Parker Drilling (PKDC) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 04, 2013
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'PKD	'
Entity Registrant Name	'PARKER DRILLING CO /DE/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000076321	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	120,191,933

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$162,457	$87,886
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $11,156 and $8,117 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	249,623	168,562
Rig materials and supplies	40,202	28,860
Deferred costs	13,583	1,089
Deferred income taxes	13,473	8,742
Other tax assets	18,433	33,524
Assets held for sale	7,485	6,800
Other current assets	20,906	12,821
Total current assets	526,162	348,284
Property, plant and equipment less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $1,087,279 and $1,029,712 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	858,672	789,123
Deferred income taxes	107,763	95,295
Other noncurrent assets	42,783	23,031
Total assets	1,535,380	1,255,733
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	10,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	191,229	137,746
Accrued income taxes	7,261	4,120
Total current liabilities	198,490	151,866
Long-term debt	653,968	469,205
Other long-term liabilities	24,048	23,182
Long-term deferred tax liability	39,084	20,847
Contingencies (Note 12)	0	0
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock	20,050	19,818
Capital in excess of par value	654,750	646,217
Accumulated other comprehensive income	957	0
Accumulated deficit	-57,788	-74,631
Total controlling interest stockholders’ equity	617,969	591,404
Noncontrolling interest	1,821	-771
Total equity	619,790	590,633
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,535,380	$1,255,733

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_BALANCE1

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for bad debts	$11,156	$8,117
Accumulated depreciation and amortization on property, plant and equipment	$1,087,279	$1,029,712

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues	$237,762		$165,301		$630,918		$520,795
Expenses:	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses	153,741		101,484		414,336		300,942
Depreciation and amortization	35,882		29,779		97,674		85,357
Total expenses	189,623		131,263		512,010		386,299
Total operating gross margin	48,139		34,038		118,908		134,496
General and administration expense	-14,188	[1]	-8,905	[1]	-49,449	[1]	-21,822	[1]
Gain on disposition of assets, net	1,094		606		2,759		2,466
Total operating income	35,045		25,739		72,218		115,140
Other income and (expense):	'		'		'		'
Interest expense	-13,127		-8,171		-33,874		-25,133
Interest income	130		30		2,392		109
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-5,218		-117		-5,218		-1,766
Change in fair value of derivative positions	0		19		54		8
Other	400		26		333		62
Total other expense	-17,815		-8,213		-36,313		-26,720
Income before income taxes	17,230		17,526		35,905		88,420
Income tax expense	9,112		6,695		18,841		31,155
Net income	8,118		10,831		17,064		57,265
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	148		-105		221		-146
Net income attributable to controlling interest	$7,970		$10,936		$16,843		$57,411
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.07		$0.09		$0.14		$0.49
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.07		$0.09		$0.14		$0.48
Number of common shares used in computing earnings per share:	'		'		'		'
Basic (in shares)	119,990,196		118,109,214		119,443,260		117,458,365
Diluted (in shares)	121,674,591		119,201,019		121,693,781		118,810,195
[1]	General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME1

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$8,118	$10,831	$17,064	$57,265
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	-577	0	-1,542	0
Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	2,098	0	2,499	0
Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	1,521	0	957	0
Comprehensive income	9,639	10,831	18,021	57,265
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-53	0	-83	0
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$9,586	$10,831	$17,938	$57,265

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME2

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED 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 income	$17,064	$57,265
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	97,674	85,357
Loss on extinguishment of debt	5,218	1,766
Gain on disposition of assets	-2,759	-2,466
Deferred income tax expense	12,872	8,403
Expenses not requiring cash	9,928	15,724
Change in accounts receivable	-28,605	24,648
Change in other assets	-1,346	564
Change in accrued income taxes	2,877	-3,049
Change in liabilities	12,412	-10,185
Net cash provided by operating activities	125,335	178,027
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-102,856	-147,658
Proceeds from the sale of assets	5,533	3,496
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired	-117,991	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-215,314	-144,162
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	350,000	130,000
Repayments of long term debt	125,000	125,000
Repayments of term loan	-50,000	-18,000
Payments of debt issuance costs	-10,981	-3,516
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	0	-519
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation	531	-572
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	164,550	-17,607
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	74,571	16,258
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	87,886	97,869
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	162,457	114,127
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'
Interest paid	22,845	17,492
Income taxes paid	$11,238	$36,498

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
General	'
	General
	In the opinion of the management of Parker Drilling Company (Parker Drilling, or the Company), the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments normally recurring which we believe are necessary for a fair presentation of: (1) Parker Drilling’s financial position as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, (2) Parker Drilling’s results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, (3) Parker Drilling’s consolidated condensed statement of comprehensive income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and (4) Parker Drilling's cash flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Results for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for the year ending December 31, 2013. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Nature of Operations — Parker Drilling, together with its subsidiaries (the Company or Parker), is a rental tools and drilling services provider. We have operated in over 50 foreign countries and the United States since beginning operations in 1934, making us among the most geographically experienced rental tools providers and drilling contractors in the world. During 2012, we operated in 12 countries, and in 2013, we acquired an international rental tools business with operations in 10 additional countries. We have extensive experience and expertise drilling geologically difficult wells and managing the logistical and technological challenges of operating in remote, harsh and ecologically sensitive areas. We believe we are industry leaders in quality, health, safety and environmental practices. We own and operate our own drilling rigs as well as perform drilling-related services for operators who own drilling rigs and who choose to utilize our drilling experience and technical expertise on a contracted basis, typically referred to as Operations & Maintenance (O&M) work. We also provide other project management services (e.g., labor, maintenance, and logistics).
	Our rental tools business specializes in providing high-quality, reliable equipment and services for oil and natural gas drilling, workover and production applications. This includes drill pipe, heavy-weight drill pipe, tubing, high-torque connections, blow-out preventers (BOPs), drill collars, casing running systems, fishing services and more. On April 22, 2013, we acquired International Tubular Services Limited and certain of its affiliates (collectively, ITS) and other related assets (the ITS Acquisition - see also Note 2). ITS’s principal activities include the rental of drilling equipment and pressure control systems, provision of casing running systems and fishing services, together with machine shop support. ITS serves an extensive customer base of exploration and production (E&P) companies, drilling contractors and service companies from 21 operating facilities primarily located in the Middle East, Latin America, U.K. and Europe, and the Asia-Pacific regions.
	Within our U.S. drilling business we operate barge rigs that drill for natural gas, oil, and a combination of oil and natural gas in the shallow waters in and along the inland waterways of Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas. Additionally in our U.S. drilling business, we have two Arctic-class rigs operating on the North Slope of Alaska and one O&M contract for offshore platform operations located in California. Our international drilling business includes operations related to Parker-owned and operated rigs as well as customer-owned rigs. We strive to deploy our fleet of Parker-owned rigs in markets where we expect to have opportunities to keep the rigs in service consistently. As of September 30, 2013, our marketable rig fleet consisted of 13 barge drilling rigs and 23 land rigs located in the United States, Latin America and the Eastern Hemisphere regions. We have 5 rigs held for sale or currently not marketed as of September 30, 2013. Our Technical Services business is our engineering expertise center, which provides services to our customers as well as to our ongoing drilling business. Services provided include engineering and related project services during the concept development, pre-FEED (Front End Engineering Design), and FEED phases of our customer owned drilling facility projects.
	Consolidation — The consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of Parker Drilling and subsidiaries over which we exercise control or have a controlling financial interest, including entities, if any, in which the Company is allocated a majority of the entity’s losses or returns, regardless of ownership percentage. If a subsidiary of Parker Drilling has a 50 percent interest in an entity but Parker Drilling’s interest in the subsidiary or the entity does not meet the consolidation criteria described above, then that interest is accounted for under the equity method.
	Noncontrolling Interest — We apply the accounting standards related to noncontrolling interests for ownership interests in our subsidiaries held by parties other than Parker Drilling. The entities that comprise the noncontrolling interest include Parker SMNG Drilling Limited Liability Company, Primorsky Drill Rig Services B.V., ITS Arabia Limited, and International Tubular Services - Egypt SAE. We report noncontrolling interest as equity on the consolidated balance sheets and report net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest and to noncontrolling interest separately on the consolidated statements of operations.
	Reclassifications — Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have a material effect on our consolidated condensed statements of operations, consolidated condensed balance sheets, condensed statement of comprehensive income or consolidated condensed statements of cash flows.
	Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities, our disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and our revenue and expenses during the periods reported. Estimates are typically used when accounting for certain significant items, such as allowance for doubtful accounts, legal or contractual liability accruals, mobilization and deferred mobilization, revenue and cost accounting for projects that follow the percentage of completion method, self-insured medical/dental plans, income taxes and valuation allowance, and other items requiring the use of estimates. Estimates are based on a number of variables which may include third party valuations, historical experience and assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved with estimates, actual results may differ from management estimates.
	Acquisitions-purchase price allocation — We allocate the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values at the transaction date. Transaction and integration costs associated with an acquisition are expensed as incurred. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill. We use all available information to estimate fair values, including quoted market prices, the carrying value of acquired assets, and widely accepted valuation techniques such as discounted cash flows. We engage third-party appraisal firms to assist in fair value determination of inventories, identifiable intangible assets, and any other significant assets or liabilities when appropriate. The judgments made in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, can materially impact our results of operations.
	Intangible Assets – Upon the ITS Acquisition, we recorded $10.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, to recognize the fair values of definite and indefinite lived intangible assets (see Note 2 - Acquisition of ITS). Definite lived intangible assets recorded in connection with the ITS Acquisition primarily relate to trade names, customer relationships, and developed technology and will be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 3 years. With regard to indefinite lived intangible assets, which relate to our development of technology, we will conduct impairment tests annually, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
	Revenue Recognition — Revenues from rental activities are recognized ratably over the rental term, which is generally less than six months. Contract drilling revenues and expenses, comprised of daywork drilling contracts and engineering and related project service contracts, are recognized as services are performed and collection is reasonably assured. For certain contracts, we receive payments contractually designated for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment. Mobilization payments received, and direct costs incurred for the mobilization, are deferred and recognized over the term of the related drilling contract; however, costs incurred to relocate rigs and other drilling equipment to areas in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as both revenues and direct costs. For contracts that are terminated prior to the specified term, early termination payments received by us are recognized as revenues when all contractual requirements are met.
	Reimbursable Costs — Within certain contractual arrangements, we may procure, take title and risk of loss for certain equipment, or make certain expenditures on behalf of our customers. We typically receive fees for these services, which we record as revenues. We recognize reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenditures as revenues and account for out-of-pocket expenditures as direct operating costs. Such amounts totaled $16.2 million and $12.1 million during the third quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively and $46.5 million and $29.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk — Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of trade receivables. We generally do not require collateral on our trade receivables.
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had deposits in domestic banks in excess of federally insured limits of approximately $117.1 million and $12.2 million, respectively. The increase is primarily because as of January 1, 2013, all regular checking account deposits are only guaranteed up to $250,000 at each institution while prior to January 1, 2013, all regular checking account deposits were guaranteed, except investments. In addition, as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had uninsured deposits in foreign banks of $51.8 million and $34.5 million, respectively.
	Our customer base consists primarily of major, independent, national and international oil and gas companies and integrated service providers. We depend on a limited number of customers. Our largest customer, Exxon Neftegas Limited, constituted 14.3% of our total year-to-date revenues as of September 30, 2013. Each of our segments depends on a limited number of key customers and the loss of any one or more key customers could have a material adverse effect on a segment.
	Capitalized Interest — Interest from external borrowings is capitalized on major projects until the assets are ready for their intended use. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is amortized over the useful lives of the assets in the same manner as the underlying assets. Capitalized interest reduces net interest expense in the consolidated condensed statements of operations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we capitalized interest costs of $0.7 million and $1.7 million, respectively, which were primarily related to a new enterprise resource planning system. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 we capitalized $2.5 million and $7.9 million, respectively, of interest costs primarily related to the two Arctic-class rigs in Alaska.

Acquisitions_of_ITS

Acquisitions of ITS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition of ITS	'
	Acquisition of ITS
	On April 22, 2013 we acquired International Tubular Services Limited and certain of its affiliates (collectively, ITS) and other related assets (the ITS Acquisition) for an initial purchase price of $101.0 million paid at the closing of the ITS Acquisition. An additional $24.0 million was deposited into an escrow account, which will either be paid to the seller or to us, as the case may be, in accordance with the Agreement. The ITS Acquisition closed simultaneously with the execution of the agreement on April 22, 2013.
	Fair value of Consideration Transferred
	The following details the fair value of the consideration transferred to effect the ITS Acquisition (dollars in thousands).
	Cash paid to, or on behalf of, ITS and its equity holders	$	101,000
	Cash deposited in escrow	19,000
	Fair value of contingent consideration deposited in escrow for assets not acquired (1)	5,000
	Total fair value of the consideration transferred	$	125,000
	(1)    Based on the terms of the Agreement, $5.0 million of the $24.0 million in escrow to be paid to the seller is contingent upon certain future liabilities that could become due by ITS in certain jurisdictions. Any payments in relation to these liabilities will be deducted from the $5.0 million escrow amount and the net balance of the escrow will be paid to the seller. We estimate that the entire $5.0 million in escrow will be paid to the seller, and therefore, the estimated fair value of the consideration in escrow related to these liabilities is $5.0 million. We do not expect to receive any amount back from escrow, and therefore did not record a receivable from the escrow. Any changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration in the future of less than $5.0 million will result in recording a receivable from escrow. The receivable will be recorded at fair value. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of the receivable is $0.0 million.
	Preliminary Allocation of Consideration Transferred to Net Assets Acquired
	The following amounts represent the preliminary estimates of fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the ITS Acquisition and are based on management’s estimates, judgments and assumptions. These estimates, judgments and assumptions are subject to change upon final valuation and should be treated as preliminary values. Management estimated that the fair value of the net assets acquired less noncontrolling interest equals consideration paid. Therefore, there was no goodwill recorded.
	The final allocation of consideration will include changes in (1) amounts deposited in escrow, (2) estimated fair values of property and equipment, (3) allocations to intangible assets and liabilities, (4) changes in contingent consideration, and (5) other assets and liabilities. These amounts will be finalized as soon as possible, but no later than one year from the acquisition date.
		April 22, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,009
	Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	48,795
	Other current assets	1,803
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(39,156		)
	Accrued income taxes	(1,251		)
	Working capital excluding rig materials and supplies	17,200
	Rig materials and supplies	11,514
	Property, plant and equipment, net (2)	70,339
	Investment in joint venture	4,134
	Other noncurrent assets	2,818
	Total tangible assets	106,005
	Deferred income tax assets - current	222
	Deferred income tax assets - noncurrent (3)	14,153
	Intangible assets (4)
	Trade name, developed technology, and customer relationship	10,000
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets	200
	Total assets acquired	130,580
	Other long-term liabilities	(211		)
	Long-term deferred tax liability	(2,661		)
	Net assets acquired	127,708
	Less: Noncontrolling interest (5)	(2,708		)
	Total consideration transferred	$	125,000
	(1) Gross contractual amounts receivable totaled $54.7 million as of the acquisition date.
	(2) We recorded an adjustment of $43.7 million to reduce the historical carrying value of the acquired property, plant and equipment to its estimated fair value.
	(3) In connection with the ITS Acquisition, we recorded a $7.7 million adjustment to increase deferred income tax assets primarily related to the differences between acquisition date estimated fair value and tax basis of acquired property, plant and equipment.
	(4) We recorded $10.0 million and $0.2 million to reflect the estimated fair values of definite and indefinite lived intangible assets, respectively, recognized in connection with the ITS Acquisition. Our depreciation and amortization expense will reflect this valuation adjustment as the definite lived intangible assets are amortized in future periods. Definite lived intangible assets recorded in connection with the ITS Acquisition, which primarily relate to trade names, customer relationships, and developed technology will be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.4 years.
	(5) We recorded an adjustment of $1.0 million to write-down the noncontrolling interest to its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the noncontrolling interest was calculated as a percentage of the net assets acquired related to certain subsidiaries in which ITS holds less than a 100 percent controlling interest. The fair value of the net assets of these subsidiaries was primarily based on the income approach valuation model.
	Acquisition Related Costs
	Acquisition-related transaction costs consisted of various advisory, compliance, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees totaling $4.8 million and $19.2 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and were expensed as incurred and included in general and administrative expense on our condensed consolidated statement of operations.  Debt issuance costs of $5.4 million associated with our $125 million term loan, fully funded by Goldman Sachs Bank USA as Sole Lead Arranger and Administrative Agent (the Goldman Term Loan) issued on April 18, 2013 were deferred to be amortized to interest expense over the life of the term loan. However, the Goldman Term Loan was repaid on July 30, 2013 with net proceeds from the issuance of $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.5% Senior Notes due August 1, 2020 (see Note 9 - Long-Term Debt, for further discussion), and the unamortized deferred costs of $5.2 million were expensed during the third quarter of 2013.
	Supplemental Pro forma Results
	ITS’ results of operations have been included in our financial statements for periods subsequent to April 22, 2013, the effective date of the ITS Acquisition. ITS contributed revenues of $58.5 million and net income of approximately $4.4 million to Parker Drilling for the period from the closing of the ITS Acquisition (April 22, 2013) through September 30, 2013.
	The following unaudited supplemental pro forma results present consolidated information for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as if the ITS Acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2012.  The pro forma results have been calculated after applying our accounting policies and include, among others, (i) the amortization associated with the fair value of the acquired intangible assets, (ii) interest expense associated with the Goldman Term Loan and (iii) the impact of certain fair value adjustments such as a decrease in depreciation expense related to the write-down in property, plant and equipment. The pro forma results do not include any potential synergies, non-recurring charges which result directly from the ITS Acquisition, cost savings or other expected benefits of the ITS Acquisition. The pro forma financial information does not necessarily represent what would have occurred if the transaction had taken place at the beginning of the period presented and should not be taken as representative of our future consolidated results of operations. We have not concluded our integration work. Accordingly, this pro forma information does not include all costs related to the integration nor the benefits we expect to realize from operating synergies.
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue	$	671,738		$	614,679
	Net income	$	33,081		$	54,927
	Net income attributable to Parker Drilling	$	32,629		$	55,073
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.27		$	0.47
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.27		$	0.46
	Basic number of shares	119,443,260			117,458,365
	Diluted number of shares	121,693,781			118,810,195

Earnings_per_share_EPS

Earnings per share (EPS)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per share (EPS)	'
	Earnings per share (EPS)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Income		Shares	Per-Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS	$	7,970,000	119,990,196	$	0.07
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock	—		1,684,395	—
	Diluted EPS	$	7,970,000	121,674,591	$	0.07
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Income		Shares	Per-Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS	$	16,843,000	119,443,260	$	0.14
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock	—		2,250,521	—
	Diluted EPS	$	16,843,000	121,693,781	$	0.14
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Income		Shares	Per-Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS	$	10,936,000	118,109,214	$	0.09
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock	—		1,091,805	—
	Diluted EPS	$	10,936,000	119,201,019	$	0.09
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Income		Shares	Per-Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS	$	57,411,000	117,458,365	$	0.49
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock	—		1,351,830	(0.01		)
	Diluted EPS	$	57,411,000	118,810,195	$	0.48

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following:
		Foreign Currency Items
		(in thousands)
	December 31, 2012	$	—
	Current period other comprehensive income	957
	30-Sep-13	$	957
	No amounts were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September
	30, 2013.

Reportable_Segments

Reportable Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable Segments	'
	Reportable Segments
	We report our business activities in five business segments: (1) Rental Tools, (2) U.S. Barge Drilling, (3) U.S. Drilling, (4) International Drilling, and (5) Technical Services. We eliminate inter-segment revenues and expenses. The results of operations for ITS, acquired on April 22, 2013, are included in our Rental Tools segment.
	The following table represents the results of operations by reportable segment:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Operations by Reportable Industry Segment	2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in Thousands)						(Dollars in Thousands)
	Revenues:
	Rental Tools	$	89,614		$	59,947		$	228,718		$	191,233
	U.S. Barge Drilling	33,919			33,142			102,085			94,269
	U.S. Drilling	18,693			—			48,238			—
	International Drilling(1)	88,562			68,503			236,394			224,176
	Technical Services	6,974			3,709			15,483			11,117
	Total revenues	237,762			165,301			630,918			520,795
	Operating gross margin(2):
	Rental Tools	25,816			27,032			72,470			91,885
	U.S. Barge Drilling	12,236			11,042			37,657			29,215
	U.S. Drilling	103			(4,712		)	(4,618		)	(7,881		)
	International Drilling	9,831			783			12,815			21,395
	Technical Services	153			(107		)	584			(118		)
	Total operating gross margin	48,139			34,038			118,908			134,496
	General and administrative expense	(14,188		)	(8,905		)	(49,449		)	(21,822		)
	Gain on disposition of assets, net	1,094			606			2,759			2,466
	Total operating income	35,045			25,739			72,218			115,140
	Interest expense	(13,127		)	(8,171		)	(33,874		)	(25,133		)
	Interest income	130			30			2,392			109
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(5,218		)	(117		)	(5,218		)	(1,766		)
	Changes in fair value of derivative positions	—			19			54			8
	Other	400			26			333			62
	Income before income taxes	$	17,230		$	17,526		$	35,905		$	88,420
		30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Identifiable assets:	(Dollars in Thousands)
	Rental Tools	$	375,900		$	194,600
	U.S. Barge Drilling	84,402			99,409
	U.S. Drilling	367,020			374,794
	International Drilling	466,356			414,546
	Total identifiable assets	1,293,678			1,083,349
	Corporate assets (3)	241,702			172,384
	Total assets	$	1,535,380		$	1,255,733
	-1	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, our largest customer, Exxon Neftegas Limited, constituted 14.3% of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 36.9% of our International Drilling segment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, our two largest customers, Exxon Neftegas Limited (ENL) and Schlumberger, constituted approximately 10.6% and 10.2%, respectively, of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 32.0% and 24.0%, respectively, of our International Drilling segments.
	-2	Operating gross margin is calculated as revenues less direct operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization expense.
	-3	This category includes corporate assets as well as minimal assets for our Technical Services segment primarily related to office furniture and fixtures.

Assets_Held_for_Sale

Assets Held for Sale	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Assets Held for Sale	'
	Assets Held for Sale
	Assets held for sale of $7.5 million as of September 30, 2013 is comprised of the net book value of two land rigs and related inventory located in Kazakhstan, one barge rig and related inventory located in Mexico, and a building located in Tulsa, OK. Subsequent to placing the barge rig and inventory located in Mexico into assets held for sale, management determined that the carrying value of the assets would not be recovered through the sale of the assets. Therefore, during the third quarter of 2013 we recorded a non-cash charge of $0.9 million to write-down the value of the assets to estimated scrap value. The barge rig was in the Latin America rig fleet and has historically been included in the international drilling segment. We believe the carrying amount of the assets held for sale as of September 30, 2013 will be recoverable through sale of the assets. On October 8, 2013 we completed the sale of the building located in Tulsa, OK. As a result of the completed sale, during the 2013 third quarter, we reversed a reserve previously recorded against the carrying value of the asset. We will recognize a gain of $0.1 million on the transaction during the 2013 fourth quarter.
	During the 2013 second quarter, for three rigs which had previously been recorded as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2010, management concluded the current facts and circumstances underlying the sale indicate it is no longer probable that a sale will be consummated within a reasonable time period. As a result, we reclassified these assets to assets held and used. The assets were reclassified at their carrying amount before the assets were classified as held for sale, adjusted for depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the assets been continuously classified as held and used. We believe the updated carrying value approximates the market value for these assets. The amount of additional depreciation recorded during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 to place the assets in held and used category was $0.7 million.

Accounting_for_Uncertainty_in_

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes	'
	Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
	We apply the accounting guidance related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. This guidance prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. At September 30, 2013, we had a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $10.5 million (which includes $3.8 million of benefits which would favorably impact our effective tax rate upon recognition) primarily related to foreign operations. As of September 30, 2012, we had a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $12.0 million ($5.2 million of which, if recognized, would favorably impact our effective tax rate). In addition, we recognize interest and penalties that could be applied to uncertain tax positions in periodic income tax expense. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had approximately $7.7 million and $7.0 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

Income_Tax_BenefitExpense

Income Tax Benefit/Expense	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Benefit/Expense	'
	Income Tax Benefit/Expense
	Income tax expense was $9.1 million for the third quarter of 2013 as compared to $6.7 million for the third quarter of 2012. The increase in current period income tax expense is primarily due to a shift in the mix of our foreign and domestic operation's pre-tax earnings for the 2013 third quarter compared to the 2012 third quarter. This shift resulted in an increase in our estimated effective tax rate during the 2013 third quarter.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we received income tax refunds from the IRS of $22.4 million. In addition to the refund payments, we received interest of $2.2 million, which was recorded in the consolidated condensed statement of operations as interest income.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	The following table illustrates our debt portfolio as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(Dollars in Thousands)
	7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020	$	225,000	$	—
	9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018	428,968		429,205
	Term Note, due December 2017	—		50,000
	Total debt	653,968		479,205
	Less current portion	—		10,000
	Total long-term debt	$	653,968	$	469,205
	7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020
	On July 30, 2013, we issued $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.50% Senior Notes (7.50% Notes) pursuant to an Indenture between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. Net proceeds from the 7.50% Notes offering were primarily used to repay the $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Goldman Term Loan, to repay $45.0 million of Term Loan borrowings under our Credit Agreement and for general corporate purposes.
	The 7.50% Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company and rank equal in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The 7.50% Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries that guarantee indebtedness under our senior secured credit facility. Interest on the 7.50% Notes is payable on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning February 1, 2014. Debt issuance costs related to the 7.50% Notes were $5.3 million ($5.2 million, net of amortization as of September 30, 2013) and will be amortized over the term of the notes using the effective interest rate method.
	At any time prior to August 1, 2016, we may redeem up to 35 percent of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.50% Notes at a redemption price of 107.50 percent of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings by us. On and after August 1, 2016, we may redeem all or a part of the 7.50% Notes upon appropriate notice, at a redemption price of 103.750 percent of the principal amount, and at redemption prices decreasing each year thereafter to par beginning August 1, 2018. If we experience certain changes in control, we must offer to repurchase the 7.50% Notes at 101.0 percent of the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the date of repurchase.
	The Indenture restricts our ability and the ability of certain subsidiaries to: (i) sell assets, (ii) pay dividends or make other distributions on capital stock or redeem or repurchase capital stock or subordinated indebtedness, (iii) make investments, (iv) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; (v) create or incur liens; (vi) enter into sale and leaseback transactions; (vii) incur dividend or other payment restrictions affecting subsidiaries, (viii) merge or consolidate with other entities, (ix) enter into transactions with affiliates, and (x) engage in certain business activities. Additionally, the Indenture contains certain restrictive covenants designating certain events as Events of Default. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications.
	9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018
	On March 22, 2010, we issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.125% Senior Notes (9.125% Notes) pursuant to an Indenture between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. Net proceeds from the 9.125% Notes offering were primarily used to redeem the $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 9.625% Senior Notes due 2013 and to repay $42.0 million of borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility (Revolver).
	On April 25, 2012, we issued an additional $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.125% Notes under the same indenture at a price of 104.0% of par, resulting in gross proceeds of $130.0 million. Net proceeds from the offering were utilized to refinance $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2.125% Convertible Senior Notes due July 2012 (2.125% Notes). The premium related to the $125.0 million of 9.125% Notes of approximately $5.0 million ($4.0 million, net of amortization as of September 30, 2013) is being amortized over the term of the notes using the effective interest rate method.We repurchased $122.9 million aggregate principal amount of the 2.125% Notes tendered pursuant to a tender offer on May 9, 2012 and paid off the remaining $2.1 million at their stated maturity on July 15, 2012.
	The 9.125% Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company and rank equal in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The 9.125% Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries that guarantee indebtedness under our senior secured credit facility. Interest on the 9.125% Notes is payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. Debt issuance costs related to the 9.125% Notes of approximately $11.6 million ($8.1 million, net of amortization as of September 30, 2013) are being amortized over the term of the notes using the effective interest rate method.
	At any time after April 1, 2014, we may redeem all or a part of the 9.125% Notes upon appropriate notice, at a redemption price of 104.563 percent of the principal amount, and at redemption prices decreasing each year thereafter to par beginning April 1, 2016. If we experience certain changes in control, we must offer to repurchase the 9.125% Notes at 101.0 percent of the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the date of repurchase.
	The Indenture restricts our ability and the ability of certain subsidiaries to: (i) sell assets, (ii) pay dividends or make other distributions on capital stock or redeem or repurchase capital stock or subordinated indebtedness, (iii) make investments, (iv) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; (v) create or incur liens; (vi) enter into sale and leaseback transactions; (vii) incur dividend or other payment restrictions affecting subsidiaries, (viii) merge or consolidate with other entities, (ix) enter into transactions with affiliates, and (x) engage in certain business activities. Additionally, the Indenture contains certain restrictive covenants designating certain events as Events of Default. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications.
	Goldman Term Loan
	In connection with the ITS Acquisition described in Note 2 on April 18, 2013, we entered into a $125 million term loan, fully funded by Goldman Sachs Bank USA as Sole Lead Arranger and Administrative Agent (the Goldman Term Loan). The Goldman Term Loan was repaid on July 30, 2013 with net proceeds from the issuance of $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.50% Senior Notes due August 1, 2020. In connection with the repayment of the Goldman Term Loan we incurred debt extinguishment costs of $5.2 million.
	Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
	On December 14, 2012, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) consisting of a senior secured $80.0 million revolving facility (Revolver) and a senior secured term loan facility (Term Loan) of $50.0 million. The Credit Agreement provides that, subject to certain conditions, including the approval of the Administrative Agent and the lenders’ acceptance (or additional lenders being joined as new lenders), the amount of the Term Loan or Revolver can be increased by an additional $50.0 million, so long as after giving effect to such increase, the aggregate commitments are not in excess of $180.0 million.
	Our loans pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the 9.125% Notes, and the 7.50% Notes are guaranteed by substantially all of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries other than immaterial subsidiaries and subsidiaries generating revenues primarily outside the United States, each of which have executed guaranty agreements; and are secured by first priority liens on our accounts receivable, specified barge rigs and rental equipment. The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants with which we were in compliance as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The Credit Agreement matures on December 14, 2017.
	On July 19, 2013, we entered into an amendment to our Credit Agreement which, among other things, permits us or any of our subsidiaries (other than certain immaterial subsidiaries) to incur indebtedness pursuant to additional unsecured senior notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $250.0 million at any one time outstanding; provided that any such notes shall (x) have a scheduled maturity occurring after the maturity date of our senior secured credit facility, (y) contain terms (including covenants and events of default) no more restrictive, taken as a whole, to us and our subsidiaries than those contained in our senior secured credit facility and (z) have no scheduled amortization, no sinking fund requirements and no maintenance financial covenants. In addition, pursuant to the amendment, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, to the extent we repay the principal amount of Term Loans outstanding under our senior secured credit facility, until April 30, 2014 we may reborrow, in the form of additional term loans, up to $45 million of the principal amount of such outstanding term loans we have repaid, provided that such $45 million reborrowing amount will decrease by $2.5 million at the end of each quarter beginning September 30, 2013 and ending March 31, 2014, such that the reborrowing availability on September 30, 2013 would be $42.5 million and on April 30, 2014 would be $37.5 million.
	Revolver
	Our Revolver is available for general corporate purposes and to support letters of credit. Interest on Revolver loans accrues at a Base Rate plus an Applicable Rate or LIBOR plus an Applicable Rate. Under the Credit Agreement, the Applicable Rate varies from a rate per annum ranging from 2.50 percent to 3.00 percent for LIBOR rate loans and 1.50 percent to 2.00 percent for base rate loans, determined by reference to the consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Revolving loans are available subject to a borrowing base calculation based on a percentage of eligible accounts receivable, certain specified barge drilling rigs and rental equipment of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors. There were no revolving loans outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Letters of credit outstanding against the Revolver as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 totaled $3.8 million and $4.5 million, respectively.
	Term Loan
	The Term Loan originated at $50.0 million on December 14, 2012 and required quarterly principal payments
	of $2.5 million, which began March 31, 2013. Interest on the Term Loan accrues at a Base Rate plus 2.00 percent or LIBOR plus 3.00 percent. The outstanding balance on the Term Loan at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was zero and $50.0 million, respectively.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements as a strategy to manage the floating rate risk on the Term Loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement. The two agreements fixed the interest rate on a notional amount of $73.0 million of borrowings at 3.878% for the period beginning June 27, 2011 and terminating May 14, 2013. The notional amount of the swap agreements decreased correspondingly with amortization of the Term Loan under the Existing Credit Agreement. We did not apply hedge accounting to the agreements and, accordingly, mark-to-market change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps were recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2012, the fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of less than $0.1 million and was recorded in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. There was no impact to the quarter ended September 30, 2013, as the swap agreement expired during the 2013 second quarter.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Certain of our assets and liabilities are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. For purposes of recording fair value adjustments for certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, and determining fair value disclosures, we estimate fair value at a price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market for the asset or liability.
	The fair value measurement and disclosure requirements of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (ASC 820) requires inputs that we categorize using a three-level hierarchy, from highest to lowest level of observable inputs, as follows:
	•	Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
	•	Level 2 — Direct or indirect observable inputs, including quoted prices or other market data, for similar
	assets or liabilities in active markets or identical assets or liabilities in less active markets;
	•	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that require significant judgment for which there is little or no market data.
	When multiple input levels are required for a valuation, we categorize the entire fair value measurement according to the lowest level of input that is significant to the entire measurement even though we may also have utilized significant inputs that are more readily observable. The amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value. The carrying amount of our interest rate swap agreements represents the estimated fair value, measured using Level 2 inputs. As of June 30, 2013 the swap agreements had expired and as of December 31, 2012, the carrying amount of our interest rate swap agreements was a liability of less than $0.1 million, recorded in accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
	Fair value of our debt instruments is determined using Level 2 inputs. Fair values and related carrying values of our debt instruments were as follows for the periods indicated:
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying  Amount		Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Long-term Debt
	7.50% Notes	$	225,000	$	225,000	$	—	$	—
	9.125% Notes	425,000		454,750		425,000		453,688
	Total	$	650,000	$	679,750	$	425,000	$	453,688
	The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the ITS Acquisition were recorded at fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Acquisition date fair values represent either Level 2 fair value measurements (current assets and liabilities, property, plant and equipment) or Level 3 fair value measurements (intangible assets).
	Market conditions could cause an instrument to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2, or Level 2 to Level 3. There were no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy or any changes in the valuation techniques used during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Contingencies
	Asbestos-Related Claims
	We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits in the ordinary course that are incidental to our operations in which the claimants seek an unspecified amount of monetary damages for personal injury, including injuries purportedly resulting from exposure to asbestos on drilling rigs and associated facilities. At September 30, 2013, there were approximately 15 of these lawsuits in which we are one of many defendants. These lawsuits have been filed in the United States in the States of Illinois and Mississippi.
	We intend to defend ourselves vigorously and, based on the information available to us at this time, we do not expect the outcome to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits. No amounts were accrued at September 30, 2013.
	Gulfco Site
	In 2003, we received an information request under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) designating Parker Drilling Offshore Corporation, a subsidiary of Parker Drilling, as a potentially responsible party with respect to the Gulfco Marine Maintenance, Inc. Superfund Site in Freeport, Texas (EPA No. TX 055144539). We responded to this request and in January 2008 received an administrative order to participate in an investigation of the site and a study of the remediation needs and alternatives. The EPA alleges that our subsidiary is a successor to a party who owned the Gulfco site during the time when chemical releases took place there. In December 2010, we entered into an agreement with two other potentially responsible parties, pursuant to which we agreed to pay 20 percent of past and future costs to study and remediate the site. The EPA also issued notice letters to several other parties who may also participate in funding the site remediation costs. On March 20, 2013 we received a Notice of Completion from the EPA confirming that all required activity for removal and remediation has been completed, except for ongoing monitoring costs. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had made certain participating payments and had accrued $0.9 million for our portion of certain unreimbursed past costs and the estimated future cost of monitoring.
	Customs Agent and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Settlement
	We previously announced we reached a settlement in connection with investigations by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding possible violations of U.S. law, including the FCPA, by us. On April 16, 2013, the Company and the DOJ entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA), under which the DOJ will defer for three years prosecuting the Company for criminal violations of the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA relating to the Company’s retention and use of an individual agent in Nigeria with respect to certain customs-related issues, in return for: (i) the Company’s acceptance of responsibility for, and agreement not to contest or contradict the truthfulness of, the statement of facts and allegations that have been filed in a United States District Court concurrently with the DPA; (ii) the Company’s payment of an approximately $11.76 million fine; (iii) the Company’s reaffirming its commitment to compliance with the FCPA and other applicable anti-corruption laws in connection with the Company’s operations, and continuing cooperation with domestic and foreign authorities in connection with the matters that are the subject of the DPA; (iv) the Company’s commitment to continue to address any identified areas for improvement in the Company’s internal controls, policies and procedures relating to compliance with the FCPA and other applicable anti-corruption laws if, and to the extent, not already addressed; and (v) the Company’s agreement to report to the DOJ in writing annually during the term of the DPA regarding remediation of the matters that are the subject of the DPA, implementation of any enhanced internal controls, and any evidence of improper payments the Company may have discovered during the term of the agreement. If the Company remains in compliance with the terms of the DPA throughout its effective period, the charge against the Company will be dismissed with prejudice. The Company also settled a related civil complaint filed by the SEC in a United States District Court.
	Demand Letter and Derivative Litigation
	In April 2010, we received a demand letter from a law firm representing Ernest Maresca. The letter states that Mr. Maresca is one of our stockholders and that he believes that certain of our current and former officers and directors violated their fiduciary duties related to the issues described above under “Customs Agent and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Settlement.” The letter requests that our Board of Directors take action against the individuals in question. In response to this letter, the Board formed a special committee to investigate the issues raised in the letter and recommend a course of action for the Company.  The special committee engaged its own counsel for the investigation and evaluated potential claims against all individuals identified in the demand letter.  The special committee considered whether pursuing each of the individuals named in the demand letter was in the best interests of the Company based upon a variety of factors, including among others, whether the Company had a potential cause of action against the individual, the defenses the individual might offer to such a claim, the ability of the individual to satisfy any judgment the Company might secure as a result of a claim asserted, and other risks to the Company of pursuing the claims.  After taking various factors into account, on July 29, 2013, the special committee recommended to the Board that the Company not pursue any action against the current and former officers and directors named in the demand letter, and the Board accepted such recommendation.
	ITS Internal Controls
	Our due diligence process with respect to the ITS Acquisition identified certain transactions that suggest that ITS' internal controls may have failed to prevent violations of potentially applicable international trade and anti-corruption laws, including those of the United Kingdom. As part of the integration process with respect to ITS, we have and will continue our review of ITS' activities to further identify potential violations of applicable international trade and anti-corruption laws and have and will continue to promptly apply our developed systems of internal controls, Code of Conduct, policies and procedures to the acquired businesses to help ensure prevention of potential future violations. As appropriate, we have and will make any identified violations known to relevant authorities, cooperate with any resulting investigations and take proper remediation measures (including seeking any necessary government authorizations). While it is possible that matters may arise where a contingency may require further accounting considerations, we do not believe that as a result of these matters a loss is probable nor is a loss estimable at this time.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Effective January 1, 2012, we adopted the accounting standards update that changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Some of the amendments included in this update are intended to clarify the applications of existing fair value measurement requirements. The update was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Our adoption did not have a material effect on the disclosures contained in our notes to the consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2012, the FASB issued an update to existing guidance on the impairment assessment of indefinite-lived intangibles. This update simplifies the impairment assessment of indefinite-lived intangibles by allowing companies to consider qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount before performing the two step impairment review process. The adoption of this update did not have an impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires that companies present, either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. This accounting guidance is effective for our first quarter in fiscal 2014 and is only expected to impact the presentation of our consolidated financial statements and related notes.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an update to existing guidance on presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This ASU requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. The ASU does not require new recurring disclosures. It is effective prospectively for our first quarter in fiscal 2014. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have an impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements	'
	Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements
	Set forth on the following pages are the consolidating condensed financial statements of Parker Drilling. Our loans pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the 9.125% Notes, and the 7.50% Notes are guaranteed by substantially all of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries other than immaterial subsidiaries and subsidiaries generating revenues primarily outside the United States. There are currently no restrictions on the ability of the guarantor to transfer funds to Parker Drilling in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. Parker Drilling is a holding company with no operations, other than through its subsidiaries. Separate financial statements for each guarantor company are not provided as the Company complies with the exception to Rule 3-10(a)(1) of Regulation S-X, set forth in sub-paragraph (f) of such rule. All guarantor subsidiaries are owned 100 percent by Parker Drilling, all guarantees are full and unconditional and all guarantees are joint and several.
	We are providing consolidating condensed financial information of Parker Drilling, the guarantor subsidiaries, and the non-guarantor subsidiaries as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. The consolidating condensed financial statements present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.
	(Unaudited)
		September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	89,516		$	21,273		$	51,668		$	—		$	162,457
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	290,856			113,873			386,521			(541,627		)	249,623
	Rig materials and supplies	—			2,364			37,838			—			40,202
	Deferred costs	—			32			13,551			—			13,583
	Deferred income taxes	—			12,363			1,110			—			13,473
	Other tax assets	43,171			(46,939		)	22,201			—			18,433
	Assets held for sale	—			1,183			6,302			—			7,485
	Other current assets	—			14,238			6,668			—			20,906
	Total current assets	423,543			118,387			525,859			(541,627		)	526,162
	Property, plant and equipment, net	60			559,885			298,727			—			858,672
	Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany advances	944,584			(220,110		)	1,593,743			(2,318,217		)	—
	Other noncurrent assets	52,147			60,002			38,397			—			150,546
	Total assets	$	1,420,334		$	518,164		$	2,456,726		$	(2,859,844	)	$	1,535,380
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of long-term debt	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	81,524			101,207			263,709			(255,211		)	191,229
	Accrued income taxes	—			529			6,732			—			7,261
	Total current liabilities	81,524			101,736			270,441			(255,211		)	198,490
	Long-term debt	653,968			—			—			—			653,968
	Other long-term liabilities	4,289			5,806			13,953			—			24,048
	Long-term deferred tax liability	—			47,684			(8,600		)	—			39,084
	Intercompany payables	62,584			43,669			359,106			(465,359		)	—
	Contingencies	—			—			—			—			—
	Stockholders’ equity:
	Common stock	20,050			18,049			43,003			(61,052		)	20,050
	Capital in excess of par value	654,750			733,899			1,579,458			(2,313,357		)	654,750
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—			957			—			957
	Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(56,831		)	(432,679		)	196,587			235,135			(57,788		)
	Total controlling interest stockholders’ equity	617,969			319,269			1,820,005			(2,139,274		)	617,969
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			1,821			—			1,821
	Total equity	617,969			319,269			1,821,826			(2,139,274		)	619,790
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,420,334		$	518,164		$	2,456,726		$	(2,859,844	)	$	1,535,380
	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
	(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		31-Dec-12
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	42,251		$	11,023		$	34,612		$	—		$	87,886
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	289,957			98,747			292,644			(512,786		)	168,562
	Rig materials and supplies	—			2,834			26,026			—			28,860
	Deferred costs	—			—			1,089			—			1,089
	Deferred income taxes	—			7,615			1,127			—			8,742
	Other tax assets	46,249			(31,136		)	18,411			—			33,524
	Assets held for sale	—			—			6,800			—			6,800
	Other current assets	—			8,675			4,146			—			12,821
	Total current assets	378,457			97,758			384,855			(512,786		)	348,284
	Property, plant and equipment, net	60			548,794			240,269			—			789,123
	Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany advances	780,878			(233,388		)	1,467,429			(2,014,919		)	—
	Other noncurrent assets	43,569			59,541			15,216			—			118,326
	Total assets	$	1,202,964		$	472,705		$	2,107,769		$	(2,527,705	)	$	1,255,733
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	$	10,000		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	10,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	65,839			93,243			205,864			(227,200		)	137,746
Accrued income taxes	—			612			3,508			—			4,120
Total current liabilities	75,839			93,855			209,372			(227,200		)	151,866
Long-term debt	469,205			—			—			—			469,205
Other long-term liabilities	3,933			6,129			13,120			—			23,182
Long-term deferred tax liability	—			36,894			(16,047		)	—			20,847
Intercompany payables	62,583			43,657			216,320			(322,560		)	—
Contingencies	—			—			—			—			—
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	19,818			18,049			43,003			(61,052		)	19,818
Capital in excess of par value	646,217			733,112			1,455,246			(2,188,358		)	646,217
Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—			—			—			—
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(74,631		)	(458,991		)	187,526			271,465			(74,631		)
Total controlling interest stockholders’ equity	591,404			292,170			1,685,775			(1,977,945		)	591,404
Noncontrolling interest	—			—			(771		)	—			(771		)
Total Equity	591,404			292,170			1,685,004			(1,977,945		)	590,633
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,202,964		$	472,705		$	2,107,769		$	(2,527,705	)	$	1,255,733
PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Three months ended September 30, 2013
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
Total revenues	$	—		$	119,223		$	170,609		$	(52,070	)	$	237,762
Operating expenses	—			64,297			141,514			(52,070		)	153,741
Depreciation and amortization	—			19,956			15,926			—			35,882
Total operating gross margin	—			34,970			13,169			—			48,139
General and administration expense (1)	(47		)	(14,028		)	(113		)	—			(14,188		)
Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			(34		)	1,128			—			1,094
Total operating income (loss)	(47		)	20,908			14,184			—			35,045
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	(14,035		)	(107		)	(2,198		)	3,213			(13,127		)
Interest income	360			250			2,733			(3,213		)	130
Extinguishment of debt	(5,218		)	—			—			—			(5,218		)
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	—			—			—			—			—
Other	(1		)	(11		)	412			—			400
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	22,322			—			—			(22,322		)	—
Total other income (expense)	3,428			132			947			(22,322		)	(17,815		)
Income (benefit) before income taxes	3,381			21,040			15,131			(22,322		)	17,230
Total income tax expense (benefit)	(4,589		)	10,223			3,478			—			9,112
Net income (loss)	7,970			10,817			11,653			(22,322		)	8,118
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			148			—			148
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	7,970		$	10,817		$	11,505		$	(22,322	)	$	7,970
(1) General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.
PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
Total revenues	$	—		$	98,969		$	94,749		$	(28,417	)	$	165,301
Operating expenses	—			45,850			84,051			(28,417		)	101,484
Depreciation and amortization	—			17,866			11,913			—			29,779
Total operating gross margin	—			35,253			(1,215		)	—			34,038
General and administration expense (1)	(47		)	(8,823		)	(35		)	—			(8,905		)
Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			553			53			—			606
Total operating income (loss)	(47		)	26,983			(1,197		)	—			25,739
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	(9,105		)	(43		)	(1,840		)	2,817			(8,171		)
Interest income	95			179			2,573			(2,817		)	30
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	19			—			—			—			19
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(117		)	—			—			—			(117		)
Other	—			26			—			—			26
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	10,596			—			—			(10,596		)	—
Total other income (expense)	1,488			162			733			(10,596		)	(8,213		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,441			27,145			(464		)	(10,596		)	17,526
Income tax expense (benefit)	(9,495		)	10,451			5,739			—			6,695
Net income (loss)	10,936			16,694			(6,203		)	(10,596		)	10,831
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(105		)	—			(105		)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	10,936		$	16,694		$	(6,098	)	$	(10,596	)	$	10,936
(1) General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.
PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
Total revenues	$	—		$	345,434		$	388,912		$	(103,428	)	$	630,918
Operating expenses	—			186,708			331,056			(103,428		)	414,336
Depreciation and amortization	—			57,335			40,339			—			97,674
Total operating gross margin	—			101,391			17,517			—			118,908
General and administration expense (1)	(140		)	(48,942		)	(367		)	—			(49,449		)
Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			1,917			842			—			2,759
Total operating income (loss)	(140		)	54,366			17,992			—			72,218
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	(36,734		)	(167		)	(9,494		)	12,521			(33,874		)
Interest income	3,366			1,584			9,963			(12,521		)	2,392
Extinguishment of debt	(5,218		)	—			—			—			(5,218		)
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	54			—			—			—			54
Other	—			(178		)	511			—			333
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	36,330			—			—			(36,330		)	—
Total other income (expense)	(2,202		)	1,239			980			(36,330		)	(36,313		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(2,342		)	55,605			18,972			(36,330		)	35,905
Total Income tax expense (benefit)	(19,185		)	27,993			10,033			—			18,841
Net income (loss)	16,843			27,612			8,939			(36,330		)	17,064
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			221			—			221
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	16,843		$	27,612		$	8,718		$	(36,330	)	$	16,843
(1) General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.
PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
Total revenues	$	—		$	302,892		$	295,811		$	(77,908	)	$	520,795
Operating expenses	—			136,849			242,001			(77,908		)	300,942
Depreciation and amortization	—			49,127			36,230			—			85,357
Total operating gross margin	—			116,916			17,580			—			134,496
General and administration expense (1)	(137		)	(21,273		)	(412		)	—			(21,822		)
Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			1,168			1,298			—			2,466
Total operating income (loss)	(137		)	96,811			18,466			—			115,140
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	(27,923		)	(115		)	(5,811		)	8,716			(25,133		)
Interest income	8,695			4,894			39,345			(52,825		)	109
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	8			—			—			—			8
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(1,766		)	—			—			—			(1,766		)
Other	—			64			(2		)	—			62
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	61,553			—			—			(61,553		)	—
Total other income (expense)	40,567			4,843			33,532			(105,662		)	(26,720		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	40,430			101,654			51,998			(105,662		)	88,420
Income tax expense (benefit)	(16,981		)	38,149			9,987			—			31,155
Net income (loss)	57,411			63,505			42,011			(105,662		)	57,265
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(146		)	—			(146		)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	57,411		$	63,505		$	42,157		$	(105,662	)	$	57,411
(1) General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$	7,970		$	10,817		$	11,653		$	(22,322	)	$	8,118
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax:
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	—			—			(577		)	—			(577		)
Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments							2,098						2,098
Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	—			—			1,521			—			1,521
Comprehensive income	7,970			10,817			13,174			(22,322		)	9,639
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(53		)	—			(53		)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$	7,970		$	10,817		$	13,121		$	(22,322	)	$	9,586
PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$	16,843		$	27,612		$	8,939		$	(36,330	)	$	17,064
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax:
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	—			—			(1,542		)	—			(1,542		)
Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments							2,499						2,499
Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	—			—			957			—			957
Comprehensive income	16,843			27,612			9,896			(36,330		)	18,021
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(83		)	—			(83		)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$	16,843		$	27,612		$	9,813		$	(36,330	)	$	17,938
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	16,843		$	27,612		$	8,939		$	(36,330	)	$	17,064
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss):
Depreciation and amortization	—			57,335			40,339			—			97,674
Loss on extinguishment of debt	5,218			—			—			—			5,218
Gain on disposition of assets	—			(1,917		)	(842		)	—			(2,759		)
Deferred income tax expense	(2,860		)	10,479			5,253			—			12,872
Expenses not requiring cash	10,494			591			(1,157		)	—			9,928
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(36,330		)	—			—			36,330			—
Change in accounts receivable	(899		)	(7,951		)	(19,755		)	—			(28,605		)
Change in accrued income taxes	358			(85		)	2,604			—			2,877
Change in other assets	3,045			4,580			(8,971		)	—			(1,346		)
Change in liabilities	14,222			(2,116		)	306			—			12,412
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	10,091			88,528			26,716			—			125,335
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(66,956		)	(35,900		)	—			(102,856		)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	—			2,751			2,782			—			5,533
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired	—			(292		)	(117,699		)	—			(117,991		)
Net cash (used in) investing activities	—			(64,497		)	(150,817		)	—			(215,314		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt issuance	350,000			—			—			—			350,000
Repayments of long term debt	(125,000		)	—			—			—			(125,000		)
Paydown on term note	(50,000		)	—			—			—			(50,000		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(10,981		)	—			—			—			(10,981		)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	531			—			—			—			531
Intercompany advances, net	(127,376		)	(13,781		)	141,157			—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	37,174			(13,781		)	141,157			—			164,550
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	47,265			10,250			17,056			—			74,571
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	42,251			11,023			34,612			—			87,886
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	89,516		$	21,273		$	51,668		$	—		$	162,457
PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	57,411		$	63,505		$	42,011		$	(105,662	)	$	57,265
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			49,127			36,230			—			85,357
Loss on extinguishment of debt	1,766			—			—			—			1,766
Gain on disposition of assets	—			(1,168		)	(1,298		)	—			(2,466		)
Deferred income tax expense	5,940			4,868			(2,405		)	—			8,403
Expenses not requiring cash	13,264			689			1,770			1			15,724
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(61,553		)	—			—			61,553			—
Change in accounts receivable	(291		)	766			24,173			—			24,648
Change in other assets	(32,874		)	61,320			(27,882		)	—			564
Change in accrued income taxes	(5,068		)	1,832			187			—			(3,049		)
Change in liabilities	12,917			(21,430		)	(1,672		)	—			(10,185		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(8,488		)	159,509			71,114			(44,108		)	178,027
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(139,618		)	(8,040		)	—			(147,658		)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	—			1,667			1,829			—			3,496
Intercompany dividend payment	(8,387		)	(4,357		)	(31,364		)	44,108			—
Net cash (used in) investing activities	(8,387		)	(142,308		)	(37,575		)	44,108			(144,162		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt issuance	130,000			—			—			—			130,000
Repayments of senior notes	(125,000		)	—			—			—			(125,000		)
Paydown on term note	(18,000		)	—			—			—			(18,000		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(3,516		)	—			—			—			(3,516		)
Payment of debt extinguishment costs	(519		)	—			—			—			(519		)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(572		)	—			—			—			(572		)
Intercompany advances, net	56,280			(13,507		)	(42,773		)	—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	38,673			(13,507		)	(42,773		)	—			(17,607		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	21,798			3,694			(9,234		)	—			16,258
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	55,670			4,212			37,987			—			97,869
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	77,468		$	7,906		$	28,753		$	—		$	114,127

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On November 4, 2013 we announced that Robert "Bobby" L. Parker Jr., Parker Drilling Executive Chairman, will retire as an employee of the Company, effective December 31, 2013. Mr. Parker will continue to serve as Chairman of the Company's board of directors until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2014, at which time Gary G. Rich, the Company's chief executive officer, will be nominated to serve in that role and Mr. Parker will be nominated to stand for re-election to the board for an additional three-year term.

General_Policies

General (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations	'
	Nature of Operations — Parker Drilling, together with its subsidiaries (the Company or Parker), is a rental tools and drilling services provider. We have operated in over 50 foreign countries and the United States since beginning operations in 1934, making us among the most geographically experienced rental tools providers and drilling contractors in the world. During 2012, we operated in 12 countries, and in 2013, we acquired an international rental tools business with operations in 10 additional countries. We have extensive experience and expertise drilling geologically difficult wells and managing the logistical and technological challenges of operating in remote, harsh and ecologically sensitive areas. We believe we are industry leaders in quality, health, safety and environmental practices. We own and operate our own drilling rigs as well as perform drilling-related services for operators who own drilling rigs and who choose to utilize our drilling experience and technical expertise on a contracted basis, typically referred to as Operations & Maintenance (O&M) work. We also provide other project management services (e.g., labor, maintenance, and logistics).
	Our rental tools business specializes in providing high-quality, reliable equipment and services for oil and natural gas drilling, workover and production applications. This includes drill pipe, heavy-weight drill pipe, tubing, high-torque connections, blow-out preventers (BOPs), drill collars, casing running systems, fishing services and more. On April 22, 2013, we acquired International Tubular Services Limited and certain of its affiliates (collectively, ITS) and other related assets (the ITS Acquisition - see also Note 2). ITS’s principal activities include the rental of drilling equipment and pressure control systems, provision of casing running systems and fishing services, together with machine shop support. ITS serves an extensive customer base of exploration and production (E&P) companies, drilling contractors and service companies from 21 operating facilities primarily located in the Middle East, Latin America, U.K. and Europe, and the Asia-Pacific regions.
	Within our U.S. drilling business we operate barge rigs that drill for natural gas, oil, and a combination of oil and natural gas in the shallow waters in and along the inland waterways of Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas. Additionally in our U.S. drilling business, we have two Arctic-class rigs operating on the North Slope of Alaska and one O&M contract for offshore platform operations located in California. Our international drilling business includes operations related to Parker-owned and operated rigs as well as customer-owned rigs. We strive to deploy our fleet of Parker-owned rigs in markets where we expect to have opportunities to keep the rigs in service consistently. As of September 30, 2013, our marketable rig fleet consisted of 13 barge drilling rigs and 23 land rigs located in the United States, Latin America and the Eastern Hemisphere regions. We have 5 rigs held for sale or currently not marketed as of September 30, 2013. Our Technical Services business is our engineering expertise center, which provides services to our customers as well as to our ongoing drilling business. Services provided include engineering and related project services during the concept development, pre-FEED (Front End Engineering Design), and FEED phases of our customer owned drilling facility projects.
Consolidation	'
	Consolidation — The consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of Parker Drilling and subsidiaries over which we exercise control or have a controlling financial interest, including entities, if any, in which the Company is allocated a majority of the entity’s losses or returns, regardless of ownership percentage. If a subsidiary of Parker Drilling has a 50 percent interest in an entity but Parker Drilling’s interest in the subsidiary or the entity does not meet the consolidation criteria described above, then that interest is accounted for under the equity method.
Noncontrolling Interest	'
	Noncontrolling Interest — We apply the accounting standards related to noncontrolling interests for ownership interests in our subsidiaries held by parties other than Parker Drilling. The entities that comprise the noncontrolling interest include Parker SMNG Drilling Limited Liability Company, Primorsky Drill Rig Services B.V., ITS Arabia Limited, and International Tubular Services - Egypt SAE. We report noncontrolling interest as equity on the consolidated balance sheets and report net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest and to noncontrolling interest separately on the consolidated statements of operations.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications — Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have a material effect on our consolidated condensed statements of operations, consolidated condensed balance sheets, condensed statement of comprehensive income or consolidated condensed statements of cash flows.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities, our disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and our revenue and expenses during the periods reported. Estimates are typically used when accounting for certain significant items, such as allowance for doubtful accounts, legal or contractual liability accruals, mobilization and deferred mobilization, revenue and cost accounting for projects that follow the percentage of completion method, self-insured medical/dental plans, income taxes and valuation allowance, and other items requiring the use of estimates. Estimates are based on a number of variables which may include third party valuations, historical experience and assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved with estimates, actual results may differ from management estimates.
Acquisition-purchase price allocation	'
	Acquisitions-purchase price allocation — We allocate the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values at the transaction date. Transaction and integration costs associated with an acquisition are expensed as incurred. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill. We use all available information to estimate fair values, including quoted market prices, the carrying value of acquired assets, and widely accepted valuation techniques such as discounted cash flows. We engage third-party appraisal firms to assist in fair value determination of inventories, identifiable intangible assets, and any other significant assets or liabilities when appropriate. The judgments made in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, can materially impact our results of operations.
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets – Upon the ITS Acquisition, we recorded $10.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, to recognize the fair values of definite and indefinite lived intangible assets (see Note 2 - Acquisition of ITS). Definite lived intangible assets recorded in connection with the ITS Acquisition primarily relate to trade names, customer relationships, and developed technology and will be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 3 years. With regard to indefinite lived intangible assets, which relate to our development of technology, we will conduct impairment tests annually, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition — Revenues from rental activities are recognized ratably over the rental term, which is generally less than six months. Contract drilling revenues and expenses, comprised of daywork drilling contracts and engineering and related project service contracts, are recognized as services are performed and collection is reasonably assured. For certain contracts, we receive payments contractually designated for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment. Mobilization payments received, and direct costs incurred for the mobilization, are deferred and recognized over the term of the related drilling contract; however, costs incurred to relocate rigs and other drilling equipment to areas in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as both revenues and direct costs. For contracts that are terminated prior to the specified term, early termination payments received by us are recognized as revenues when all contractual requirements are met.
Reimbursable Costs	'
	Reimbursable Costs — Within certain contractual arrangements, we may procure, take title and risk of loss for certain equipment, or make certain expenditures on behalf of our customers. We typically receive fees for these services, which we record as revenues. We recognize reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenditures as revenues and account for out-of-pocket expenditures as direct operating costs. Such amounts totaled $16.2 million and $12.1 million during the third quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively and $46.5 million and $29.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	'
	Concentrations of Credit Risk — Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of trade receivables. We generally do not require collateral on our trade receivables.
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had deposits in domestic banks in excess of federally insured limits of approximately $117.1 million and $12.2 million, respectively. The increase is primarily because as of January 1, 2013, all regular checking account deposits are only guaranteed up to $250,000 at each institution while prior to January 1, 2013, all regular checking account deposits were guaranteed, except investments. In addition, as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had uninsured deposits in foreign banks of $51.8 million and $34.5 million, respectively.
	Our customer base consists primarily of major, independent, national and international oil and gas companies and integrated service providers. We depend on a limited number of customers. Our largest customer, Exxon Neftegas Limited, constituted 14.3% of our total year-to-date revenues as of September 30, 2013. Each of our segments depends on a limited number of key customers and the loss of any one or more key customers could have a material adverse effect on a segment.
Capitalized Interest	'
	Capitalized Interest — Interest from external borrowings is capitalized on major projects until the assets are ready for their intended use. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is amortized over the useful lives of the assets in the same manner as the underlying assets. Capitalized interest reduces net interest expense in the consolidated condensed statements of operations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we capitalized interest costs of $0.7 million and $1.7 million, respectively, which were primarily related to a new enterprise resource planning system. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 we capitalized $2.5 million and $7.9 million, respectively, of interest costs primarily related to the two Arctic-class rigs in Alaska.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Effective January 1, 2012, we adopted the accounting standards update that changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Some of the amendments included in this update are intended to clarify the applications of existing fair value measurement requirements. The update was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Our adoption did not have a material effect on the disclosures contained in our notes to the consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2012, the FASB issued an update to existing guidance on the impairment assessment of indefinite-lived intangibles. This update simplifies the impairment assessment of indefinite-lived intangibles by allowing companies to consider qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount before performing the two step impairment review process. The adoption of this update did not have an impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires that companies present, either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. This accounting guidance is effective for our first quarter in fiscal 2014 and is only expected to impact the presentation of our consolidated financial statements and related notes.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an update to existing guidance on presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This ASU requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. The ASU does not require new recurring disclosures. It is effective prospectively for our first quarter in fiscal 2014. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have an impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions_of_ITS_Tables

Acquisitions of ITS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisition	'
	The following details the fair value of the consideration transferred to effect the ITS Acquisition (dollars in thousands).
	Cash paid to, or on behalf of, ITS and its equity holders	$	101,000
	Cash deposited in escrow	19,000
	Fair value of contingent consideration deposited in escrow for assets not acquired (1)	5,000
	Total fair value of the consideration transferred	$	125,000
	(1)    Based on the terms of the Agreement, $5.0 million of the $24.0 million in escrow to be paid to the seller is contingent upon certain future liabilities that could become due by ITS in certain jurisdictions. Any payments in relation to these liabilities will be deducted from the $5.0 million escrow amount and the net balance of the escrow will be paid to the seller. We estimate that the entire $5.0 million in escrow will be paid to the seller, and therefore, the estimated fair value of the consideration in escrow related to these liabilities is $5.0 million. We do not expect to receive any amount back from escrow, and therefore did not record a receivable from the escrow. Any changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration in the future of less than $5.0 million will result in recording a receivable from escrow. The receivable will be recorded at fair value. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of the receivable is $0.0 million.
	The final allocation of consideration will include changes in (1) amounts deposited in escrow, (2) estimated fair values of property and equipment, (3) allocations to intangible assets and liabilities, (4) changes in contingent consideration, and (5) other assets and liabilities. These amounts will be finalized as soon as possible, but no later than one year from the acquisition date.
		April 22, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,009
	Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	48,795
	Other current assets	1,803
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(39,156		)
	Accrued income taxes	(1,251		)
	Working capital excluding rig materials and supplies	17,200
	Rig materials and supplies	11,514
	Property, plant and equipment, net (2)	70,339
	Investment in joint venture	4,134
	Other noncurrent assets	2,818
	Total tangible assets	106,005
	Deferred income tax assets - current	222
	Deferred income tax assets - noncurrent (3)	14,153
	Intangible assets (4)
	Trade name, developed technology, and customer relationship	10,000
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets	200
	Total assets acquired	130,580
	Other long-term liabilities	(211		)
	Long-term deferred tax liability	(2,661		)
	Net assets acquired	127,708
	Less: Noncontrolling interest (5)	(2,708		)
	Total consideration transferred	$	125,000
	(1) Gross contractual amounts receivable totaled $54.7 million as of the acquisition date.
	(2) We recorded an adjustment of $43.7 million to reduce the historical carrying value of the acquired property, plant and equipment to its estimated fair value.
	(3) In connection with the ITS Acquisition, we recorded a $7.7 million adjustment to increase deferred income tax assets primarily related to the differences between acquisition date estimated fair value and tax basis of acquired property, plant and equipment.
	(4) We recorded $10.0 million and $0.2 million to reflect the estimated fair values of definite and indefinite lived intangible assets, respectively, recognized in connection with the ITS Acquisition. Our depreciation and amortization expense will reflect this valuation adjustment as the definite lived intangible assets are amortized in future periods. Definite lived intangible assets recorded in connection with the ITS Acquisition, which primarily relate to trade names, customer relationships, and developed technology will be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.4 years.
	(5) We recorded an adjustment of $1.0 million to write-down the noncontrolling interest to its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the noncontrolling interest was calculated as a percentage of the net assets acquired related to certain subsidiaries in which ITS holds less than a 100 percent controlling interest. The fair value of the net assets of these subsidiaries was primarily based on the income approach valuation model.
Schedule of Pro Forma Information for Business Acquisition	'
	The following unaudited supplemental pro forma results present consolidated information for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as if the ITS Acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2012.  The pro forma results have been calculated after applying our accounting policies and include, among others, (i) the amortization associated with the fair value of the acquired intangible assets, (ii) interest expense associated with the Goldman Term Loan and (iii) the impact of certain fair value adjustments such as a decrease in depreciation expense related to the write-down in property, plant and equipment. The pro forma results do not include any potential synergies, non-recurring charges which result directly from the ITS Acquisition, cost savings or other expected benefits of the ITS Acquisition. The pro forma financial information does not necessarily represent what would have occurred if the transaction had taken place at the beginning of the period presented and should not be taken as representative of our future consolidated results of operations. We have not concluded our integration work. Accordingly, this pro forma information does not include all costs related to the integration nor the benefits we expect to realize from operating synergies.
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue	$	671,738		$	614,679
	Net income	$	33,081		$	54,927
	Net income attributable to Parker Drilling	$	32,629		$	55,073
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.27		$	0.47
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.27		$	0.46
	Basic number of shares	119,443,260			117,458,365
	Diluted number of shares	121,693,781			118,810,195

Earnings_per_share_EPS_Tables

Earnings per share (EPS) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Summary of Earnings Per Share (EPS)	'
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Income		Shares	Per-Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS	$	7,970,000	119,990,196	$	0.07
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock	—		1,684,395	—
	Diluted EPS	$	7,970,000	121,674,591	$	0.07
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Income		Shares	Per-Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS	$	16,843,000	119,443,260	$	0.14
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock	—		2,250,521	—
	Diluted EPS	$	16,843,000	121,693,781	$	0.14
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Income		Shares	Per-Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS	$	10,936,000	118,109,214	$	0.09
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock	—		1,091,805	—
	Diluted EPS	$	10,936,000	119,201,019	$	0.09
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Income		Shares	Per-Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS	$	57,411,000	117,458,365	$	0.49
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock	—		1,351,830	(0.01		)
	Diluted EPS	$	57,411,000	118,810,195	$	0.48

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income	'
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following:
		Foreign Currency Items
		(in thousands)
	December 31, 2012	$	—
	Current period other comprehensive income	957
	30-Sep-13	$	957

Reportable_Segments_Tables

Reportable Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Results of Operations by Reportable Segment	'
	The following table represents the results of operations by reportable segment:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Operations by Reportable Industry Segment	2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in Thousands)						(Dollars in Thousands)
	Revenues:
	Rental Tools	$	89,614		$	59,947		$	228,718		$	191,233
	U.S. Barge Drilling	33,919			33,142			102,085			94,269
	U.S. Drilling	18,693			—			48,238			—
	International Drilling(1)	88,562			68,503			236,394			224,176
	Technical Services	6,974			3,709			15,483			11,117
	Total revenues	237,762			165,301			630,918			520,795
	Operating gross margin(2):
	Rental Tools	25,816			27,032			72,470			91,885
	U.S. Barge Drilling	12,236			11,042			37,657			29,215
	U.S. Drilling	103			(4,712		)	(4,618		)	(7,881		)
	International Drilling	9,831			783			12,815			21,395
	Technical Services	153			(107		)	584			(118		)
	Total operating gross margin	48,139			34,038			118,908			134,496
	General and administrative expense	(14,188		)	(8,905		)	(49,449		)	(21,822		)
	Gain on disposition of assets, net	1,094			606			2,759			2,466
	Total operating income	35,045			25,739			72,218			115,140
	Interest expense	(13,127		)	(8,171		)	(33,874		)	(25,133		)
	Interest income	130			30			2,392			109
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(5,218		)	(117		)	(5,218		)	(1,766		)
	Changes in fair value of derivative positions	—			19			54			8
	Other	400			26			333			62
	Income before income taxes	$	17,230		$	17,526		$	35,905		$	88,420
		30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Identifiable assets:	(Dollars in Thousands)
	Rental Tools	$	375,900		$	194,600
	U.S. Barge Drilling	84,402			99,409
	U.S. Drilling	367,020			374,794
	International Drilling	466,356			414,546
	Total identifiable assets	1,293,678			1,083,349
	Corporate assets (3)	241,702			172,384
	Total assets	$	1,535,380		$	1,255,733
	-1	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, our largest customer, Exxon Neftegas Limited, constituted 14.3% of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 36.9% of our International Drilling segment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, our two largest customers, Exxon Neftegas Limited (ENL) and Schlumberger, constituted approximately 10.6% and 10.2%, respectively, of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 32.0% and 24.0%, respectively, of our International Drilling segments.
	-2	Operating gross margin is calculated as revenues less direct operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization expense.
	-3	This category includes corporate assets as well as minimal assets for our Technical Services segment primarily related to office furniture and fixtures.

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Company's Current Debt Portfolio	'
	The following table illustrates our debt portfolio as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(Dollars in Thousands)
	7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020	$	225,000	$	—
	9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018	428,968		429,205
	Term Note, due December 2017	—		50,000
	Total debt	653,968		479,205
	Less current portion	—		10,000
	Total long-term debt	$	653,968	$	469,205

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Debt Instruments	'
	Fair value of our debt instruments is determined using Level 2 inputs. Fair values and related carrying values of our debt instruments were as follows for the periods indicated:
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying  Amount		Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Long-term Debt
	7.50% Notes	$	225,000	$	225,000	$	—	$	—
	9.125% Notes	425,000		454,750		425,000		453,688
	Total	$	650,000	$	679,750	$	425,000	$	453,688

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_1

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet	'
	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
	(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	89,516		$	21,273		$	51,668		$	—		$	162,457
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	290,856			113,873			386,521			(541,627		)	249,623
	Rig materials and supplies	—			2,364			37,838			—			40,202
	Deferred costs	—			32			13,551			—			13,583
	Deferred income taxes	—			12,363			1,110			—			13,473
	Other tax assets	43,171			(46,939		)	22,201			—			18,433
	Assets held for sale	—			1,183			6,302			—			7,485
	Other current assets	—			14,238			6,668			—			20,906
	Total current assets	423,543			118,387			525,859			(541,627		)	526,162
	Property, plant and equipment, net	60			559,885			298,727			—			858,672
	Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany advances	944,584			(220,110		)	1,593,743			(2,318,217		)	—
	Other noncurrent assets	52,147			60,002			38,397			—			150,546
	Total assets	$	1,420,334		$	518,164		$	2,456,726		$	(2,859,844	)	$	1,535,380
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of long-term debt	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	81,524			101,207			263,709			(255,211		)	191,229
	Accrued income taxes	—			529			6,732			—			7,261
	Total current liabilities	81,524			101,736			270,441			(255,211		)	198,490
	Long-term debt	653,968			—			—			—			653,968
	Other long-term liabilities	4,289			5,806			13,953			—			24,048
	Long-term deferred tax liability	—			47,684			(8,600		)	—			39,084
	Intercompany payables	62,584			43,669			359,106			(465,359		)	—
	Contingencies	—			—			—			—			—
	Stockholders’ equity:
	Common stock	20,050			18,049			43,003			(61,052		)	20,050
	Capital in excess of par value	654,750			733,899			1,579,458			(2,313,357		)	654,750
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—			957			—			957
	Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(56,831		)	(432,679		)	196,587			235,135			(57,788		)
	Total controlling interest stockholders’ equity	617,969			319,269			1,820,005			(2,139,274		)	617,969
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			1,821			—			1,821
	Total equity	617,969			319,269			1,821,826			(2,139,274		)	619,790
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,420,334		$	518,164		$	2,456,726		$	(2,859,844	)	$	1,535,380
	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
	(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		31-Dec-12
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	42,251		$	11,023		$	34,612		$	—		$	87,886
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	289,957			98,747			292,644			(512,786		)	168,562
	Rig materials and supplies	—			2,834			26,026			—			28,860
	Deferred costs	—			—			1,089			—			1,089
	Deferred income taxes	—			7,615			1,127			—			8,742
	Other tax assets	46,249			(31,136		)	18,411			—			33,524
	Assets held for sale	—			—			6,800			—			6,800
	Other current assets	—			8,675			4,146			—			12,821
	Total current assets	378,457			97,758			384,855			(512,786		)	348,284
	Property, plant and equipment, net	60			548,794			240,269			—			789,123
	Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany advances	780,878			(233,388		)	1,467,429			(2,014,919		)	—
	Other noncurrent assets	43,569			59,541			15,216			—			118,326
	Total assets	$	1,202,964		$	472,705		$	2,107,769		$	(2,527,705	)	$	1,255,733
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	$	10,000		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	10,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	65,839			93,243			205,864			(227,200		)	137,746
Accrued income taxes	—			612			3,508			—			4,120
Total current liabilities	75,839			93,855			209,372			(227,200		)	151,866
Long-term debt	469,205			—			—			—			469,205
Other long-term liabilities	3,933			6,129			13,120			—			23,182
Long-term deferred tax liability	—			36,894			(16,047		)	—			20,847
Intercompany payables	62,583			43,657			216,320			(322,560		)	—
Contingencies	—			—			—			—			—
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	19,818			18,049			43,003			(61,052		)	19,818
Capital in excess of par value	646,217			733,112			1,455,246			(2,188,358		)	646,217
Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—			—			—			—
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(74,631		)	(458,991		)	187,526			271,465			(74,631		)
Total controlling interest stockholders’ equity	591,404			292,170			1,685,775			(1,977,945		)	591,404
Noncontrolling interest	—			—			(771		)	—			(771		)
Total Equity	591,404			292,170			1,685,004			(1,977,945		)	590,633
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,202,964		$	472,705		$	2,107,769		$	(2,527,705	)	$	1,255,733
Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations	'
	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Three months ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Total revenues	$	—		$	119,223		$	170,609		$	(52,070	)	$	237,762
	Operating expenses	—			64,297			141,514			(52,070		)	153,741
	Depreciation and amortization	—			19,956			15,926			—			35,882
	Total operating gross margin	—			34,970			13,169			—			48,139
	General and administration expense (1)	(47		)	(14,028		)	(113		)	—			(14,188		)
	Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			(34		)	1,128			—			1,094
	Total operating income (loss)	(47		)	20,908			14,184			—			35,045
	Other income and (expense):
	Interest expense	(14,035		)	(107		)	(2,198		)	3,213			(13,127		)
	Interest income	360			250			2,733			(3,213		)	130
	Extinguishment of debt	(5,218		)	—			—			—			(5,218		)
	Changes in fair value of derivative positions	—			—			—			—			—
	Other	(1		)	(11		)	412			—			400
	Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	22,322			—			—			(22,322		)	—
	Total other income (expense)	3,428			132			947			(22,322		)	(17,815		)
	Income (benefit) before income taxes	3,381			21,040			15,131			(22,322		)	17,230
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	(4,589		)	10,223			3,478			—			9,112
	Net income (loss)	7,970			10,817			11,653			(22,322		)	8,118
	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			148			—			148
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	7,970		$	10,817		$	11,505		$	(22,322	)	$	7,970
	(1) General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.
	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Total revenues	$	—		$	98,969		$	94,749		$	(28,417	)	$	165,301
	Operating expenses	—			45,850			84,051			(28,417		)	101,484
	Depreciation and amortization	—			17,866			11,913			—			29,779
	Total operating gross margin	—			35,253			(1,215		)	—			34,038
	General and administration expense (1)	(47		)	(8,823		)	(35		)	—			(8,905		)
	Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			553			53			—			606
	Total operating income (loss)	(47		)	26,983			(1,197		)	—			25,739
	Other income and (expense):
	Interest expense	(9,105		)	(43		)	(1,840		)	2,817			(8,171		)
	Interest income	95			179			2,573			(2,817		)	30
	Changes in fair value of derivative positions	19			—			—			—			19
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(117		)	—			—			—			(117		)
	Other	—			26			—			—			26
	Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	10,596			—			—			(10,596		)	—
	Total other income (expense)	1,488			162			733			(10,596		)	(8,213		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	1,441			27,145			(464		)	(10,596		)	17,526
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(9,495		)	10,451			5,739			—			6,695
	Net income (loss)	10,936			16,694			(6,203		)	(10,596		)	10,831
	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(105		)	—			(105		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	10,936		$	16,694		$	(6,098	)	$	(10,596	)	$	10,936
	(1) General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.
	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Total revenues	$	—		$	345,434		$	388,912		$	(103,428	)	$	630,918
	Operating expenses	—			186,708			331,056			(103,428		)	414,336
	Depreciation and amortization	—			57,335			40,339			—			97,674
Total operating gross margin	—			101,391			17,517			—			118,908
General and administration expense (1)	(140		)	(48,942		)	(367		)	—			(49,449		)
Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			1,917			842			—			2,759
Total operating income (loss)	(140		)	54,366			17,992			—			72,218
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	(36,734		)	(167		)	(9,494		)	12,521			(33,874		)
Interest income	3,366			1,584			9,963			(12,521		)	2,392
Extinguishment of debt	(5,218		)	—			—			—			(5,218		)
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	54			—			—			—			54
Other	—			(178		)	511			—			333
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	36,330			—			—			(36,330		)	—
Total other income (expense)	(2,202		)	1,239			980			(36,330		)	(36,313		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(2,342		)	55,605			18,972			(36,330		)	35,905
Total Income tax expense (benefit)	(19,185		)	27,993			10,033			—			18,841
Net income (loss)	16,843			27,612			8,939			(36,330		)	17,064
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			221			—			221
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	16,843		$	27,612		$	8,718		$	(36,330	)	$	16,843
(1) General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.
PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
Total revenues	$	—		$	302,892		$	295,811		$	(77,908	)	$	520,795
Operating expenses	—			136,849			242,001			(77,908		)	300,942
Depreciation and amortization	—			49,127			36,230			—			85,357
Total operating gross margin	—			116,916			17,580			—			134,496
General and administration expense (1)	(137		)	(21,273		)	(412		)	—			(21,822		)
Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			1,168			1,298			—			2,466
Total operating income (loss)	(137		)	96,811			18,466			—			115,140
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	(27,923		)	(115		)	(5,811		)	8,716			(25,133		)
Interest income	8,695			4,894			39,345			(52,825		)	109
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	8			—			—			—			8
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(1,766		)	—			—			—			(1,766		)
Other	—			64			(2		)	—			62
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	61,553			—			—			(61,553		)	—
Total other income (expense)	40,567			4,843			33,532			(105,662		)	(26,720		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	40,430			101,654			51,998			(105,662		)	88,420
Income tax expense (benefit)	(16,981		)	38,149			9,987			—			31,155
Net income (loss)	57,411			63,505			42,011			(105,662		)	57,265
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(146		)	—			(146		)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	57,411		$	63,505		$	42,157		$	(105,662	)	$	57,411
(1) General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Comprehensive income:
	Net income	$	7,970		$	10,817		$	11,653		$	(22,322	)	$	8,118
	Other comprehensive gain, net of tax:
	Currency translation difference on related borrowings	—			—			(577		)	—			(577		)
	Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments							2,098						2,098
	Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	—			—			1,521			—			1,521
	Comprehensive income	7,970			10,817			13,174			(22,322		)	9,639
	Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(53		)	—			(53		)
	Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$	7,970		$	10,817		$	13,121		$	(22,322	)	$	9,586
	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Comprehensive income:
	Net income	$	16,843		$	27,612		$	8,939		$	(36,330	)	$	17,064
	Other comprehensive gain, net of tax:
	Currency translation difference on related borrowings	—			—			(1,542		)	—			(1,542		)
	Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments							2,499						2,499
	Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	—			—			957			—			957
	Comprehensive income	16,843			27,612			9,896			(36,330		)	18,021
	Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(83		)	—			(83		)
	Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$	16,843		$	27,612		$	9,813		$	(36,330	)	$	17,938
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows	'
	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	16,843		$	27,612		$	8,939		$	(36,330	)	$	17,064
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss):
	Depreciation and amortization	—			57,335			40,339			—			97,674
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	5,218			—			—			—			5,218
	Gain on disposition of assets	—			(1,917		)	(842		)	—			(2,759		)
	Deferred income tax expense	(2,860		)	10,479			5,253			—			12,872
	Expenses not requiring cash	10,494			591			(1,157		)	—			9,928
	Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(36,330		)	—			—			36,330			—
	Change in accounts receivable	(899		)	(7,951		)	(19,755		)	—			(28,605		)
	Change in accrued income taxes	358			(85		)	2,604			—			2,877
	Change in other assets	3,045			4,580			(8,971		)	—			(1,346		)
	Change in liabilities	14,222			(2,116		)	306			—			12,412
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	10,091			88,528			26,716			—			125,335
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(66,956		)	(35,900		)	—			(102,856		)
	Proceeds from the sale of assets	—			2,751			2,782			—			5,533
	Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired	—			(292		)	(117,699		)	—			(117,991		)
	Net cash (used in) investing activities	—			(64,497		)	(150,817		)	—			(215,314		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from debt issuance	350,000			—			—			—			350,000
	Repayments of long term debt	(125,000		)	—			—			—			(125,000		)
	Paydown on term note	(50,000		)	—			—			—			(50,000		)
	Payment of debt issuance costs	(10,981		)	—			—			—			(10,981		)
	Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	531			—			—			—			531
	Intercompany advances, net	(127,376		)	(13,781		)	141,157			—			—
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	37,174			(13,781		)	141,157			—			164,550
	Net change in cash and cash equivalents	47,265			10,250			17,056			—			74,571
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	42,251			11,023			34,612			—			87,886
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	89,516		$	21,273		$	51,668		$	—		$	162,457
	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	57,411		$	63,505		$	42,011		$	(105,662	)	$	57,265
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
	to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization	—			49,127			36,230			—			85,357
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	1,766			—			—			—			1,766
	Gain on disposition of assets	—			(1,168		)	(1,298		)	—			(2,466		)
	Deferred income tax expense	5,940			4,868			(2,405		)	—			8,403
	Expenses not requiring cash	13,264			689			1,770			1			15,724
	Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(61,553		)	—			—			61,553			—
	Change in accounts receivable	(291		)	766			24,173			—			24,648
	Change in other assets	(32,874		)	61,320			(27,882		)	—			564
	Change in accrued income taxes	(5,068		)	1,832			187			—			(3,049		)
	Change in liabilities	12,917			(21,430		)	(1,672		)	—			(10,185		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(8,488		)	159,509			71,114			(44,108		)	178,027
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(139,618		)	(8,040		)	—			(147,658		)
	Proceeds from the sale of assets	—			1,667			1,829			—			3,496
	Intercompany dividend payment	(8,387		)	(4,357		)	(31,364		)	44,108			—
	Net cash (used in) investing activities	(8,387		)	(142,308		)	(37,575		)	44,108			(144,162		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt issuance	130,000			—			—			—			130,000
Repayments of senior notes	(125,000		)	—			—			—			(125,000		)
Paydown on term note	(18,000		)	—			—			—			(18,000		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(3,516		)	—			—			—			(3,516		)
Payment of debt extinguishment costs	(519		)	—			—			—			(519		)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(572		)	—			—			—			(572		)
Intercompany advances, net	56,280			(13,507		)	(42,773		)	—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	38,673			(13,507		)	(42,773		)	—			(17,607		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	21,798			3,694			(9,234		)	—			16,258
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	55,670			4,212			37,987			—			97,869
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	77,468		$	7,906		$	28,753		$	—		$	114,127

General_Additional_Information

General - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	2 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	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	country		country		country	Exxon Neftegas Limited [Member]	Exxon Neftegas Limited [Member]	ITS [Member]	ITS [Member]
	rig		rig
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of countries in which Entity has operated since inception	50	'	50	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of countries in which entity operates	'	'	'	'	12	'	'	'	'
Number of countries with international rental tools operations	10	'	10	'	'	'	'	'	'
Barge drilling rigs	13	'	13	'	'	'	'	'	'
Land rings	23	'	23	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of rigs held for sale	5	'	5	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage accounted for under the equity method	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value adjustments for indefinite lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$10
Fair value adjustments for finite lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.2
Weighted average useful life	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years 4 months 24 days	'3 years
Reimbursement cost	16.2	12.1	46.5	29.8	'	'	'	'	'
Deposits in domestic bank	117.1	'	117.1	'	12.2	'	'	'	'
Deposits in foreign banks	51.8	'	51.8	'	34.5	'	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue from major customer	'	'	'	'	'	14.30%	10.60%	'	'
Interest costs capitalized	$0.70	$2.50	$1.70	$7.90	'	'	'	'	'

Acquisitions_ITS_Narrative_Det

Acquisitions ITS - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 22, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

ITS [Member]

ITS [Member]

ITS [Member]

ITS [Member]

Term Note Due April 2018 [Member]

Term Note Due April 2018 [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

ITS [Member]

ITS [Member]

ITS [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid to, or on behalf of, ITS and its equity holders

'

'

'

'

'

$101,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid for acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

24,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of contingent consideration deposited in escrow for assets not acquired (1)

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets, Fair Value Disclosure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Debt issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,400,000

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

653,968,000

'

653,968,000

'

479,205,000

'

'

'

'

125,000,000

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of term note

'

'

'

'

'

'

225,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition related costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,800,000

'

'

'

'

Consulting expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,200,000

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument fixed interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.50%

'

'

Deferred acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,200,000

5,300,000

'

Revenues

237,762,000

165,301,000

630,918,000

520,795,000

'

'

'

58,500,000

'

'

'

'

Net income

$8,118,000

$10,831,000

$17,064,000

$57,265,000

'

'

'

$4,400,000

'

'

'

'

[1]

Based on the terms of the Agreement, $5.0 million of the $24.0 million in escrow to be paid to the seller is contingent upon certain future liabilities that could become due by ITS in certain jurisdictions. Any payments in relation to these liabilities will be deducted from the $5.0 million escrow amount and the net balance of the escrow will be paid to the seller. We estimate that the entire $5.0 million in escrow will be paid to the seller, and therefore, the estimated fair value of the consideration in escrow related to these liabilities is $5.0 million. We do not expect to receive any amount back from escrow, and therefore did not record a receivable from the escrow. Any changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration in the future of less than $5.0 million will result in recording a receivable from escrow. The receivable will be recorded at fair value. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of the receivable is $0.0 million.

Acquisitions_ITS_Fair_Value_of

Acquisitions ITS - Fair Value of Consideration Transferred (Details) (ITS [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 22, 2013
ITS [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Cash paid to, or on behalf of, ITS and its equity holders	$101,000
Cash deposited in escrow	19,000
Fair value of contingent consideration deposited in escrow for assets not acquired (1)	5,000	[1]
Total fair value of the consideration transferred	$125,000
[1]	Based on the terms of the Agreement, $5.0 million of the $24.0 million in escrow to be paid to the seller is contingent upon certain future liabilities that could become due by ITS in certain jurisdictions. Any payments in relation to these liabilities will be deducted from the $5.0 million escrow amount and the net balance of the escrow will be paid to the seller. We estimate that the entire $5.0 million in escrow will be paid to the seller, and therefore, the estimated fair value of the consideration in escrow related to these liabilities is $5.0 million. We do not expect to receive any amount back from escrow, and therefore did not record a receivable from the escrow. Any changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration in the future of less than $5.0 million will result in recording a receivable from escrow. The receivable will be recorded at fair value. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of the receivable is $0.0 million.

Acquisitions_ITS_Preliminary_A

Acquisitions ITS - Preliminary Allocation of Consideration Transferred (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		2 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 22, 2013
			ITS [Member]	ITS [Member]	ITS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'	$7,009,000
Accounts and notes receivable, net	'	'	'	'	48,795,000	[1]
Other current assets	'	'	'	'	1,803,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	'	'	'	-39,156,000
Accrued income taxes	'	'	'	'	-1,251,000
Working capital excluding rig materials and supplies	'	'	'	'	17,200,000
Rig materials and supplies	'	'	'	'	11,514,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	'	'	'	'	70,339,000	[2]
Investment in joint venture	'	'	'	'	4,134,000
Other noncurrent assets	'	'	'	'	2,818,000
Total tangible assets	'	'	'	'	106,005,000
Deferred income tax assets - current	'	'	'	'	222,000
Deferred income tax assets - noncurrent	'	'	'	'	14,153,000	[3]
Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Trade name, developed technology, and customer relationship	'	'	'	'	10,000,000	[4]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	200,000	[3],[4]
Total assets acquired	'	'	'	'	130,580,000
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	'	'	-211,000
Long-term deferred tax liability	'	'	'	'	-2,661,000
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	'	127,708,000
Less: Noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	-2,708,000	[5]
Total consideration transferred	'	'	'	'	125,000,000
Adjustment to record property, plant and equipment to fair value	'	'	43,700,000	'	'
Increase in deferred income tax asset	12,872,000	8,403,000	7,700,000	'	'
Intangible assets acquired	'	'	'	'	10,000,000	[3]
Weighted average useful life	'	'	'3 years 4 months 24 days	'3 years	'
Impairment of non-controlling interest	'	'	1,000,000	'	'
Accounts and notes receivable, gross	'	'	'	'	$54,700,000
[1]	Gross contractual amounts receivable totaled $54.7 million as of the acquisition date.
[2]	We recorded an adjustment of $43.7 million to reduce the historical carrying value of the acquired property, plant and equipment to its estimated fair value.
[3]	In connection with the ITS Acquisition, we recorded a $7.7 million adjustment to increase deferred income tax assets primarily related to the differences between acquisition date estimated fair value and tax basis of acquired property, plant and equipment.
[4]	We recorded $10.0 million and $0.2 million to reflect the estimated fair values of definite and indefinite lived intangible assets, respectively, recognized in connection with the ITS Acquisition. Our depreciation and amortization expense will reflect this valuation adjustment as the definite lived intangible assets are amortized in future periods. Definite lived intangible assets recorded in connection with the ITS Acquisition, which primarily relate to trade names, customer relationships, and developed technology will be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.4 years.
[5]	We recorded an adjustment of $1.0 million to write-down the noncontrolling interest to its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the noncontrolling interest was calculated as a percentage of the net assets acquired related to certain subsidiaries in which ITS holds less than a 100 percent controlling interest. The fair value of the net assets of these subsidiaries was primarily based on the income approach valuation model.

Acquisitions_ITS_Supplemental_

Acquisitions ITS - Supplemental Proforma (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Net income attributable to Parker Drilling	$32,629	$55,073
Basic number of shares (in shares)	'	117,458,365
Diluted number of shares (in shares)	'	118,810,195
ITS [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	671,738	614,679
Net income	$33,081	$54,927
Earnings per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.27	$0.47
Earnings per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.27	$0.46

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Summary

Earnings Per Share (EPS) - Summary of Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$7,970	$10,936	$16,843	$57,411
Basic EPS (in shares)	119,990,196	118,109,214	119,443,260	117,458,365
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.09	$0.14	$0.49
Stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	1,684,395	1,091,805	2,250,521	1,351,830
Stock options and restricted stock (in dollars per share)	'	$0	'	($0.01)
Stock options and restricted stock (in dollars per share)	$0	'	$0	'
Diluted EPS (in shares)	121,674,591	119,201,019	121,693,781	118,810,195
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.09	$0.14	$0.48

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (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
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	$0	'
Current period other comprehensive income	1,521	0	957	0
Ending balance	$957	'	$957	'

Reportable_Segments_Additional

Reportable Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
	segment	International Drilling [Member]	Exxon Neftegas Limited [Member]	Exxon Neftegas Limited [Member]	Exxon Neftegas Limited [Member]	Schlumberger [Member]	Schlumberger [Member]
					International Drilling [Member]		International Drilling [Member]
Segment Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	5	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue from major customer	'	36.90%	14.30%	10.60%	32.00%	10.20%	24.00%

Reportable_Segments_Results_of

Reportable Segments - Results of Operations by Reportable Segment (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		Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	$237,762		$165,301		$630,918		$520,795		'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Total operating gross margin	48,139		34,038		118,908		134,496		'
General and administrative expense	-14,188	[1]	-8,905	[1]	-49,449	[1]	-21,822	[1]	'
Gain on disposition of assets, net	1,094		606		2,759		2,466		'
Total operating income	35,045		25,739		72,218		115,140		'
Interest expense	-13,127		-8,171		-33,874		-25,133		'
Interest income	130		30		2,392		109		'
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-5,218		-117		-5,218		-1,766		'
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	0		19		54		8		'
Other	400		26		333		62		'
Income before income taxes	17,230		17,526		35,905		88,420		'
Assets	1,535,380		1,255,733		1,535,380		1,255,733		1,255,733
Rental Tools [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues:	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	89,614		59,947		228,718		191,233		'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Total operating gross margin	25,816	[2]	27,032	[2]	72,470	[2]	91,885	[2]	'
U.S. Barge Drilling [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues:	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	33,919		33,142		102,085		94,269		'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Total operating gross margin	12,236	[2]	11,042	[2]	37,657	[2]	29,215	[2]	'
U.S. Drilling [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues:	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	18,693		0		48,238		0		'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Total operating gross margin	103	[2]	-4,712	[2]	-4,618	[2]	-7,881	[2]	'
International Drilling [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues:	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	88,562	[3]	68,503	[3]	236,394	[3]	224,176	[3]	'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Total operating gross margin	9,831	[2]	783	[2]	12,815	[2]	21,395	[2]	'
Technical Services [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues:	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	6,974		3,709		15,483		11,117		'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Total operating gross margin	153	[2]	-107	[2]	584	[2]	-118	[2]	'
Other Segments [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Assets	1,293,678		1,083,349		1,293,678		1,083,349		'
Other Segments [Member] | Rental Tools [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Assets	375,900		194,600		375,900		194,600		'
Other Segments [Member] | U.S. Barge Drilling [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Assets	84,402		99,409		84,402		99,409		'
Other Segments [Member] | U.S. Drilling [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Assets	367,020		374,794		367,020		374,794		'
Other Segments [Member] | International Drilling [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Assets	466,356		414,546		466,356		414,546		'
Corporate Assets [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating gross margin:	'		'		'		'		'
Assets	$241,702	[4]	$172,384	[4]	$241,702	[4]	$172,384	[4]	'
[1]	General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.
[2]	Operating gross margin is calculated as revenues less direct operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization expense.
[3]	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, our largest customer, Exxon Neftegas Limited, constituted 14.3% of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 36.9% of our International Drilling segment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, our two largest customers, Exxon Neftegas Limited (ENL) and Schlumberger, constituted approximately 10.6% and 10.2%, respectively, of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 32.0% and 24.0%, respectively, of our International Drilling segments.
[4]	This category includes corporate assets as well as minimal assets for our Technical Services segment primarily related to office furniture and fixtures.

Assets_Held_for_Sale_Additiona

Assets Held for Sale - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 07, 2013
			rig			Subsequent Event [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	$7,485,000	'	$7,485,000	'	$6,800,000	'
Number of Land Rigs impacting assets held for sale	'	'	2	'	'	'
Non-cash write-down of assets	900,000	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of assets, net	1,094,000	606,000	2,759,000	2,466,000	'	100,000
Number of Land Rigs impacting assets held for sale in future	'	'	3	'	'	'
Additional depreciation recorded during period	$700,000	'	'	'	'	'

Accounting_for_Uncertainty_in_1

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Liability for unrecognized tax	$10.50	'	$12
Unrecognized tax favorable impact on effective tax rate	3.8	'	5.2
Accrued interest and penalties applied to uncertain tax positions	$7.70	$7	'

Income_Tax_BenefitExpense_Addi

Income Tax Benefit/Expense - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	$9,112,000	$6,695,000	$18,841,000	$31,155,000
Reduction in pre-tax earnings (loss)	17,230,000	17,526,000	35,905,000	88,420,000
Proceeds from income tax refunds	'	'	22,400,000	'
Interest from income tax refunds	'	'	$2,200,000	'

LongTerm_Debt_Summary_of_Compa

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Company's Current Debt Portfolio (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 14, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total debt	$653,968	$479,205	'
Less current portion	0	10,000	'
Total long-term debt	653,968	469,205	'
7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total debt	225,000	0	'
9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total debt	428,968	429,205	'
Term Note Due December 2017 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total debt	$0	$50,000	$50,000

LongTerm_Debt_Summary_of_Compa1

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Company's Current Debt Portfolio (Parenthetical) (Detail)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 30, 2013
9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt instrument maturity date	'April 2018	'April 2018	'
Debt instrument fixed interest rate	9.13%	9.13%	'
7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt instrument maturity date	'August 2020	'August 2020	'
Debt instrument fixed interest rate	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 14, 2012

Jul. 30, 2013

Dec. 14, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 22, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 22, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 22, 2010

Apr. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 25, 2012

9-May-12

9-May-12

Apr. 25, 2012

Jul. 15, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 14, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 14, 2012

Apr. 18, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 30, 2013

Jul. 19, 2013

Jul. 30, 2013

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 [Member]

9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 [Member]

9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 [Member]

7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 [Member]

7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 [Member]

7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 [Member]

9.625% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]

9.625% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]

Senior secured revolving credit facility (Revolver) [Member]

9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 (Issued April 25, 2012) [Member]

9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 (Issued April 25, 2012) [Member]

9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 (Issued April 25, 2012) [Member]

2.125% Convertible Senior Notes due July 2012 [Member]

2.125% Convertible Senior Notes due July 2012 [Member]

2.125% Convertible Senior Notes due July 2012 [Member]

2.125% Convertible Senior Notes, due July 2012 [Member]

Term Note [Member]

Term Note [Member]

Term Note Due December 2017 [Member]

Term Note Due December 2017 [Member]

Term Note Due December 2017 [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

ITS [Member]

ITS [Member]

ITS [Member]

ITS [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

2.125% Convertible Senior Notes, due July 2012 Repayment of Debt [Member]

2.125% Convertible Senior Notes, due July 2012 Repayment of Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Goldman Term Loan [Member]

Term Note Due April 2018 [Member]

Term Note Due April 2018 [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

'

$225,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$125,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$125,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of notes guaranteed by restricted subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.13%

9.13%

'

7.50%

7.50%

7.50%

'

9.63%

'

'

'

'

'

2.13%

2.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.50%

'

'

'

Increase in the amount of term loan or revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

45,000,000

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,200,000

5,300,000

'

'

Redemption amount percentage of principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

107.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price after year three

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price afer year five

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Par value of senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

104.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

225,000,000

'

42,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross proceeds of aggregate principal amount additional issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

130,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchase of Convertible senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

122,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes paid off

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,400,000

'

'

'

'

Debt issuance cost, Net of amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Apr-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of redemption price after notice

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

104.56%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of repurchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior secured credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

80,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of term note

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

225,000,000

'

'

'

'

225,000,000

Payments of debt extinguishment costs

0

519,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate commitment amount

'

'

'

180,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

Maturity of credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14-Dec-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variation in applicable rate for LIBOR Rate Loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variation in applicable rate for LIBOR Rate Loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variation in applicable rate for Base Rate Loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variation in applicable rate for Base Rate Loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility quarterly decrease in borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity in year two

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,500,000

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity in year three

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,500,000

'

Revolving loan outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,800,000

4,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

653,968,000

'

479,205,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

428,968,000

429,205,000

'

225,000,000

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

50,000,000

50,000,000

'

'

'

125,000,000

'

'

'

Principal payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Base rate plus

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

LIBOR plus

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 27, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012
	agreement		Maximum [Member]
Derivatives And Hedging Activities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of interest rate swap agreements	2	'	'
Notional amount of borrowings	'	$73	'
Interest rate derivatives fixed interest rate	'	3.88%	'
Interest rate swap termination date	'5/14/2013	'	'
Fair value of the interest rate swap liability	'	'	$0.10

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member], Maximum [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]	'
Carrying amount of interest rate swap agreements	$0.10

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Debt Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Long-term Debt	'	'
Long term debt Fair value	$650,000	$425,000
Carrying Amount [Member] | 7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 [Member]	'	'
Long-term Debt	'	'
Long term debt Fair value	225,000	0
Carrying Amount [Member] | 9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 [Member]	'	'
Long-term Debt	'	'
Long term debt Fair value	425,000	425,000
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Long-term Debt	'	'
Long term debt Fair value	679,750	453,688
Fair Value [Member] | 7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 [Member]	'	'
Long-term Debt	'	'
Long term debt Fair value	225,000	0
Fair Value [Member] | 9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 [Member]	'	'
Long-term Debt	'	'
Long term debt Fair value	$454,750	$453,688

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Number of pending claims	15	'
Amount accrued	$0	'
Fine paid by for retention and use of individual agent in Nigeria with respect to customs-related issues	11,760,000	'
Gulfco Site [Member]	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Amount accrued	$900,000	'
Percent of costs to study and remediate site	'	20.00%

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_2

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 [Member]	9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 [Member]	7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 [Member]	7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 [Member]	7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 [Member]
Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of notes guaranteed by restricted subsidiaries	'	9.13%	9.13%	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Percentage of guaranteed subsidiaries by the parent companies	100.00%	'	'	'	'	'

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_3

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$162,457	$87,886	$114,127	$97,869
Accounts and notes receivable, net	249,623	168,562	'	'
Rig materials and supplies	40,202	28,860	'	'
Deferred costs	13,583	1,089	'	'
Deferred income taxes	13,473	8,742	'	'
Other tax assets	18,433	33,524	'	'
Assets held for sale	7,485	6,800	'	'
Other current assets	20,906	12,821	'	'
Total current assets	526,162	348,284	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	858,672	789,123	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany advances	0	0	'	'
Other noncurrent assets	150,546	118,326	'	'
Total assets	1,535,380	1,255,733	1,255,733	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	10,000	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	191,229	137,746	'	'
Accrued income taxes	7,261	4,120	'	'
Total current liabilities	198,490	151,866	'	'
Long-term debt	653,968	469,205	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	24,048	23,182	'	'
Long-term deferred tax liability	39,084	20,847	'	'
Intercompany payables	0	0	'	'
Contingencies	0	0	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	20,050	19,818	'	'
Capital in excess of par value	654,750	646,217	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	957	0	'	'
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-57,788	-74,631	'	'
Total controlling interest stockholders’ equity	617,969	591,404	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	1,821	-771	'	'
Total equity	619,790	590,633	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,535,380	1,255,733	'	'
Parent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	89,516	42,251	77,468	55,670
Accounts and notes receivable, net	290,856	289,957	'	'
Rig materials and supplies	0	0	'	'
Deferred costs	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Other tax assets	43,171	46,249	'	'
Assets held for sale	0	0	'	'
Other current assets	0	0	'	'
Total current assets	423,543	378,457	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	60	60	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany advances	944,584	780,878	'	'
Other noncurrent assets	52,147	43,569	'	'
Total assets	1,420,334	1,202,964	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	10,000	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	81,524	65,839	'	'
Accrued income taxes	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	81,524	75,839	'	'
Long-term debt	653,968	469,205	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	4,289	3,933	'	'
Long-term deferred tax liability	0	0	'	'
Intercompany payables	62,584	62,583	'	'
Contingencies	'	'	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	20,050	19,818	'	'
Capital in excess of par value	654,750	646,217	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	'	'
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-56,831	-74,631	'	'
Total controlling interest stockholders’ equity	617,969	591,404	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	0	0	'	'
Total equity	617,969	591,404	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,420,334	1,202,964	'	'
Guarantor [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	21,273	11,023	7,906	4,212
Accounts and notes receivable, net	113,873	98,747	'	'
Rig materials and supplies	2,364	2,834	'	'
Deferred costs	32	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	12,363	7,615	'	'
Other tax assets	-46,939	-31,136	'	'
Assets held for sale	1,183	0	'	'
Other current assets	14,238	8,675	'	'
Total current assets	118,387	97,758	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	559,885	548,794	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany advances	-220,110	-233,388	'	'
Other noncurrent assets	60,002	59,541	'	'
Total assets	518,164	472,705	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	101,207	93,243	'	'
Accrued income taxes	529	612	'	'
Total current liabilities	101,736	93,855	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	5,806	6,129	'	'
Long-term deferred tax liability	47,684	36,894	'	'
Intercompany payables	43,669	43,657	'	'
Contingencies	'	'	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	18,049	18,049	'	'
Capital in excess of par value	733,899	733,112	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	'	'
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-432,679	-458,991	'	'
Total controlling interest stockholders’ equity	319,269	292,170	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	0	0	'	'
Total equity	319,269	292,170	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	518,164	472,705	'	'
Non-Guarantor [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	51,668	34,612	28,753	37,987
Accounts and notes receivable, net	386,521	292,644	'	'
Rig materials and supplies	37,838	26,026	'	'
Deferred costs	13,551	1,089	'	'
Deferred income taxes	1,110	1,127	'	'
Other tax assets	22,201	18,411	'	'
Assets held for sale	6,302	6,800	'	'
Other current assets	6,668	4,146	'	'
Total current assets	525,859	384,855	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	298,727	240,269	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany advances	1,593,743	1,467,429	'	'
Other noncurrent assets	38,397	15,216	'	'
Total assets	2,456,726	2,107,769	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	263,709	205,864	'	'
Accrued income taxes	6,732	3,508	'	'
Total current liabilities	270,441	209,372	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	13,953	13,120	'	'
Long-term deferred tax liability	-8,600	-16,047	'	'
Intercompany payables	359,106	216,320	'	'
Contingencies	'	'	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	43,003	43,003	'	'
Capital in excess of par value	1,579,458	1,455,246	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	957	0	'	'
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	196,587	187,526	'	'
Total controlling interest stockholders’ equity	1,820,005	1,685,775	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	1,821	-771	'	'
Total equity	1,821,826	1,685,004	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,456,726	2,107,769	'	'
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts and notes receivable, net	-541,627	-512,786	'	'
Rig materials and supplies	0	0	'	'
Deferred costs	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Other tax assets	0	0	'	'
Assets held for sale	0	0	'	'
Other current assets	0	0	'	'
Total current assets	-541,627	-512,786	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany advances	-2,318,217	-2,014,919	'	'
Other noncurrent assets	0	0	'	'
Total assets	-2,859,844	-2,527,705	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-255,211	-227,200	'	'
Accrued income taxes	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	-255,211	-227,200	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	0	0	'	'
Long-term deferred tax liability	0	0	'	'
Intercompany payables	-465,359	-322,560	'	'
Contingencies	'	'	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	-61,052	-61,052	'	'
Capital in excess of par value	-2,313,357	-2,188,358	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	'	'
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	235,135	271,465	'	'
Total controlling interest stockholders’ equity	-2,139,274	-1,977,945	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	0	0	'	'
Total equity	-2,139,274	-1,977,945	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($2,859,844)	($2,527,705)	'	'

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_4

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations (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
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	$237,762		$165,301		$630,918		$520,795
Operating expenses	153,741		101,484		414,336		300,942
Depreciation and amortization	35,882		29,779		97,674		85,357
Total operating gross margin	48,139		34,038		118,908		134,496
General and administration expense	-14,188	[1]	-8,905	[1]	-49,449	[1]	-21,822	[1]
Gain on disposition of assets, net	1,094		606		2,759		2,466
Total operating income (loss)	35,045		25,739		72,218		115,140
Other income and (expense):	'		'		'		'
Interest expense	-13,127		-8,171		-33,874		-25,133
Interest income	130		30		2,392		109
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	0		19		54		8
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-5,218		-117		-5,218		-1,766
Other	400		26		333		62
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	0		0		0		0
Total other expense	-17,815		-8,213		-36,313		-26,720
Income (benefit) before income taxes	17,230		17,526		35,905		88,420
Income tax expense	9,112		6,695		18,841		31,155
Net income	8,118		10,831		17,064		57,265
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	148		-105		221		-146
Net income	7,970		10,936		16,843		57,411
Parent [Member]	'		'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	0		0		0		0
Operating expenses	0		0		0		0
Depreciation and amortization	0		0		0		0
Total operating gross margin	0		0		0		0
General and administration expense	-47	[1]	-47	[1]	-140	[1]	-137	[1]
Gain on disposition of assets, net	0		0		0		0
Total operating income (loss)	-47		-47		-140		-137
Other income and (expense):	'		'		'		'
Interest expense	-14,035		-9,105		-36,734		-27,923
Interest income	360		95		3,366		8,695
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	0		19		54		8
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-5,218		-117		-5,218		-1,766
Other	-1		0		0		0
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	22,322		10,596		36,330		61,553
Total other expense	3,428		1,488		-2,202		40,567
Income (benefit) before income taxes	3,381		1,441		-2,342		40,430
Income tax expense	-4,589		-9,495		-19,185		-16,981
Net income	7,970		10,936		16,843		57,411
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0		0		0		0
Net income	7,970		10,936		16,843		57,411
Guarantor [Member]	'		'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	119,223		98,969		345,434		302,892
Operating expenses	64,297		45,850		186,708		136,849
Depreciation and amortization	19,956		17,866		57,335		49,127
Total operating gross margin	34,970		35,253		101,391		116,916
General and administration expense	-14,028	[1]	-8,823	[1]	-48,942	[1]	-21,273	[1]
Gain on disposition of assets, net	-34		553		1,917		1,168
Total operating income (loss)	20,908		26,983		54,366		96,811
Other income and (expense):	'		'		'		'
Interest expense	-107		-43		-167		-115
Interest income	250		179		1,584		4,894
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	0		0		0		0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0		0		0		0
Other	-11		26		-178		64
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	0		0		0		0
Total other expense	132		162		1,239		4,843
Income (benefit) before income taxes	21,040		27,145		55,605		101,654
Income tax expense	10,223		10,451		27,993		38,149
Net income	10,817		16,694		27,612		63,505
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0		0		0		0
Net income	10,817		16,694		27,612		63,505
Non-Guarantor [Member]	'		'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	170,609		94,749		388,912		295,811
Operating expenses	141,514		84,051		331,056		242,001
Depreciation and amortization	15,926		11,913		40,339		36,230
Total operating gross margin	13,169		-1,215		17,517		17,580
General and administration expense	-113	[1]	-35	[1]	-367	[1]	-412	[1]
Gain on disposition of assets, net	1,128		53		842		1,298
Total operating income (loss)	14,184		-1,197		17,992		18,466
Other income and (expense):	'		'		'		'
Interest expense	-2,198		-1,840		-9,494		-5,811
Interest income	2,733		2,573		9,963		39,345
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	0		0		0		0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0		0		0		0
Other	412		0		511		-2
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	0		0		0		0
Total other expense	947		733		980		33,532
Income (benefit) before income taxes	15,131		-464		18,972		51,998
Income tax expense	3,478		5,739		10,033		9,987
Net income	11,653		-6,203		8,939		42,011
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	148		-105		221		-146
Net income	11,505		-6,098		8,718		42,157
Eliminations [Member]	'		'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	-52,070		-28,417		-103,428		-77,908
Operating expenses	-52,070		-28,417		-103,428		-77,908
Depreciation and amortization	0		0		0		0
Total operating gross margin	0		0		0		0
General and administration expense	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Gain on disposition of assets, net	0		0		0		0
Total operating income (loss)	0		0		0		0
Other income and (expense):	'		'		'		'
Interest expense	3,213		2,817		12,521		8,716
Interest income	-3,213		-2,817		-12,521		-52,825
Changes in fair value of derivative positions	0		0		0		0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0		0		0		0
Other	0		0		0		0
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	-22,322		-10,596		-36,330		-61,553
Total other expense	-22,322		-10,596		-36,330		-105,662
Income (benefit) before income taxes	-22,322		-10,596		-36,330		-105,662
Income tax expense	0		0		0		0
Net income	-22,322		-10,596		-36,330		-105,662
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0		0		0		0
Net income	($22,322)		($10,596)		($36,330)		($105,662)
[1]	General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_5

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (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 Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$8,118	$10,831	$17,064	$57,265
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	-577	0	-1,542	0
Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	2,098	0	2,499	0
Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	1,521	0	957	0
Comprehensive income	9,639	10,831	18,021	57,265
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-53	0	-83	0
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	9,586	10,831	17,938	57,265
Parent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	7,970	10,936	16,843	57,411
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	0	'	0	'
Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	0	'	0	'
Comprehensive income	7,970	'	16,843	'
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	'	0	'
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	7,970	'	16,843	'
Guarantor [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	10,817	16,694	27,612	63,505
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	0	'	0	'
Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	0	'	0	'
Comprehensive income	10,817	'	27,612	'
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	'	0	'
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	10,817	'	27,612	'
Non-Guarantor [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	11,653	-6,203	8,939	42,011
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	-577	'	-1,542	'
Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	2,098	'	2,499	'
Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	1,521	'	957	'
Comprehensive income	13,174	'	9,896	'
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-53	'	-83	'
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	13,121	'	9,813	'
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	-22,322	-10,596	-36,330	-105,662
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	0	'	0	'
Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	0	'	0	'
Comprehensive income	-22,322	'	-36,330	'
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	'	0	'
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	($22,322)	'	($36,330)	'

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_6

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Repayments of long term debt	$125,000	$125,000
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	17,064	57,265
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	97,674	85,357
Loss on extinguishment of debt	5,218	1,766
Gain on disposition of assets	-2,759	-2,466
Deferred income tax expense	12,872	8,403
Expenses not requiring cash	9,928	15,724
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	0	0
Change in other assets	-1,346	564
Change in accounts receivable	-28,605	24,648
Change in accrued income taxes	2,877	-3,049
Change in liabilities	12,412	-10,185
Net cash provided by operating activities	125,335	178,027
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-102,856	-147,658
Proceeds from the sale of assets	5,533	3,496
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired	-117,991	0
Intercompany dividend payment	'	0
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-215,314	-144,162
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from debt issuance	350,000	130,000
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	125,000
Paydown on term note	-50,000	-18,000
Payment of debt issuance costs	-10,981	-3,516
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	0	-519
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	531	-572
Intercompany advances, net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	164,550	-17,607
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	74,571	16,258
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	87,886	97,869
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	162,457	114,127
Parent [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Repayments of long term debt	125,000	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	16,843	57,411
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	5,218	1,766
Gain on disposition of assets	0	0
Deferred income tax expense	-2,860	5,940
Expenses not requiring cash	10,494	13,264
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	-36,330	-61,553
Change in other assets	3,045	-32,874
Change in accounts receivable	-899	-291
Change in accrued income taxes	358	-5,068
Change in liabilities	14,222	12,917
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,091	-8,488
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired	0	'
Intercompany dividend payment	'	-8,387
Net cash (used in) investing activities	0	-8,387
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from debt issuance	350,000	130,000
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	125,000
Paydown on term note	-50,000	-18,000
Payment of debt issuance costs	-10,981	-3,516
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	'	-519
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	531	-572
Intercompany advances, net	-127,376	56,280
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	37,174	38,673
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	47,265	21,798
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	42,251	55,670
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	89,516	77,468
Guarantor [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Repayments of long term debt	0	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	27,612	63,505
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	57,335	49,127
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0
Gain on disposition of assets	-1,917	-1,168
Deferred income tax expense	10,479	4,868
Expenses not requiring cash	591	689
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	0	0
Change in other assets	4,580	61,320
Change in accounts receivable	-7,951	766
Change in accrued income taxes	-85	1,832
Change in liabilities	-2,116	-21,430
Net cash provided by operating activities	88,528	159,509
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-66,956	-139,618
Proceeds from the sale of assets	2,751	1,667
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired	-292	'
Intercompany dividend payment	'	-4,357
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-64,497	-142,308
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from debt issuance	0	0
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	0
Paydown on term note	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	'	0
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	0
Intercompany advances, net	-13,781	-13,507
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-13,781	-13,507
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	10,250	3,694
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	11,023	4,212
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	21,273	7,906
Non-Guarantor [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Repayments of long term debt	0	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	8,939	42,011
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	40,339	36,230
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0
Gain on disposition of assets	-842	-1,298
Deferred income tax expense	5,253	-2,405
Expenses not requiring cash	-1,157	1,770
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	0	0
Change in other assets	-8,971	-27,882
Change in accounts receivable	-19,755	24,173
Change in accrued income taxes	2,604	187
Change in liabilities	306	-1,672
Net cash provided by operating activities	26,716	71,114
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-35,900	-8,040
Proceeds from the sale of assets	2,782	1,829
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired	-117,699	'
Intercompany dividend payment	'	-31,364
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-150,817	-37,575
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from debt issuance	0	0
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	0
Paydown on term note	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	'	0
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	0
Intercompany advances, net	141,157	-42,773
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	141,157	-42,773
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	17,056	-9,234
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	34,612	37,987
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	51,668	28,753
Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Repayments of long term debt	0	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	-36,330	-105,662
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0
Gain on disposition of assets	0	0
Deferred income tax expense	0	0
Expenses not requiring cash	0	1
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	36,330	61,553
Change in other assets	0	0
Change in accounts receivable	0	0
Change in accrued income taxes	0	0
Change in liabilities	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	-44,108
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired	0	'
Intercompany dividend payment	'	44,108
Net cash (used in) investing activities	0	44,108
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from debt issuance	0	0
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	0
Paydown on term note	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	'	0
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	0
Intercompany advances, net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$0	$0