
	Inventory	—			—			242,876			—			242,876
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			91,837			—			91,837
	Other current assets	50			5,428			204,694			—			210,172
	Total current assets	2,473			5,435			2,784,563			—			2,792,471
	Long-term investments	—			—			2,568			—			2,568
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			31,201			8,985,307			—			9,016,508
	Goodwill	—			—			512,203			—			512,203
	Intercompany receivables	182,433			—			1,386,139			(1,568,572		)	—
	Investment in consolidated affiliates	5,712,818			6,209,501			1,812,792			(13,735,111		)	—
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			60,451			—			60,451
	Other long-term assets	—			30,618			204,521			—			235,139
	Total assets	$	5,897,724		$	6,276,755		$	15,748,544		$	(15,303,683	)	$	12,619,340
		LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of debt	$	—		$	—		$	196		$	—		$	196
	Trade accounts payable	65			5			693,861			—			693,931
	Accrued liabilities	5,786			17,810			678,912			—			702,508
	Income taxes payable	—			—			18,946			—			18,946
	Total current liabilities	5,851			17,815			1,391,915			—			1,415,581
	Long-term debt	—			4,277,063			(21,927		)	—			4,255,136
	Other long-term liabilities	—			30,076			566,892			—			596,968
	Deferred income taxes	—			(276,525		)	754,946			—			478,421
	Intercompany payable	29,000			1,539,572			—			(1,568,572		)	—
	Total liabilities	34,851			5,588,001			2,691,826			(1,568,572		)	6,746,106
	Subsidiary preferred stock	—			—			—			—			—
	Shareholders’ equity	5,862,873			688,754			13,046,357			(13,735,111		)	5,862,873
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			10,361			—			10,361
	Total equity	5,862,873			688,754			13,056,718			(13,735,111		)	5,873,234
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,897,724		$	6,276,755		$	15,748,544		$	(15,303,683	)	$	12,619,340
		December 31, 2013
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
		ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	730		$	7,029		$	382,156		$	—		$	389,915
	Short-term investments	—			—			117,218			—			117,218
	Assets held for sale	—			—			243,264			—			243,264
	Accounts receivable, net	27			—			1,399,516			—			1,399,543
	Inventory	—			—			209,793			—			209,793
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			121,316			—			121,316
	Other current assets	50			26,378			246,353			—			272,781
	Total current assets	807			33,407			2,719,616			—			2,753,830
	Long-term investments	—			—			3,236			—			3,236
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			33,815			8,563,998			—			8,597,813
	Goodwill	—			—			512,964			—			512,964
	Intercompany receivables	160,136			3,891			1,583,539			(1,747,566		)	—
	Investment in consolidated affiliates	5,808,607			6,097,337			1,789,851			(13,695,795		)	—
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			64,260			—			64,260
Other long-term assets	—			34,487			193,221			—			227,708
Total assets	$	5,969,550		$	6,202,937		$	15,430,685		$	(15,443,361	)	$	12,159,811
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	$	—		$	—		$	10,185		$	—		$	10,185
Trade accounts payable	86			25			545,401			—			545,512
Accrued liabilities	378			65,947			630,768			—			697,093
Income taxes payable	—			—			58,634			—			58,634
Total current liabilities	464			65,972			1,244,988			—			1,311,424
Long-term debt	—			3,904,059			58			—			3,904,117
Other long-term liabilities	—			31,071			346,673			—			377,744
Deferred income taxes	—			(213,233		)	729,394			—			516,161
Intercompany payable	—			1,747,566			—			(1,747,566		)	—
Total liabilities	464			5,535,435			2,321,113			(1,747,566		)	6,109,446
Subsidiary preferred stock	—			—			69,188			—			69,188
Shareholders’ equity	5,969,086			667,502			13,028,293			(13,695,795		)	5,969,086
Noncontrolling interest	—			—			12,091			—			12,091
Total equity	5,969,086			667,502			13,040,384			(13,695,795		)	5,981,177
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,969,550		$	6,202,937		$	15,430,685		$	(15,443,361	)	$	12,159,811
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)	'
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
	Revenues and other income:
	Operating revenues	$	—		$	—		$	1,813,762		$	—		$	1,813,762
	Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			(2,851		)	—			(2,851		)
	Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	116,378			67,504			31,859			(215,741		)	—
	Investment income (loss)	—			1,694			2,199			(1,704		)	2,189
	Intercompany Interest income	—			—			—			—			—
	Total revenues and other income	116,378			69,198			1,844,969			(217,445		)	1,813,100
	Costs and other deductions:
	Direct costs	—			—			1,181,986			—			1,181,986
	General and administrative expenses	3,097			7,957			128,065			(152		)	138,967
	Depreciation and amortization	—			902			285,679			—			286,581
	Interest expense	—			49,415			(6,277		)	—			43,138
	Intercompany interest expense	7			—			(7		)	—			—
	Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	7,226			—			(8,891		)	152			(1,513		)
	Other	—			—			—			—			—
	Total costs and other deductions	10,330			58,274			1,580,555			—			1,649,159
	Income from continuing operations before income tax	106,048			10,924			264,414			(217,445		)	163,941
	Income tax expense (benefit)	—			(20,935		)	82,446			—			61,511
	Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	—			—			—			—			—
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	106,048			31,859			181,968			(217,445		)	102,430
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			4,005			—			4,005
	Net income (loss)	106,048			31,859			185,973			(217,445		)	106,435
	Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(387		)	—			(387		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	106,048		$	31,859		$	185,586		$	(217,445	)	$	106,048
		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	$	—		$	—		$	1,551,593		$	—		$	1,551,593
	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			1,468,545			95,198			1,550,194
	Costs and other deductions:
	Direct costs	—			—			981,685			—			981,685
	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 and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	155			211,989			(209,032		)	154			3,266
	Impairment and other charges							242,241						242,241
	Other	—			—			—			—			—
	Total costs and other deductions	3,244			271,997			1,409,428			(31		)	1,684,638
	Income from continuing operations before income tax	(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 continuing 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	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
								Other
	Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
	(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
	Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
	(In thousands)
Revenues and other income:
Operating revenues	$	—		$	—		$	5,020,361		$	—		$	5,020,361
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			(5,872		)	—			(5,872		)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	235,970			112,112			13,614			(361,696		)	—
Investment income (loss)	—			1,840			12,371			(3,976		)	10,235
Intercompany Interest income	—			—			—			—			—
Total revenues and other income	235,970			113,952			5,040,474			(365,672		)	5,024,724
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs	—			—			3,310,220			—			3,310,220
General and administrative expenses	7,989			7,607			391,697			(430		)	406,863
Depreciation and amortization	—			2,706			848,822			—			851,528
Interest expense	—			148,097			(13,846		)	—			134,251
Intercompany interest expense	66			—			(66		)	—			—
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	7,504			(223		)	8,756			430			16,467
Other	—			—			—			—			—
Total costs and other deductions	15,559			158,187			4,545,583			—			4,719,329
Income from continuing operations before income tax	220,411			(44,235		)	494,891			(365,672		)	305,395
Income tax expense (benefit)	—			(57,849		)	144,124			—			86,275
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	—			—			1,984			—			1,984
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	220,411			13,614			348,783			(365,672		)	217,136
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			4,488			—			4,488
Net income (loss)	220,411			13,614			353,271			(365,672		)	221,624
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(1,213		)	—			(1,213		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	220,411		$	13,614		$	352,058		$	(365,672	)	$	220,411
	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	$	—		$	—		$	4,545,037		$	—		$	4,545,037
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			4,538,398			(45,716		)	4,642,135
Costs and other deductions:
Direct costs	—			—			2,948,987			—			2,948,987
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 and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	7,209			211,921			(192,319		)	434			27,245
Impairment and other charges	—			—			287,241			—			287,241
Other	—			—			—			—			—
Total costs and other deductions	15,353			399,615			4,223,982			(92		)	4,638,858
Income from continuing operations before income tax	(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 continuing 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	)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	106,048		$	31,859		$	185,586		$	(217,445	)	$	106,048
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax:
	Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	(41,713		)	(33		)	(41,707		)	41,740			(41,713		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	(15,054		)	(87		)	(15,141		)	15,228			(15,054		)
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on marketable securities	267			(1,889		)	(1,622		)	3,511			267
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	(14,787		)	(1,976		)	(16,763		)	18,739			(14,787		)
	Pension liability amortization and adjustment	123			123			246			(369		)	123
	Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of cash flow hedges	153			153			153			(306		)	153
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(56,224		)	(1,733		)	(58,071		)	59,804			(56,224		)
	Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	107			107			390			(497		)	107
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(56,331		)	(1,840		)	(58,461		)	60,301			(56,331		)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	49,717			30,019			127,125			(157,144		)	49,717
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			387			—			387
	Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(522		)	—			(522		)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(135		)	—			(135		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	49,717		$	30,019		$	126,990		$	(157,144	)	$	49,582
		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 tax:
	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 cash flow hedges	153			153			153			(306		)	153
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	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	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$	220,411		$	13,614		$	352,058		$	(365,672	)	$	220,411
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax:
	Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	(46,052		)	1,688			(46,062		)	44,374			(46,052		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	(34,587		)	156			(34,431		)	34,275			(34,587		)
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on marketable securities	(4,636		)	(2,395		)	(7,031		)	9,426			(4,636		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	(39,223		)	(2,239		)	(41,462		)	43,701			(39,223		)
	Pension liability amortization and adjustment	369			369			738			(1,107		)	369
	Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of cash flow hedges	459			459			459			(918		)	459
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(84,447		)	277			(86,327		)	86,050			(84,447		)
	Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(529		)	(529		)	(1,237		)	1,766			(529		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(83,918		)	806			(85,090		)	84,284			(83,918		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	136,493			14,420			266,968			(281,388		)	136,493
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			1,213			—			1,213
Translation adjustment to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(624		)	—			(624		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			589			—			589
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	136,493		$	14,420		$	267,557		$	(281,388	)	$	137,082
	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 tax:
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 cash flow hedges	459			459			459			(918		)	459
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(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	)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	'
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
								Other
		Nabors			Nabors			Subsidiaries
		(Parent/			Delaware			(Non-			Consolidating
		Guarantor)			(Issuer)			Guarantors)			Adjustments			Total
		(In thousands)
	Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	(7,632	)	$	(22,760	)	$	1,262,289		$	12,447		$	1,244,344
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchase of investments	—			—			(319		)	—			(319		)
	Sales and maturities of investments	—			—			23,580			—			23,580
	Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	—			—			(10,200		)	—			(10,200		)
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			(2,061		)	—			(2,061		)
	Capital expenditures	—			—			(1,344,222		)	—			(1,344,222		)
	Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	—			—			129,825			—			129,825
	Other	—			—			(3,931		)	—			(3,931		)
	Changes in intercompany balances	—			(355,792		)	355,792			—			—
	Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	—			(355,792		)	(851,536		)	—			(1,207,328		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	—			—			(3,867		)	—			(3,867		)
	Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	30,240			—			—			—			30,240
	Purchase of treasury stock	—			—			(250,037		)	—			(250,037		)
	Dividends to shareholders	(45,758		)	—			—			3,977			(41,781		)
	Proceeds from (payments for) commercial paper, net	—			441,530			—			—			441,530
	Cash paid for common shares tendered	(7,581		)	—			—			—			(7,581		)
	Proceeds from issuance of intercompany debt	35,000			—			(35,000		)	—			—
	Paydown of intercompany debt	(19,000		)	—			19,000			—			—
	Proceeds from debt	—			—			15,000			—			15,000
	Reduction in short-term debt	—			—			(10,000		)				(10,000		)
	Reduction in long-term debt	—			(70,000		)	(40,098		)	—			(110,098		)
	Redemption of subsidiary Preferred Shares	—			—			(70,875		)	—			(70,875		)
	Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of parent common shares to affiliates	16,424			—			—			(16,424		)	—
	Other	—			—			—			—			—
	Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	9,325			371,530			(375,877		)	(12,447		)	(7,469		)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(15,009		)	—			(15,009		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,693			(7,022		)	19,867			—			14,538
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	730			7,029			382,156			—			389,915
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	2,423		$	7		$	402,023		$	—		$	404,453
		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		)
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			(5,967		)	—			(5,967		)
	Capital expenditures	—			—			(780,711		)	—			(780,711		)
	Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	—			—			139,254			—			139,254
	Proceeds from sales of unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			10,000			—			10,000
	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		)
	Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	4,375			—			—			—			4,375
	Dividends to shareholders	(38,767		)	—			—			3,410			(35,357		)
	Proceeds from (payments for) commercial paper, net	—			332,250			—			—			332,250
	Proceeds from parent contributions	—			772,000			1,544,100			(2,316,100		)	—
	Debt issuance costs	—			(3,505		)	—			—			(3,505		)
	Proceeds from debt	—			698,517			11,569			—			710,086
Reduction in revolving credit facilities	—			(590,000		)	—			—			(590,000		)
Reduction in long-term debt	—			(994,112		)	(69		)	—			(994,181		)
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of parent common shares to affiliates	32,072			—			—			(32,072		)	—
Other	(3,096		)	—			—			—			(3,096		)
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

Nature_of_Operations_Details

Nature of Operations (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	item
Nature of Operations	'
Number of major business lines	2
Number of platform rigs actively marketed	37
Number of jack-up rigs actively marketed	7
Number of hydraulic horsepower pressure pumping services in key basins throughout United States and Canada	805,000
Nature of operations	'
Number of actively marketed land drilling rigs	501
Minimum number of countries in which oil and gas land drilling operations are conducted	20
C&J Energy Services Ltd	'
Nature of Operations	'
Ownership percentage	53.00%
Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia	'
Nature of Operations	'
Ownership percentage	51.00%
Number of rigs actively markets in joint venture	5
UNITED STATES	'
Nature of Operations	'
Number of rigs marketing for land well-servicing and workover service	444
CANADA	'
Nature of Operations	'
Number of rigs marketing for land well-servicing and workover service	98

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Retained earnings (Revised)	$4,481,606,000	$4,304,664,000
Adjustment of opening balance | Revision of CTA	'	'
Retained earnings (Revised)	91,500,000	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$91,500,000	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory	'	'
Raw materials	$153,229	$128,606
Work-in-progress	40,550	26,762
Finished goods	49,097	54,425
Total inventory	$242,876	$209,793
Goodwill	'	'
Long-term growth rate used to calculate terminal values for each reporting unit (as a percent)	3.00%	'

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_2

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value	$404,453	$389,915
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	60,365	117,218
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	33,021	72,530
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	'	-56
Total short-term investments	60,365	117,218
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, fair value	464,818	507,133
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, gross unrealized gains	33,021	72,530
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, gross unrealized losses	'	-56
Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Available-for-sale equities securities	'	'
Available-for-sale equity securities, fair value	60,346	96,942
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	33,021	68,395
Available-for-sale debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	19	20,276
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	'	4,135
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	'	-56
Corporate debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	'	19,388
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	'	4,122
Mortgage-backed debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	'	210
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	'	11
Mortgage-CMO debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	19	20
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	'	-2
Asset-backed debt securities	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities, fair value	'	658
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding gains	'	2
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding losses	'	-54
Total Short-term investments	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities:	'	'
Total short-term investments	60,365	117,218
Total short-term investments, gross unrealized gains	33,021	72,530
Total short-term investments, gross unrealized holding losses	'	($56)

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_3

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Available-for-sale:	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales and maturities	'	$408	$22,313	$107,361
Realized gains (losses), net	($267)	$2	$4,636	$88,159

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Amount of transfers of financial assets between Level 1 and Level 2 measures	$0	'
Fair value transfers in or out of Level 3	0	'
Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	60,346	96,942
Recurring	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total short-term investments	60,365	'
Recurring | Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	60,346	'
Recurring | Mortgage-CMO debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	19	'
Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total short-term investments	60,006	'
Recurring | Level 1 | Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	60,006	'
Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total short-term investments	359	'
Recurring | Level 2 | Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	340	'
Recurring | Level 2 | Mortgage-CMO debt securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Short term investments:	$19	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'
Carrying Value	$4,255,332	$3,983,490
Fair Value	4,633,873	4,251,473
Subsidiary preferred stock, carrying value	'	69,188
Subsidiary preferred stock, fair value	'	69,000
2.35% senior notes due September 2016	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'
Carrying Value	349,870	349,820
Fair Value	357,242	354,694
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	2.35%	'
6.15% senior notes due February 2018	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'
Carrying Value	948,900	969,928
Fair Value	1,074,186	1,097,480
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	6.15%	'
9.25% senior notes due January 2019	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'
Carrying Value	339,607	339,607
Fair Value	426,835	428,733
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	9.25%	'
5.00% senior notes due September 2020	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'
Carrying Value	698,177	697,947
Fair Value	768,607	731,955
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	5.00%	'
4.625% senior notes due September 2021	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'
Carrying Value	698,328	698,148
Fair Value	755,300	709,793
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	4.63%	'
5.10% senior notes due September 2023	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'
Carrying Value	348,861	348,765
Fair Value	380,114	349,731
Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)	5.10%	'
Revolving Credit Facility	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'
Carrying Value	100,000	170,000
Fair Value	100,000	170,000
Commercial paper	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'
Carrying Value	771,374	329,844
Fair Value	771,374	329,844
Other	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'	'
Carrying Value	215	10,243
Fair Value	$215	$10,243

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 11, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation expense	$8,900,000	$7,100,000	$28,100,000	$45,900,000	'	'
Liability related to awards	182,028,000	'	182,028,000	'	'	172,803,000
Assumptions used to value grant date fair value	'	'	'	'	'	'
Closing stock price at grant date (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$24.10	'
Restricted Stock Award | Employees and Director	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares awarded during period	'	'	1,154,615	4,375,260	'	'
Aggregate value of restricted stock awards at date of grant	26,400,000	71,700,000	26,400,000	71,700,000	'	'
Fair value awards vested	'	'	26,600,000	36,600,000	'	'
Restricted Stock Award | Maximum | Employees and Director	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting period of shares	'	'	'4 years	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Based on Performance Conditions | Executives	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares awarded during period	'	'	362,311	'	'	'
Vesting period of shares	'	'	'3 years	'	'	'
Liability related to awards	1,900,000	'	1,900,000	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Based on Market Conditions	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumptions used to value grant date fair value	'	'	'	'	'	'
Risk free interest rate (as a percent	'	'	0.80%	0.41%	'	'
Expected volatility (as a percent)	'	'	40.00%	46.00%	'	'
Closing stock price at grant date (in dollars per share)	$18.19	$16.53	$18.19	$16.53	'	'
Expected term (in years)	'	'	'2 years 11 months 19 days	'2 years 9 months 26 days	'	'
Restricted Stock Based on Market Conditions | Executives	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares awarded during period	'	'	395,550	353,933	'	'
Vesting period of shares	'	'	'3 years	'	'	'
Aggregate value of restricted stock awards at date of grant	4,500,000	3,700,000	4,500,000	3,700,000	'	'
Stock options | Employees and Director	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation disclosures	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	'	'	49,100,000	3,200,000	'	'
Total fair value of option vested during the period	'	'	$1,600,000	$4,000,000	'	'

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

2.35% senior notes due September 2016

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

6.15% senior notes due February 2018

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

9.25% senior notes due January 2019

5.00% senior notes due September 2020

5.00% senior notes due September 2020

4.625% senior notes due September 2021

4.625% senior notes due September 2021

5.10% senior notes due September 2023

5.10% senior notes due September 2023

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Commercial paper

Commercial paper

Commercial paper

Minimum

Long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes

'

'

$349,870,000

$349,820,000

$948,900,000

$969,928,000

$339,607,000

$339,607,000

$698,177,000

$697,947,000

$698,328,000

$698,148,000

$348,861,000

$348,765,000

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

170,000,000

'

'

'

Other

215,000

10,243,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

4,255,332,000

3,914,302,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Less: Current portion

196,000

10,185,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

4,255,136,000

3,904,117,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

771,374,000

329,844,000

'

Interest rate on senior notes due (as a percent)

'

'

2.35%

'

6.15%

'

9.25%

'

5.00%

'

4.63%

'

5.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate amount of senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

771,400,000

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.46%

'

0.35%

'

'

Remaining period to maturity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

Principal amount redeemed

'

'

'

'

22,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of debt principal

'

'

'

'

25,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of debt accrued interest

'

'

'

'

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Premium paid in the redemption

'

'

'

'

$3,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common_Shares_Details

Common Shares (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 11, 2014	Jul. 24, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 11, 2014
Common shares	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised (in shares)	'	'	3,000,000	500,000	'
Proceeds from stock options exercised	'	'	$30,200,000	$4,400,000	'
Common shares withheld by company	'	'	300,000	200,000	'
Common shares fair value	'	'	7,600,000	3,100,000	'
Common stock dividend declared (in dollars per share)	'	$0.06	'	'	'
Cash dividends paid	'	'	41,781,000	35,357,000	'
Shares purchased	10,375,000	'	'	'	'
Share price of shares purchased (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$24.10
Total aggregate amount of shares purchased	$250,000,000	'	'	'	'

Subsidiary_Preferred_Stock_Det

Subsidiary Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsidiary preferred stock	'
Cash paid for redemption of preferred stock	$70,875
Redemption of subsidiary preferred stock	1,688
Series A Preferred Stock	'
Subsidiary preferred stock	'
Subsidiary preferred stock, shares outstanding	75,000
Regular dividends paid	750,000
Accrued dividends paid	108,750
Special dividends paid	$375,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Mexico	Mexico	Mexico
			Minimum	Maximum
Income tax	'	'	'	'
Aggregate remaining amounts assessed or expected to assessed range	'	'	$30	$35
Reduction in reserves	'	20	'	'
Self-Insurance disclosures	'	'	'	'
Employer's liability claims subject to per-occurrence deductible	3	'	'	'
Workers automobile claims	2.5	'	'	'
General liability claims subject to per-occurrence deductible	5	'	'	'
Deductions in land rigs and for offshore rigs	$5	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2009	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2006	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 19, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014
	Court of Ouargla Customs Infringement	Court of Ouargla Customs Infringement	Court of Ouargla Customs Infringement	Court of Ouargla Foreign Currency Controls	Court of Ouargla Foreign Currency Controls	Court of Ouargla Foreign Currency Controls	Court of Ouargla Foreign Currency Controls	NGH2L	NGH2L
			Maximum				Maximum		Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies, Disclosure	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Judgment against the reporting entity at current exchange rate	'	$17.70	'	'	$34.80	'	'	'	'
Payment of contract amount in foreign currency	'	'	'	'	'	7.5	'	'	'
Payment of contract amount in domestic currency	'	'	'	'	'	3.2	'	'	'
Approximate multiplier of the amount at issue for fines and penalties	'	'	'	4	'	'	'	'	'
Amount paid to customs authority	3.1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Posted security paid	1.33	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Potential judgment in excess of accrual	'	'	13.3	'	'	'	26.8	'	'
Escrow Deposit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'
Monetary damages sought based on alleged breach of contract by NGH2L and alleged tortious interference with contractual relations by Parex	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$750

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of total maximum amount of financial guarantees issued	'
Remainder of 2014	$63,632
2015	127,994
2016	75
Thereafter	18
Total	$191,719

Earnings_Losses_Per_Share_Deta

Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income (loss) (numerator):	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$102,430	($90,510)	$217,136	$29,825
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-387	-441	-1,213	-6,154
Less: loss on redemption of subsidiary preferred stock	'	'	1,688	'
Less: (earnings) losses allocated to unvested shareholders	-1,579	1,411	-3,286	671
Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations	100,464	-89,540	210,949	24,342
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	4,005	-14,430	4,488	-34,292
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	292,621	295,076	292,613	293,837
Earnings (Losses) Per Share - Basic	'	'	'	'
Basic from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.34	($0.30)	$0.72	$0.08
Basic from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.02	($0.05)	$0.02	($0.11)
Total Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.36	($0.35)	$0.74	($0.03)
DILUTED EPS:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributed to common shareholders	100,464	-89,540	210,949	24,342
Add: effect of reallocating undistributed earnings of unvested shareholders	11	'	25	'
Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations attributed to common shareholders	100,475	-89,540	210,974	24,342
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$4,005	($14,430)	$4,488	($34,292)
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	292,621	295,076	292,613	293,837
Add: dilutive effect of potential common shares	2,384	'	2,740	2,371
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted	295,005	295,076	295,353	296,208
Earnings (Losses) Per Share -Diluted	'	'	'	'
Diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.34	($0.30)	$0.71	$0.08
Diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.01	($0.05)	$0.02	($0.11)
Total Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.35	($0.35)	$0.73	($0.03)

Earnings_Losses_Per_Share_Deta1

Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Details 2)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	'	'	'	'
Average number of options and warrants excluded from diluted earnings (losses) per share (in shares)	5,389,090	18,786,837	6,341,624	11,887,169

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc2

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued liabilities	'	'
Accrued compensation	$182,028	$172,803
Deferred revenue	314,773	202,918
Other taxes payable	58,287	76,781
Workers' compensation liabilities	29,459	29,459
Interest payable	17,857	64,728
Warranty accrual	4,791	4,653
Litigation reserves	23,750	30,784
Current liability to discontinued operations	23,817	64,404
Professional fees	2,842	2,971
Current deferred tax liability	3,075	3,075
Current liability to acquisition of KVS	22,033	22,033
Other accrued liabilities	19,796	22,484
Accrued liabilities	$702,508	$697,093

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc3

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Investment income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Interest and dividend income	$2,323	$1,107	$5,318	$4,225
Gains (losses) on investments, net	-134	122	4,917	91,246
Investment income (loss)	$2,189	$1,229	$10,235	$95,471

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc4

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 3) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	'	'
Net unrealized gains (loss) from trading securities	'	$2.50
Realized gains from the sale of available-for-sale securities	$4.90	$88.20

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc5

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	'	'	'	'
Losses (gains) on sales, disposals and involuntary conversions of long-lived assets	($27,641,000)	$2,806,000	($14,095,000)	$8,150,000
Litigation expenses	3,177,000	1,983,000	6,804,000	7,642,000
Merger transaction expenses	17,000,000	'	17,000,000	'
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)	2,374,000	-290,000	3,417,000	7,017,000
Other losses (gains)	3,577,000	-1,233,000	3,341,000	4,436,000
Losses (gains) on sales and retirements of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	-1,513,000	3,266,000	16,467,000	27,245,000
Gain on disposition of our Alaska E&P assets	22,200,000	'	'	'
Termination of employment contract	'	'	'	45,000,000
Loss on tendered notes	'	208,197,000	'	208,197,000
Provision for retirement of assets	'	14,044,000	'	14,044,000
Impairment of long-lived assets	'	20,000,000	'	20,000,000
Total impairments and other charges	0	242,241,000	0	287,241,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	'	216,140,000	340,143,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	-80,698,000	-35,304,000
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	-3,220,000	-84,660,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-56,331,000	12,615,000	-83,918,000	-119,964,000
Balance at the end of the period	132,222,000	220,179,000	132,222,000	220,179,000
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	'	-2,419,000	-2,793,000
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	280,000	280,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	280,000	280,000
Balance at the end of the period	-2,139,000	-2,513,000	-2,139,000	-2,513,000
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	'	71,742,000	134,229,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	-34,646,000	1,549,000
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	-3,726,000	-85,456,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	-38,372,000	-83,907,000
Balance at the end of the period	33,370,000	50,322,000	33,370,000	50,322,000
Defined benefit pension plan items	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	'	-4,075,000	-7,632,000
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	226,000	516,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	226,000	516,000
Balance at the end of the period	-3,849,000	-7,116,000	-3,849,000	-7,116,000
Foreign currency items	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	'	150,892,000	216,339,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	-46,052,000	-36,853,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	-46,052,000	-36,853,000
Balance at the end of the period	$104,840,000	$179,486,000	$104,840,000	$179,486,000

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc6

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 5) (Petrello, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Employment agreement	'
Value of incentives in the form of one-time stock grant	$18
Common Shares	'
Employment agreement	'
Value of incentives in the form of one-time stock grant	$27

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Inc7

Supplemental Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details 6) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from net income	'	'	'	'
Investment income (loss)	$2,189	$1,229	$10,235	$95,471
Interest expense	43,138	56,059	134,251	176,343
General and administrative expenses	138,967	127,943	406,863	390,023
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	163,941	-134,444	305,395	3,277
Tax expense (benefit)	-61,511	44,684	-86,275	28,798
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	106,048	-105,381	220,411	-10,621
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)	-267	2	4,636	88,159
Interest expense	153	153	459	459
General and administrative expenses	123	280	369	842
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	-543	-431	3,808	86,858
Tax expense (benefit)	-141	-168	588	2,198
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	($402)	($263)	$3,220	$84,660

Assets_HeldforSale_and_Discont2

Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets held-for-sale	'	'
Assets held for sale	$158,327	$243,264
Oil and Gas	'	'
Assets held-for-sale	'	'
Assets held for sale	158,327	239,936
Rig Services	'	'
Assets held-for-sale	'	'
Assets held for sale	'	$3,328

Assets_HeldforSale_and_Discont3

Assets Held-for-Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'
Undiscounted contractual commitments	$95,200,000	'	$95,200,000	'	'
Liability related to discontinued operation	47,100,000	'	47,100,000	'	113,600,000
Current liability to discontinued operations	23,817,000	'	23,817,000	'	64,404,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	4,005,000	-14,430,000	4,488,000	-34,292,000	'
Impairment of long-lived assets	'	20,000,000	'	20,000,000	'
Gain on sale of oil and gas operations	22,200,000	'	'	'	'
Other long-term assets	235,139,000	'	235,139,000	'	227,708,000
Oil and Gas	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	2,314,000	1,803,000	10,842,000	23,842,000	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-509,000	-8,555,000	1,027,000	-11,227,000	'
Less: Impairment charges or other (gains) and losses on sale of wholly owned assets and obligations	-7,312,000	4,834,000	-5,901,000	47,027,000	'
Less: Income tax expense (benefit)	2,798,000	2,011,000	2,440,000	-9,154,000	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	4,005,000	-15,400,000	4,488,000	-49,100,000	'
Cash proceeds from sale of businesses in Alaska	35,100,000	'	'	'	'
Receivables held for sale	27,000,000	'	27,000,000	'	'
Proceed from sale of working interest	600,000,000	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of oil and gas operations	22,200,000	'	22,200,000	'	'
Other long-term assets	26,200,000	'	26,200,000	'	'
Rig Services	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	34,800,000	'	116,500,000	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	$1,000,000	'	$14,800,000	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	$1,810,911,000	$1,548,965,000	$5,014,489,000	$4,546,664,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	203,377,000	165,893,000	445,878,000	398,635,000	'
Interest expense	-43,138,000	-56,059,000	-134,251,000	-176,343,000	'
Investment income (loss)	2,189,000	1,229,000	10,235,000	95,471,000	'
Gains (losses) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other income (expense), net	1,513,000	-3,266,000	-16,467,000	-27,245,000	'
Impairments and other charges	0	-242,241,000	0	-287,241,000	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	163,941,000	-134,444,000	305,395,000	3,277,000	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	61,511,000	-44,684,000	86,275,000	-28,798,000	'
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	'	750,000	1,984,000	2,250,000	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	102,430,000	-90,510,000	217,136,000	29,825,000	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	4,005,000	-14,430,000	4,488,000	-34,292,000	'
Net income (loss)	106,435,000	-104,940,000	221,624,000	-4,467,000	'
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-387,000	-441,000	-1,213,000	-6,154,000	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	106,048,000	-105,381,000	220,411,000	-10,621,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	12,619,340,000	'	12,619,340,000	'	12,159,811,000
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net	'	'	-3,527,000	1,263,000	'
Operating segment | Drilling and Rig Services	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	1,268,362,000	1,088,117,000	3,550,000,000	3,156,963,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	218,317,000	161,582,000	523,662,000	393,257,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	9,549,813,000	'	9,549,813,000	'	8,915,262,000
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net	2,900,000	2,900,000	6,100,000	1,000,000	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using equity method	50,800,000	'	50,800,000	'	56,900,000
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:	571,736,000	491,857,000	1,615,106,000	1,443,759,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	117,212,000	92,710,000	279,683,000	240,118,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	4,438,876,000	'	4,438,876,000	'	4,248,630,000
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:	80,491,000	81,397,000	246,973,000	273,053,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	11,517,000	12,244,000	37,902,000	46,657,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	599,979,000	'	599,979,000	'	608,018,000
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:	424,698,000	383,712,000	1,191,018,000	1,056,649,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	68,452,000	54,271,000	167,154,000	108,221,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	3,988,285,000	'	3,988,285,000	'	3,584,339,000
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:	191,437,000	131,151,000	496,903,000	383,502,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	21,136,000	2,357,000	38,923,000	-1,739,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	522,673,000	'	522,673,000	'	474,275,000
Operating segment | Completion and Production Services	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	611,890,000	513,326,000	1,650,206,000	1,525,653,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	35,393,000	38,933,000	61,657,000	113,044,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	2,326,016,000	'	2,326,016,000	'	2,394,865,000
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net	0	300,000	200,000	600,000	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using equity method	9,700,000	'	9,700,000	'	7,400,000
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:	352,027,000	266,520,000	856,565,000	782,674,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	14,211,000	13,024,000	-20,005,000	37,650,000	'
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:	259,863,000	246,806,000	793,641,000	742,979,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	21,182,000	25,909,000	81,662,000	75,394,000	'
Other reconciling items	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues and Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates:	-69,341,000	-52,478,000	-185,717,000	-135,952,000	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	'	'	'	'	'
Adjusted income (loss) derived from operating activities	-50,333,000	-34,622,000	-139,441,000	-107,666,000	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	$743,511,000	'	$743,511,000	'	$849,684,000

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$404,453	$389,915	$395,923	$524,922
Short-term investments	60,365	117,218	'	'
Assets held for sale	158,327	243,264	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	1,624,441	1,399,543	'	'
Inventory	242,876	209,793	'	'
Deferred income taxes	91,837	121,316	'	'
Other current assets	210,172	272,781	'	'
Total current assets	2,792,471	2,753,830	'	'
Long-term investments	2,568	3,236	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	9,016,508	8,597,813	'	'
Goodwill	512,203	512,964	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	60,451	64,260	'	'
Other long-term assets	235,139	227,708	'	'
Total assets	12,619,340	12,159,811	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current portion of debt	196	10,185	'	'
Trade accounts payable	693,931	545,512	'	'
Accrued liabilities	702,508	697,093	'	'
Income taxes payable	18,946	58,634	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,415,581	1,311,424	'	'
Long-term debt	4,255,136	3,904,117	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	596,968	377,744	'	'
Deferred income taxes	478,421	516,161	'	'
Total liabilities	6,746,106	6,109,446	'	'
Subsidiary preferred stock	'	69,188	'	'
Shareholders' equity	5,862,873	5,969,086	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	10,361	12,091	'	'
Total equity	5,873,234	5,981,177	5,837,593	5,957,117
Total liabilities and equity	12,619,340	12,159,811	'	'
Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage	100.00%	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	2,423	730	1,794	1,639
Accounts receivable, net	'	27	'	'
Other current assets	50	50	'	'
Total current assets	2,473	807	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Trade accounts payable	65	86	'	'
Accrued liabilities	5,786	378	'	'
Total current liabilities	5,851	464	'	'
Intercompany payable	29,000	'	'	'
Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	7	7,029	7,018	106,778
Other current assets	5,428	26,378	'	'
Total current assets	5,435	33,407	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	31,201	33,815	'	'
Other long-term assets	30,618	34,487	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Trade accounts payable	5	25	'	'
Accrued liabilities	17,810	65,947	'	'
Total current liabilities	17,815	65,972	'	'
Long-term debt	4,277,063	3,904,059	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	30,076	31,071	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-276,525	-213,233	'	'
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	402,023	382,156	387,111	416,505
Short-term investments	60,365	117,218	'	'
Assets held for sale	158,327	243,264	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	1,624,441	1,399,516	'	'
Inventory	242,876	209,793	'	'
Deferred income taxes	91,837	121,316	'	'
Other current assets	204,694	246,353	'	'
Total current assets	2,784,563	2,719,616	'	'
Long-term investments	2,568	3,236	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,985,307	8,563,998	'	'
Goodwill	512,203	512,964	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	60,451	64,260	'	'
Other long-term assets	204,521	193,221	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current portion of debt	196	10,185	'	'
Trade accounts payable	693,861	545,401	'	'
Accrued liabilities	678,912	630,768	'	'
Income taxes payable	18,946	58,634	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,391,915	1,244,988	'	'
Long-term debt	-21,927	58	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	566,892	346,673	'	'
Deferred income taxes	754,946	729,394	'	'
Subsidiary preferred stock	'	69,188	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	10,361	12,091	'	'
Reportable Legal Entities | Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany receivables	182,433	160,136	'	'
Investment in consolidated affiliates	5,712,818	5,808,607	'	'
Total assets	5,897,724	5,969,550	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	34,851	464	'	'
Shareholders' equity	5,862,873	5,969,086	'	'
Total equity	5,862,873	5,969,086	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	5,897,724	5,969,550	'	'
Reportable Legal Entities | Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany receivables	'	3,891	'	'
Investment in consolidated affiliates	6,209,501	6,097,337	'	'
Total assets	6,276,755	6,202,937	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany payable	1,539,572	1,747,566	'	'
Total liabilities	5,588,001	5,535,435	'	'
Shareholders' equity	688,754	667,502	'	'
Total equity	688,754	667,502	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	6,276,755	6,202,937	'	'
Reportable Legal Entities | Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany receivables	1,386,139	1,583,539	'	'
Investment in consolidated affiliates	1,812,792	1,789,851	'	'
Total assets	15,748,544	15,430,685	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	2,691,826	2,321,113	'	'
Shareholders' equity	13,046,357	13,028,293	'	'
Total equity	13,056,718	13,040,384	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	15,748,544	15,430,685	'	'
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany receivables	-1,568,572	-1,747,566	'	'
Investment in consolidated affiliates	-13,735,111	-13,695,795	'	'
Total assets	-15,303,683	-15,443,361	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany payable	-1,568,572	-1,747,566	'	'
Total liabilities	-1,568,572	-1,747,566	'	'
Shareholders' equity	-13,735,111	-13,695,795	'	'
Total equity	-13,735,111	-13,695,795	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	($15,303,683)	($15,443,361)	'	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$1,813,762	$1,551,593	$5,020,361	$4,545,037
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	-2,851	-2,628	-5,872	1,627
Investment income (loss)	2,189	1,229	10,235	95,471
Total revenues and other income	1,813,100	1,550,194	5,024,724	4,642,135
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
Direct costs	1,181,986	981,685	3,310,220	2,948,987
General and administrative expenses	138,967	127,943	406,863	390,023
Depreciation and amortization	286,581	273,444	851,528	809,019
Interest expense	43,138	56,059	134,251	176,343
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	-1,513	3,266	16,467	27,245
Impairments and other charges	'	242,241	'	287,241
Total costs and other deductions	1,649,159	1,684,638	4,719,329	4,638,858
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	163,941	-134,444	305,395	3,277
Income tax expense (benefit)	61,511	-44,684	86,275	-28,798
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	'	750	1,984	2,250
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	102,430	-90,510	217,136	29,825
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	4,005	-14,430	4,488	-34,292
Net income (loss)	106,435	-104,940	221,624	-4,467
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-387	-441	-1,213	-6,154
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	106,048	-105,381	220,411	-10,621
Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	116,378	'	235,970	'
Total revenues and other income	116,378	'	235,970	'
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	3,097	'	7,989	'
Intercompany interest expense	7	'	66	'
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	7,226	'	7,504	'
Total costs and other deductions	10,330	'	15,559	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	106,048	'	220,411	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	106,048	'	220,411	'
Net income (loss)	106,048	'	220,411	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	106,048	'	220,411	'
Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'	'	'
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	67,504	'	112,112	'
Investment income (loss)	1,694	'	1,840	'
Total revenues and other income	69,198	'	113,952	'
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	7,957	'	7,607	'
Depreciation and amortization	902	902	2,706	2,707
Interest expense	49,415	59,417	148,097	184,871
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	'	'	-223	'
Total costs and other deductions	58,274	'	158,187	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	10,924	'	-44,235	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	-20,935	-100,626	-57,849	-147,803
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	31,859	'	13,614	'
Net income (loss)	31,859	'	13,614	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	31,859	'	13,614	'
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'	'	'
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	1,813,762	1,551,593	5,020,361	4,545,037
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	-2,851	-2,628	-5,872	1,627
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	31,859	'	13,614	'
Investment income (loss)	2,199	'	12,371	'
Total revenues and other income	1,844,969	'	5,040,474	'
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
Direct costs	1,181,986	981,685	3,310,220	2,948,987
General and administrative expenses	128,065	'	391,697	'
Depreciation and amortization	285,679	272,542	848,822	806,312
Interest expense	-6,277	-3,358	-13,846	-8,528
Intercompany interest expense	-7	'	-66	'
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	-8,891	'	8,756	'
Impairments and other charges	'	242,241	'	287,241
Total costs and other deductions	1,580,555	'	4,545,583	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	264,414	'	494,891	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	82,446	55,942	144,124	119,005
Subsidiary preferred stock dividend	'	750	1,984	2,250
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	181,968	'	348,783	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	4,005	-14,430	4,488	-34,292
Net income (loss)	185,973	'	353,271	'
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-387	-441	-1,213	-6,154
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	185,586	'	352,058	'
Reportable Legal Entities | Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	'	-102,137	'	4,731
Investment income (loss)	'	'	'	1
Total revenues and other income	'	-102,137	'	4,732
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	'	3,089	'	8,144
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	'	155	'	7,209
Total costs and other deductions	'	3,244	'	15,353
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	'	-105,381	'	-10,621
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	'	-105,381	'	-10,621
Net income (loss)	'	-105,381	'	-10,621
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	-441	'	-6,154
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	106,048	-105,381	220,411	-10,621
Reportable Legal Entities | Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'	'	'
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	'	88,554	'	144,574
Investment income (loss)	'	3	'	55
Intercompany interest income	'	31	'	92
Total revenues and other income	'	88,588	'	144,721
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	'	-311	'	116
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	'	211,989	'	211,921
Total costs and other deductions	'	271,997	'	399,615
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	'	-183,409	'	-254,894
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	'	-82,783	'	-107,091
Net income (loss)	'	-82,783	'	-107,091
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	31,859	-82,783	13,614	-107,091
Reportable Legal Entities | Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'	'	'
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	'	-82,783	'	-107,091
Investment income (loss)	'	2,363	'	98,825
Total revenues and other income	'	1,468,545	'	4,538,398
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	'	125,319	'	382,197
Intercompany interest expense	'	31	'	92
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	'	-209,032	'	-192,319
Total costs and other deductions	'	1,409,428	'	4,223,982
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	'	59,117	'	314,416
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	'	2,425	'	193,161
Net income (loss)	'	-12,005	'	158,869
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-387	-441	-1,213	-6,154
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	185,586	-12,446	352,058	152,715
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'
Revenues and other income:	'	'	'	'
Earnings (losses) from consolidated affiliates	-215,741	96,366	-361,696	-42,214
Investment income (loss)	-1,704	-1,137	-3,976	-3,410
Intercompany interest income	'	-31	'	-92
Total revenues and other income	-217,445	95,198	-365,672	-45,716
Costs and other deductions:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	-152	-154	-430	-434
Intercompany interest expense	'	-31	'	-92
Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of long-lived assets and other expense (income), net	152	154	430	434
Total costs and other deductions	'	-31	'	-92
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	-217,445	95,229	-365,672	-45,624
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	-217,445	95,229	-365,672	-45,624
Net income (loss)	-217,445	95,229	-365,672	-45,624
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	441	'	6,154
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	($217,445)	$95,229	($365,672)	($45,624)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	$106,048	($105,381)	$220,411	($10,621)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	-41,713	15,716	-46,052	-36,853
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-15,054	-3,416	-34,587	1,586
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities	267	-2	-4,636	-88,159
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-14,787	-3,418	-39,223	-86,573
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	123	280	369	842
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of cash flow hedges	153	153	459	459
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-56,224	12,731	-84,447	-122,125
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	107	116	-529	-2,161
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-56,331	12,615	-83,918	-119,964
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	49,717	-92,766	136,493	-130,585
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	387	441	1,213	6,154
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	522	-229	624	572
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	135	-670	-589	-5,582
Comprehensive income (loss)	49,582	-92,096	137,082	-125,003
Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	106,048	'	220,411	'
Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'	'	'
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	31,859	'	13,614	'
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'	'	'
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	185,586	'	352,058	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	387	441	1,213	6,154
Reportable Legal Entities | Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'	'	'
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	106,048	-105,381	220,411	-10,621
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	-41,713	15,716	-46,052	-36,853
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-15,054	-3,416	-34,587	1,586
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities	267	-2	-4,636	-88,159
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-14,787	-3,418	-39,223	-86,573
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	123	280	369	842
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of cash flow hedges	153	153	459	459
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-56,224	12,731	-84,447	-122,125
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	107	116	-529	-2,161
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-56,331	12,615	-83,918	-119,964
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	49,717	-92,766	136,493	-130,585
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	441	'	6,154
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	-229	'	572
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	-670	'	-5,582
Comprehensive income (loss)	49,717	-92,096	136,493	-125,003
Reportable Legal Entities | Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'	'	'
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	31,859	-82,783	13,614	-107,091
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	-33	331	1,688	185
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-87	-135	156	98
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities	-1,889	'	-2,395	-7,114
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-1,976	-135	-2,239	-7,016
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	123	280	369	842
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of cash flow hedges	153	153	459	459
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-1,733	629	277	-5,530
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	107	116	-529	-2,161
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-1,840	513	806	-3,369
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	30,019	-82,270	14,420	-110,460
Comprehensive income (loss)	30,019	-82,270	14,420	-110,460
Reportable Legal Entities | Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'	'	'
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	185,586	-12,446	352,058	152,715
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	-41,707	16,046	-46,062	-36,669
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-15,141	-3,551	-34,431	1,684
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities	-1,622	-2	-7,031	-95,273
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	-16,763	-3,553	-41,462	-93,589
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	246	560	738	1,684
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of cash flow hedges	153	153	459	459
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-58,071	13,206	-86,327	-128,115
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	390	173	-1,237	-4,499
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-58,461	13,033	-85,090	-123,616
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	127,125	587	266,968	29,099
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	387	441	1,213	6,154
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	522	-229	624	572
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	135	-670	-589	-5,582
Comprehensive income (loss)	126,990	1,257	267,557	34,681
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'
Statements of Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-217,445	95,229	-365,672	-45,624
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustment attributable to Nabors	41,740	-16,377	44,374	36,484
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	15,228	3,686	34,275	-1,782
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses on marketable securities	3,511	2	9,426	102,387
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities	18,739	3,688	43,701	100,605
Pension liability amortization and adjustment	-369	-840	-1,107	-2,526
Unrealized gains/(losses) and amortization of cash flow hedges	-306	-306	-918	-918
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	59,804	-13,835	86,050	133,645
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-497	-289	1,766	6,660
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	60,301	-13,546	84,284	126,985
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nabors	-157,144	81,683	-281,388	81,361
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	-441	'	-6,154
Translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	229	'	-572
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	670	'	5,582
Comprehensive income (loss)	($157,144)	$81,013	($281,388)	$75,779

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 4) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$1,244,344	$974,715
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of investments	-319	'
Sales and maturities of investments	23,580	163,944
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	-10,200	-37,516
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	-2,061	-5,967
Capital expenditures	-1,344,222	-780,711
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	129,825	139,254
Proceeds from sales of unconsolidated affiliates	'	10,000
Other	-3,931	-7
Net cash used for investing activities	-1,207,328	-511,003
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	-3,867	-7,497
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	30,240	4,375
Purchase of treasury stock	-250,037	'
Dividends paid to shareholders	-41,781	-35,357
Proceeds from (payments for) commercial paper, net	441,530	332,250
Debt issuance costs	'	-3,505
Proceeds from debt	15,000	710,086
Reduction in revolving credit facilities	-70,000	-590,000
Reduction in long-term debt	-40,098	-994,181
Repayments of Short-term Debt	10,000	'
Redemption of subsidiary Preferred Shares	-70,875	'
Other	-7,581	-3,096
Net cash used for financing activities	-7,469	-586,925
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-15,009	-5,786
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	14,538	-128,999
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	389,915	524,922
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	404,453	395,923
Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	30,240	4,375
Proceeds from issuance of intercompany debt	35,000	'
Paydown of intercompany debt	-19,000	'
Other	'	-3,096
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,693	155
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	730	1,639
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,423	1,794
Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Changes in intercompany balances	-355,792	615,328
Net cash used for investing activities	-355,792	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from (payments for) commercial paper, net	441,530	332,250
Debt issuance costs	'	-3,505
Proceeds from debt	'	698,517
Reduction in revolving credit facilities	'	-590,000
Reduction in long-term debt	-70,000	-994,112
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-7,022	-99,760
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	7,029	106,778
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	7	7,018
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of investments	-319	'
Sales and maturities of investments	23,580	163,944
Cash paid for acquisition of businesses, net	-10,200	-37,516
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	-2,061	-5,967
Capital expenditures	-1,344,222	-780,711
Proceeds from sales of assets and insurance claims	129,825	139,254
Proceeds from sales of unconsolidated affiliates	'	10,000
Other	-3,931	-7
Changes in intercompany balances	355,792	-615,328
Net cash used for investing activities	-851,536	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	-3,867	-7,497
Purchase of treasury stock	-250,037	'
Proceeds from issuance of intercompany debt	-35,000	'
Paydown of intercompany debt	19,000	'
Proceeds from debt	15,000	11,569
Reduction in long-term debt	-40,098	-69
Repayments of Short-term Debt	10,000	'
Redemption of subsidiary Preferred Shares	-70,875	'
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-15,009	-5,786
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	19,867	-29,394
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	382,156	416,505
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	402,023	387,111
Reportable Legal Entities | Nabors (Parent/Guarantor)	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	-7,632	5,671
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 paid to shareholders	-45,758	-38,767
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of parent common shares to affiliates	16,424	32,072
Net cash used for financing activities	9,325	-5,416
Reportable Legal Entities | Nabors Delaware (Issuer)	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	-22,760	-158,238
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates	'	-772,000
Net cash used for investing activities	'	-156,672
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from parent contributions	'	772,000
Net cash used for financing activities	371,530	215,150
Reportable Legal Entities | Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors)	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	1,262,289	1,098,620
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash paid for investments in consolidated affiliates	'	-1,544,000
Net cash used for investing activities	'	-2,670,331
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from parent contributions	'	1,544,100
Net cash used for financing activities	-375,877	1,548,103
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	12,447	28,662
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 paid to shareholders	3,977	3,410
Proceeds from parent contributions	'	-2,316,100
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of parent common shares to affiliates	-16,424	-32,072
Net cash used for financing activities	($12,447)	($2,344,762)

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 24, 2014	Oct. 24, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
		Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
			2TD
Subsequent event	'	'	'
Dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.06	'
Cash paid for purchase of shares	'	'	$40
Additional Contingent payments	'	'	$40