| Cover | Apr. 03, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 3, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-32657 |
| Entity Registrant Name | NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001163739 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0363970 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | D0 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Crown House |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 4 Par-la-Ville Road |
| Entity Address, Address Line Three | Second Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Hamilton |
| Entity Address, Country | BM |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | HM08 |
| City Area Code | 441 |
| Local Phone Number | 292-1510 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common shares |
| Trading Symbol | NBR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred shares – Series A |
| Trading Symbol | NBR.PRA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
