Key Energy Services (KEGX) 10-Q 1 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'KEY ENERGY SERVICES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000318996	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'KEG	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	152,324,729

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$64,612	$45,949
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,833 and $2,860, respectively	382,497	404,390
Inventories	41,283	38,622
Other current assets	113,025	100,833
Total current assets	601,417	589,794
Property and equipment	2,584,668	2,528,578
Accumulated depreciation	-1,211,052	-1,091,904
Property and equipment, net	1,373,616	1,436,674
Goodwill	625,194	626,481
Other intangible assets, net	45,816	60,905
Deferred financing costs, net	14,596	16,628
Deposits	7,612	7,339
Equity method investments	955	966
Other assets	14,841	22,801
TOTAL ASSETS	2,684,047	2,761,588
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	61,536	104,073
Other current liabilities	182,680	200,630
Current portion of capital leases	1	393
Total current liabilities	244,217	305,096
Long-term debt	832,693	848,110
Workers' compensation, vehicular and health insurance liabilities	32,265	33,676
Deferred tax liabilities	284,765	259,453
Other non-current liabilities	27,341	27,921
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.10 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 152,356,526 and 151,069,609 shares issued and outstanding	15,236	15,108
Additional paid-in capital	951,199	925,132
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-14,155	-6,148
Retained earnings	310,486	319,736
Total equity attributable to Key	1,262,766	1,253,828
Noncontrolling interest	0	33,504
Total equity	1,262,766	1,287,332
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$2,684,047	$2,761,588

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$3,833	$2,860
Common stock, shares issued	152,356,526	151,069,609
Common stock, shares outstanding	152,356,526	151,069,609
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
REVENUES	$389,673	$490,851	$1,229,512	$1,493,599
COSTS AND EXPENSES:	'	'	'	'
Direct operating expenses	268,297	335,799	854,581	991,292
Depreciation and amortization expense	56,962	52,947	169,363	156,588
General and administrative expenses	52,665	53,567	173,646	172,566
Operating income	11,749	48,538	31,922	173,153
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	13,814	13,962	41,602	39,574
Other income, net	-85	-1,529	-878	-3,938
Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax	-1,980	36,105	-8,802	137,517
Income tax benefit (expense)	-2,717	-12,915	147	-49,147
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-4,697	23,190	-8,655	88,370
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (expense) benefit of $0, $(13,551), $0 and $4,304, respectively	0	-60,209	0	-93,568
Net loss	-4,697	-37,019	-8,655	-5,198
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	151	1,075	595	665
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	-4,848	-38,094	-9,250	-5,863
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Key:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-4,697	23,190	-8,655	88,370
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	151	1,075	595	665
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Key	($4,848)	$22,115	($9,250)	$87,705
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Key:	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted (in usd per share)	($0.03)	$0.15	($0.06)	$0.58
Loss per share from discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted (in usd per share)	$0	($0.40)	$0	($0.62)
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Key:	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted (in usd per share)	($0.03)	($0.25)	($0.06)	($0.04)
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	152,394	151,105	152,249	151,108
Diluted (in shares)	152,394	151,110	152,249	151,124

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Discontinued operations, tax benefit	$0	($13,551)	$0	$4,304

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	($4,697)	$23,190	($8,655)	$88,370
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation income (loss)	1,018	3,510	-4,348	989
Reclassification adjustment for sales of foreign subsidiaries	0	51,892	0	51,892
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,018	55,402	-4,348	52,881
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX	-3,679	78,592	-13,003	141,251
Comprehensive loss from discontinued operations	0	-60,209	0	-93,568
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	-3,679	18,383	-13,003	47,683
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-127	-3,083	96	-1,545
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	($3,806)	$15,300	($12,907)	$46,138

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net loss	($8,655)	($5,198)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	169,363	156,588
Asset retirements and impairments	0	84,732
Bad debt expense	960	830
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	454	448
Loss from equity method investments	348	635
Amortization of deferred financing costs and premium	2,044	1,984
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-10,402	30,365
Capitalized interest	-469	-1,053
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net	-1,445	462
Share-based compensation	11,666	10,784
Excess tax expense (benefit) from share-based compensation	1,846	-4,047
Changes in working capital:	'	'
Accounts receivable	20,225	-27,538
Other current assets	8,592	-57,956
Accounts payable, accrued interest and accrued expenses	-61,924	57,290
Share-based compensation liability awards	1,262	1,486
Other assets and liabilities	23,153	15,583
Net cash provided by operating activities	157,018	265,395
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-111,021	-399,735
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	7,530	10,679
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	0	2,000
Acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream	-14,600	0
Investment in Wilayat Key Energy, LLC	0	-676
Net cash used in investing activities	-118,091	-387,732
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	205,000
Repayments of capital lease obligations	-392	-1,649
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	195,000	235,000
Repayments on revolving credit facility	-210,000	-310,000
Payment of deferred financing costs	-69	-4,547
Repurchases of common stock	-3,169	-7,450
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	896
Excess tax (expense) benefit from share-based compensation	-1,846	4,047
Other financing activities	0	7,264
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-20,476	128,561
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash	212	-3,335
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	18,663	2,889
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	45,949	35,443
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$64,612	$38,332

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (Geostream)	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 09, 2013	Oct. 31, 2008
Geostream	'	'	'
Percentage of acquired interest	50.00%	50.00%	26.00%

GENERAL

GENERAL	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
GENERAL	'
	GENERAL
	Key Energy Services, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiaries and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively, “Key,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “its,” and “our”) provide a full range of well services to major oil companies, foreign national oil companies and independent oil and natural gas production companies. Our services include rig-based and coiled tubing-based well maintenance and workover services, well completion and recompletion services, fluid management services, fishing and rental services, and other ancillary oilfield services. Additionally, certain rigs are capable of specialty drilling applications. We operate in most major oil and natural gas producing regions of the continental United States and have operations in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, the Middle East and Russia. In addition, we have a technology development and control systems business based in Canada.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared using generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The condensed December 31, 2012 balance sheet was prepared from audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Form 10-K”). Certain information relating to our organization and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2012 Form 10-K.
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this report include all normal and recurring material adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented herein. The results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year or any other interim period, due to fluctuations in demand for our services, timing of maintenance and other expenditures, and other factors.
	We have evaluated events occurring after the balance sheet date included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and through the date on which the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were issued, for possible disclosure of a subsequent event.

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES	'
	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
	The preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to develop estimates and to make assumptions that affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These estimates may also impact the nature and extent of our disclosure, if any, of our contingent liabilities. Among other things, we use estimates to (i) analyze assets for possible impairment, (ii) determine depreciable lives for our assets, (iii) assess future tax exposure and realization of deferred tax assets, (iv) determine amounts to accrue for contingencies, (v) value tangible and intangible assets, (vi) assess workers’ compensation, vehicular liability, self-insured risk accruals and other insurance reserves, (vii) provide allowances for our uncollectible accounts receivable, (viii) value our asset retirement obligations, and (ix) value our equity-based compensation. We review all significant estimates on a recurring basis and record the effect of any necessary adjustments prior to publication of our financial statements. Adjustments made with respect to the use of estimates relate to improved information not previously available. Because of the limitations inherent in this process, our actual results may differ materially from these estimates. We believe that the estimates used in the preparation of these interim financial statements are reasonable.
	There have been no material changes or developments in our evaluation of accounting estimates and underlying assumptions or methodologies that we believe to be a “Critical Accounting Policy or Estimate” as disclosed in our 2012 Form 10-K except for the Company's decision to change the date of its annual assessment of goodwill impairment to October 1 of each year. This is a change in method of applying an accounting principle which management believes is a preferable alternative as further discussed in "Note 8. Goodwill and Other Intangibles."
	Accounting Standards Adopted or Not Yet Adopted in this Report
	There are no new accounting standards that have been adopted or not yet adopted in this report.

ACQUISITION_OF_NONCONTROLLING_

ACQUISITION OF NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITION OF NONCONTROLLING INTEREST IN GEOSTREAM	'
	ACQUISITION OF NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	Geostream. On October 31, 2008, we acquired a 26% interest in OOO Geostream Services Group (“Geostream”), a limited liability company incorporated in the Russian Federation that provides a wide range of drilling, workover and reservoir engineering services for $17.4 million. On September 1, 2009, we acquired an additional 24% interest for $16.4 million, which brought our total investment in Geostream to 50% and provided us a controlling interest with representation on Geostream's board of directors. We accounted for the second investment as a business combination achieved in stages. The results of Geostream have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the initial acquisition date, with the portion outside of our control forming a noncontrolling interest. On April 9, 2013, we completed the acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream for $14.6 million. Geostream is now our wholly owned subsidiary. This acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream was accounted for as an equity transaction. Therefore, our acquisition of the non-controlling interest in Geostream in the second quarter of 2013 did not result in a gain or loss.
	AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC. On March 7, 2010, we entered into an agreement with AlMansoori Petroleum Services, LLC (“AlMansoori”) to form the joint venture AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC, a joint venture under the laws of Abu Dhabi, UAE. The purpose of the joint venture was to engage in conventional workover and drilling services, coiled tubing services, fishing and rental services, rig monitoring services, pipe handling services and fluids, waste treatment and handling services. Although AlMansoori held a 51% interest in the joint venture and we held a 49% interest, we held three of the five board of directors seats and a controlling financial interest. In addition, profits and losses of the joint venture were shared on equal terms and in equal amounts with AlMansoori. Because the joint venture did not have sufficient resources to carry on its activities without our financial support, we determined it to be a variable interest entity of which we were the primary beneficiary. We consolidated the entity in our financial statements. On August 5, 2013, we agreed to the dissolution of AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC and the acquisition of the underlying business for $5.1 million. The $5.1 million is expected to be paid in the fourth quarter of 2013 and is recorded in "Other current liabilities" in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.The acquisition of the 51% noncontrolling interest in AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC was accounted for as an equity transaction therefore did not result in a gain or loss.
	The effects of changes in our ownership interests in Geostream and AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Net loss attributable to Key	$	(4,848	)	$	(38,094	)	$	(9,250	)	$	(5,863	)
	Transfers from the noncontrolling interests
	Increase in Key's paid-in capital for purchase of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream	—			—			22,432			—
	Decrease in Key's paid-in capital for purchase of the 51% noncontrolling interest in AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC	(2,888		)	—			(2,888		)	—
	Net transfers from noncontrolling interests	(2,888		)	—			19,544			—
	Change from net income (loss) attributable to Key and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$	(7,736	)	$	(38,094	)	$	10,294		$	(5,863	)

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	In September 2012, we completed the sale of our Argentina operations for approximately $12.5 million, net of transaction costs. The $12.5 million net proceeds from the sale of Argentina operations included $2.0 million received in cash and the balance in notes receivable which was comprised of three sets of non-interest bearing notes for a total of six notes. Of the first set of notes, originally due in September 2013, one note was paid in full and retired, and the second note was restructured with a maturity date of September 16, 2014, payable in thirteen monthly payments. The first two payments totaling $0.4 million, which includes the repayment of the first note, were received in October 2013 and the remaining eleven payments are expected to follow each month thereafter. The maturity dates, payment terms and balances of the remaining two sets of notes did not change. These notes are included in "Other current assets" in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	In connection with the sale, we recognized a total loss of $85.8 million, which includes the noncash impairment charge of $41.5 million recorded in the first quarter of 2012, and a write-off of $51.9 million cumulative translation adjustment previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss during the third quarter of 2012.
	The following table presents the results of operations for the Argentina business sold in this transaction for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-12			30-Sep-12
		(in thousands)
	REVENUES	$	20,026		$	75,815
	COSTS AND EXPENSES:
	Direct operating expenses	18,122			72,664
	Depreciation and amortization expense	—			143
	General and administrative expenses	2,756			11,232
	Impairment and other charges	44,298			85,755
	Operating loss	(45,150		)	(93,979		)
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	31			168
	Other expense, net	1,477			3,725
	Loss before tax	(46,658		)	(97,872		)
	Income tax (expense) benefit	(13,551		)	4,304
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(60,209	)	$	(93,568	)

EQUITY_AND_NONCONTROLLING_INTE

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	'
	EQUITY
	A reconciliation of the total carrying amount of our equity accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
		COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
		Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest			Total
		Number of Shares		Amount at Par
		(in thousands)
	BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2012	151,070		$	15,108		$	925,132		$	(6,148	)	$	319,736		$	33,504		$	1,287,332
	Foreign currency translation	—		—			—			(3,657		)	—			(691		)	(4,348		)
	Common stock purchases	(415	)	(42		)	(3,127		)	—			—			—			(3,169		)
	Share-based compensation	1,702		170			11,496			—			—			—			11,666
	Tax benefits from share-based compensation	—		—			(1,846		)	—			—			—			(1,846		)
	Acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream (Note 3)	—		—			22,432			(4,350		)	—			(31,196		)	(13,114		)
	Acquisition of the 51% noncontrolling interest in AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC (Note 3)	—		—			(2,888		)	—			—			(2,212		)	(5,100		)
	Net income (loss)	—		—			—			—			(9,250		)	595			(8,655		)
	BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2013	152,357		$	15,236		$	951,199		$	(14,155	)	$	310,486		$	—		$	1,262,766
	A reconciliation of the total carrying amount of our equity accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is as follows:
		COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
		Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest			Total
		Number of Shares		Amount at Par
		(in thousands)
	BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2011	150,733		$	15,073		$	915,400		$	(58,231	)	$	312,114		$	30,275		$	1,214,631
	Foreign currency translation	—		—			—			109			—			880			989
	Foreign currency impact on sale of Argentina (Note 4)	—		—			—			51,892			—			—			51,892
	Common stock purchases	(472	)	(47		)	(7,403		)	—			—			—			(7,450		)
	Exercise of stock options and warrants	99		10			886			—			—			—			896
	Share-based compensation	819		82			10,702			—			—			—			10,784
	Tax benefits from share-based compensation	—		—			4,047			—			—			—			4,047
	Shares surrendered	(68	)	(7		)	(999		)	—			—			—			(1,006		)
	Net income (loss)	—		—			—			—			(5,863		)	665			(5,198		)
	BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2012	151,111		$	15,111		$	922,633		$	(6,230	)	$	306,251		$	31,820		$	1,269,585

SEVERANCE_CONTRACT_TERMINATION

SEVERANCE, CONTRACT TERMINATION AND MOBILIZATION COSTS SEVERANCE, CONTRACT TERMINATION AND MOBILIZATION COSTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
SEVERANCE, CONTRACT TERMINATION AND MOBILIZATION COSTS	'
	SEVERANCE, CONTRACT TERMINATION AND MOBILIZATION COSTS
	In the second quarter of 2013, we implemented a significant restructuring of our Fluid Management Service business and our corporate cost structure to better align them with current market conditions. As a result of this restructuring implementation, we recognized approximately $6.3 million of severance expenses in the second quarter of 2013. The severance costs were based on obligations under our existing severance agreements. Furthermore, we recognized lease cancellation fees of $1.9 million primarily related to our Fluid Management Services business. Additionally, in our international business, due to customer spending reductions in Mexico, we began redeploying idle rigs from the North Region of Mexico to higher demand markets. This redeployment included seven rigs resulting in a total equipment mobilization cost of $2.3 million. These costs are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations and include $8.3 million of direct operating expenses and $2.2 million of general and administrative expenses. On a segment basis, $2.6 million is associated with our U.S. operations, $7.2 million is associated with our international operations and the remaining $0.7 million is associated with our Functional Support segment. The restructuring activities were implemented in the second quarter of 2013 and are expected to be completed by the end of 2013.
	Presented below are the schedules of the activities for the liabilities recorded in connection with our restructuring by segments and in consolidation:
		Severance			Lease Cancellation Fees			Mobilization Costs			Total
		(in thousands)
	U.S.
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Expense	746			1,630			218			2,594
	Payment	(724		)	—			—			(724		)
	Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	22		$	1,630		$	218		$	1,870
	Payment	(22		)	(571		)	(218		)	(811		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	—		$	1,059		$	—		$	1,059
	International
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Expense	4,843			307			2,077			7,227
	Payment	(4,533		)	(307		)	$	(1,054	)	(5,894		)
	Balance as of June 30, 2013	310			—			1,023			1,333
	Payment	(310		)	—			(1,023		)	(1,333		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Functional Support
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Expense	732			—			—			732
	Payment	(732		)	—			—			(732		)
	Balance as of June 30, 2013	—			—			—			—
	Payment	—			—			—			—
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Consolidated
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Expense	6,321			1,937			2,295			10,553
	Payment	(5,989		)	(307		)	(1,054		)	(7,350		)
	Balance as of June 30, 2013	332			1,630			1,241			3,203
	Payment	(332		)	(571		)	(1,241		)	(2,144		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	—		$	1,059		$	—		$	1,059

OTHER_BALANCE_SHEET_INFORMATIO

OTHER BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]	'
OTHER BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION	'
	OTHER BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
	The table below presents comparative detailed information about other current assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Other current assets:
	Deferred tax assets	$	33,240	$	20,026
	Prepaid current assets	24,323		27,736
	Reinsurance receivable	9,566		10,217
	VAT asset	28,371		32,762
	Other	17,525		10,092
	Total	$	113,025	$	100,833
	The table below presents comparative detailed information about other current liabilities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Other current liabilities:
	Accrued payroll, taxes and employee benefits	$	51,772	$	31,708
	Accrued operating expenditures	39,480		42,137
	Income, sales, use and other taxes	40,192		62,709
	Self-insurance reserve	34,557		35,742
	Accrued interest	3,983		15,301
	Insurance premium financing	1,301		8,021
	Share-based compensation and other liabilities	11,395		5,012
	Total	$	182,680	$	200,630
	The table below presents comparative detailed information about other non-current liabilities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Other non-current liabilities:
	Asset retirement obligations	$	12,015	$	11,659
	Environmental liabilities	6,407		4,539
	Accrued rent	997		1,424
	Accrued sales, use and other taxes	7,061		6,952
	Other	861		3,347
	Total	$	27,341	$	27,921

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
		U.S.				International				Total
		(in thousands)
	December 31, 2012	$	597,456			$	29,025			$	626,481
	Impact of foreign currency translation	—				(1,287		)		(1,287		)
	September 30, 2013	$	597,456			$	27,738			$	625,194
	The components of our other intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Noncompete agreements:
	Gross carrying value	$	7,134			$	9,332
	Accumulated amortization	(5,362		)		(5,022		)
	Net carrying value	$	1,772			$	4,310
	Patents, trademarks and tradename:
	Gross carrying value	$	14,180			$	14,689
	Accumulated amortization	(508		)		(410		)
	Net carrying value	$	13,672			$	14,279
	Customer relationships and contracts:
	Gross carrying value	$	100,304			$	100,481
	Accumulated amortization	(74,720		)		(62,143		)
	Net carrying value	$	25,584			$	38,338
	Developed technology:
	Gross carrying value	$	9,780			$	7,583
	Accumulated amortization	(4,992		)		(3,605		)
	Net carrying value	$	4,788			$	3,978
	Customer Backlog:
	Gross carrying value	$	776			$	779
	Accumulated amortization	(776		)		(779		)
	Net carrying value	$	—			$	—
	Of our intangible assets at September 30, 2013, $13.4 million is an indefinite-lived tradename and not subject to amortization. The weighted average remaining amortization periods and expected amortization expense for the next five years for our definite lived intangible assets are as follows:
		Weighted		Expected Amortization Expense
		average
		remaining
		amortization
		period (years)		Remainder				2014				2015		2016		2017		2018
				of 2013
				(in thousands)
	Noncompete agreements	1		$	434			$	1,338			$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Patents and trademarks	4.7		30				119				55		40		40		17
	Customer relationships and contracts	6.3		4,236				7,952				5,090		3,425		2,368		1,120
	Developed technology	17.3		141				553				505		428		288		221
	Total expected intangible asset amortization expense			$	4,841			$	9,962			$	5,650	$	3,893	$	2,696	$	1,358
	Certain of our goodwill and other intangible assets are denominated in Russian Rubles and, as such, the values of these assets are subject to fluctuations associated with changes in exchange rates. Amortization expense for our intangible assets was $4.8 million and $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $14.5 million and $17.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company has historically evaluated its goodwill for impairment one level below the reporting segment level, at the reporting unit level, annually as of December 31 or more frequently if impairment indicators arose in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 350. In the third quarter of 2013, we changed the date of our annual assessment of goodwill impairment to October 1 of each year. The change in the assessment date does not delay, accelerate, avoid or cause an impairment charge, nor does this change result in adjustments to previously issued financial statements. We believe that the change in date aligns with the our planning cycle, which should create a synergy and allow the goodwill impairment analysis to be embedded with the projection of future results for business planning purposes. We believe this will enhance the quality of the goodwill impairment analysis. Also, the change in date allows us more time to identify and respond to any issues noted in the analysis before finalization of SEC filings, which will improve the quality of financial reporting. As such, the Company has prospectively applied the change in annual goodwill impairment testing date beginning in the fourth quarter of 2013.

LONGTERM_DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
	LONG-TERM DEBT
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the components of our long-term debt were as follows:
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	6.75% Senior Notes due 2021	$	675,000		$	675,000
	8.375% Senior Notes due 2014	3,573			3,573
	Senior Secured Credit Facility revolving loans due 2016	150,000			165,000
	Net unamortized premium on debt	4,120			4,537
	Capital lease obligations	1			393
	Total debt	832,694			848,503
	Less current portion	(1		)	(393		)
	Long-term debt and capital leases	$	832,693		$	848,110
	8.375% Senior Notes due 2014
	We have outstanding $3.6 million aggregate principal amount of 8.375% Senior Notes due 2014 (the “2014 Notes”). The 2014 Notes are general unsecured senior obligations and are subordinate to all of our existing and future secured indebtedness. The 2014 Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries. Interest on the 2014 Notes is payable on June 1 and December 1 of each year.
	The indenture governing the 2014 Notes contains various covenants. These covenants are subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, and contain cross-default provisions tied to the covenants of our 2011 Credit Facility (defined below). We were in compliance with these covenants at September 30, 2013.
	6.75% Senior Notes due 2021
	We issued $475.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Initial 2021 Notes”) on March 4, 2011 and issued an additional $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes (the “Additional 2021 Notes” and together with the Initial 2021 Notes, the “2021 Notes”) in a private placement on March 8, 2012 under an indenture dated March 4, 2011 (the “Base Indenture”), as supplemented by a first supplemental indenture dated March 4, 2011 and amended by a further supplemental indenture dated March 8, 2012 (the “Supplemental Indenture” and, together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”). We used the net proceeds to repay senior secured indebtedness under our revolving bank credit facility. We capitalized $4.6 million of financing costs associated with the issuance of the 2021 Notes that will be amortized over the term of the notes.
	On March 5, 2013, we completed an offer to exchange the $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unregistered Additional 2021 Notes for an equal principal amount of such notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933. All of the 2021 Notes are treated as a single class under the Indenture and as of the closing of the exchange offers bear the same CUSIP and ISIN numbers.
	The 2021 Notes are general unsecured senior obligations and are effectively subordinated to all of our existing and future secured indebtedness. The 2021 Notes are or will be jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries. Interest on the 2021 Notes is payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The 2021 Notes mature on March 1, 2021.
	On or after March 1, 2016, the 2021 Notes will be subject to redemption at any time and from time to time at our option, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices below (expressed as percentages of the principal amount redeemed), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on March 1 of the years indicated below:
	Year	Percentage
	2016	103.375	%
	2017	102.25	%
	2018	101.125	%
	2019 and thereafter	100	%
	At any time and from time to time before March 1, 2014, we may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2021 Notes at a redemption price of 106.75% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds from any one or more equity offerings provided that (i) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes remains outstanding immediately after each such redemption and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of such equity offering.
	In addition, at any time and from time to time prior to March 1, 2016, we may, at our option, redeem all or a portion of the 2021 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a premium with respect to the 2021 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. If we experience a change of control, subject to certain exceptions, we must give holders of the 2021 Notes the opportunity to sell to us their 2021 Notes, in whole or in part, at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.
	We are subject to certain negative covenants under the Indenture. The Indenture limits our ability to, among other things:
	•	incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred equity interests;
	•	pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem equity interests;
	•	make loans and investments;
	•	enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
	•	sell, transfer or otherwise convey assets;
	•	create liens;
	•	enter into transactions with affiliates;
	•	enter into agreements restricting subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends;
	•	designate future subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and
	•	consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the applicable entities’ assets.
	These covenants are subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, and contain cross-default provisions relating to the covenants of our 2011 Credit Facility discussed below. Substantially all of the covenants will terminate before the 2021 Notes mature if one of two specified ratings agencies assigns the 2021 Notes an investment grade rating in the future and no events of default exist under the Indenture. As of September 30, 2013, the 2021 Notes were below investment grade. Any covenants that cease to apply to us as a result of achieving an investment grade rating will not be restored, even if the credit rating assigned to the 2021 Notes later falls below investment grade. We were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2013.
	Senior Secured Credit Facility
	We are party to a $550.0 million senior secured revolving bank credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Capital One, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and DnB NOR Bank ASA, as Co-Documentation Agent (as amended, the “2011 Credit Facility”), which is an important source of liquidity for us. The 2011 Credit Facility consists of a revolving credit facility, letter of credit sub-facility and swing line facility, all of which will mature no later than March 31, 2016.
	The maximum amount that we may borrow under the facility may be subject to limitation due to the operation of the covenants contained in the facility. The 2011 Credit Facility allows us to request increases in the total commitments under the facility by up to $100.0 million in the aggregate in part or in full anytime during the term of the 2011 Credit Facility, with any such increases being subject to compliance with the restrictive covenants in the 2011 Credit Facility and in the Indenture governing our 2021 Senior Notes, as well as lender approval.
	We capitalized $4.9 million of financing costs in connection with the execution of the 2011 Credit Facility and an additional $1.4 million related to a subsequent amendment that will be amortized over the term of the debt.
	The interest rate per annum applicable to the 2011 Credit Facility is, at our option, (i) adjusted LIBOR plus the applicable margin or (ii) the higher of (x) JPMorgan’s prime rate, (y) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5% and (z) one-month adjusted LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus in each case the applicable margin for all other loans. The applicable margin for LIBOR loans ranges from 225 to 300 basis points, and the applicable margin for all other loans ranges from 125 to 200 basis points, depending upon our consolidated total leverage ratio as defined in the 2011 Credit Facility. Unused commitment fees on the facility equal 0.50%.
	The 2011 Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants, which, among other things, limit our annual capital expenditures, restrict our ability to repurchase shares and require us to maintain certain financial ratios. The financial ratios require that:
	•	our ratio of consolidated funded indebtedness to total capitalization be no greater than 45%;
	•	our senior secured leverage ratio of senior secured funded debt to trailing four quarters of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (as calculated pursuant to the terms of the 2011 Credit Facility, “EBITDA”) be no greater than 2.00 to 1.00;
	•	we maintain a collateral coverage ratio, the ratio of the aggregate book value of the collateral to the amount of the total commitments, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter of at least 2:00 to 1:00;
	•	we maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio of trailing four quarters EBITDA to interest expense of at least 3.00 to 1.00; and
	•	we limit our capital expenditures and investments in foreign subsidiaries to $250.0 million per fiscal year, if the consolidated total leverage ratio exceeds 3.00 to 1.00.
	In addition, the 2011 Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including, without limitation, restrictions on (i) liens; (ii) debt, guarantees and other contingent obligations; (iii) mergers and consolidations; (iv) sales, transfers and other dispositions of property or assets; (v) loans, acquisitions, joint ventures and other investments (with acquisitions permitted so long as, after giving pro forma effect thereto, no default or event of default exists under the 2011 Credit Facility, the pro forma consolidated total leverage ratio does not exceed 4.00 to 1.00, we are in compliance with other financial covenants and we have at least $25.0 million of availability under the 2011 Credit Facility); (vi) dividends and other distributions to, and redemptions and repurchases from, equity holders; (vii) making investments, loans or advances; (viii) selling properties; (ix) prepaying, redeeming or repurchasing subordinated (contractually or structurally) debt; (x) engaging in transactions with affiliates; (xi) entering into hedging arrangements; (xii) entering into sale and leaseback transactions; (xiii) granting negative pledges other than to the lenders; (xiv) changes in the nature of business; (xv) amending organizational documents; and (xvi) changes in accounting policies or reporting practices; in each of the foregoing cases, with certain exceptions.
	We were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2013. We may prepay the 2011 Credit Facility in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty, subject to certain reimbursements to the lenders for breakage and redeployment costs. As of September 30, 2013, we had borrowings of $150.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $54.1 million of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $345.9 million of available borrowing capacity subject to compliance with the debt to capitalization limitation under the terms of the 2011 Credit Facility. The weighted average interest rates on the outstanding borrowings under the 2011 Credit Facility were 2.81% and 2.70% for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, and the weighted average interest rates on the outstanding borrowings under the 2011 Credit Facility were 2.72% and 2.70% for nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively.

OTHER_INCOME_NET

OTHER INCOME, NET	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
OTHER INOME, NET	'
	OTHER INCOME
	The table below presents comparative detailed information about our other income and expense, shown on the condensed consolidated statements of operations as “Other income, net” for the periods indicated:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Interest income	$	(34	)	$	(12	)	$	(129	)	$	(26	)
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss	(60		)	(1,341		)	413			(3,047		)
	Other (income) loss, net	9			(176		)	(1,162		)	(865		)
	Total	$	(85	)	$	(1,529	)	$	(878	)	$	(3,938	)

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income taxes in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. Our effective tax rates on continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were 137.2% and 35.8%, respectively, and 1.7% and 35.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our effective tax rate varies due to the mix of pre-tax profit between the U.S. and international taxing jurisdictions with varying statutory rates, the impact of permanent differences, and discrete tax adjustments, such as tax expense or benefit recognized for uncertain tax positions. The variance between our effective rate and the U.S. statutory rate reflects international profits and losses subject to varying statutory rates, the impact of permanent items, mainly non-deductible expenses such as fines and penalties, and expenses subject to statutorily imposed limitations such as meals and entertainment expenses, plus the impact of state income taxes.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, net of federal tax benefit, which, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. We recognized a tax benefit of $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to these items. We have substantially concluded all U.S. federal and state tax matters through the year ended December 31, 2009.
	We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. We have accrued a liability of $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the payment of interest and penalties as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. We believe that it is reasonably possible that $0.6 million of our currently remaining unrecognized tax positions, each of which is individually insignificant, may be recognized in the next twelve months as a result of a lapse of statute of limitations and settlement of ongoing audits. No release of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance was made during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Litigation
	Various suits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business are pending against us. We conduct business throughout the continental United States and may be subject to jury verdicts or arbitrations that result in outcomes in favor of the plaintiffs. We are also exposed to various claims abroad. We continually assess our contingent liabilities, including potential litigation liabilities, as well as the adequacy of our accruals and our need for the disclosure of these items. We establish a provision for a contingent liability when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount is reasonably approximated. We have $0.7 million of other liabilities related to litigation that is deemed probable and reasonably estimated as of September 30, 2013. We do not believe that the disposition of any of these matters will result in an additional loss materially in excess of amounts that have been recorded.
	During the second quarter of 2013, two lawsuits with similar allegations of violations of California's wage and hour laws were filed in California. The lawsuits allege failure to pay overtime, failure to pay minimum wages, improper payroll deductions, failure to pay final wages in a timely manner, and violations of the California meal and break period laws, among other claims. We intend to vigorously investigate and defend these actions; however, because these cases are in the very early stages, we cannot predict the outcome of these lawsuits at this time and, accordingly, cannot estimate any possible loss or range of loss.
	Self-Insurance Reserves
	We maintain reserves for workers’ compensation and vehicle liability on our balance sheet based on our judgment and estimates using an actuarial method based on claims incurred. We estimate general liability claims on a case-by-case basis. We maintain insurance policies for workers’ compensation, vehicle liability and general liability claims. These insurance policies carry self-insured retention limits or deductibles on a per occurrence basis. The retention limits or deductibles are accounted for in our accrual process for all workers’ compensation, vehicular liability and general liability claims. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we have recorded $66.8 million and $69.4 million, respectively, of self-insurance reserves related to workers’ compensation, vehicular liabilities and general liability claims. Partially offsetting these liabilities, we had $19.4 million and $20.6 million of insurance receivables as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. We believe that the liabilities we have recorded are appropriate based on the known facts and circumstances and do not expect further losses materially in excess of the amounts already accrued for existing claims.
	Environmental Remediation Liabilities
	For environmental reserve matters, including remediation efforts for current locations and those relating to previously disposed properties, we record liabilities when our remediation efforts are probable and the costs to conduct such remediation efforts can be reasonably estimated. While our litigation reserves reflect the application of our insurance coverage, our environmental reserves do not reflect management’s assessment of the insurance coverage that may apply to the matters at issue. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we have recorded $6.4 million and $4.5 million, respectively, for our environmental remediation liabilities. We believe that the liabilities we have recorded are appropriate based on the known facts and circumstances and do not expect further losses materially in excess of the amounts already accrued.

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE	'
	EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
	Basic earnings (loss) per share is determined by dividing net earnings attributable to Key by the weighted average number of common shares actually outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is based on the increased number of shares that would be outstanding assuming conversion of potentially dilutive outstanding securities using the treasury stock and “as if converted” methods.
	The components of our earnings (loss) per share are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic EPS Calculation:
	Numerator
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Key	$	(4,848	)	$	22,115		$	(9,250	)	$	87,705
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(60,209		)	—			(93,568		)
	Loss attributable to Key	$	(4,848	)	$	(38,094	)	$	(9,250	)	$	(5,863	)
	Denominator
	Weighted average shares outstanding	152,394			151,105			152,249			151,108
	Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Key	$	(0.03	)	$	0.15		$	(0.06	)	$	0.58
	Basic loss per share from discontinued operations	—			(0.40		)	—			(0.62		)
	Basic loss per share attributable to Key	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.25	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted EPS Calculation:
	Numerator
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Key	$	(4,848	)	$	22,115		$	(9,250	)	$	87,705
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(60,209		)	—			(93,568		)
	Loss attributable to Key	$	(4,848	)	$	(38,094	)	$	(9,250	)	$	(5,863	)
	Denominator
	Weighted average shares outstanding	152,394			151,105			152,249			151,108
	Stock options	—			5			—			16
	Total	152,394			151,110			152,249			151,124
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Key	$	(0.03	)	$	0.15		$	(0.06	)	$	0.58
	Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations	—			(0.40		)	—			(0.62		)
	Diluted loss per share attributable to Key	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.25	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.04	)
	Stock options, warrants and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share using the treasury stock method. Restricted stock awards are legally considered issued and outstanding when granted and are included in basic weighted average shares outstanding. The diluted earnings per share calculations for the three months ended September 30, 2013 exclude the potential exercise of 1.6 million stock options and 0.3 million SARs and the nine months ended September 30, 2013 exclude the potential exercise of 1.7 million stock options and 0.3 million SARs due to net losses from continuing operations. The diluted earnings per share calculations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 exclude the potential exercise of 2.0 million stock options because their exercise prices exceeded the average price of our stock during those periods. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, 0.4 million of our SARs were anti-dilutive. No events occurred after September 30, 2013 that would materially affect the number of weighted average shares outstanding.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	We recognized employee share-based compensation expense of $3.0 million and $2.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the related income tax benefit recognized was $1.1 million and $0.9 million for the same periods. We recognized employee share-based compensation expense of $11.2 million and $10.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the related income tax benefit recognized was $4.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively, for the same period. We did not capitalize any share-based compensation during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	The unrecognized compensation cost related to our unvested restricted stock as of September 30, 2013 is estimated to be $11.3 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years. We do not have unrecognized cost related to our unvested stock options as of September 30, 2013. No phantom stock was outstanding as of September 30, 2013.
	During May 2013, we issued 288,780 shares of common stock to our outside directors under the Key Energy Services, Inc. 2012 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan that was approved by our stockholders on May 18, 2013. These shares vested immediately and we recognized $1.8 million of expense related to these awards.
	On January 21, 2013, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors adopted the Performance Unit Award Agreement (the “2012 PU Award Agreement”) under the Key Energy Services, Inc. 2012 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan (the“2012 Plan”) and the 2013 Performance Unit Plan (the “2013 PU Plan”). We believe that the 2013 PU Plan and 2012 PU Award Agreement will enable us to obtain and retain employees who will contribute to our long term success by aligning the interests of our executives with the interests of our stockholders by providing compensation that is linked directly to increases in share value.
	In January 2013, we issued 0.4 million performance units to our executive officers under the 2012 Plan with such material terms as set forth in the 2012 PU Award Agreement. In February 2013, we issued 0.2 million performance units to certain other employees under the 2013 PU Plan. The performance units are measured based on two performance periods from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 and from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. One half of the performance units are measured based on the first performance period, and the other half are measured based on the second performance period. The number of performance units that may be earned by a participant is determined at the end of each performance period based on the relative placement of Key’s total stockholder return for that period within the peer group, as follows:
	Company Placement for the Performance Period	Percentile Ranking in		Performance Units Earned as
		Peer Group		a Percentage of Target
	First	100	%	200	%
	Second	91	%	180	%
	Third	82	%	160	%
	Fourth	73	%	140	%
	Fifth	64	%	120	%
	Sixth	55	%	100	%
	Seventh	45	%	75	%
	Eighth	36	%	50	%
	Ninth	27	%	25	%
	Tenth	18	%	0	%
	Eleventh	9	%	0	%
	Twelfth	0	%	0	%
	If any performance units vest for a given performance period, the award holder will be paid a cash amount equal to the vested percentage of the performance units multiplied by the closing stock price of our common stock on the last trading day of the performance period. We account for the performance units as a liability-type award as they are settled in cash. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of outstanding performance units was $2.9 million, and is being accreted to compensation expense over the vesting terms of the awards. As of September 30, 2013, the unrecognized compensation cost related to our unvested performance units is estimated to be $1.5 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.

TRANSACTIONS_WITH_RELATED_PART

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES	'
	TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
	Employee Loans and Advances
	From time to time, we have made certain retention loans and relocation loans to employees other than executive officers. The retention loans are forgiven over various time periods, so long as the employees continue their employment with us. The relocation loans are repaid upon the employees selling their prior residence. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we did not have any employee loans or advances outstanding.
	Board of Director Relationships
	A member of our board of directors is the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (“Anadarko”), which is one of our customers. Sales to Anadarko were approximately $12.0 million and $9.9 million for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $26.2 million and $33.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Receivables outstanding from Anadarko were approximately $4.1 million and $3.5 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Transactions with Anadarko for our services are made on terms consistent with other customers.
	A member of our board of directors serves on the United States Advisory Board of the Alexander Proudfoot practice of Management Consulting Group PLC (“Proudfoot”), which provided consulting services to us related to our general and administrative cost restructuring initiative. There were no payments made to Proudfoot during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2013. Payments to Proudfoot were zero and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

ESTIMATED_FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANC

ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
	ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The following is a summary of the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	Cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. These carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments or because the carrying value is equal to the fair value of those instruments on the balance sheet date.
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Financial assets:
	Notes receivable - Argentina operations sale	$	12,955	$	12,955	$	12,955	$	12,955
	Financial liabilities:
	6.75% Senior Notes	$	675,000	$	666,563	$	675,000	$	680,510
	8.375% Senior Notes	3,573		3,618		3,573		3,656
	Credit Facility revolving loans	150,000		150,000		165,000		165,000
	Notes receivable — Argentina operations sale. The fair value of these notes receivable are based upon the quoted market Treasury rates as of the dates indicated. The carrying values of these items approximate their fair values due to the maturity dates rapidly approaching, thus giving way to discount rates that are similar.
	6.75% Senior Notes due 2021. The fair value of these notes are based upon the quoted market prices for those securities as of the dates indicated. The carrying value of these notes as of September 30, 2013 was $675.0 million, and the fair value was $666.6 million (98.8% of carrying value).
	8.375% Senior Notes due 2014. The fair value of our 2014 Notes is based upon the quoted market prices for those securities as of the dates indicated. The carrying value of these notes as of September 30, 2013 was $3.6 million, and the fair value was $3.6 million (101.3% of carrying value).
	Credit Facility Revolving Loans. Because of their variable interest rates, the fair values of the revolving loans borrowed under our 2012 Credit Facility approximate their carrying values. The carrying and fair values of these loans as of September 30, 2013 were $150.0 million.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Our operating segments are U.S. and International. We also have a “Functional Support” segment associated with managing each of our reportable operating segments. Our domestic rig services, fluid management services, fishing and rental services, and coiled tubing services are aggregated within our U.S. reportable segment. Our international rig services business and our Canadian technology development group are aggregated within our International reportable segment. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on revenue and income measures. All inter-segment sales pricing is based on current market conditions. The following is a description of the segments:
	U.S. Segment
	Rig-Based Services
	Our rig-based services include the completion of newly drilled wells, workover and recompletion of existing oil and natural gas wells, well maintenance, and the plugging and abandonment of wells at the end of their useful lives. We also provide specialty drilling services to oil and natural gas producers with certain of our larger rigs that are capable of providing conventional and horizontal drilling services. Our rigs encompass various sizes and capabilities, allowing us to service all types of wells with depths up to 20,000 feet. Many of our rigs are outfitted with our proprietary KeyView® technology, which captures and reports well site operating data and provides safety control systems. We believe that this technology allows our customers and our crews to better monitor well site operations, improves efficiency and safety, and adds value to the services that we offer.
	The completion and recompletion services provided by our rigs prepare wells for production, whether newly drilled, or recently extended through a workover operation. The completion process may involve selectively perforating the well casing to access production zones, stimulating and testing these zones, and installing tubular and downhole equipment. We typically provide a well service rig and may also provide other equipment to assist in the completion process. Completion services vary by well and our work may take a few days to several weeks to perform, depending on the nature of the completion.
	The workover services that we provide are designed to enhance the production of existing wells and generally are more complex and time consuming than normal maintenance services. Workover services can include deepening or extending wellbores into new formations by drilling horizontal or lateral wellbores, sealing off depleted production zones and accessing previously bypassed production zones, converting former production wells into injection wells for enhanced recovery operations and conducting major subsurface repairs due to equipment failures. Workover services may last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the workover.
	Maintenance services provided with our rig fleet are generally required throughout the life cycle of an oil or natural gas well. Examples of these maintenance services include routine mechanical repairs to the pumps, tubing and other equipment, removing debris and formation material from wellbores, and pulling rods and other downhole equipment from wellbores to identify and resolve production problems. Maintenance services are generally less complicated than completion and workover related services and require less time to perform.
	Our rig fleet is also used in the process of permanently shutting-in oil or natural gas wells that are at the end of their productive lives. These plugging and abandonment services generally require auxiliary equipment in addition to a well servicing rig. The demand for plugging and abandonment services is not significantly impacted by the demand for oil and natural gas because well operators are required by state regulations to plug wells that are no longer productive.
	Fluid Management Services
	We provide transportation and well-site storage services for various fluids utilized in connection with drilling, completions, workover and maintenance activities. We also provide disposal services for fluids produced subsequent to well completion.  These fluids are removed from the well site and transported for disposal in saltwater disposal wells owned by us or a third party. In addition, we operate a fleet of hot oilers capable of pumping heated fluids used to clear soluble restrictions in a wellbore. Demand and pricing for these services generally correspond to demand for our well service rigs.
	Coiled Tubing Services
	Coiled tubing services involve the use of a continuous metal pipe spooled onto a large reel which is then deployed into oil and natural gas wells to perform various applications, such as wellbore clean-outs, nitrogen jet lifts, through-tubing fishing, and formation stimulations utilizing acid and chemical treatments. Coiled tubing is also used for a number of horizontal well applications such as milling temporary isolation plugs that separate frac zones, and various other pre- and post-hydraulic fracturing well preparation services.
	Fishing and Rental Services
	We offer a full line of services and rental equipment designed for use in providing both onshore and offshore drilling and workover services. Fishing services involve recovering lost or stuck equipment in the wellbore utilizing a broad array of “fishing tools.” Our rental tool inventory consists of drill pipe, tubulars, handling tools (including our patented Hydra-Walk® pipe-handling units and services), pressure-control equipment, pumps, power swivels, reversing units, foam air units, frac stack equipment used to support hydraulic fracturing operations and the associated flowback of frac fluids, proppants, oil and natural gas. We also provide well testing services.
	Demand for our fishing and rental services is also closely related to capital spending by oil and natural gas producers, which is generally a function of oil and natural gas prices.
	International Segment
	Our International segment includes operations in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, the Middle East and Russia. In addition, we have a technology development and control systems business based in Canada. Also, we operated in Argentina prior to the sale of that business in the third quarter of 2012. We are reporting the results of our former Argentina business as discontinued operations for all periods presented. We provide rig-based services such as the maintenance, workover, recompletion of existing oil wells, completion of newly-drilled wells and plugging and abandonment of wells at the end of their useful lives in each of our international markets.
	In addition, in Mexico we provide drilling, coiled tubing, wireline, project management and consulting services. Our work in Mexico also requires us to provide third party services that vary in scope by project.
	In the Middle East, we operate in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Oman. On August 5, 2013, we agreed to the dissolution of AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC, a joint venture formed under the laws of Abu Dhabi, UAE, and the acquisition of the underlying business for $5.1 million. See “Note 3. Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interests” for further discussion.
	Our Russian operations provide drilling, workover, and reservoir engineering services. On April 9, 2013, we completed the acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream, a limited liability company incorporated in the Russian Federation, for $14.6 million. We now own 100% of Geostream. See “Note 3. Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interests” for further discussion.
	Our technology development and control systems business based in Canada is focused on the development of hardware and software related to oilfield service equipment controls, data acquisition and digital information flow.
	Functional Support Segment
	Our Functional Support segment includes unallocated overhead costs associated with administrative support for our U.S. and International reporting segments.
	The following tables set forth our unaudited segment information as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. (in thousands):
	As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2013
			U.S.		International			Functional			Reconciling			Total
								Support(2)			Eliminations
	Revenues from external customers		$	345,115	$	44,558		$	—		$	—		$	389,673
	Intersegment revenues		272		1,788			1,439			(3,499		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization		45,551		8,440			2,971			—			56,962
	Other operating expenses		247,567		43,430			29,965			—			320,962
	Operating income (loss)		51,997		(7,312		)	(32,936		)	—			11,749
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		—		—			13,814			—			13,814
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax		52,042		(7,336		)	(46,686		)	—			(1,980		)
	Long-lived assets(1)		1,646,396		327,328			302,825			(193,919		)	2,082,630
	Total assets		2,740,094		525,472			(72,943		)	(508,576		)	2,684,047
	Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions		29,443		2,290			6,711			—			38,444
	As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2012
			U.S.		International			Functional			Reconciling			Total
								Support(2)			Eliminations
	Revenues from external customers		$	397,814	$	93,037		$	—		$	—		$	490,851
	Intersegment revenues		—		1,936			—			(1,936		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization		45,119		4,934			2,894			—			52,947
	Other operating expenses		292,559		68,744			28,063			—			389,366
	Operating income (loss)		60,136		19,359			(30,957		)	—			48,538
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		2		104			13,856			—			13,962
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax		60,283		20,744			(44,922		)	—			36,105
	Long-lived assets(1)		1,831,041		318,166			278,041			(235,372		)	2,191,876
	Total assets		2,636,399		509,862			302,528			(628,866		)	2,819,923
	Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions		54,225		29,365			6,817			—			90,407
	As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013
			U.S.		International			Functional			Reconciling			Total
								Support(2)			Eliminations
	Revenues from external customers		$	1,052,885	$	176,627		$	—		$	—		$	1,229,512
	Intersegment revenues		8,734		5,983			1,586			(16,303		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization		137,825		22,403			9,135			—			169,363
	Other operating expenses		769,695		160,668			97,864			—			1,028,227
	Operating income (loss)		145,365		(6,444		)	(106,999		)	—			31,922
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		1		64			41,537			—			41,602
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax		145,461		(6,042		)	(148,221		)	—			(8,802		)
	Long-lived assets(1)		1,646,396		327,328			302,825			(193,919		)	2,082,630
	Total assets		2,740,094		525,472			(72,943		)	(508,576		)	2,684,047
Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions		79,412		15,453			16,156			—			111,021
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012
		U.S.		International			Functional			Reconciling			Total
							Support(2)			Eliminations
Revenues from external customers		$	1,254,433	$	239,166		$	—		$	—		$	1,493,599
Intersegment revenues		—		4,088			15			(4,103		)	—
Depreciation and amortization		134,308		13,407			8,873			—			156,588
Other operating expenses		886,034		179,916			97,908			—			1,163,858
Operating income (loss)		234,091		45,843			(106,781		)	—			173,153
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		14		118			39,442			—			39,574
Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax		234,365		49,044			(145,892		)	—			137,517
Long-lived assets(1)		1,831,041		318,166			278,041			(235,372		)	2,191,876
Total assets		2,636,399		509,862			302,528			(628,866		)	2,819,923
Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions		219,041		154,142			26,552			—			399,735
-1	Long lived assets include: fixed assets, goodwill, intangibles and other assets.
-2	Functional Support is geographically located in the United States.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	Our 2021 Notes are guaranteed by our domestic subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. The guarantees are joint and several, full, complete and unconditional. There are no restrictions on the ability of subsidiary guarantors to transfer funds to the parent company.
	As a result of these guarantee arrangements, we are required to present the following condensed consolidating financial information pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered.”
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEETS
		September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in thousands)
		(unaudited)
	Assets:
	Current assets	$	89,276		$	449,237		$	62,904		$	—		$	601,417
	Property and equipment, net	—			1,255,609			118,007			—			1,373,616
	Goodwill	—			597,458			27,736			—			625,194
	Deferred financing costs, net	14,596			—			—			—			14,596
	Intercompany notes and accounts receivable and investment in subsidiaries	3,446,012			1,278,041			559			(4,724,612		)	—
	Other assets	104			24,735			44,385			—			69,224
	TOTAL ASSETS	$	3,549,988		$	3,605,080		$	253,591		$	(4,724,612	)	$	2,684,047
	Liabilities and equity:
	Current liabilities	$	11,985		$	204,760		$	27,472		$	—		$	244,217
	Long-term debt and capital leases, less current portion	832,693			—			—			—			832,693
	Intercompany notes and accounts payable	1,162,648			2,651,284			80,203			(3,894,135		)	—
	Deferred tax liabilities	278,457			6,902			(594		)	—			284,765
	Other long-term liabilities	1,455			57,975			176			—			59,606
	Equity	1,262,750			684,159			146,334			(830,477		)	1,262,766
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	3,549,988		$	3,605,080		$	253,591		$	(4,724,612	)	$	2,684,047
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
		December 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Current assets	$	66,435		$	469,049		$	54,310		$	—		$	589,794
	Property and equipment, net	—			1,329,379			107,295			—			1,436,674
	Goodwill	—			597,458			29,023			—			626,481
	Deferred financing costs, net	16,628			—			—			—			16,628
	Intercompany notes and accounts receivable and investment in subsidiaries	3,298,679			1,108,231			(20,371		)	(4,386,539		)	—
	Other assets	8,068			39,696			44,247			—			92,011
	TOTAL ASSETS	$	3,389,810		$	3,543,813		$	214,504		$	(4,386,539	)	$	2,761,588
	Liabilities and equity:
	Current liabilities	$	46,632		$	226,773		$	31,691		$	—		$	305,096
	Long-term debt and capital leases, less current portion	848,110			—			—			—			848,110
	Intercompany notes and accounts payable	947,700			2,590,398			14,138			(3,552,236		)	—
	Deferred tax liabilities	258,528			6,781			(746		)	(5,110		)	259,453
	Other long-term liabilities	1,528			60,068			1			—			61,597
	Equity	1,287,312			659,793			169,420			(829,193		)	1,287,332
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	3,389,810		$	3,543,813		$	214,504		$	(4,386,539	)	$	2,761,588
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	1		$	362,733		$	36,264		$	(9,325	)	$	389,673
	Direct operating expense	—			248,712			26,121			(6,536		)	268,297
	Depreciation and amortization expense	—			53,758			3,204			—			56,962
	General and administrative expense	282			48,437			6,906			(2,960		)	52,665
	Operating (loss) income	(281		)	11,826			33			171			11,749
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	13,992			(177		)	(1		)	—			13,814
	Other expense (income), net	(936		)	255			(351		)	947			(85		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(13,337		)	11,748			385			(776		)	(1,980		)
	Income tax benefit (expense)	(5,973		)	2,961			295			—			(2,717		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	(19,310		)	14,709			680			(776		)	(4,697		)
	Discontinued operations	—			—			—			—			—
	Net income (loss)	(19,310		)	14,709			680			(776		)	(4,697		)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			151			—			151
INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	$	(19,310	)	$	14,709		$	529		$	(776	)	$	(4,848	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in thousands)
Revenues	$	—		$	467,517		$	43,798		$	(20,464	)	$	490,851
Direct operating expense	—			323,708			30,594			(18,503		)	335,799
Depreciation and amortization expense	—			50,843			2,104			—			52,947
General and administrative expense	243			51,009			5,561			(3,246		)	53,567
Operating (loss) income	(243		)	41,957			5,539			1,285			48,538
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	14,234			(376		)	106			(2		)	13,962
Other expense (income), net	(3,044		)	(1,050		)	120			2,445			(1,529		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(11,433		)	43,383			5,313			(1,158		)	36,105
Income tax expense	(10,023		)	(1,583		)	(1,309		)	—			(12,915		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(21,456		)	41,800			4,004			(1,158		)	23,190
Discontinued operations	—			—			(60,209		)	—			(60,209		)
Net income (loss)	(21,456		)	41,800			(56,205		)	(1,158		)	(37,019		)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			1,075			—			1,075
INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	$	(21,456	)	$	41,800		$	(57,280	)	$	(1,158	)	$	(38,094	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in thousands)
Revenues	$	148		$	1,157,964		$	124,561		$	(53,161	)	$	1,229,512
Direct operating expense	—			807,942			89,241			(42,602		)	854,581
Depreciation and amortization expense	—			161,348			8,015			—			169,363
General and administrative expense	798			158,801			25,207			(11,160		)	173,646
Operating (loss) income	(650		)	29,873			2,098			601			31,922
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	42,007			(468		)	63			—			41,602
Other expense (income), net	(2,745		)	(991		)	387			2,471			(878		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(39,912		)	31,332			1,648			(1,870		)	(8,802		)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(8,356		)	8,232			271			—			147
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(48,268		)	39,564			1,919			(1,870		)	(8,655		)
Discontinued operations	—			—			—			—			—
Net income (loss)	(48,268		)	39,564			1,919			(1,870		)	(8,655		)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			595			—			595
INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	$	(48,268	)	$	39,564		$	1,324		$	(1,870	)	$	(9,250	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in thousands)
Revenues	$	15		$	1,425,832		$	118,393		$	(50,641	)	$	1,493,599
Direct operating expense	—			950,484			84,285			(43,477		)	991,292
Depreciation and amortization expense	—			150,864			5,724			—			156,588
General and administrative expense	815			162,015			18,164			(8,428		)	172,566
Operating (loss) income	(800		)	162,469			10,220			1,264			173,153
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	40,494			(1,034		)	116			(2		)	39,574
Other income, net	(4,551		)	(393		)	(1,609		)	2,615			(3,938		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(36,743		)	163,896			11,713			(1,349		)	137,517
Income tax expense	(42,970		)	(3,165		)	(3,012		)	—			(49,147		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(79,713		)	160,731			8,701			(1,349		)	88,370
Discontinued operations	—			—			(93,568		)	—			(93,568		)
Net income (loss)	(79,713		)	160,731			(84,867		)	(1,349		)	(5,198		)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			665			—			665
INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	$	(79,713	)	$	160,731		$	(85,532	)	$	(1,349	)	$	(5,863	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	—		$	153,757		$	3,261		$	—		$	157,018
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(106,800		)	(4,221		)	—			(111,021		)
Acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream	—			(14,600		)							(14,600		)
Intercompany notes and accounts	—			(40,620		)	—			40,620			—
Other investing activities, net	—			7,530			—			—			7,530
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(154,490		)	(4,221		)	40,620			(118,091		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			(392		)	—			—			(392		)
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	195,000			—			—			—			195,000
Repayments on revolving credit facility	(210,000		)	—			—			—			(210,000		)
Payment of deferred financing costs	(69		)	—			—			—			(69		)
Repurchases of common stock	(3,169		)	—			—			—			(3,169		)
Intercompany notes and accounts	40,620			—			—			(40,620		)	—
Other financing activities, net	(1,846		)	—			—			—			(1,846		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	20,536			(392		)	—			(40,620		)	(20,476		)
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash	—			—			212			—			212
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	20,536			(1,125		)	(748		)	—			18,663
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	39,617			1,601			4,731			—			45,949
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	60,153		$	476		$	3,983		$	—		$	64,612
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	12,904		$	239,511		$	12,980		$	—		$	265,395
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(386,041		)	(13,694		)	—			(399,735		)
Intercompany notes and accounts	676			117,609			—			(118,285		)	—
Other investing activities, net	(676		)	12,679			—			—			12,003
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(255,753		)	(13,694		)	(118,285		)	(387,732		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	205,000						—			—			205,000
Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			(1,649		)	—			—			(1,649		)
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	235,000			—			—			—			235,000
Repayments on revolving credit facility	(310,000		)	—			—			—			(310,000		)
Payment of deferred financing costs	(4,547		)	—			—			—			(4,547		)
Repurchases of common stock	(7,450		)	—			—			—			(7,450		)
Intercompany notes and accounts	(117,609		)	(676		)	—			118,285			—
Other financing activities, net	(394		)	10,914			1,687			—			12,207
Net cash provided by financing activities	—			8,589			1,687			118,285			128,561
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash	—			—			(3,335		)	—			(3,335		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	12,904			(7,653		)	(2,362		)	—			2,889
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	21,673			7,985			5,785			—			35,443
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	34,577		$	332		$	3,423		$	—		$	38,332

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE1

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted in this Report	'
	Accounting Standards Adopted or Not Yet Adopted in this Report
	There are no new accounting standards that have been adopted or not yet adopted in this report.

ACQUISITION_OF_NONCONTROLLING_1

ACQUISITION OF NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Effects of Changes in Ownership Interest	'
	AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC. On March 7, 2010, we entered into an agreement with AlMansoori Petroleum Services, LLC (“AlMansoori”) to form the joint venture AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC, a joint venture under the laws of Abu Dhabi, UAE. The purpose of the joint venture was to engage in conventional workover and drilling services, coiled tubing services, fishing and rental services, rig monitoring services, pipe handling services and fluids, waste treatment and handling services. Although AlMansoori held a 51% interest in the joint venture and we held a 49% interest, we held three of the five board of directors seats and a controlling financial interest. In addition, profits and losses of the joint venture were shared on equal terms and in equal amounts with AlMansoori. Because the joint venture did not have sufficient resources to carry on its activities without our financial support, we determined it to be a variable interest entity of which we were the primary beneficiary. We consolidated the entity in our financial statements. On August 5, 2013, we agreed to the dissolution of AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC and the acquisition of the underlying business for $5.1 million. The $5.1 million is expected to be paid in the fourth quarter of 2013 and is recorded in "Other current liabilities" in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.The acquisition of the 51% noncontrolling interest in AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC was accounted for as an equity transaction therefore did not result in a gain or loss.
	The effects of changes in our ownership interests in Geostream and AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Net loss attributable to Key	$	(4,848	)	$	(38,094	)	$	(9,250	)	$	(5,863	)
	Transfers from the noncontrolling interests
	Increase in Key's paid-in capital for purchase of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream	—			—			22,432			—
	Decrease in Key's paid-in capital for purchase of the 51% noncontrolling interest in AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC	(2,888		)	—			(2,888		)	—
	Net transfers from noncontrolling interests	(2,888		)	—			19,544			—
	Change from net income (loss) attributable to Key and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$	(7,736	)	$	(38,094	)	$	10,294		$	(5,863	)

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Results of Operations	'
	The following table presents the results of operations for the Argentina business sold in this transaction for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-12			30-Sep-12
		(in thousands)
	REVENUES	$	20,026		$	75,815
	COSTS AND EXPENSES:
	Direct operating expenses	18,122			72,664
	Depreciation and amortization expense	—			143
	General and administrative expenses	2,756			11,232
	Impairment and other charges	44,298			85,755
	Operating loss	(45,150		)	(93,979		)
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	31			168
	Other expense, net	1,477			3,725
	Loss before tax	(46,658		)	(97,872		)
	Income tax (expense) benefit	(13,551		)	4,304
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(60,209	)	$	(93,568	)

EQUITY_AND_NONCONTROLLING_INTE1

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stockholders Equity	'
	A reconciliation of the total carrying amount of our equity accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
		COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
		Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest			Total
		Number of Shares		Amount at Par
		(in thousands)
	BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2012	151,070		$	15,108		$	925,132		$	(6,148	)	$	319,736		$	33,504		$	1,287,332
	Foreign currency translation	—		—			—			(3,657		)	—			(691		)	(4,348		)
	Common stock purchases	(415	)	(42		)	(3,127		)	—			—			—			(3,169		)
	Share-based compensation	1,702		170			11,496			—			—			—			11,666
	Tax benefits from share-based compensation	—		—			(1,846		)	—			—			—			(1,846		)
	Acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream (Note 3)	—		—			22,432			(4,350		)	—			(31,196		)	(13,114		)
	Acquisition of the 51% noncontrolling interest in AlMansoori Key Energy Services, LLC (Note 3)	—		—			(2,888		)	—			—			(2,212		)	(5,100		)
	Net income (loss)	—		—			—			—			(9,250		)	595			(8,655		)
	BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2013	152,357		$	15,236		$	951,199		$	(14,155	)	$	310,486		$	—		$	1,262,766
	A reconciliation of the total carrying amount of our equity accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is as follows:
		COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
		Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest			Total
		Number of Shares		Amount at Par
		(in thousands)
	BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2011	150,733		$	15,073		$	915,400		$	(58,231	)	$	312,114		$	30,275		$	1,214,631
	Foreign currency translation	—		—			—			109			—			880			989
	Foreign currency impact on sale of Argentina (Note 4)	—		—			—			51,892			—			—			51,892
	Common stock purchases	(472	)	(47		)	(7,403		)	—			—			—			(7,450		)
	Exercise of stock options and warrants	99		10			886			—			—			—			896
	Share-based compensation	819		82			10,702			—			—			—			10,784
	Tax benefits from share-based compensation	—		—			4,047			—			—			—			4,047
	Shares surrendered	(68	)	(7		)	(999		)	—			—			—			(1,006		)
	Net income (loss)	—		—			—			—			(5,863		)	665			(5,198		)
	BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2012	151,111		$	15,111		$	922,633		$	(6,230	)	$	306,251		$	31,820		$	1,269,585

SEVERANCE_CONTRACT_TERMINATION1

SEVERANCE, CONTRACT TERMINATION AND MOBILIZATION COSTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost by Segment	'
	Presented below are the schedules of the activities for the liabilities recorded in connection with our restructuring by segments and in consolidation:
		Severance			Lease Cancellation Fees			Mobilization Costs			Total
		(in thousands)
	U.S.
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Expense	746			1,630			218			2,594
	Payment	(724		)	—			—			(724		)
	Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	22		$	1,630		$	218		$	1,870
	Payment	(22		)	(571		)	(218		)	(811		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	—		$	1,059		$	—		$	1,059
	International
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Expense	4,843			307			2,077			7,227
	Payment	(4,533		)	(307		)	$	(1,054	)	(5,894		)
	Balance as of June 30, 2013	310			—			1,023			1,333
	Payment	(310		)	—			(1,023		)	(1,333		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Functional Support
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Expense	732			—			—			732
	Payment	(732		)	—			—			(732		)
	Balance as of June 30, 2013	—			—			—			—
	Payment	—			—			—			—
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Consolidated
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Expense	6,321			1,937			2,295			10,553
	Payment	(5,989		)	(307		)	(1,054		)	(7,350		)
	Balance as of June 30, 2013	332			1,630			1,241			3,203
	Payment	(332		)	(571		)	(1,241		)	(2,144		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	—		$	1,059		$	—		$	1,059

OTHER_BALANCE_SHEET_INFORMATIO1

OTHER BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Other Current Assets	'
	The table below presents comparative detailed information about other current assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Other current assets:
	Deferred tax assets	$	33,240	$	20,026
	Prepaid current assets	24,323		27,736
	Reinsurance receivable	9,566		10,217
	VAT asset	28,371		32,762
	Other	17,525		10,092
	Total	$	113,025	$	100,833
Other Current Liabilities	'
	The table below presents comparative detailed information about other current liabilities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Other current liabilities:
	Accrued payroll, taxes and employee benefits	$	51,772	$	31,708
	Accrued operating expenditures	39,480		42,137
	Income, sales, use and other taxes	40,192		62,709
	Self-insurance reserve	34,557		35,742
	Accrued interest	3,983		15,301
	Insurance premium financing	1,301		8,021
	Share-based compensation and other liabilities	11,395		5,012
	Total	$	182,680	$	200,630
Other Noncurrent Liabilities	'
	The table below presents comparative detailed information about other non-current liabilities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Other non-current liabilities:
	Asset retirement obligations	$	12,015	$	11,659
	Environmental liabilities	6,407		4,539
	Accrued rent	997		1,424
	Accrued sales, use and other taxes	7,061		6,952
	Other	861		3,347
	Total	$	27,341	$	27,921

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
		U.S.				International				Total
		(in thousands)
	December 31, 2012	$	597,456			$	29,025			$	626,481
	Impact of foreign currency translation	—				(1,287		)		(1,287		)
	September 30, 2013	$	597,456			$	27,738			$	625,194
Other Intangible Assets	'
	The components of our other intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Noncompete agreements:
	Gross carrying value	$	7,134			$	9,332
	Accumulated amortization	(5,362		)		(5,022		)
	Net carrying value	$	1,772			$	4,310
	Patents, trademarks and tradename:
	Gross carrying value	$	14,180			$	14,689
	Accumulated amortization	(508		)		(410		)
	Net carrying value	$	13,672			$	14,279
	Customer relationships and contracts:
	Gross carrying value	$	100,304			$	100,481
	Accumulated amortization	(74,720		)		(62,143		)
	Net carrying value	$	25,584			$	38,338
	Developed technology:
	Gross carrying value	$	9,780			$	7,583
	Accumulated amortization	(4,992		)		(3,605		)
	Net carrying value	$	4,788			$	3,978
	Customer Backlog:
	Gross carrying value	$	776			$	779
	Accumulated amortization	(776		)		(779		)
	Net carrying value	$	—			$	—
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods and Expected Amortization Expense for the Next Five Years for Intangible	'
	The weighted average remaining amortization periods and expected amortization expense for the next five years for our definite lived intangible assets are as follows:
		Weighted		Expected Amortization Expense
		average
		remaining
		amortization
		period (years)		Remainder				2014				2015		2016		2017		2018
				of 2013
				(in thousands)
	Noncompete agreements	1		$	434			$	1,338			$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Patents and trademarks	4.7		30				119				55		40		40		17
	Customer relationships and contracts	6.3		4,236				7,952				5,090		3,425		2,368		1,120
	Developed technology	17.3		141				553				505		428		288		221
	Total expected intangible asset amortization expense			$	4,841			$	9,962			$	5,650	$	3,893	$	2,696	$	1,358

LONGTERM_DEBT_Tables

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the components of our long-term debt were as follows:
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	6.75% Senior Notes due 2021	$	675,000		$	675,000
	8.375% Senior Notes due 2014	3,573			3,573
	Senior Secured Credit Facility revolving loans due 2016	150,000			165,000
	Net unamortized premium on debt	4,120			4,537
	Capital lease obligations	1			393
	Total debt	832,694			848,503
	Less current portion	(1		)	(393		)
	Long-term debt and capital leases	$	832,693		$	848,110
Schedule of Debt	'
	On or after March 1, 2016, the 2021 Notes will be subject to redemption at any time and from time to time at our option, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices below (expressed as percentages of the principal amount redeemed), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on March 1 of the years indicated below:
	Year	Percentage
	2016	103.375	%
	2017	102.25	%
	2018	101.125	%
	2019 and thereafter	100	%

OTHER_INCOME_NET_Tables

OTHER INCOME, NET (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other Income and Expense	'
	The table below presents comparative detailed information about our other income and expense, shown on the condensed consolidated statements of operations as “Other income, net” for the periods indicated:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Interest income	$	(34	)	$	(12	)	$	(129	)	$	(26	)
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss	(60		)	(1,341		)	413			(3,047		)
	Other (income) loss, net	9			(176		)	(1,162		)	(865		)
	Total	$	(85	)	$	(1,529	)	$	(878	)	$	(3,938	)

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The components of our earnings (loss) per share are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic EPS Calculation:
	Numerator
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Key	$	(4,848	)	$	22,115		$	(9,250	)	$	87,705
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(60,209		)	—			(93,568		)
	Loss attributable to Key	$	(4,848	)	$	(38,094	)	$	(9,250	)	$	(5,863	)
	Denominator
	Weighted average shares outstanding	152,394			151,105			152,249			151,108
	Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Key	$	(0.03	)	$	0.15		$	(0.06	)	$	0.58
	Basic loss per share from discontinued operations	—			(0.40		)	—			(0.62		)
	Basic loss per share attributable to Key	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.25	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted EPS Calculation:
	Numerator
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Key	$	(4,848	)	$	22,115		$	(9,250	)	$	87,705
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(60,209		)	—			(93,568		)
	Loss attributable to Key	$	(4,848	)	$	(38,094	)	$	(9,250	)	$	(5,863	)
	Denominator
	Weighted average shares outstanding	152,394			151,105			152,249			151,108
	Stock options	—			5			—			16
	Total	152,394			151,110			152,249			151,124
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Key	$	(0.03	)	$	0.15		$	(0.06	)	$	0.58
	Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations	—			(0.40		)	—			(0.62		)
	Diluted loss per share attributable to Key	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.25	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.04	)

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Number Of Performance Units Earned Based on Relative Placement of Total Stockholder Return for Period Within Peer Group	'
	The number of performance units that may be earned by a participant is determined at the end of each performance period based on the relative placement of Key’s total stockholder return for that period within the peer group, as follows:
	Company Placement for the Performance Period	Percentile Ranking in		Performance Units Earned as
		Peer Group		a Percentage of Target
	First	100	%	200	%
	Second	91	%	180	%
	Third	82	%	160	%
	Fourth	73	%	140	%
	Fifth	64	%	120	%
	Sixth	55	%	100	%
	Seventh	45	%	75	%
	Eighth	36	%	50	%
	Ninth	27	%	25	%
	Tenth	18	%	0	%
	Eleventh	9	%	0	%
	Twelfth	0	%	0	%

ESTIMATED_FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANC1

ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	The following is a summary of the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	Cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. These carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments or because the carrying value is equal to the fair value of those instruments on the balance sheet date.
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Financial assets:
	Notes receivable - Argentina operations sale	$	12,955	$	12,955	$	12,955	$	12,955
	Financial liabilities:
	6.75% Senior Notes	$	675,000	$	666,563	$	675,000	$	680,510
	8.375% Senior Notes	3,573		3,618		3,573		3,656
	Credit Facility revolving loans	150,000		150,000		165,000		165,000

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	The following tables set forth our unaudited segment information as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. (in thousands):
	As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2013
			U.S.		International			Functional			Reconciling			Total
								Support(2)			Eliminations
	Revenues from external customers		$	345,115	$	44,558		$	—		$	—		$	389,673
	Intersegment revenues		272		1,788			1,439			(3,499		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization		45,551		8,440			2,971			—			56,962
	Other operating expenses		247,567		43,430			29,965			—			320,962
	Operating income (loss)		51,997		(7,312		)	(32,936		)	—			11,749
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		—		—			13,814			—			13,814
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax		52,042		(7,336		)	(46,686		)	—			(1,980		)
	Long-lived assets(1)		1,646,396		327,328			302,825			(193,919		)	2,082,630
	Total assets		2,740,094		525,472			(72,943		)	(508,576		)	2,684,047
	Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions		29,443		2,290			6,711			—			38,444
	As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2012
			U.S.		International			Functional			Reconciling			Total
								Support(2)			Eliminations
	Revenues from external customers		$	397,814	$	93,037		$	—		$	—		$	490,851
	Intersegment revenues		—		1,936			—			(1,936		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization		45,119		4,934			2,894			—			52,947
	Other operating expenses		292,559		68,744			28,063			—			389,366
	Operating income (loss)		60,136		19,359			(30,957		)	—			48,538
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		2		104			13,856			—			13,962
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax		60,283		20,744			(44,922		)	—			36,105
	Long-lived assets(1)		1,831,041		318,166			278,041			(235,372		)	2,191,876
	Total assets		2,636,399		509,862			302,528			(628,866		)	2,819,923
	Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions		54,225		29,365			6,817			—			90,407
	As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013
			U.S.		International			Functional			Reconciling			Total
								Support(2)			Eliminations
	Revenues from external customers		$	1,052,885	$	176,627		$	—		$	—		$	1,229,512
	Intersegment revenues		8,734		5,983			1,586			(16,303		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization		137,825		22,403			9,135			—			169,363
	Other operating expenses		769,695		160,668			97,864			—			1,028,227
	Operating income (loss)		145,365		(6,444		)	(106,999		)	—			31,922
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		1		64			41,537			—			41,602
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax		145,461		(6,042		)	(148,221		)	—			(8,802		)
	Long-lived assets(1)		1,646,396		327,328			302,825			(193,919		)	2,082,630
	Total assets		2,740,094		525,472			(72,943		)	(508,576		)	2,684,047
	Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions		79,412		15,453			16,156			—			111,021
	As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012
			U.S.		International			Functional			Reconciling			Total
								Support(2)			Eliminations
	Revenues from external customers		$	1,254,433	$	239,166		$	—		$	—		$	1,493,599
	Intersegment revenues		—		4,088			15			(4,103		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization		134,308		13,407			8,873			—			156,588
	Other operating expenses		886,034		179,916			97,908			—			1,163,858
	Operating income (loss)		234,091		45,843			(106,781		)	—			173,153
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		14		118			39,442			—			39,574
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax		234,365		49,044			(145,892		)	—			137,517
	Long-lived assets(1)		1,831,041		318,166			278,041			(235,372		)	2,191,876
	Total assets		2,636,399		509,862			302,528			(628,866		)	2,819,923
	Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions		219,041		154,142			26,552			—			399,735
	-1	Long lived assets include: fixed assets, goodwill, intangibles and other assets.
	-2	Functional Support is geographically located in the United States

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEETS
		September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in thousands)
		(unaudited)
	Assets:
	Current assets	$	89,276		$	449,237		$	62,904		$	—		$	601,417
	Property and equipment, net	—			1,255,609			118,007			—			1,373,616
	Goodwill	—			597,458			27,736			—			625,194
	Deferred financing costs, net	14,596			—			—			—			14,596
	Intercompany notes and accounts receivable and investment in subsidiaries	3,446,012			1,278,041			559			(4,724,612		)	—
	Other assets	104			24,735			44,385			—			69,224
	TOTAL ASSETS	$	3,549,988		$	3,605,080		$	253,591		$	(4,724,612	)	$	2,684,047
	Liabilities and equity:
	Current liabilities	$	11,985		$	204,760		$	27,472		$	—		$	244,217
	Long-term debt and capital leases, less current portion	832,693			—			—			—			832,693
	Intercompany notes and accounts payable	1,162,648			2,651,284			80,203			(3,894,135		)	—
	Deferred tax liabilities	278,457			6,902			(594		)	—			284,765
	Other long-term liabilities	1,455			57,975			176			—			59,606
	Equity	1,262,750			684,159			146,334			(830,477		)	1,262,766
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	3,549,988		$	3,605,080		$	253,591		$	(4,724,612	)	$	2,684,047
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
		December 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Current assets	$	66,435		$	469,049		$	54,310		$	—		$	589,794
	Property and equipment, net	—			1,329,379			107,295			—			1,436,674
	Goodwill	—			597,458			29,023			—			626,481
	Deferred financing costs, net	16,628			—			—			—			16,628
	Intercompany notes and accounts receivable and investment in subsidiaries	3,298,679			1,108,231			(20,371		)	(4,386,539		)	—
	Other assets	8,068			39,696			44,247			—			92,011
	TOTAL ASSETS	$	3,389,810		$	3,543,813		$	214,504		$	(4,386,539	)	$	2,761,588
	Liabilities and equity:
	Current liabilities	$	46,632		$	226,773		$	31,691		$	—		$	305,096
	Long-term debt and capital leases, less current portion	848,110			—			—			—			848,110
	Intercompany notes and accounts payable	947,700			2,590,398			14,138			(3,552,236		)	—
	Deferred tax liabilities	258,528			6,781			(746		)	(5,110		)	259,453
	Other long-term liabilities	1,528			60,068			1			—			61,597
	Equity	1,287,312			659,793			169,420			(829,193		)	1,287,332
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	3,389,810		$	3,543,813		$	214,504		$	(4,386,539	)	$	2,761,588
Condensed Consolidating Unaudited Statements of Operations	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	1		$	362,733		$	36,264		$	(9,325	)	$	389,673
	Direct operating expense	—			248,712			26,121			(6,536		)	268,297
	Depreciation and amortization expense	—			53,758			3,204			—			56,962
	General and administrative expense	282			48,437			6,906			(2,960		)	52,665
	Operating (loss) income	(281		)	11,826			33			171			11,749
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	13,992			(177		)	(1		)	—			13,814
	Other expense (income), net	(936		)	255			(351		)	947			(85		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(13,337		)	11,748			385			(776		)	(1,980		)
	Income tax benefit (expense)	(5,973		)	2,961			295			—			(2,717		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	(19,310		)	14,709			680			(776		)	(4,697		)
	Discontinued operations	—			—			—			—			—
	Net income (loss)	(19,310		)	14,709			680			(776		)	(4,697		)
	Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			151			—			151
	INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	$	(19,310	)	$	14,709		$	529		$	(776	)	$	(4,848	)
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	—		$	467,517		$	43,798		$	(20,464	)	$	490,851
	Direct operating expense	—			323,708			30,594			(18,503		)	335,799
	Depreciation and amortization expense	—			50,843			2,104			—			52,947
	General and administrative expense	243			51,009			5,561			(3,246		)	53,567
	Operating (loss) income	(243		)	41,957			5,539			1,285			48,538
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	14,234			(376		)	106			(2		)	13,962
	Other expense (income), net	(3,044		)	(1,050		)	120			2,445			(1,529		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(11,433		)	43,383			5,313			(1,158		)	36,105
	Income tax expense	(10,023		)	(1,583		)	(1,309		)	—			(12,915		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	(21,456		)	41,800			4,004			(1,158		)	23,190
	Discontinued operations	—			—			(60,209		)	—			(60,209		)
	Net income (loss)	(21,456		)	41,800			(56,205		)	(1,158		)	(37,019		)
	Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			1,075			—			1,075
	INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	$	(21,456	)	$	41,800		$	(57,280	)	$	(1,158	)	$	(38,094	)
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	148		$	1,157,964		$	124,561		$	(53,161	)	$	1,229,512
	Direct operating expense	—			807,942			89,241			(42,602		)	854,581
	Depreciation and amortization expense	—			161,348			8,015			—			169,363
	General and administrative expense	798			158,801			25,207			(11,160		)	173,646
	Operating (loss) income	(650		)	29,873			2,098			601			31,922
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	42,007			(468		)	63			—			41,602
	Other expense (income), net	(2,745		)	(991		)	387			2,471			(878		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(39,912		)	31,332			1,648			(1,870		)	(8,802		)
	Income tax benefit (expense)	(8,356		)	8,232			271			—			147
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	(48,268		)	39,564			1,919			(1,870		)	(8,655		)
	Discontinued operations	—			—			—			—			—
	Net income (loss)	(48,268		)	39,564			1,919			(1,870		)	(8,655		)
	Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			595			—			595
	INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	$	(48,268	)	$	39,564		$	1,324		$	(1,870	)	$	(9,250	)
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	15		$	1,425,832		$	118,393		$	(50,641	)	$	1,493,599
Direct operating expense	—			950,484			84,285			(43,477		)	991,292
Depreciation and amortization expense	—			150,864			5,724			—			156,588
General and administrative expense	815			162,015			18,164			(8,428		)	172,566
Operating (loss) income	(800		)	162,469			10,220			1,264			173,153
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	40,494			(1,034		)	116			(2		)	39,574
Other income, net	(4,551		)	(393		)	(1,609		)	2,615			(3,938		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(36,743		)	163,896			11,713			(1,349		)	137,517
Income tax expense	(42,970		)	(3,165		)	(3,012		)	—			(49,147		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(79,713		)	160,731			8,701			(1,349		)	88,370
Discontinued operations	—			—			(93,568		)	—			(93,568		)
Net income (loss)	(79,713		)	160,731			(84,867		)	(1,349		)	(5,198		)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			665			—			665
INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	$	(79,713	)	$	160,731		$	(85,532	)	$	(1,349	)	$	(5,863	)
Condensed Consolidating Unaudited Statements of Cash Flows	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in thousands)
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	—		$	153,757		$	3,261		$	—		$	157,018
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(106,800		)	(4,221		)	—			(111,021		)
	Acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream	—			(14,600		)							(14,600		)
	Intercompany notes and accounts	—			(40,620		)	—			40,620			—
	Other investing activities, net	—			7,530			—			—			7,530
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			(154,490		)	(4,221		)	40,620			(118,091		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			(392		)	—			—			(392		)
	Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	195,000			—			—			—			195,000
	Repayments on revolving credit facility	(210,000		)	—			—			—			(210,000		)
	Payment of deferred financing costs	(69		)	—			—			—			(69		)
	Repurchases of common stock	(3,169		)	—			—			—			(3,169		)
	Intercompany notes and accounts	40,620			—			—			(40,620		)	—
	Other financing activities, net	(1,846		)	—			—			—			(1,846		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	20,536			(392		)	—			(40,620		)	(20,476		)
	Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash	—			—			212			—			212
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	20,536			(1,125		)	(748		)	—			18,663
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	39,617			1,601			4,731			—			45,949
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	60,153		$	476		$	3,983		$	—		$	64,612
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(in thousands)
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	12,904		$	239,511		$	12,980		$	—		$	265,395
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(386,041		)	(13,694		)	—			(399,735		)
	Intercompany notes and accounts	676			117,609			—			(118,285		)	—
	Other investing activities, net	(676		)	12,679			—			—			12,003
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			(255,753		)	(13,694		)	(118,285		)	(387,732		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from long-term debt	205,000						—			—			205,000
	Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			(1,649		)	—			—			(1,649		)
	Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	235,000			—			—			—			235,000
	Repayments on revolving credit facility	(310,000		)	—			—			—			(310,000		)
	Payment of deferred financing costs	(4,547		)	—			—			—			(4,547		)
	Repurchases of common stock	(7,450		)	—			—			—			(7,450		)
	Intercompany notes and accounts	(117,609		)	(676		)	—			118,285			—
	Other financing activities, net	(394		)	10,914			1,687			—			12,207
	Net cash provided by financing activities	—			8,589			1,687			118,285			128,561
	Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash	—			—			(3,335		)	—			(3,335		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	12,904			(7,653		)	(2,362		)	—			2,889
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	21,673			7,985			5,785			—			35,443
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	34,577		$	332		$	3,423		$	—		$	38,332

ACQUISITION_OF_NONCONTROLLING_2

ACQUISITION OF NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 07, 2010	Sep. 01, 2009	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 09, 2013	Oct. 31, 2008	Aug. 05, 2013	Mar. 07, 2013	Mar. 07, 2010	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 05, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	person	Geostream	Geostream	Geostream	Geostream	Al Mansoori Petroleum Services Limited Liability Company [Member]	Key Energy Services Incorporation And Subsidiaries [Member]	Key Energy Services Incorporation And Subsidiaries [Member]	Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]	Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]
								person
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of acquired interest	'	'	50.00%	50.00%	26.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate cost of acquired interest	'	'	'	$14.60	$17.40	'	'	'	'	'
Business combination, percentage of voting interests acquired	'	24.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price	'	16.4	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.1
Total controlling interest, percentage	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Variable interest entities, ownership interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	49.00%	'	'	'
Additional percentage acquired	'	'	'	'	'	51.00%	'	'	'	'
Number Of Board Of Directors Seats	5	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'	'
Business Acquisition, Remaining Payments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5.10	'

ACQUISITION_OF_NONCONTROLLING_3

ACQUISITION OF NONCONTROLLING INTEREST Change in Ownership (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 01, 2009

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Aug. 05, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Geostream

Geostream

Geostream

Geostream

Geostream

Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]

Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]

Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]

Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]

Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price

'

'

'

'

$16,400,000

'

'

'

'

$5,100,000

'

'

'

'

Net loss attributable to Key

-4,848,000

-38,094,000

-9,250,000

-5,863,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in Key's paid-in capital for purchase of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

22,432,000

0

'

-2,888,000

0

-2,888,000

0

Net transfers from noncontrolling interest

-2,888,000

0

19,544,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Change from net income (loss) attributable to Key and transfers from noncontrolling interest

($7,736,000)

($38,094,000)

$10,294,000

($5,863,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Additi

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
			Argentine Operations	Argentine Operations	Argentine Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Discontinued Operations, Consideration Received from Divestiture of Business	'	'	'	$12,500,000	'
Proceeds from sale of operations	'	'	400,000	2,000,000	'
Loss on sale of operations	'	'	'	'	85,800,000
Disposal group, aggregate pre-tax non cash charge	85,755,000	44,298,000	'	'	41,500,000
Loss on write off	'	'	'	'	$51,900,000

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Result

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'
REVENUES	$75,815	$20,026
COSTS AND EXPENSES:	'	'
Direct operating expenses	72,664	18,122
Depreciation and amortization expense	143	0
General and administrative expenses	11,232	2,756
Impairment and other charges	85,755	44,298
Operating loss	-93,979	-45,150
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	168	31
Other expense, net	3,725	1,477
Loss before tax	-97,872	-46,658
Income tax (expense) benefit	4,304	-13,551
Loss from discontinued operations	($93,568)	($60,209)

EQUITY_AND_NONCONTROLLING_INTE2

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 09, 2013

Oct. 31, 2008

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Common Stock

Common Stock

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Retained Earnings

Retained Earnings

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling Interest

Geostream

Geostream

Geostream

Geostream

Geostream

Geostream

Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]

Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]

Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]

Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]

Al Mansoori Petroleum Services Limited Liability Company [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Noncontrolling Interest

Additional Paid-in Capital

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Noncontrolling Interest

Schedule of Equity Component [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of acquired interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

26.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at beginning of period (in shares)

'

'

151,069,609

'

151,070,000

150,733,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at beginning of period

'

'

$1,287,332

$1,214,631

$15,108

$15,073

$925,132

$915,400

($6,148)

($58,231)

$319,736

$312,114

$33,504

$30,275

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency translation

1,018

3,510

-4,348

989

'

'

'

'

-3,657

109

'

'

-691

880

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency impact on sale of Argentina (Note 4)

'

'

'

51,892

'

'

'

'

'

51,892

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock purchases (in shares)

'

'

'

'

-415,000

-472,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock purchases

'

'

-3,169

-7,450

-42

-47

-3,127

-7,403

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options and warrants (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

99,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options and warrants

'

'

'

896

'

10

'

886

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation (in shares)

'

'

'

'

1,702,000

819,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation

'

'

11,666

10,784

170

82

11,496

10,702

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax benefits from share-based compensation

'

'

-1,846

4,047

'

'

-1,846

4,047

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream (Note 3)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-13,114

'

'

22,432

-4,350

-31,196

-5,100

-2,888

0

-2,212

'

Shares surrendered (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

-68,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares surrendered

'

'

'

-1,006

'

-7

'

-999

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

-4,697

-37,019

-8,655

-5,198

'

'

'

'

'

'

-9,250

-5,863

595

665

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at end of period (in shares)

152,356,526

'

152,356,526

'

152,357,000

151,111,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at end of period

$1,262,766

$1,269,585

$1,262,766

$1,269,585

$15,236

$15,111

$951,199

$922,633

($14,155)

($6,230)

$310,486

$306,251

$0

$31,820

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

51.00%

SEVERANCE_CONTRACT_TERMINATION2

SEVERANCE, CONTRACT TERMINATION AND MOBILIZATION COSTS - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
U.S.	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Redeployment costs	'	$2.60
International	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Number of rigs redeployed	'	7
Total equipment mobilization cost	'	2.3
Redeployment costs	'	7.2
International | Direct Operating Expenses	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Redeployment costs	'	8.3
International | General and Administrative Expenses	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Redeployment costs	'	2.2
Functional Support	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Redeployment costs	'	0.7
Fluid Management Services | U.S.	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Severance expenses	6.3	'
Lease cancellation fees	'	$1.90

SEVERANCE_CONTRACT_TERMINATION3

SEVERANCE, CONTRACT TERMINATION AND MOBILIZATION COSTS - Restructuring Liability by Segment (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	$0	$0
Expense	10,553	'
Payment	-7,350	-2,144
Balance as of end of period	3,203	1,059
Severance	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	6,321	'
Payment	-5,989	-332
Balance as of end of period	332	0
Lease Cancellation Fees	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	1,937	'
Payment	-307	-571
Balance as of end of period	1,630	1,059
Mobilization Costs	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	2,295	'
Payment	-1,054	-1,241
Balance as of end of period	1,241	0
U.S.	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	2,594	'
Payment	-724	-811
Balance as of end of period	1,870	1,059
U.S. | Severance	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	746	'
Payment	-724	-22
Balance as of end of period	22	0
U.S. | Lease Cancellation Fees	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	1,630	'
Payment	0	-571
Balance as of end of period	1,630	1,059
U.S. | Mobilization Costs	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	218	'
Payment	0	-218
Balance as of end of period	218	0
International	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	7,227	'
Payment	-5,894	-1,333
Balance as of end of period	1,333	0
International | Severance	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	4,843	'
Payment	-4,533	-310
Balance as of end of period	310	0
International | Lease Cancellation Fees	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	307	'
Payment	-307	0
Balance as of end of period	0	0
International | Mobilization Costs	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	2,077	'
Payment	-1,054	-1,023
Balance as of end of period	1,023	0
Functional Support	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	732	'
Payment	-732	0
Balance as of end of period	0	0
Functional Support | Severance	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	732	'
Payment	-732	0
Balance as of end of period	0	0
Functional Support | Lease Cancellation Fees	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	0	'
Payment	0	0
Balance as of end of period	0	0
Functional Support | Mobilization Costs	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0
Expense	0	'
Payment	0	0
Balance as of end of period	$0	$0

OTHER_BALANCE_SHEET_INFORMATIO2

OTHER BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION - Other Current Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other current assets:	'	'
Deferred tax assets	$33,240	$20,026
Prepaid current assets	24,323	27,736
Reinsurance receivable	9,566	10,217
VAT asset	28,371	32,762
Other	17,525	10,092
Total	$113,025	$100,833

OTHER_BALANCE_SHEET_INFORMATIO3

OTHER BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION - Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other current liabilities:	'	'
Accrued payroll, taxes and employee benefits	$51,772	$31,708
Accrued operating expenditures	39,480	42,137
Income, sales, use and other taxes	40,192	62,709
Self-insurance reserve	34,557	35,742
Accrued interest	3,983	15,301
Insurance premium financing	1,301	8,021
Share-based compensation and other liabilities	11,395	5,012
Total	$182,680	$200,630

OTHER_BALANCE_SHEET_INFORMATIO4

OTHER BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION - Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other non-current liabilities:	'	'
Asset retirement obligations	$12,015	$11,659
Environmental liabilities	6,407	4,539
Accrued rent	997	1,424
Accrued sales, use and other taxes	7,061	6,952
Other	861	3,347
Total	$27,341	$27,921

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
31-Dec-12	$626,481
Impact of foreign currency translation	-1,287
30-Sep-13	625,194
U.S.	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
31-Dec-12	597,456
Impact of foreign currency translation	0
30-Sep-13	597,456
International	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
31-Dec-12	29,025
Impact of foreign currency translation	-1,287
30-Sep-13	$27,738

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Net carrying value	$45,816	$60,905
Noncompete agreements	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying value	7,134	9,332
Accumulated amortization	-5,362	-5,022
Net carrying value	1,772	4,310
Patents, trademarks and tradename	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying value	14,180	14,689
Accumulated amortization	-508	-410
Net carrying value	13,672	14,279
Customer relationships and contracts	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying value	100,304	100,481
Accumulated amortization	-74,720	-62,143
Net carrying value	25,584	38,338
Developed technology	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying value	9,780	7,583
Accumulated amortization	-4,992	-3,605
Net carrying value	4,788	3,978
Customer Backlog	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying value	776	779
Accumulated amortization	-776	-779
Net carrying value	$0	$0

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods and Expected Amortization Expense for Next Five Years for Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Remainder of 2013	$4,841
Expected Amortization Expense-2014	9,962
Expected Amortization Expense-2015	5,650
Expected Amortization Expense-2016	3,893
Expected Amortization Expense-2017	2,696
Expected Amortization Expense-2018	1,358
Noncompete agreements	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Weighted average remaining amortization period (years)	'1 year
Remainder of 2013	434
Expected Amortization Expense-2014	1,338
Expected Amortization Expense-2015	0
Expected Amortization Expense-2016	0
Expected Amortization Expense-2017	0
Expected Amortization Expense-2018	0
Patents, trademarks and tradename	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Weighted average remaining amortization period (years)	'4 years 8 months
Remainder of 2013	30
Expected Amortization Expense-2014	119
Expected Amortization Expense-2015	55
Expected Amortization Expense-2016	40
Expected Amortization Expense-2017	40
Expected Amortization Expense-2018	17
Customer relationships and contracts	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Weighted average remaining amortization period (years)	'6 years 3 months
Remainder of 2013	4,236
Expected Amortization Expense-2014	7,952
Expected Amortization Expense-2015	5,090
Expected Amortization Expense-2016	3,425
Expected Amortization Expense-2017	2,368
Expected Amortization Expense-2018	1,120
Developed technology	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Weighted average remaining amortization period (years)	'17 years 3 months
Remainder of 2013	141
Expected Amortization Expense-2014	553
Expected Amortization Expense-2015	505
Expected Amortization Expense-2016	428
Expected Amortization Expense-2017	288
Expected Amortization Expense-2018	$221

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_5

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived trade names	$13.40	'	$13.40	'
Amortization of intangible assets	$4.80	$6	$14.50	$17.60

LONGTERM_DEBT_Schedule_of_Debt

LONG-TERM DEBT - Schedule of Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Secured Credit Facility revolving loans due 2016	$150,000	$165,000
Net unamortized premium on debt	4,120	4,537
Capital lease obligations	1	393
Total debt	832,694	848,503
Less current portion	-1	-393
Long-term debt and capital leases	832,693	848,110
Senior Notes 6.75 Percent Due 2021	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	675,000	675,000
Senior Notes 8.375 Percent Due 2014	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	$3,573	$3,573

LONGTERM_DEBT_875_Senior_Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT - 8.75% Senior Notes due 2014 (Details) (Senior Notes 8.375 Percent Due 2014, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt stated percentage	8.38%
Senior Notes	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Long-term debt	$3.60
Debt stated percentage	8.38%
Debt instrument interest rate payment date	'Interest on the 2014 Notes is payable on JuneB 1 and DecemberB 1 of each year.

LONGTERM_DEBT_675_Senior_Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT - 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021 (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 05, 2013	Mar. 08, 2012	Mar. 04, 2011
Fiscal Year 2016	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt redemption price percent of principal amount	103.38%	'	'	'
Fiscal Year 2017	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt redemption price percent of principal amount	102.25%	'	'	'
Fiscal Year 2018	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt redemption price percent of principal amount	101.13%	'	'	'
Fiscal Year 2019 And Thereafter	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt redemption price percent of principal amount	100.00%	'	'	'
Senior Notes 6.75 Percent Due 2021 | Prior To March 1, 2014	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Senior notes, call feature	'At any time and from time to time before March 1, 2014, we may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2021 Notes at a redemption price of 106.750% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds from any one or more equity offerings provided that (i) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes remains outstanding immediately after each such redemption and (ii) each such redemption shall occur within 180 days of the date of the closing of such equity offering.	'	'	'
Senior notes, latest call date	1-Mar-14	'	'	'
Maximum amount as percentage of aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt that can be redeemed	35.00%	'	'	'
Debt redemption price percent of principal amount	106.75%	'	'	'
Required percentage of aggregate principal amount of debt that remains outstanding immediately after redemption minimum	65.00%	'	'	'
Time period after the date of closing of equity offering within which the redemption of the notes shall occur	'	'	'	'180 days
Senior Notes 6.75 Percent Due 2021 | Prior To March 1, 2016	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Senior notes, call feature	'In addition, at any time and from time to time prior to MarchB 1, 2016, we may, at our option, redeem all or a portion of the 2021 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a premium with respect to the 2021 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. If we experience a change of control, subject to certain exceptions, we must give holders of the 2021 Notes the opportunity to sell to us their 2021 Notes, in whole or in part, at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.	'	'	'
Senior notes, latest call date	1-Mar-16	'	'	'
Debt redemption price percent of principal amount	100.00%	'	'	'
Debt purchase price percent of principal amount	101.00%	'	'	'
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 6.75 Percent Due 2021	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Senior notes, carrying value	'	$200,000,000	$200,000,000	$475,000,000
Debt stated percentage	'	'	'	6.75%
Capitalized finance costs	$4,600,000	'	'	'
Debt instrument interest rate payment date	' Interest on the 2021 Notes is payable on MarchB 1 and SeptemberB 1 of each year.	'	'	'
Senior notes, maturity date	1-Mar-21	'	'	'

LONGTERM_DEBT_Senior_Secured_C

LONG-TERM DEBT - Senior Secured Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

15 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 27, 2011

At End Of Each Fiscal Quarter Thereafter

Amendment Of Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

2011 Credit Facility

Maximum

Minimum

Foreign Subsidiaries

Foreign Subsidiaries

Acquisition Covenants

Acquisition Covenants

Revolving Credit Facility

Letter of Credit

LIBOR

LIBOR

Other Loans

Other Loans

Amendment Of Credit Facility

Amendment Of Credit Facility

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$550,000,000

Line of credit, expiration date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Mar-16

'

Increase in total commitments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capitalized finance costs

'

1,400,000

4,900,000

'

4,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit, interest rate basis points

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

2.25%

2.00%

1.25%

'

'

Interest coverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional interest rate above Federal Funds rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional interest rate above one-month adjusted LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitment fee minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidated funded indebtedness to total capitalization ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.45

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

4

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument covenant annual capital expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Coverage ratio

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity

'

'

345,900,000

'

345,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit, amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$150,000,000

$54,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit, weighted average interest rate

'

'

2.81%

2.70%

2.72%

2.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit, covenant terms

'

'

'

'

'the amended 2011 Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including, without limitation, restrictions on (i) liens; (ii) debt, guarantees and other contingent obligations; (iii) mergers and consolidations; (iv) sales, transfers and other dispositions of property or assets; (v) loans, acquisitions, joint ventures and other investments (with acquisitions permitted so long as, after giving pro forma effect thereto, no default or event of default exists under the 2011 Credit Facility, the pro forma consolidated total leverage ratio does not exceed 4.00 to 1.00, we are in compliance with other financial covenants and we have at least $25.0 million of availability under the 2011 Credit Facility); (vi) dividends and other distributions to, and redemptions and repurchases from, equityholders; (vii) making investments, loans or advances; (viii) selling properties; (ix) prepaying, redeeming or repurchasing subordinated (contractually or structurally) debt; (x) engaging in transactions with affiliates; (xi) entering into hedging arrangements; (xii) entering into sale and leaseback transactions; (xiii) granting negative pledges other than to the lenders; (xiv) changes in the nature of business; (xv) amending organizational documents; and (xvi) changes in accounting policies or reporting practices; in each of the foregoing cases, with certain exceptions.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

OTHER_INCOME_NET_Detail

OTHER INCOME, NET (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest income	($34)	($12)	($129)	($26)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	-60	-1,341	413	-3,047
Other (income) loss, net	9	-176	-1,162	-865
Total	$85	$1,529	$878	$3,938

INCOME_TAXES_Additional_Inform

INCOME TAXES - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations, effective tax rate	137.20%	35.80%	1.70%	35.70%	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, net of federal tax benefit, if recognized, would impact effective tax rate	$1.10	'	$1.10	'	$1.20
Tax expense, recognized (less than $0.1 million for periods ended 3/31/13 and 3/31/12)	0.1	0.1	'	'	'
Accrued liability for the payment of interest and penalties	0.2	'	0.2	'	0.3
Remaining unrecognized tax positions, that may be recognized in the next twelve months	$0.60	'	$0.60	'	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	lawsuit
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Aggregate amount of contingent litigation liabilities	'	$0.70	'
Number of lawsuits filed	2	'	'
Self-insurance liabilities related to workers' compensation, vehicular liabilities, and general liability claims recorded	'	66.8	69.4
Insurance receivables which partially offset self-insurance liabilities	'	19.4	20.6
Environmental remediation liabilities recorded	'	$6.40	$4.50

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive loss from discontinued operations	$0	($60,209)	$0	($93,568)
Numerator	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Key	-4,848	22,115	-9,250	87,705
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-60,209	0	-93,568
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	-4,848	-38,094	-9,250	-5,863
Denominator	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	152,394	151,105	152,249	151,108
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Key (usd per share)	($0.03)	$0.15	($0.06)	$0.58
Basic loss per share from discontinued operations (usd per share)	$0	($0.40)	$0	($0.62)
Basic loss per share attributable to Key (usd per share)	($0.03)	($0.25)	($0.06)	($0.04)
Numerator	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Key	-4,848	22,115	-9,250	87,705
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-60,209	0	-93,568
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	($4,848)	($38,094)	($9,250)	($5,863)
Denominator	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	152,394	151,105	152,249	151,108
Stock rights (in shares)	0	5	0	16
Total (in shares)	152,394	151,110	152,249	151,124
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Key (in usd per share)	($0.03)	$0.15	($0.06)	$0.58
Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations (in usd per share)	$0	($0.40)	$0	($0.62)
Diluted loss per share attributable to Key (in usd per share)	($0.03)	($0.25)	($0.06)	($0.04)

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Additional_

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Option	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securiites Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	1.6	2	1.7	'
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securiites Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	0.3	0.4	0.3	0.4

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Additi

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2012	31-May-13
					Restricted Stock	Phantom Stock [Member]	Performance Based Units	Performance Based Units	Performance Based Units	2012 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan
								Performance Unit Awards 2012	Performance Unit Awards 2013	Outside directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense recognized	$3	$2.40	$11.20	$10.70	'	'	'	'	'	$1.80
Income tax benefit recognized	1.1	0.9	4.1	3.9	'	'	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense expected to be recognized	'	'	'	'	11.3	'	1.5	'	'	'
Compensation expense expected to be recognized, weighted average remaining vesting period	'	'	'	'	'1 year 1 month 6 days	'	'1 year 1 month	'	'	'
Shares outstanding (shares)	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'
Shares of common stock issued	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	288,780
Performance units issued	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	400,000	200,000	'
Award requisite service period	'	'	'2 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of outstanding performance units issued	$2.90	'	$2.90	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Number

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Number of Performance Units Earned Based on Relative Placement of Total Stockholder Return for Period Within Peer Group (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
First	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	100.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	200.00%
Second	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	91.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	180.00%
Third	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	82.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	160.00%
Fourth	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	73.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	140.00%
Fifth	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	64.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	120.00%
Sixth	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	55.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	100.00%
Seventh	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	45.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	75.00%
Eighth	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	36.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	50.00%
Ninth	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	27.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	25.00%
Tenth	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	18.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	0.00%
Eleventh	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	9.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	0.00%
Twelfth	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentile Ranking in Peer Group	0.00%
Performance Units Earned as a Percentage of Target	0.00%

TRANSACTIONS_WITH_RELATED_PART1

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES - Additional Information (Details) (Outside directors, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Anadarko	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Transactions with related party, revenue (less than $0.1 million Investee March 31, 2013)	$12	$9.90	$26.20	$33.60	'
Transactions with related party, receivables (less than $0.1 million March 31, 2013)	4.1	'	4.1	'	3.5
Alexander Proudfoot Practice Of Management Consulting Group Private Limited Company	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Transactions with related party, payments for consulting services	$0	$0	$0	$1.90	'

ESTIMATED_FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANC2

ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Credit Facility revolving loans, carrying value	$150,000,000	$165,000,000
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Credit Facility revolving loans, fair value	150,000,000	165,000,000
Senior Notes 6.75% Issued March 24 2011	'	'
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Senior notes, carrying value	675,000,000	675,000,000
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Senior Notes, fair value	666,563,000	680,510,000
Senior Notes 8.375 Percent Due 2014	'	'
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Senior notes, carrying value	3,573,000	3,573,000
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Senior Notes, fair value	3,618,000	3,656,000
Argentina Operations	'	'
Financial assets:	'	'
Notes and accounts receivable - related parties, carrying amount	12,955,000	12,955,000
Financial assets:	'	'
Notes and accounts receivable - related parties, fair value	$12,955,000	$12,955,000

ESTIMATED_FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANC3

ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Facility revolving loans	$150,000,000	$165,000,000
Senior Notes 6.75% Issued March 24 2011	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Debt stated percentage	6.75%	'
Senior notes, carrying value	675,000,000	675,000,000
Senior Notes, fair value	666,563,000	680,510,000
Percentage of Senior Notes fair value over carrying value	98.80%	'
Senior Notes 8.375 Percent Due 2014	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Debt stated percentage	8.38%	'
Senior notes, carrying value	3,573,000	3,573,000
Senior Notes, fair value	$3,618,000	$3,656,000
Percentage of Senior Notes fair value over carrying value	101.30%	'

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Additional

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 09, 2013	Sep. 01, 2009	Oct. 31, 2008	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 09, 2013	Aug. 05, 2013
	ft	Geostream	Geostream	Geostream	Geostream	Geostream	Geostream	Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]
						International	International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of acquired interest	'	50.00%	50.00%	'	26.00%	'	50.00%	'
Aggregate cost of acquired interest	'	'	$14.60	'	$17.40	'	$14.60	'
Cumulative percentage ownership after all transactions	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'
Description of rigs used	'Our rigs encompass various sizes and capabilities, allowing us to service all types of wells with depths up to 20,000 feet.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum depth of wells that can be serviced (in feet)	20,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price	'	'	'	$16.40	'	'	'	$5.10

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended					3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 09, 2013	Sep. 01, 2009	Oct. 31, 2008	Apr. 09, 2013	Aug. 05, 2013
										U.S.		U.S.		U.S.		U.S.		International		International		International		International		Functional Support		Functional Support		Functional Support		Functional Support		Reconciling Eliminations		Reconciling Eliminations		Reconciling Eliminations		Reconciling Eliminations		Geostream	Geostream	Geostream	Geostream	Geostream	Al Mansoori Key Energy Services L L C [Member]
																																														International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price	'		'		'		'		'	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	$16,400,000	'	'	$5,100,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	'		'		'		'		'	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		50.00%	50.00%	'	26.00%	50.00%	'
Revenues from external customers	389,673,000		490,851,000		1,229,512,000		1,493,599,000		'	345,115,000		397,814,000		1,052,885,000		1,254,433,000		44,558,000		93,037,000		176,627,000		239,166,000		0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0		0		0		0		'	'	'	'	'	'
Intersegment revenues	0		0		0		0		'	272,000		0		8,734,000		0		1,788,000		1,936,000		5,983,000		4,088,000		1,439,000	[1]	0	[1]	1,586,000	[1]	15,000	[1]	-3,499,000		-1,936,000		-16,303,000		-4,103,000		'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	56,962,000		52,947,000		169,363,000		156,588,000		'	45,551,000		45,119,000		137,825,000		134,308,000		8,440,000		4,934,000		22,403,000		13,407,000		2,971,000	[1]	2,894,000	[1]	9,135,000	[1]	8,873,000	[1]	0		0		0		0		'	'	'	'	'	'
Other operating expenses	320,962,000		389,366,000		1,028,227,000		1,163,858,000		'	247,567,000		292,559,000		769,695,000		886,034,000		43,430,000		68,744,000		160,668,000		179,916,000		29,965,000	[1]	28,063,000	[1]	97,864,000	[1]	97,908,000	[1]	0		0		0		0		'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	11,749,000		48,538,000		31,922,000		173,153,000		'	51,997,000		60,136,000		145,365,000		234,091,000		-7,312,000		19,359,000		-6,444,000		45,843,000		-32,936,000	[1]	-30,957,000	[1]	-106,999,000	[1]	-106,781,000	[1]	0		0		0		0		'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	13,814,000		13,962,000		41,602,000		39,574,000		'	0		2,000		1,000		14,000		0		104,000		64,000		118,000		13,814,000	[1]	13,856,000	[1]	41,537,000	[1]	39,442,000	[1]	0		0		0		0		'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax	-1,980,000		36,105,000		-8,802,000		137,517,000		'	52,042,000		60,283,000		145,461,000		234,365,000		-7,336,000		20,744,000		-6,042,000		49,044,000		-46,686,000	[1]	-44,922,000	[1]	-148,221,000	[1]	-145,892,000	[1]	0		0		0		0		'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	2,082,630,000	[2]	2,191,876,000	[2]	2,082,630,000	[2]	2,191,876,000	[2]	'	1,646,396,000	[2]	1,831,041,000	[2]	1,646,396,000	[2]	1,831,041,000	[2]	327,328,000	[2]	318,166,000	[2]	327,328,000	[2]	318,166,000	[2]	302,825,000	[1],[2]	278,041,000	[1],[2]	302,825,000	[1],[2]	278,041,000	[1],[2]	-193,919,000	[2]	-235,372,000	[2]	-193,919,000	[2]	-235,372,000	[2]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	2,684,047,000		2,819,923,000		2,684,047,000		2,819,923,000		2,761,588,000	2,740,094,000		2,636,399,000		2,740,094,000		2,636,399,000		525,472,000		509,862,000		525,472,000		509,862,000		-72,943,000	[1]	302,528,000	[1]	-72,943,000	[1]	302,528,000	[1]	-508,576,000		-628,866,000		-508,576,000		-628,866,000		'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions	$38,444,000		$90,407,000		$111,021,000		$399,735,000		'	$29,443,000		$54,225,000		$79,412,000		$219,041,000		$2,290,000		$29,365,000		$15,453,000		$154,142,000		$6,711,000	[1]	$6,817,000	[1]	$16,156,000	[1]	$26,552,000	[1]	$0		$0		$0		$0		'	'	'	'	'	'
[1]	Functional Support is geographically located in the United States.
[2]	Long lived assets include: fixed assets, goodwill, intangibles and other assets

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Current assets	$601,417	$589,794	'	'
Property and equipment, net	1,373,616	1,436,674	'	'
Goodwill	625,194	626,481	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	14,596	16,628	'	'
Other assets	69,224	92,011	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	2,684,047	2,761,588	2,819,923	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	244,217	305,096	'	'
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current portion	832,693	848,110	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	284,765	259,453	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	59,606	61,597	'	'
Equity	1,262,766	1,287,332	1,269,585	1,214,631
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	2,684,047	2,761,588	'	'
Intercompany	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts receivable and investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts payable	0	0	'	'
Parent Company	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Current assets	89,276	66,435	'	'
Property and equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	14,596	16,628	'	'
Other assets	104	8,068	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	3,549,988	3,389,810	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	11,985	46,632	'	'
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current portion	832,693	848,110	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	278,457	258,528	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	1,455	1,528	'	'
Equity	1,262,750	1,287,312	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	3,549,988	3,389,810	'	'
Parent Company | Intercompany	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts receivable and investment in subsidiaries	3,446,012	3,298,679	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts payable	1,162,648	947,700	'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Current assets	449,237	469,049	'	'
Property and equipment, net	1,255,609	1,329,379	'	'
Goodwill	597,458	597,458	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	0	0	'	'
Other assets	24,735	39,696	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	3,605,080	3,543,813	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	204,760	226,773	'	'
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current portion	0	0	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	6,902	6,781	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	57,975	60,068	'	'
Equity	684,159	659,793	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	3,605,080	3,543,813	'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Intercompany	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts receivable and investment in subsidiaries	1,278,041	1,108,231	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts payable	2,651,284	2,590,398	'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Current assets	62,904	54,310	'	'
Property and equipment, net	118,007	107,295	'	'
Goodwill	27,736	29,023	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	0	0	'	'
Other assets	44,385	44,247	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	253,591	214,504	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	27,472	31,691	'	'
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current portion	0	0	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	-594	-746	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	176	1	'	'
Equity	146,334	169,420	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	253,591	214,504	'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries | Intercompany	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts receivable and investment in subsidiaries	559	-20,371	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts payable	80,203	14,138	'	'
Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Current assets	0	0	'	'
Property and equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	0	0	'	'
Other assets	0	0	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	-4,724,612	-4,386,539	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	0	0	'	'
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current portion	0	0	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	0	-5,110	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	0	0	'	'
Equity	-830,477	-829,193	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	-4,724,612	-4,386,539	'	'
Eliminations | Intercompany	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts receivable and investment in subsidiaries	-4,724,612	-4,386,539	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts payable	($3,894,135)	($3,552,236)	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Condensed Consolidating Unaudited Statements of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
REVENUES	$389,673	$490,851	$1,229,512	$1,493,599
Direct operating expense	268,297	335,799	854,581	991,292
Depreciation and amortization expense	56,962	52,947	169,363	156,588
General and administrative expense	52,665	53,567	173,646	172,566
Operating income	11,749	48,538	31,922	173,153
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	13,814	13,962	41,602	39,574
Other income, net	-85	-1,529	-878	-3,938
Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax	-1,980	36,105	-8,802	137,517
Income tax expense (benefit)	-2,717	-12,915	147	-49,147
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-4,697	23,190	-8,655	88,370
Discontinued operations	0	-60,209	0	-93,568
Net loss	-4,697	-37,019	-8,655	-5,198
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	151	1,075	595	665
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	-4,848	-38,094	-9,250	-5,863
Parent Company	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
REVENUES	1	0	148	15
Direct operating expense	0	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization expense	0	0	0	0
General and administrative expense	282	243	798	815
Operating income	-281	-243	-650	-800
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	13,992	14,234	42,007	40,494
Other income, net	-936	-3,044	-2,745	-4,551
Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax	-13,337	-11,433	-39,912	-36,743
Income tax expense (benefit)	-5,973	-10,023	-8,356	-42,970
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-19,310	-21,456	-48,268	-79,713
Discontinued operations	0	0	0	0
Net loss	-19,310	-21,456	-48,268	-79,713
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	-19,310	-21,456	-48,268	-79,713
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
REVENUES	362,733	467,517	1,157,964	1,425,832
Direct operating expense	248,712	323,708	807,942	950,484
Depreciation and amortization expense	53,758	50,843	161,348	150,864
General and administrative expense	48,437	51,009	158,801	162,015
Operating income	11,826	41,957	29,873	162,469
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-177	-376	-468	-1,034
Other income, net	255	-1,050	-991	-393
Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax	11,748	43,383	31,332	163,896
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,961	-1,583	8,232	-3,165
Income (loss) from continuing operations	14,709	41,800	39,564	160,731
Discontinued operations	0	0	0	0
Net loss	14,709	41,800	39,564	160,731
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	14,709	41,800	39,564	160,731
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
REVENUES	36,264	43,798	124,561	118,393
Direct operating expense	26,121	30,594	89,241	84,285
Depreciation and amortization expense	3,204	2,104	8,015	5,724
General and administrative expense	6,906	5,561	25,207	18,164
Operating income	33	5,539	2,098	10,220
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-1	106	63	116
Other income, net	-351	120	387	-1,609
Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax	385	5,313	1,648	11,713
Income tax expense (benefit)	295	-1,309	271	-3,012
Income (loss) from continuing operations	680	4,004	1,919	8,701
Discontinued operations	0	-60,209	0	-93,568
Net loss	680	-56,205	1,919	-84,867
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	151	1,075	595	665
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	529	-57,280	1,324	-85,532
Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
REVENUES	-9,325	-20,464	-53,161	-50,641
Direct operating expense	-6,536	-18,503	-42,602	-43,477
Depreciation and amortization expense	0	0	0	0
General and administrative expense	-2,960	-3,246	-11,160	-8,428
Operating income	171	1,285	601	1,264
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	0	-2	0	-2
Other income, net	947	2,445	2,471	2,615
Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax	-776	-1,158	-1,870	-1,349
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-776	-1,158	-1,870	-1,349
Discontinued operations	0	0	0	0
Net loss	-776	-1,158	-1,870	-1,349
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	($776)	($1,158)	($1,870)	($1,349)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Condensed Consolidating Unaudited Statements Of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	$157,018	$265,395
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-111,021	-399,735
Acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream	-14,600	0
Intercompany notes and accounts	0	0
Other investing activities, net	7,530	12,003
Net cash used in investing activities	-118,091	-387,732
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	205,000
Repayment of capital lease obligations	-392	-1,649
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	195,000	235,000
Repayments on revolving credit facility	-210,000	-310,000
Payment of deferred financing costs	-69	-4,547
Repurchases of common stock	-3,169	-7,450
Intercompany notes and accounts	0	0
Other financing activities, net	-1,846	12,207
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-20,476	128,561
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash	212	-3,335
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	18,663	2,889
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	45,949	35,443
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	64,612	38,332
Parent Company	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	12,904
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	0	0
Acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream	0	'
Intercompany notes and accounts	0	676
Other investing activities, net	0	-676
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	'	205,000
Repayment of capital lease obligations	0	0
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	195,000	235,000
Repayments on revolving credit facility	-210,000	-310,000
Payment of deferred financing costs	-69	-4,547
Repurchases of common stock	-3,169	-7,450
Intercompany notes and accounts	40,620	-117,609
Other financing activities, net	-1,846	-394
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	20,536	0
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	20,536	12,904
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	39,617	21,673
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	60,153	34,577
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	153,757	239,511
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-106,800	-386,041
Acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream	-14,600	'
Intercompany notes and accounts	-40,620	117,609
Other investing activities, net	7,530	12,679
Net cash used in investing activities	-154,490	-255,753
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	'	'
Repayment of capital lease obligations	-392	-1,649
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	0	0
Repayments on revolving credit facility	0	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Intercompany notes and accounts	0	-676
Other financing activities, net	0	10,914
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-392	8,589
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	-1,125	-7,653
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,601	7,985
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	476	332
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,261	12,980
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-4,221	-13,694
Acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts	0	0
Other investing activities, net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-4,221	-13,694
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	'	0
Repayment of capital lease obligations	0	0
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	0	0
Repayments on revolving credit facility	0	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Intercompany notes and accounts	0	0
Other financing activities, net	0	1,687
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	1,687
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash	212	-3,335
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	-748	-2,362
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	4,731	5,785
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,983	3,423
Eliminations	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	0	0
Acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest in Geostream	'	'
Intercompany notes and accounts	40,620	-118,285
Other investing activities, net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	40,620	-118,285
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	'	0
Repayment of capital lease obligations	0	0
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	0	0
Repayments on revolving credit facility	0	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Intercompany notes and accounts	-40,620	118,285
Other financing activities, net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-40,620	118,285
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$0	$0