Parker Drilling (PKDC) 8-K/A 7 May 15 Parker Drilling Recasts Reporting Segments Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Entity Registrant Name	PARKER DRILLING CO /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	76321

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$968,684	$874,172	$677,761
Expenses:
Operating expenses	669,381	571,672	413,188
Depreciation and amortization	145,121	134,053	113,017
Total expenses	814,502	705,725	526,205
Total operating gross margin	154,182	168,447	151,556
General and administration expense	-35,016	-68,025	-46,257
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets	0	-2,544	0
Gain on disposition of assets, net	1,054	3,994	1,974
Total operating income	120,220	101,872	107,273
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	-44,265	-47,820	-33,542
Interest income	195	2,450	153
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-30,152	-5,218	-2,130
Change in fair value of derivative positions	0	53	55
Other	2,539	1,450	-832
Total other expense	-71,683	-49,085	-36,296
Income before income taxes	48,537	52,787	70,977
Current tax expense	22,567	12,909	18,042
Deferred tax expense	1,509	12,699	15,837
Total income tax expense	24,076	25,608	33,879
Net income	24,461	27,179	37,098
Less: Net Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,010	164	-215
Net income attributable to controlling interest	$23,451	$27,015	$37,313
Basic earnings per share:	$0.19	$0.23	$0.32
Diluted earnings per share:	$0.19	$0.22	$0.31
Number of common shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic	121,186,464	119,284,468	117,721,135
Diluted	123,076,648	121,224,550	119,093,590

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$24,461	$27,179	$37,098
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	-4,870	-1,525	0
Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	2,147	3,051	0
Total other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:	-2,723	1,526	0
Comprehensive income	21,738	28,705	37,098
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-673	198	215
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$21,065	$28,903	$37,313

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$108,456	$148,689
Accounts and Notes Receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $11,188 in 2014 and $12,853 in 2013	270,952	257,889
Rig materials and supplies	47,943	41,781
Deferred costs	5,673	13,682
Deferred income taxes	7,476	9,940
Other tax assets	10,723	24,079
Other current assets	18,556	23,223
Total current assets	469,779	519,283
Other assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,201,058 in 2014 and $1,136,024 in 2013 (Note 4)	895,940	871,356
Rig materials and supplies	6,937	10,221
Debt issuance costs	12,526	14,208
Deferred income taxes	122,689	102,420
Other assets	12,788	17,268
Total assets	1,520,659	1,534,756
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	10,000	25,000
Accounts payable	78,776	90,033
Accrued liabilities	75,703	84,853
Accrued income taxes	14,186	7,266
Total current liabilities	178,665	207,152
Long-term debt	605,000	628,781
Other long-term liabilities	18,665	26,914
Long-term deferred tax liability	52,115	38,767
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common Stock, $0.16 2/3 par value, authorized 280,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding, 122,045,877 shares (120,491,164 shares in 2013)	20,325	20,075
Capital in excess of par value	666,769	657,349
Accumulated deficit	-24,165	-47,616
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	-498	1,888
Total controlling interest stockholders’ equity	662,431	631,696
Noncontrolling interest	3,783	1,446
Total equity	666,214	633,142
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,520,659	$1,534,756

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET_Par

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for bad debts	($11,188)	($12,853)
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	$1,201,058	$1,136,024
Preferred stock, par value	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,942,000	1,942,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.17	$0.17
Common stock, shares authorized	280,000,000	280,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	122,045,877	120,491,164
Common stock, shares outstanding	122,045,877	120,491,164

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$24,461	$27,179	$37,098
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	145,121	134,053	113,017
Loss on extinguishment of debt	30,152	5,218	2,130
Gain on disposition of assets	-1,054	-3,994	-1,974
Deferred tax expense	1,509	12,699	15,837
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets	0	2,544	0
Expenses not requiring cash	19,331	17,764	22,600
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable	-12,238	-33,512	15,241
Rig materials and supplies	-2,878	1,754	344
Other current assets	26,032	-11,715	-4,313
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	27,231	-286	-2,657
Accrued income taxes	-7,657	10,454	-6,102
Other assets	-47,543	-661	-1,522
Net cash provided by operating activities	202,467	161,497	189,699
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	-179,513	-155,645	-191,543
Proceeds from the sale of assets	5,938	8,218	3,937
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired	0	-117,991
Net cash used in investing activities	-173,575	-265,418	-187,606
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	400,000	350,000	130,000
Proceeds from draw on revolver credit facility	0	0	7,000
Repayments of long-term debt	-425,000	-125,000	0
Repayments of senior notes	0	0	-125,000
Repayments of term loan	-10,000	-50,000	-18,000
Payments of debt issuance costs	-7,630	-11,172	-4,859
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	-26,214	0	-555
Excess tax benefit (expense) from stock-based compensation	-281	896	-662
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-69,125	164,724	-12,076
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-40,233	60,803	-9,983
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	148,689	87,886	97,869
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	108,456	148,689	87,886
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	41,820	42,236	37,405
Income taxes paid	$26,694	$17,036	$40,234

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total Controlling Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	$544,050	$19,789	($281)	$637,042	($111,944)		$544,606	($556)
Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		117,061
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Activity in employees' stock plans, shares		1,907
Activity in employees' stock plans	2,930	264	46	2,620			2,930
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation	-662			-662			-662
Amortization of restricted stock plan compensation	7,217			7,217			7,217
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	37,098				37,313		37,313	-215
Other comprehensive income (loss):	0
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	590,633	20,053	-235	646,217	-74,631		591,404	-771
Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		118,968
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Activity in employees' stock plans, shares		1,523
Activity in employees' stock plans	1,062	215	42	805			1,062
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation	896			896			896
Amortization of restricted stock plan compensation	9,431			9,431	0		9,431	0
Fair value of acquired noncontrolling interest	2,680							2,680
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-265							-265
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	27,179				27,015		27,015	164
Other comprehensive income (loss):	1,526					1,888	1,888	-362
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	633,142	20,268	-193	657,349	-47,616	1,888	631,696	1,446
Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		120,491
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Activity in employees' stock plans, shares		1,555
Activity in employees' stock plans	1,174	227	23	924			1,174
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation	-281			-281			-281
Amortization of restricted stock plan compensation	9,273			9,273			9,273
Purchase of NCI of joint venture	-509			-496			-496	-13
Fair value of acquired noncontrolling interest	1,919							1,919
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-242							-242
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	24,461				23,451		23,451	1,010
Other comprehensive income (loss):	-2,723					-2,386	-2,386	-337
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$666,214	$20,495	($170)	$666,769	($24,165)	($498)	$662,431	$3,783
Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		122,046

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations — We are an international provider of drilling services and rental tools. We have operated in over 50 countries since beginning operations in 1934, making us among the most geographically experienced drilling contractors and rental tools providers in the world. We currently have operations in 23 countries. We believe we are an industry leader in quality, health, safety and environmental practices.
	Our business is comprised of two business lines: (1) Drilling Services and (2) Rental Tools Services. We have completed a business review and as a result have aligned our reportable segments with our two core business lines and our current internal organizational structure. We continue to report our Rental Tools Services business as one reportable segment (Rental Tools); however, effective with the first quarter of 2015, the Company is reporting its Drilling Services business as two segments: (1) U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling and (2) International & Alaska Drilling.
	In our Drilling Services business, we own and operate drilling rigs and drilling-related equipment and also perform drilling-related services, referred to as operations and maintenance (O&M) services, for customer-owned drilling rigs on a contracted basis. In addition, we provide engineering and related services during concept development, pre-FEED (Front End Engineering Design) and FEED phases of customer-owned drilling facility projects. We have extensive experience and expertise in drilling geologically difficult wells and in managing the logistical and technological challenges of operating in remote, harsh and ecologically sensitive areas. Our U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling segment includes our Gulf of Mexico (GOM) barge drilling fleet and O&M services. Our GOM barge drilling fleet operates barge rigs that drill for oil and natural gas in shallow waters in and along the inland waterways and coasts of Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas. The majority of these wells are drilled in water depths of 6 to 12 feet. Our International & Alaska Drilling segment includes operations related to Parker-owned and customer-owned rigs as well as project related services. We provide O&M and other project management services, such as labor, maintenance, technical and logistics support for operators who own their own drilling rigs, but choose Parker Drilling to operate the rigs for them.
	In our Rental Tools Services business, we provide premium rental equipment and services to exploration and production companies, drilling contractors and service companies on land and offshore in the United States (U.S.) and select international markets. Tools we provide include drill collars, standard and heavy-weight drill pipe, all of which are available with standard or high-torque connections, tubing, and pressure control equipment including blow-out preventers (BOPs). We also provide well construction services which include tubular running services and downhole tools and well intervention services which include whip stock, fishing products and services, as well as inspection and machine shop support.
	Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries in 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 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 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 materially affect our consolidated financial results.
	Revenue Recognition — Contract drilling revenues and expenses, comprised of daywork drilling contracts, call-outs against master service agreements 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 primary 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. Revenues from rental activities are recognized ratably over the rental term which is generally less than six months. Our project related services contracts include engineering, consulting, and project management scopes of work and revenue is typically recognized on a time and materials basis.
	Reimbursable Costs — The Company recognizes reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred as revenues and accounts for out-of-pocket expenses as direct operating costs. Such amounts totaled $82.6 million, $69.7 million, and $44.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Additionally, the Company typically receives a nominal handling fee, which is recognized as earned in revenues in our consolidated statement of operations.
	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 revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Estimates are typically used when accounting for certain significant items such as legal or contractual liability accruals, mobilization and deferred mobilization, 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, where applicable, 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.
	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 in accordance with the acquisition method. 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 typically engage third-party appraisal firms to assist in fair value determination of inventories, identifiable intangible assets, and any other significant assets or liabilities. 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 – We recorded $8.5 million to recognize the fair value of definite-lived intangible assets assumed in the ITS Acquisition. 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. See Note 2 - Acquisition of ITS for further discussion of the ITS Acquisition and fair value estimates.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents — For purposes of the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers cash equivalents to be highly liquid debt instruments that have a remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Bad Debt — Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoice amount and typically do not bear interest. The allowance for bad debt is estimated for losses that may occur resulting from disputed amounts and the inability of our customers to pay amounts owed. We estimate the allowance based on historical write-off experience and information about specific customers. We review individually, for collectability, all balances over 90 days past due as well as balances due from any customer with respect to which we have information leading us to believe that a risk exists for potential collection.
	Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to customers.
	The components of our accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for bad debt balance are as follows:
		December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013
	Trade	$	281,640		$	270,498
	Notes receivable	500			244
	Allowance for bad debt(1)	(11,188		)	(12,853		)
	Total accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for bad debt	$	270,952		$	257,889
	1)	Additional information on the allowance for bad debt for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is reported on Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
	Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Maintenance and most repair costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of upgrades and replacements is capitalized. The Company capitalizes software developed or obtained for internal use. Accordingly, the cost of third-party software, as well as the cost of third-party and internal personnel that are directly involved in application development activities, are capitalized during the application development phase of new software systems projects. Costs during the preliminary project stage and post-implementation stage of new software systems projects, including data conversion and training costs, are expensed as incurred. We account for depreciation of property, plant and equipment on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets after provision for salvage value. Depreciation, for tax purposes, utilizes several methods of accelerated depreciation. Depreciable lives for different categories of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
	Land and barge drilling equipment		3 to 20 years
	Drill pipe, rental tools and other		4 to 10 years
	Buildings and improvements		5 to 30 years
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease.
	Impairment — We review the carrying amounts of long-lived assets for potential impairment when events occur or circumstances change that indicate the carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. We determine recoverability by evaluating the undiscounted estimated future net cash flows. When impairment is indicated, we measure the impairment as the amount by which the assets’ carrying value exceeds its fair value. Management considers a number of factors such as estimated future cash flows from the assets, appraisals and current market value analysis in determining fair value. Assets are written down to fair value if the final estimate of current fair value is below the net carrying value.
	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 asset and is amortized over the useful lives of the assets in the same manner as the underlying assets. Capitalized interest costs reduce net interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, capitalized interest costs were $1.2 million, $2.4 million and $10.2 million, respectively.
	Assets held for sale — We classify an asset as held for sale when the facts and circumstances meet the criteria for such classification, including the following: (a) we have committed to a plan to sell the asset, (b) the asset is available for immediate sale, (c) we have initiated actions to complete the sale, including locating a buyer, (d) the sale is expected to be completed within one year, (e) the asset is being actively marketed at a price that is reasonable relative to its fair value, and (f) the plan to sell is unlikely to be subject to significant changes or termination.
	Rig Materials and Supplies — Because our international drilling generally occurs in remote locations, making timely outside delivery of spare parts uncertain, a complement of parts and supplies is maintained either at the drilling site or in warehouses close to the operation. During periods of high rig utilization, these parts are generally consumed and replenished within a one-year period. During a period of lower rig utilization in a particular location, the parts, like the related idle rigs, are generally not transferred to other international locations until new contracts are obtained because of the significant transportation costs that would result from such transfers. We classify those parts which are not expected to be utilized in the following year as long-term assets. Additionally, our international rental tools business holds machine shop consumables and steel stock for manufacture in our machine shops and inspection and repair shops. Rig materials and supplies are valued at the lower of cost or market value.
	Deferred Costs — We defer costs related to rig mobilization and amortize such costs over the primary term of the related contract. The costs to be amortized within twelve months are classified as current.
	Debt Issuance Costs — We typically defer costs associated with issuance of indebtedness, and amortize those costs over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.
	Income Taxes — Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method and have been provided based upon tax laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted and income is earned. There is little or no expected relationship between the provision for or benefit from income taxes and income or loss before income taxes as the countries in which we operate have taxation regimes that vary not only with respect to nominal rate, but also in terms of the availability of deductions, credits, and other benefits. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled and the effect of changes in tax rates is recognized in income in the period in which the change is enacted. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not to be sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized and changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
	Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS) — Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The effects of dilutive securities, stock options, unvested restricted stock and convertible debt are included in the diluted EPS calculation, when applicable.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk — Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables with a variety of national and international oil and natural gas companies. We generally do not require collateral on our trade receivables.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had deposits in domestic banks in excess of federally insured limits of approximately $59.3 million and $104.3 million, respectively. In addition, we had deposits in foreign banks, which were not insured at December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $54.4 million and $50.1 million, respectively.
	Our customer base primarily consists of major, independent and national oil and natural gas companies and integrated service providers. We depend on a limited number of significant customers. Our largest customer, Exxon Neftegas Limited constituted 18.7 percent of our revenues for 2014.
	Fair value measurements— 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. Our valuation technique requires inputs that we categorize using a three-level hierarchy, from highest to lowest level of observable inputs, as follows: (1) unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (Level 1), (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 2) and (3) unobservable inputs that require significant judgment for which there is little or no market data (Level 3). 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 measurement even though we may have also utilized significant inputs that are more readily observable.
	Derivative Financial Instruments — We periodically use derivative instruments to manage risks associated with changes in associated interest rate fluctuations in connection with our 2015 Secured Credit Agreement (See Note 7 - Derivative Financial Instruments for further discussion). These derivative instruments, which consist of variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps, are not designated as hedges. Accordingly, the change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps is recognized in earnings at each reporting period.
	Foreign Currency — In our international rental tool business, for certain subsidiaries and branches outside the U.S., the local currency is the functional currency. The financial statements of these subsidiaries and branches are translated into U.S. dollars as follows: (i) assets and liabilities at month-end exchange rates; (ii) income, expenses and cash flows at monthly average exchange rates or exchange rates in effect on the date of the transaction; and (iii) stockholders’ equity at historical exchange rates. For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, the resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other elements of comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Stock-Based Compensation — Under our long term incentive plan, we are authorized to issue the following: stock options; stock appreciation rights; restricted stock awards; restricted stock units; performance based awards; and other types of awards in cash or stock to key employees, consultants, and directors. We typically grant restricted stock units (RSUs), performance shares units (PSUs) and performance cash units (PCUs). Our RSUs are service-based awards and compensation expense is recognized ratably over the applicable vesting period, which is typically three years for employees. RSUs granted to non-management directors typically vest at the end of a one-year vesting period. The grant-date fair value of nonvested RSUs is determined based on the closing trading price of the company’s shares on the grant date. Our RSUs are settled in stock upon vesting.
	Our PSU and PCU awards contain payout conditions which are based on our performance against our peers with regard to relative total shareholder return (TSR) and absolute and relative return on capital employed (ROCE). The effects of these conditions are reflected in the grant-date fair value of the award using a lattice model for valuation. Typically, PSUs are settled in stock upon vesting and PCUs are settled in cash upon vesting. Both PSUs and PCUs vest fully at the end of a three year performance period. We evaluate the terms of each PSU and PCU award to determine if the award should be accounted for as equity or a liability under the stock compensation rules of U.S. GAAP. Compensation costs for PSUs and PCUs are recognized ratably over the service period.
	Share-based compensation expense is recognized, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, which is based on historical experience and adjusted, if necessary, in subsequent periods based on actual forfeitures. We recognize share-based compensation expense in the same financial statement line item as cash compensation paid to the respective employees. Tax deduction benefits for awards in excess of recognized compensation costs are reported as a financing cash flow.
	Legal and Investigation Matters — As of December 31, 2014, we have accrued an estimate of the probable and estimable costs for the resolution of certain legal and investigation matters. We have not accrued any amounts for other matters for which the liability is not probable and reasonably estimable.  Generally, the estimate of probable costs related to these matters is developed in consultation with our legal advisors. The estimates take into consideration factors such as the complexity of the issues, litigation risks and settlement costs. If the actual settlement costs, final judgments, or fines, after appeals, differ from our estimates, our future financial results may be adversely affected.

Acquisitions_of_ITS

Acquisitions of ITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition of ITS	Acquisition of ITS
	On April 22, 2013 we acquired International Tubular Services Limited (ITS) and related assets (the ITS Acquisition) for an initial purchase price of $101 million paid at the closing of the ITS Acquisition. An additional $24 million was deposited into an escrow account, which is payable to the seller or to us, as the case may be, in accordance with the ITS Acquisition agreement (the Acquisition Agreement). As of December 31, 2014, $10.5 million of the cash deposited in escrow has been released to the seller. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2014, we received $2.75 million from the escrow to reimburse the Company for certain post-acquisition expenditures. The reimbursements were recorded as a reduction to general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of operations.
	Fair value of Consideration Transferred
	The following details the fair value of the consideration transferred to effect the ITS Acquisition (dollars in thousands):
	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 Acquisition Agreement, $5 million of the $24 million in escrow to be paid to the seller was contingent upon certain future liabilities that could become due by ITS in certain jurisdictions. Any payments in relation to these liabilities would be deducted from the $5 million escrow amount and the net balance of the escrow would be paid to the seller. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the escrow agent released $2 million to the seller, leaving $3 million remaining in escrow at December 31, 2014. We anticipate the balance of $3 million will be paid to the seller. Based on the payments and recoveries out of escrow, the estimated fair value of the consideration in escrow related to these liabilities is $3 million. Any changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration in the future of less than $3 million will result in recording a receivable from escrow which will be recorded at fair value. We do not expect to recover any further amounts from escrow related to the contingent consideration; therefore, as of December 31, 2014, the fair value of the receivable was zero.
	Allocation of Consideration Transferred to Net Assets Acquired
	We have finalized the determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as set forth below. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities were subject to adjustment during a one-year measurement period subsequent to the ITS Acquisition as permitted under GAAP. The estimated fair values of certain assets and liabilities, primarily receivables, intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, taxes, contingencies and noncontrolling interests required judgments and assumptions that resulted in adjustments made to these estimates during the measurement period. The measurement period adjustments were recorded to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances existing as of the date of the ITS Acquisition and did not result from subsequent intervening events.
	The following details the allocation of consideration transferred to net assets acquired in the ITS Acquisition:
	Dollars in thousands	April 22, 2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,009
	Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	48,184
	Other current assets	1,803
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(35,156		)
	Accrued income taxes	(1,251		)
	Working capital excluding rig materials and supplies	20,589
	Rig materials and supplies	11,514
	Property, plant and equipment, net (2)	72,935
	Investment in joint venture	4,134
	Other noncurrent assets	2,818
	Total tangible assets	111,990
	Deferred income tax assets - current	222
	Deferred income tax assets - noncurrent (3)	11,640
	Intangible assets (4)	8,500
	Total assets acquired	132,352
	Other long-term liabilities	(211		)
	Long-term deferred tax liability	(2,796		)
	Net assets acquired	129,345
	Less: Noncontrolling interest (5)	(4,345		)
	Total consideration transferred	$	125,000
	1)	Our provisional allocation included $54.7 million of gross contractual accounts receivable. During the 2013 fourth quarter, adjustments of $1.2 million were recorded as of December 31, 2013 resulting in final fair value of gross accounts receivable of $55.9 million. These adjustments were recorded to reflect recognition of receivables for revenue earned prior to the acquisition date. Additionally, the initial allocation included $5.9 million of allowance for doubtful accounts. During the 2014 first quarter, we recorded an additional $1.9 million allowance to reserve against receivables that existed as of the acquisition date and were deemed to be uncollectible based on information obtained during the measurement period that existed, but was unknown to us, at the time of acquisition.
	2)	Our provisional allocation included $39.2 million of accounts payable and accrued liabilities. During the 2013 third quarter we recorded a reclassification of $4.0 million to reclassify reserves to property, plant, and equipment. This reclassification was reflected in our December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet but was not included in our disclosure of the Allocation of Consideration Transferred to Net Assets Acquired as of December 31, 2013. We have corrected this as of March 31, 2014 and do not believe the reclassification is material to our previously reported disclosure.
	3)	Management determined that the fair value of the net assets acquired less noncontrolling interest equaled consideration paid; therefore, no goodwill was recorded. Our provisional allocation included an adjustment of $40.2 million to reduce the historical carrying value of the acquired property, plant and equipment to its estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The measurement period adjustments to receivables, deferred income taxes, intangibles, and noncontrolling interests directly impacted the determination of the final fair value of the acquired property, plant and equipment, resulting in measurement period adjustments totaling $2.6 million to increase the fair value of property, plant and equipment.
	4)	Our provisional allocation included $14.4 million of deferred tax assets. During the measurement period, adjustments of ($2.9) million and $0.4 million were recorded as of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, respectively, resulting in final fair value of deferred tax assets of $11.9 million. Adjustments to deferred income tax assets primarily related to the differences between the final acquisition date fair value and tax basis of acquired property, plant and equipment.
	5)	Our provisional allocation included $10.0 million and $0.2 million to reflect the estimated fair values of definite- and indefinite-lived intangible assets, respectively. During the 2013 fourth quarter we recorded adjustments of $1.5 million and $0.2 million to reduce the value of the definite- and indefinite-lived intangible assets down to $8.5 million and zero respectively. Our depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflects this valuation adjustment. Definite-lived intangible assets recorded in connection with the ITS Acquisition, which primarily relate to trade names, customer relationships, and developed technology, are being amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.4 years.
	6)	Our provisional allocation included noncontrolling interest of $2.7 million. 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. During the 2014 first quarter, we obtained information about the acquired subsidiaries that existed at the date of acquisition which resulted in an increase in the acquisition date fair value of $1.6 million, resulting in a final fair value of the noncontrolling interest of $4.3 million.
	The impacts to our December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet for the revisions to the provisional allocation made during the 2014 first quarter are as follows:
	Dollars in thousands	Increase/(Decrease)
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	$	(1,859	)
	Total current assets	(1,859		)
	Property, plant and equipment	3,072
	Deferred income tax assets - noncurrent	391
	Total non-current assets	3,463
	Total assets	$	1,604
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities	(60		)
	Total non-current liabilities	(60		)
	Total liabilities	$	(60	)
	Noncontrolling interest	$	1,664
	Total liabilities and stockholder's equity	$	1,604
	The impact of the revisions to the provisional allocation recorded during the 2014 first quarter, including the impact to depreciation expense related to the increase in property, plant and equipment, are not material to our historical consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
	Acquisition-Related Costs
	Acquisition-related transaction costs, consisting of various advisory, compliance, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees, were nominal for the year ended December 31, 2014 and were $22.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. These costs were expensed as incurred and included in general and administrative expense on our consolidated condensed statement of operations. Debt issuance costs of $5.4 million associated with our $125.0 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 initially 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 7.50% Senior Notes due August 1, 2020 (the 7.50% Notes), and the unamortized deferred costs of $5.2 million were expensed during the third quarter of 2013.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of the following:
	Dollars in thousands	Foreign Currency Items
	December 31, 2013	$	1,888
	Current period other comprehensive income	(2,386		)
	December 31, 2014	$	(498	)
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income were $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. These amounts represent foreign currency translation losses from the sale of our equity method investment in an ITS entity acquired during 2013. The other comprehensive income for the current period includes a significant increase in the exchange rate on related borrowings primarily in Colombia.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	The components of our property, plant and equipment balance are as follows:
		December 31,
	Dollars in Thousands	2014		2013
	Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost:
	Drilling Equipment	$	1,383,308	$	1,346,477
	Rental Tools	494,924		467,731
	Building, Land and Improvements	53,024		49,518
	Other	95,074		61,273
	Construction in Progress	70,668		82,381
	Total Property, Plant and Equipment at cost	2,096,998		2,007,380
	Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	1,201,058		1,136,024
	Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	$	895,940	$	871,356
	Depreciation expense was $145.1 million, $134.1 million and $113.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Provision for Reduction in Carrying Value of an Asset
	During the 2014 fourth quarter, we performed a recoverability test for our respective asset groups to determine if the carrying values of such assets are recoverable. Based on the results of our recoverability test, the current carrying values of our asset groups are fully recoverable through our future estimated cash flows. We therefore concluded that the asset groups were not subject to impairment at December 31, 2014.
	During the 2013 fourth quarter, for two rigs previously reported as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2012, management concluded that facts and circumstances no longer support the expectation that a sale would be consummated within a reasonable time period. As a result, we reclassified these assets back to assets held and used in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Concurrently, we performed a recoverability test for the two rigs and determined the fair value was less than the carrying amount before the assets were classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the assets been continuously classified as held and used. Therefore, during the 2013 fourth quarter we recorded a non-cash charge of $1.9 million to reflect the rigs current estimated fair value. Additionally, during the 2013 fourth quarter a sales agreement was terminated for three additional rigs which were previously expected to be sold prior to December 31, 2013. Upon termination of the sales agreement we performed a fair value analysis of the rigs and concluded for one rig, the carrying value of the rig exceeded fair value. Therefore, during the 2013 fourth quarter we recorded a non-cash charge of $0.6 million. Fair value was based on expected future cash flows using Level 3 inputs in accordance with fair value measurement requirements. The two rigs are reported as part of the International & Alaska Drilling segment.
	Disposition of Assets
	During the normal course of operations, we periodically sell equipment deemed to be excess, obsolete, or not currently required for operations. During the 2014 fourth quarter, we sold two rigs located in Kazakhstan, including rig related inventory, property and leasehold improvements. The assets had a carrying value at the time of sale of $3.8 million and were sold for proceeds of $3.5 million, resulting in a net loss of approximately $0.3 million.
	During the 2013 fourth quarter, we sold two rigs located in New Zealand, including rig related inventory, property and leasehold improvements. The assets had a carrying value at the time of sale of $2.3 million and were sold for proceeds of $3.2 million resulting in a gain of approximately $0.9 million. Additionally, during the 2013 third quarter we sold a barge rig located in Mexico with carrying value at the time of sale of $0.3 million for proceeds of $0.5 million, resulting in a $0.2 million gain. These rig assets were part of our International & Alaska Drilling segment. During the 2013 fourth quarter we also completed the sale of a building located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As a result of the completed sale, we recognized proceeds of $0.8 million and $0.1 million gain on the sale.
	During the 2012 fourth quarter, we sold a 33 year-old posted barge drilling rig for proceeds of $0.2 million, resulting in a $0.5 million loss.
	Assets Held for Sale
	We had no assets classified as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2014 or as of December 31, 2013. During 2013, for five rigs previously reported as assets held for sale, management concluded that facts and circumstances no longer supported the expectation that a sale would be consummated within a reasonable time period. During the 2013 second quarter, we reclassified three rigs from assets held for sale to assets held and used and inventory. We initially classified the three rigs as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2010. We performed an analysis of the fair value of the three rigs and determined the rigs' carrying amount was less than fair value; therefore, the rigs were reclassified at their carrying amount at the time 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. The amount of additional depreciation recorded during the 2013 second quarter to place the assets in held and used categorization was $0.7 million.
	Additionally, during the 2013 fourth quarter we reclassified two rigs from assets held for sale to assets held and used and inventory. We initially classified these rigs as held for sale as of September 30, 2012. We performed an analysis of the fair value of the two rigs and determined the fair value was less than the carrying amount before the assets were classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the assets been continuously classified as held and used. Therefore, during the 2013 fourth quarter we recorded a non-cash charge of $1.9 million to reflect the rigs current estimated fair value. During 2013, we adjusted the Assets held for sale, Inventory, and Property, plant and equipment balances for the year ended December 31, 2012 from what was reported in our December 31, 2012 Form 10-K, to reflect the reclassification of these assets.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income before income taxes is summarized below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013				2012
	United States	$	37,547		$	32,136			$	52,422
	Foreign	10,990			20,651				18,555
		$	48,537		$	52,787			$	70,977
	Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013				2012
	Current:
	United States:
	Federal	$	(3,079	)	$	(3,658	)		$	7,791
	State	5,335			1,968				733
	Foreign	20,311			14,599				9,518
	Deferred:
	United States:
	Federal	4,703			10,720				15,612
	State	(379		)	2,820				4,296
	Foreign	(2,815		)	(841		)		(4,071		)
		$	24,076		$	25,608			$	33,879
	Total income tax expense differs from the amount computed by multiplying income before income taxes by the U.S. federal income tax statutory rate. The reasons for this difference are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
	Dollars in thousands	Amount			% of Pre-Tax			Amount				% of Pre-Tax		Amount			% of Pre-Tax
					Income							Income					Income
	Computed Expected Tax Expense	$	16,988		35	%		$	18,476			35	%	$	24,842		35	%
	Foreign Taxes	11,221			23.1	%		12,470				23.6	%	13,171			18.6	%
	Tax Effect Different From Statutory Rates	(3,389		)	(7.0	)%		(8,920		)		(16.9	)%	(8,080		)	(11.4	)%
	State Taxes, net of federal benefit	3,117			6.4	%		4,099				7.8	%	4,757			6.7	%
	Foreign Tax Credits	(3,043		)	(6.3	)%		(1,484		)		(2.8	)%	(1,867		)	(2.6	)%
	Change in Valuation Allowance	2,800			5.8	%		1,975				3.7	%	(1,662		)	(2.3	)%
	Uncertain Tax Positions	(1,125		)	(2.3	)%		2,472				4.7	%	(6,642		)	(9.4	)%
	Permanent Differences	676			1.4	%		4,005				7.6	%	5,477			7.7	%
	Prior Year Return to Provision Adjustments	(2,618		)	(5.4	)%		(6,268		)		(11.9	)%	4,057			5.7	%
	Other	(551		)	(1.1	)%		(1,217		)		(2.3	)%	(174		)	(0.2	)%
	Unremitted Foreign Earnings-Current Year Adjustment	—			—	%		—				—	%	—			—	%
	Actual Tax Expense	$	24,076		49.6	%		$	25,608			48.5	%	$	33,879		47.8	%
	The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are shown below:
		December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Current deferred tax assets:
	Reserves established against realization of certain assets	$	2,156		$	1,504
	Accruals not currently deductible for tax purposes	4,897			7,223
	Other state deferred tax asset, net	412			990
	Foreign Local Office	11			223
	Gross current deferred tax assets	7,476			9,940
	Current deferred tax valuation allowance	—			—
	Net current deferred tax assets	7,476			9,940
	Non-current deferred tax assets:
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	17,235			—
	State net operating loss carryforwards	1,130			864
	Other state deferred tax asset, net	1,246			1,909
	Foreign Tax Credits	37,344			27,462
	FIN 48	4,870			8,317
	Foreign tax	28,645			18,499
	Asset Impairment	38,931			48,743
	Accruals not currently deductible for tax purposes	—			1,017
	Deferred compensation	3,210			2,436
	Other	—			—
	Gross long-term deferred tax assets	132,611			109,247
	Valuation Allowance	(9,922		)	(6,827		)
	Net non-current deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	122,689			102,420
Net deferred tax assets	130,165			112,360
Deferred tax liabilities:
Non-current deferred tax liabilities:
Property, Plant and equipment	(43,637		)	(32,505		)
Foreign tax local	(4,985		)	(1,440		)
Other state deferred tax liability, net	(3,491		)	(4,819		)
Other	(2		)	(3		)
Gross non-current deferred tax liabilities	(52,115		)	(38,767		)
Net deferred tax asset	$	78,050		$	73,593
As part of the process of preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to determine its provision for income taxes. This process involves estimating the annual effective tax rate and the nature and measurements of temporary and permanent differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences and the operating loss and tax credit carryforwards result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income of appropriate character in each taxing jurisdiction during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. To the extent the Company believes that it does not meet the test that recovery is more likely than not, it establishes a valuation allowance. To the extent that the Company establishes a valuation allowance or changes this allowance in a period, it adjusts the tax provision or tax benefit in the consolidated statement of operations. We use our judgment in determining provisions or benefits for income taxes, and any valuation allowance recorded against previously established deferred tax assets. Based upon the factors considered by management in assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances at December 31, 2014. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.
On September 13, 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations that address costs incurred in acquiring, producing, or improving tangible property (the “tangible property regulations”). The tangible property regulations are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. The tangible property regulations required the Company to make additional tax accounting method changes as of January 1, 2014; however, the impact of these changes has not been material to the Company’s consolidated financial position, its results of operations, or both.
The 2014 results include income tax benefits of $2.2 million related to the settlement of our US Federal Internal Revenue Service refund claim for periods 2008-2011 and $25.0 million for depreciation and amortization relating to our two arctic-class drilling rigs in Alaska. In addition, we increased our valuation allowance by $2.8 million primarily related to foreign net operating losses.
The 2013 results include income tax benefits of $3.3 million related to the enacted Mexican tax reform as applied to the expected future utilization of deferred tax assets and liabilities and $20.9 million for depreciation and amortization relating to our two arctic-class drilling rigs in Alaska. In addition, we increased our valuation allowance by $2.0 million primarily related to foreign net operating losses.
The 2012 results include income tax expenses of $1.7 million related to the effective settlement of our US Federal Internal Revenue Service examination for the 2006 through 2010 periods and $7.7 million for depreciation and amortization relating to our two arctic-class drilling rigs in Alaska. In addition, we decreased our valuation allowance by $1.7 million primarily related to foreign NOLs.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Dollars in thousands
Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(12,209	)
Additions based on tax positions taken during a prior period	(3,862		)
Additions based on tax positions taken during the current period	(385		)
Reductions related to settlement of tax matters	6,088
Reductions based on tax positions taken during a prior period	2,169
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(8,199	)
In many cases, our uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by tax authorities. The following describes the open tax years, by major tax jurisdiction, as of December 31, 2014:
Colombia	2010-present
Kazakhstan	2007-present
Mexico	2009-present
Papua New Guinea	2011-present
Russia	2011-present
United States — Federal	2012-present
United Kingdom	2012-present
At December 31, 2014, we had a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $8.2 million ($3.6 million of which, if recognized, would favorably impact our effective tax rate), which includes payments of approximately $6.1 million made during 2014 in settlement of notices of assessment in Kazakhstan which were fully reserved.
The Company recognized interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 we had approximately $3.3 million and $7.9 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, respectively. We recognized an increase of $0.7 million of interest and no penalties on unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2014.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company has permanently reinvested accumulated undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and, therefore, has not recorded a deferred tax liability related to subject earnings. Upon distribution of additional earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would likely be subject to US income taxes and foreign withholding taxes. It is not practicable to determine precisely the amount of taxes that may be payable on the eventual remittance of these earnings because of the application of US foreign tax credits. While we currently claim foreign tax credits, we may not be in a credit position if and when future remittances of foreign earnings occur, or the limitation imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and regulations thereunder may not allow the credits to be utilized during the applicable carryback and carryforward periods.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt
	The following table illustrates the Company’s current debt portfolio as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014		2013
	6.75% Senior Notes, due July 2022	$	360,000	$	—
	7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020	225,000		225,000
	9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018	—		428,781
	Term Note, due December 2017	30,000		—
	Total debt	615,000		653,781
	Less current portion (1)	10,000		25,000
	Total long-term debt	$	605,000	$	628,781
	(1) Current portion of the Term Loan
	Subsequent to year end we increased our liquidity by entering into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the 2015 Secured Credit Agreement) on January 26, 2015. This agreement amends and restates the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement) dated December 14, 2012. The 2015 Secured Credit Agreement is comprised of a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (2015 Revolver). The 2012 Secured Credit Agreement consisted of an $80.0 million revolving credit facility and a $50 million senior secured term loan facility (Term Loan). At the closing of the 2015 Secured Credit Agreement we repaid $30.0 million of Term Loan borrowings under the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement with a $30.0 million draw under the 2015 Revolver. There were no borrowings under the revolver portion of the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement.
	6.75% Senior Notes, due July 2022
	On January 22, 2014, we issued $360.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.75% 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 6.75% Notes offering plus a $40.0 million Term Loan draw under the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement and cash on hand were utilized to purchase $416.2 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 9.125% Senior Notes due 2018 pursuant to a tender and consent solicitation offer commenced on January 7, 2014. See further discussion of the tender and consent solicitation offer below entitled "9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018".
	The 6.75% 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 6.75% Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries that guarantee indebtedness under the 2015 Secured Credit Agreement and our 7.50% Notes. Interest on the 6.75% Notes is payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning July 15, 2014. Debt issuance costs related to the 6.75% Notes of approximately $7.6 million ($7.0 million net of amortization as of December 31, 2014) are being amortized over the term of the notes using the effective interest rate method.
	At any time prior to January 15, 2017, we may redeem up to 35 percent of the aggregate principal amount of the 6.75% Notes at a redemption price of 106.75 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 January 15, 2018, we may redeem all or a part of the 6.75% Notes upon appropriate notice, at a redemption price of 103.375 percent of the principal amount, and at redemption prices decreasing each year thereafter to par beginning January 15, 2020. If we experience certain changes in control, we must offer to repurchase the 6.75% 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.
	7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020
	On July 30, 2013, we issued $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 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 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 the 2015 Secured Credit Agreement and the 6.75% Notes. 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 of approximately $5.6 million ($4.7 million, net of amortization as of December 31, 2014) are being 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 the 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.
	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 percent 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.
	On January 7, 2014, we commenced a tender and consent solicitation with respect to the 9.125% Notes. The tender offer price was $1,061.98, inclusive of a $30.00 consent payment, for each $1,000 principal amount of 9.125% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. On January 22, 2014, we paid $453.7 million for the tendered 9.125% Notes, comprised of $416.2 million of aggregate principal amount of the 9.125% Notes, $25.8 million of tender and consent premiums and $11.7 million of accrued interest. On April 1, 2014, we redeemed the remaining $8.8 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 9.125% Notes for a purchase price of $9.6 million, inclusive of a $0.4 million call premium and $0.4 million interest. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $30.2 million, which included the tender and consent premiums of $25.8 million, the call premium of $0.4 million and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $7.7 million, offset by the write-off of the remaining unamortized debt issuance premium of $3.8 million.
	2015 Secured Credit Agreement
	On January 26, 2015 we entered into the 2015 Secured Credit Agreement, which amended and restated the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement. The 2015 Secured Credit Agreement is comprised of a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (2015 Revolver). The 2012 Secured Credit Agreement consisted of an $80.0 million revolving credit facility and a $50.0 million Term Loan. At the closing of the 2015 Secured Credit Agreement, we repaid $30.0 million of Term Loan borrowings under the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement with a $30.0 million draw under the 2015 Revolver. At the closing date there were no borrowings under the revolving credit portion of the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement.
	Our 2015 Revolver is available for general corporate purposes and to support letters of credit. Interest on 2015 Revolver loans accrues at a Base Rate plus an Applicable Rate or LIBOR plus an Applicable Rate. Under the 2015 Secured 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 2015 Secured Credit Agreement). Revolving loans are available subject to a quarterly Asset Coverage Ratio calculation based on the Orderly Liquidation Value of certain specified rigs including barge rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and land rigs in Alaska, and rental equipment of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors and a percentage of eligible domestic accounts receivable. Upon closing of the 2015 Secured Credit Agreement, there was $30.0 million drawn on the 2015 Revolver and $11.7 million of letters of credit outstanding. The 2015 Secured Credit Agreement matures on January 26, 2020.
	2012 Secured Credit Agreement
	On December 14, 2012, we entered into the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement consisting of a senior secured $80.0 million revolving facility (2012 Revolver) and a senior secured term loan facility (Term Loan). In July 2013, the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement was amended to permit re-borrowing in the form of additional term loans, of up to $45.0 million, decreasing by $2.5 million at the end of each quarter beginning September 30, 2013 and ending March 31, 2014. In January 2014 we re-borrowed $40 million of the Term Loan.
	Our obligations under the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement were 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 had executed guaranty agreements, and were secured by first priority liens on our accounts receivable, specified barge rigs and rental equipment. The 2012 Secured Credit Agreement contained customary affirmative and negative covenants with which we were in compliance as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The 2012 Secured Credit Agreement would have matured on December 14, 2017.
	2012 Revolver
	Our 2012 Revolver was available for general corporate purposes and to support letters of credit. Interest on 2012 Revolver loans accrued at a Base Rate plus an Applicable Rate or LIBOR plus an Applicable Rate. Under the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement, the Applicable Rate varied 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 2012 Secured Credit Agreement). Revolving loans were available subject to an asset coverage ratio determined 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 totaled $11.0 million and $4.6 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 accrued at a Base Rate plus 2.00 percent or LIBOR plus 3.00 percent. The outstanding balance on the Term Loan at December 31, 2013 was zero. In January 2014 we re-borrowed $40.0 million of the Term Loan and used the proceeds, along with the proceeds from the issuance of the 6.75% Notes, to repurchase our 9.125% Notes. As of December 31, 2014 the remaining balance on the Term Loan was $30.0 million. At the closing of the 2015 Secured Credit Agreement, we repaid $30.0 million of Term Loan borrowings under the 2012 Secured Credit Agreement with a $30.0 million draw under the 2015 Revolver.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, we 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 then-effective secured credit agreement. The two agreements fixed the interest rate on a notional amount of $73.0 million of borrowings at 3.878 percent 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 then-effective secured credit agreement. We did not apply hedge accounting to the agreements and, accordingly, change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps were recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2013 the swap agreements had expired and as of December 31, 2012, the fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $0.1 million and was recorded in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. For both years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we recognized in earnings a nominal gain relating to these contracts.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, we did not enter into any new swap agreements, nor was there any impact to our consolidated balance sheets or our consolidated statement of operations.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 FASB fair value measurement and disclosure guidance 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 inactive 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 measurement even though we may have also 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 December 31, 2013 the swap agreements had expired.
	Fair value of our debt instruments is determined using Level 2 inputs. Fair values and related carrying values of our debt instruments are as follows:
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Dollars in thousands	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Long-term Debt
	6.75% Notes	$	360,000	$	270,000	$	—	$	—
	7.50% Notes	225,000		180,000		225,000		236,250
	9.125% Notes	—		—		425,000		446,250
	Total	$	585,000	$	450,000	$	650,000	$	682,500
	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 year ended December 31, 2014.

Common_Stock_and_Stockholders_

Common Stock and Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock and Stockholders' Equity	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock Plan
	In 2014 and 2013 stock-based compensation awards were granted to employees under the Company's 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated in May 2013 (the Stock Plan).
	The Stock Plan was approved by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 8, 2013. The Stock Plan authorizes the compensation committee or the board of directors to issue the following:
	•stock options;
	•stock appreciation rights;
	•restricted stock awards;
	•restricted stock units;
	•performance based awards; and
	•other types of awards in cash or stock to key employees, consultants, and directors.
	The maximum number of shares that may be delivered pursuant to the awards granted under the Stock Plan is 11,000,000 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2014 there were 3,915,594 shares remaining available under the Stock Plan.
	Stock Options
	As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we had no stock options outstanding or exercisable.
	Stock-Based Awards
	Stock-based awards generally vest over three years. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized net of an estimated forfeiture rate, which is based on historical experience and adjusted, if necessary, in subsequent periods based on actual forfeitures. We recognize share-based compensation expense in the same financial statement line item as cash compensation paid to the respective employees. Tax deduction benefits for awards in excess of recognized compensation costs are reported as a financing cash flow.
	We currently issue two types of stock-based awards: restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs). RSUs entitle a grantee to receive a share of common stock on a specified vesting date. RSUs are service-based awards and compensation expense is recognized ratably over the applicable vesting period. The grant-date fair value of nonvested RSUs is determined based on the closing trading price of the company’s shares on the grant date. RSUs are settled in stock upon vesting. PSUs are performance-based awards as further described under "Performance-Based Awards" below. Compensation costs for PSUs are recognized ratably over a three year performance period. PSUs vest fully at the end of the three year performance period and are typically settled in stock upon vesting.
	The following table presents RSUs and PSUs granted, vested and forfeited during 2014 under the Company's Stock Plan:
	Nonvested Units	Units		Weighted
				Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair
				Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2014	3,407,354		$	4.97
	Granted	1,541,395		6.66
	Vested	(1,399,874	)	5.06
	Forfeited	(204,062	)	5.44
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	3,344,813		$	5.66
	In 2014, 2013, and 2012 we issued 1,541,395, 2,602,973, and 1,558,347, respectively, of RSUs to selected key personnel. On May 9, 2013 Chris Weber was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. As part of his employment agreement, he was granted 261,438 RSUs (included in the 2013 amount above). Also, on September 17, 2012, Gary Rich was elected as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company. As part of his employment agreement, he was granted 349,651 RSUs (included in the 2012 amount above). Both of these awards were granted outside of the Company’s Stock Plan but are subject to substantially the same terms and conditions of other service-based RSUs granted by the Company to its executive officers.
	Total stock-based compensation expense recognized relating to RSUs and PSUs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $9.3 million, $9.4 million, and $7.2 million, respectively, all of which was related to nonvested RSUs and PSUs. The total fair value of the units vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $7.1 million, $7.4 million, and $5.2 million, respectively. The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the closing trading price of the Company’s stock on the grant date. The per-share weighted-average grant-date fair value of units granted during the years 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $6.66, $4.77, and $5.37, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is included in our consolidated statements of operations in both “General and administration expense” and “Operating expenses.”
	Nonvested RSUs at December 31, 2014 totaled 3,344,813 and total unrecognized compensation cost related to unamortized nonvested stock awards was $7.7 million as of December 31, 2014. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock awards will be amortized over a weighted-average vesting period of approximately 18 months.
	Performance-Based Awards
	Performance-based awards contain payout conditions which are based on our performance against our peers with regard to relative total shareholder return and relative return on capital employed over a three-year performance period. The effects of these conditions are reflected in the grant-date fair value of the award using a lattice model for valuation. For performance-based awards with graded vesting conditions, we recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. For market-based awards that vest at the end of the service period, we recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis through the end of the service period.
	In addition to PSUs, we also issue performance cash units (PCUs), which are typically settled in cash. Each PCU has a nominal value of $100.00. A maximum of 200 percent of the number of PCUs granted may be earned if performance at the maximum level is achieved. Both PSUs and PCUs vest to the extent earned at the end of a three year performance period. We evaluate the terms of each PSU and PCU award to determine if the award should be accounted for as equity or a liability under the stock compensation rules of U.S. GAAP. Compensation costs for PSUs and PCUs are recognized ratably over the performance period.
	The following table presents PCUs granted and forfeited under the Company's Stock Plan:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Granted	16,574		18,000		38,429
	Forfeited	110		13,358		3,955
	Compensation expense recognized related to PCUs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $3.9 million, $1.8 million, and $0.5 million, respectively.

Reconciliation_of_Income_and_N

Reconciliation of Income and Number of Shares Used to Calculate Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Income and Number of Shares Used to Calculate Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS)	Reconciliation of Income and Number of Shares Used to Calculate Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS)
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
			Income		Shares	Per-Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
		Basic EPS	$	23,451,000	121,186,464	$	0.19
		Effect of dilutive securities:
		Stock options and restricted stock			1,890,184
		Diluted EPS	$	23,451,000	123,076,648	$	0.19
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Income		Shares	Per-Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
		Basic EPS	$	27,015,000	119,284,468	$	0.23
		Effect of dilutive securities:
		Stock options and restricted stock			1,940,082	$	(0.01	)
		Diluted EPS:	$	27,015,000	121,224,550	$	0.22
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
			Income		Shares	Per-Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
		Basic EPS	$	37,313,000	117,721,135	$	0.32
		Effect of dilutive securities:
		Stock options and restricted stock			1,372,455	$	(0.01	)
		Diluted EPS:	$	37,313,000	119,093,590	$	0.31
	For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, weighted-average shares outstanding used in our computation of diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of potential common shares. For the year ended December 31, 2012, all potential common shares have been excluded from the calculation of weighted-average shares outstanding used in our computation of diluted EPS as the company incurred a loss for that year, and therefore, inclusion of potential common shares in the calculation of diluted EPS would be anti-dilutive.

Employee_Benefit_Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	Employee Benefit Plan
	The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan (Plan) in which substantially all U.S. employees are eligible to participate. The Company matches 100 percent of each participant’s pre-tax contributions in an amount not exceeding 4 percent of the participant's compensation and 50 percent of each participant’s pre-tax contributions in an amount not exceeding 2 percent of the participant's compensation, up to the maximum amount of contributions allowed by law. The costs of our matching contributions to the Plan were $4.7 million, $3.6 million and $2.8 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Employees become 100 percent vested in the employer match contributions immediately upon participation in the Plan.

Reportable_Segments

Reportable Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segments	Reportable Segments
	Our business is comprised of two business lines: (1) Drilling Services and (2) Rental Tools Services. We have completed a business review and as a result have aligned our reportable segments with our two core business lines and our current internal organizational structure. We continue to report our Rental Tools Services business as one reportable segment (Rental Tools); however, effective with the first quarter of 2015, the Company is reporting its Drilling Services business as two segments: (1) U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling and (2) International & Alaska Drilling. We eliminate inter-segment revenue and expenses.
	The following table represents the results of operations by reportable segment:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling(1)	$	158,405		$	153,624		$	123,672
	International & Alaska Drilling(1)	462,513			410,507			307,189
	Rental Tools(1)	347,766			310,041			246,900
	Total revenues	968,684			874,172			677,761
	Operating income:
	U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling(2)	46,831			54,203			37,717
	International & Alaska Drilling(2)	34,405			23,080			(60		)
	Rental Tools(2)	72,946			91,164			113,899
	Total operating gross margin	154,182			168,447			151,556
	General and administrative expense	(35,016		)	(68,025		)	(46,257		)
	Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets	—			(2,544		)	—
	Gain on disposition of assets, net	1,054			3,994			1,974
	Total operating income	120,220			101,872			107,273
	Interest expense	(44,265		)	(47,820		)	(33,542		)
	Interest income	195			2,450			153
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(30,152		)	(5,218		)	(2,130		)
	Changes in fair value of derivative positions	—			53			55
	Other income (loss)	2,539			1,450			(832		)
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	48,537		$	52,787		$	70,977
	1)	In 2014, our largest customer, Exxon Neftegas Limited (ENL), constituted approximately 18.7 percent of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 39.2 percent of our International & Alaska Drilling segment. In 2013, our largest customer, ENL, constituted approximately 15.6 percent of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 33.3 percent of our International & Alaska Drilling segment. In 2012, our two largest customers, ENL and Schlumberger, constituted approximately 12.0 percent and 10.0 percent, respectively, of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 26.0 percent and 23.0 percent of our International & Alaska Drilling segment, respectively.
	2)	Operating income is calculated as revenues less direct operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization expense.
	The following table represents capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization by reportable segment:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Capital expenditures:
	U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling	$	43,120		$	23,796		$	8,808
	International & Alaska Drilling	26,761			40,822			102,026
	Rental Tools	95,340			76,928			61,958
	Corporate	14,292			14,099			18,751
	Total capital expenditures	$	179,513		$	155,645		$	191,543
	Depreciation and amortization (1):
	U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling	$	21,260		$	15,212		$	16,363
	International & Alaska Drilling	59,684			62,988			52,537
	Rental Tools	64,177			55,853			44,117
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	145,121		$	134,053		$	113,017
	1)	For presentation purposes, depreciation for corporate assets of $5.0 million, $3.5 million, and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, has been allocated to the above reportable segments.
	The following table represents identifiable assets by reportable segment:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in Thousands	2014			2013
	Identifiable assets:
	U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling	$	124,701		$	111,586
	International & Alaska Drilling	764,794			802,870
	Rental Tools	444,195			350,429
	Total identifiable assets	1,333,690			1,264,885
	Corporate and other assets(1)	186,969			269,871
	Total assets	$	1,520,659		$	1,534,756
	1)	This category includes corporate assets and previously included minimal assets for our historical technical services segment primarily related to office furniture and fixtures. The assets related to technical services have been reclassified into the segment benefiting from the support service activities.
	The following table represents selected geographic information:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Operations by Geographic Area:	2014			2013			2012
	Dollars in Thousands
	Revenues:
	Africa and Middle East	$	128,214		$	58,416		$	26,528
	Asia Pacific	187,799			170,165			117,392
	CIS	61,849			55,165			44,312
	Europe	20,296			16,788			—
	Latin America	86,651			120,261			103,540
	United States	483,875			453,377			385,989
Total revenues	968,684			874,172			677,761
Operating gross margin:
Africa and Middle East(1)	(16,973		)	(383		)	(2,027		)
Asia Pacific(1)	29,769			21,995			16,550
CIS(1)	19,534			11,888			(9,580		)
Europe(1)	11,534			274			—
Latin America(1)	(9,914		)	1,140			9,581
United States(1)	120,232			133,533			137,032
Total operating gross margin	154,182			168,447			151,556
Long-lived assets:(2)
Africa and Middle East	$	115,713		$	110,336
Asia Pacific	43,252			44,606
CIS	49,951			55,722
Europe	20,140			82,473
Latin America	77,136			15,198
United States	589,748			563,021
Total long-lived assets	$	895,940		$	871,356
1)	Operating gross margin is calculated as revenues less direct operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization expense.
2)	Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, net.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company has various lease agreements for office space, equipment, vehicles and personal property. These obligations extend through 2025 and are typically non-cancelable. Most leases contain renewal options and certain of the leases contain escalation clauses. Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2014, under operating leases with non-cancelable terms are as follows:
	Dollars in Thousands	Year Ended    December 31,
	2015	$	13,188
	2016	8,481
	2017	7,168
	2018	5,857
	2019	4,504
	Thereafter	8,459
	Total	$	47,657
	Total rent expense for all operating leases amounted to $21.8 million, $19.9 million and $11.8 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Self Insurance
	We are self-insured for certain losses relating to workers’ compensation, employers’ liability, general liability (for onshore liability), protection and indemnity (for offshore liability) and property damage. Our exposure (that is, the retention or deductible) per occurrence is $250,000 for worker’s compensation, employer’s liability, $500,000 general liability, protection and indemnity and maritime employers’ liability (Jones Act). In addition, we assume a $500,000 annual aggregate deductible for protection and indemnity and maritime employers’ liability claims. The annual aggregate deductible is reduced by every dollar that exceeds the $500,000 per occurrence retention. We also assume a retention for foreign casualty exposures of $100,000 for workers’ compensation, employers’ liability, and $1,000,000 for general liability losses and a $100,000 deductible for auto liability claims. For all primary insurances mentioned above, the Company has excess coverage for those claims that exceed the retention and annual aggregate deductible. We maintain actuarially-determined accruals in our consolidated balance sheets to cover the self-insurance retentions.
	We have self-insured retentions for certain other losses relating to rig, equipment, property, business interruption and political, war, and terrorism risks which vary according to the type of rig and line of coverage. Political risk insurance is procured for international operations. However, this coverage may not adequately protect us against liability from all potential consequences.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our gross self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation, employers’ liability, general liability, protection and indemnity and maritime employers’ liability totaled $5.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively and the related insurance recoveries/receivables were $2.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
	Other Commitments
	We have entered into employment agreements with terms of one to two years with certain members of management with automatic one year renewal periods at expiration dates. The agreements provide for, among other things, compensation, benefits and severance payments. The employment agreements also provide for lump sum compensation and benefits in the event of termination within two years following a change in control of the Company.
	Contingencies
	We are a party to various lawsuits and claims arising out of the ordinary course of business. We estimate the range of our liability related to pending litigation when we believe the amount or range of loss can be estimated. We record our best estimate of a loss when the loss is considered probable. When a liability is probable and there is a range of estimated loss with no best estimate in the range, we record the minimum estimated liability related to the lawsuits or claims. As additional information becomes available, we assess the potential liability related to our pending litigation and claims and revise our estimates. Due to uncertainties related to the resolution of lawsuits and claims, the ultimate outcome may differ significantly from our estimates. In the opinion of management and based on liability accruals provided, our ultimate exposure with respect to these pending lawsuits and claims is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or cash flows, although they could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for a particular reporting period.
	Customs Agent and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Settlement
	On April 16, 2013, the Company and the Department of Justice (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 evaluate the issues raised by the letter and determine 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.
	On July 31, 2014, Fuchs Family Trust, a purported stockholder of the Company, filed a complaint under Section 220 of the Delaware Code seeking to inspect the Company’s books and records.  The action is styled Fuchs Family Trust v. Parker Drilling Company, Case No. 9986-VCN, and was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.  The complaint alleges that the inspection of records is intended to investigate purported corporate wrongdoing and mismanagement related to the Company’s 2013 resolutions of investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission into certain violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by Company employees.  Plaintiff seeks to compel the records inspection and requests costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees in the event inspection is permitted. The case was heard in November 2014, and the resolution is pending. We do not believe a liability is probable and estimable at this time.
	ITS Pre-Acquisition Internal Controls
	Our due diligence process with respect to the ITS Acquisition identified certain transactions that suggest that ITS' pre-acquisition internal controls may have failed to prevent violations of potentially applicable international trade and anti-corruption laws, including those of the United Kingdom. We have investigated such violations and have made all identified violations known to relevant authorities. During 2014, we cooperated with all ongoing investigations which resulted in the settlement with the Scottish Civil Recovery Unit of the Scottish Crown Office under United Kingdom anti-bribery laws and regulations. The Company's settlement and recovery of associated legal expenditures was originally included in our escrow account associated with the acquisition; therefore, the settlement had an inconsequential financial impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	The Company continues to take proper remediation measures, including seeking any necessary government authorization, in our effort to ensure global compliance with laws and regulations. While it is possible that matters may arise where a contingency may require further accounting considerations, we do not believe that any such matters will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	Consulting Agreement
	On December 31, 2013, Robert L. Parker, Jr., our former Executive Chairman, retired as an employee of the Company. Mr. Parker continued to serve as Chairman of the Company’s board of directors until the annual meeting of stockholders held in 2014, at which time Mr. Parker was elected to the board for a three-year term.
	In connection with Mr. Parker’s retirement, the Company and Mr. Parker entered into a Retirement and Separation Agreement dated as of November 1, 2013 (the “Retirement Agreement”). Under the terms of the Retirement Agreement, in 2014 Mr. Parker received a cash bonus of $411,188, a cash payment of $1,096,687 pursuant to the 2010 Long-Term Incentive Program of the Company’s Stock Plan, and a severance payment of $2,488,024. The value of benefits provided by the Company to Mr. Parker was $12,876.
	In addition, Mr. Parker will be paid $250,000 in each of 2015, 2016 and 2017 in exchange for his agreement to provide additional support to the Company when needed in matters where his historical and industry knowledge, client relationships and related expertise could be of particular benefit to the Company’s interests.
	Lease Agreement
	Effective January 1, 2012, the Company entered into two separate ranch lease agreements under which the Company agreed to pay a daily usage fee per person for utilization of the Cypress Springs Ranch owned by the Robert L. Parker, Sr. and Catherine M. Parker Family Limited Partnership and the Camp Verde Ranch owned by Robert L. Parker, Jr. During 2012, the Company incurred fees of $39,875 and $1,650 for the Cypress Springs Ranch and Camp Verde Ranch, respectively, pursuant to the ranch lease agreements for the right to utilize the premises of the ranches for the purpose of hosting business meetings. During 2013, the Company incurred fees of $14,281 for the Cypress Springs Ranch. Although both of the lease agreements terminated on December 31, 2013, the Company incurred fees of $15,394 and $3,850 in 2014 for the Cypress Springs Ranch and Camp Verde Ranch, respectively pursuant to the Company's use of the ranches for a business meeting.
	Other Related Party Agreements
	During 2014 and 2013, one of the Company’s directors held executive positions at Apache Corporation (Apache), including the positions of President and Chief Corporate Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Corporate Officer, until retiring on March 31, 2014. During 2014 and 2013, affiliates of Apache paid affiliates of the Company a total of $34.0 million and $40.8 million, respectively, for performance of drilling services and provision of rental tools. Also during 2013, one of our directors served on the board of directors of Gardner Denver, Inc. (GD). During 2013, affiliates of the Company paid affiliates of GD $0.2 million for goods and services provided to the Company. This information is considered and discussed annually in connection with the Board of Directors’ assessment of facts and circumstances that could preclude a determination that such director is independent under the New York Stock Exchange governance listing standards.
	We also paid a monthly rental fee to Mr. Robert L. Parker Sr. for various pieces of artwork which were displayed throughout our corporate office. This agreement was terminated as of June 30, 2014. We paid Mr. Parker $15,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and $36,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 for the artwork rental.

Supplementary_Information

Supplementary Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplementary Information	Supplementary Information
	The significant components of "Accrued liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in Thousands	2014		2013
	Accrued liabilities:
	Accrued Payroll & Related Benefits	$	32,504	$	35,671
	Accrued Interest Expense	18,171		16,820
	Accrued Professional Fees & Other	18,073		21,513
	Deferred Mobilization Fees	4,245		8,128
	Workers' Compensation Liabilities	2,710		2,721
	Total accrued liabilities	$	75,703	$	84,853

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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. The Company’s 2015 Secured Credit Agreement and Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries other than immaterial subsidiaries and subsidiaries generating revenues primarily outside the United States, subject to the following customary release provisions:
	•	in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) a subsidiary of the Company;
	•	in connection with any sale of such amount of capital stock as would result in such guarantor no longer being a subsidiary to a person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) a subsidiary of the Company;
	•	if the Company designates any restricted subsidiary that is a guarantor as an unrestricted subsidiary;
	•	if the guarantee by a guarantor of all other indebtedness of the Company or any other guarantor is released, terminated or discharged, except by, or as a result of, payment under such guarantee; or
	•	upon legal defeasance or covenant defeasance (satisfaction and discharge of the indenture).
	There are currently no restrictions on the ability of the restricted subsidiaries 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 the parent company.
	We are providing consolidating condensed financial information of the parent, Parker Drilling, the guarantor subsidiaries, and the non-guarantor subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. The consolidating condensed financial statements present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	Selected Quarterly Financial Data
		Quarter
	Year 2014	First			Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
		(Unaudited)
	Revenues	$	229,225		$	254,234	$	242,012	$	243,213	$	968,684
	Operating gross margin	$	28,863		$	43,485	$	45,066	$	36,768	$	154,182
	Operating income	$	19,770		$	37,497	$	35,239	$	27,714	$	120,220
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(12,549	)	$	15,681	$	12,566	$	7,753	$	23,451
	Basic earnings per share — net income (loss)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.13	$	0.1	$	0.06	$	0.19
	Diluted earnings per share — net income (loss)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.13	$	0.1	$	0.06	$	0.19
		Quarter
	Year 2013	First			Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
		(Unaudited)
	Revenues	$	167,135		$	225,954	$	237,762	$	243,321	$	874,172
	Operating gross margin (1)	$	20,877		$	50,273	$	48,733	$	48,564	$	168,447
	Operating income	$	9,180		$	28,587	$	35,589	$	28,516	$	101,872
	Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	592		$	8,281	$	7,970	$	10,172	$	27,015
	Basic earnings per share — net income	$	—		$	0.07	$	0.07	$	0.08	$	0.23
	Diluted earnings per share — net income	$	—		$	0.07	$	0.07	$	0.08	$	0.22
	1)	Expenses related to our U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling segment were found to be incorrectly included in our general and administrative expense during the first through third quarters of 2013. These expenses have been appropriately reclassified to be included as part of the segment operating expenses, therefore our operating gross margin for each of the first three quarters of 2013 will not agree to the respective 10-Q reports for 2013 only.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605 - Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification. The standard requires that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective on January 1, 2017 and should be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the ASU recognized at the date of initial application. We are in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): 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. This accounting guidance was effective for our first quarter in fiscal 2014 and did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	Subsequent to year end we increased our liquidity by entering into the 2015 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement on January 26, 2015. See Note 6 - Long Term Debt for further discussion.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Legal and Investigation Matters — As of December 31, 2014, we have accrued an estimate of the probable and estimable costs for the resolution of certain legal and investigation matters. We have not accrued any amounts for other matters for which the liability is not probable and reasonably estimable.  Generally, the estimate of probable costs related to these matters is developed in consultation with our legal advisors. The estimates take into consideration factors such as the complexity of the issues, litigation risks and settlement costs. If the actual settlement costs, final judgments, or fines, after appeals, differ from our estimates, our future financial results may be adversely affected.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605 - Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification. The standard requires that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective on January 1, 2017 and should be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the ASU recognized at the date of initial application. We are in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): 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. This accounting guidance was effective for our first quarter in fiscal 2014 and did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations — We are an international provider of drilling services and rental tools. We have operated in over 50 countries since beginning operations in 1934, making us among the most geographically experienced drilling contractors and rental tools providers in the world. We currently have operations in 23 countries. We believe we are an industry leader in quality, health, safety and environmental practices.
	Our business is comprised of two business lines: (1) Drilling Services and (2) Rental Tools Services.
Consolidation	Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries in 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 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 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 materially affect our consolidated financial results.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition — Contract drilling revenues and expenses, comprised of daywork drilling contracts, call-outs against master service agreements 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 primary 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. Revenues from rental activities are recognized ratably over the rental term which is generally less than six months. Our project related services contracts include engineering, consulting, and project management scopes of work and revenue is typically recognized on a time and materials basis.
Reimbursable Costs	Reimbursable Costs — The Company recognizes reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred as revenues and accounts for out-of-pocket expenses as direct operating costs. Such amounts totaled $82.6 million, $69.7 million, and $44.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Additionally, the Company typically receives a nominal handling fee, which is recognized as earned in revenues in our consolidated statement of operations.
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 revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Estimates are typically used when accounting for certain significant items such as legal or contractual liability accruals, mobilization and deferred mobilization, 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, where applicable, 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	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 in accordance with the acquisition method. 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 typically engage third-party appraisal firms to assist in fair value determination of inventories, identifiable intangible assets, and any other significant assets or liabilities. 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 – We recorded $8.5 million to recognize the fair value of definite-lived intangible assets assumed in the ITS Acquisition. 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. See Note 2 - Acquisition of ITS for further discussion of the ITS Acquisition and fair value estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents — For purposes of the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers cash equivalents to be highly liquid debt instruments that have a remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Bad Debt — Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoice amount and typically do not bear interest. The allowance for bad debt is estimated for losses that may occur resulting from disputed amounts and the inability of our customers to pay amounts owed. We estimate the allowance based on historical write-off experience and information about specific customers. We review individually, for collectability, all balances over 90 days past due as well as balances due from any customer with respect to which we have information leading us to believe that a risk exists for potential collection.
	Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to customers.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Maintenance and most repair costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of upgrades and replacements is capitalized. The Company capitalizes software developed or obtained for internal use. Accordingly, the cost of third-party software, as well as the cost of third-party and internal personnel that are directly involved in application development activities, are capitalized during the application development phase of new software systems projects. Costs during the preliminary project stage and post-implementation stage of new software systems projects, including data conversion and training costs, are expensed as incurred. We account for depreciation of property, plant and equipment on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets after provision for salvage value. Depreciation, for tax purposes, utilizes several methods of accelerated depreciation. Depreciable lives for different categories of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
	Land and barge drilling equipment	3 to 20 years
	Drill pipe, rental tools and other	4 to 10 years
	Buildings and improvements	5 to 30 years
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease.
Annual Impairment Review	Impairment — We review the carrying amounts of long-lived assets for potential impairment when events occur or circumstances change that indicate the carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. We determine recoverability by evaluating the undiscounted estimated future net cash flows. When impairment is indicated, we measure the impairment as the amount by which the assets’ carrying value exceeds its fair value. Management considers a number of factors such as estimated future cash flows from the assets, appraisals and current market value analysis in determining fair value. Assets are written down to fair value if the final estimate of current fair value is below the net carrying value.
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 asset and is amortized over the useful lives of the assets in the same manner as the underlying assets. Capitalized interest costs reduce net interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Assets Held for Sale	Assets held for sale — We classify an asset as held for sale when the facts and circumstances meet the criteria for such classification, including the following: (a) we have committed to a plan to sell the asset, (b) the asset is available for immediate sale, (c) we have initiated actions to complete the sale, including locating a buyer, (d) the sale is expected to be completed within one year, (e) the asset is being actively marketed at a price that is reasonable relative to its fair value, and (f) the plan to sell is unlikely to be subject to significant changes or termination.
Rig Materials and Supplies	Rig Materials and Supplies — Because our international drilling generally occurs in remote locations, making timely outside delivery of spare parts uncertain, a complement of parts and supplies is maintained either at the drilling site or in warehouses close to the operation. During periods of high rig utilization, these parts are generally consumed and replenished within a one-year period. During a period of lower rig utilization in a particular location, the parts, like the related idle rigs, are generally not transferred to other international locations until new contracts are obtained because of the significant transportation costs that would result from such transfers. We classify those parts which are not expected to be utilized in the following year as long-term assets. Additionally, our international rental tools business holds machine shop consumables and steel stock for manufacture in our machine shops and inspection and repair shops. Rig materials and supplies are valued at the lower of cost or market value.
Deferred Costs	Deferred Costs — We defer costs related to rig mobilization and amortize such costs over the primary term of the related contract. The costs to be amortized within twelve months are classified as current.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs — We typically defer costs associated with issuance of indebtedness, and amortize those costs over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes — Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method and have been provided based upon tax laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted and income is earned. There is little or no expected relationship between the provision for or benefit from income taxes and income or loss before income taxes as the countries in which we operate have taxation regimes that vary not only with respect to nominal rate, but also in terms of the availability of deductions, credits, and other benefits. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled and the effect of changes in tax rates is recognized in income in the period in which the change is enacted. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not to be sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized and changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS)	Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS) — Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The effects of dilutive securities, stock options, unvested restricted stock and convertible debt are included in the diluted EPS calculation, when applicable.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Concentrations of Credit Risk — Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables with a variety of national and international oil and natural gas companies. We generally do not require collateral on our trade receivables.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had deposits in domestic banks in excess of federally insured limits of approximately $59.3 million and $104.3 million, respectively. In addition, we had deposits in foreign banks, which were not insured at December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $54.4 million and $50.1 million, respectively.
	Our customer base primarily consists of major, independent and national oil and natural gas companies and integrated service providers. We depend on a limited number of significant customers. Our largest customer, Exxon Neftegas Limited constituted 18.7 percent of our revenues for 2014.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair value measurements— 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. Our valuation technique requires inputs that we categorize using a three-level hierarchy, from highest to lowest level of observable inputs, as follows: (1) unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (Level 1), (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 2) and (3) unobservable inputs that require significant judgment for which there is little or no market data (Level 3). 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 measurement even though we may have also utilized significant inputs that are more readily observable.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments — We periodically use derivative instruments to manage risks associated with changes in associated interest rate fluctuations in connection with our 2015 Secured Credit Agreement (See Note 7 - Derivative Financial Instruments for further discussion). These derivative instruments, which consist of variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps, are not designated as hedges. Accordingly, the change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps is recognized in earnings at each reporting period.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency — In our international rental tool business, for certain subsidiaries and branches outside the U.S., the local currency is the functional currency. The financial statements of these subsidiaries and branches are translated into U.S. dollars as follows: (i) assets and liabilities at month-end exchange rates; (ii) income, expenses and cash flows at monthly average exchange rates or exchange rates in effect on the date of the transaction; and (iii) stockholders’ equity at historical exchange rates. For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, the resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other elements of comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation — Under our long term incentive plan, we are authorized to issue the following: stock options; stock appreciation rights; restricted stock awards; restricted stock units; performance based awards; and other types of awards in cash or stock to key employees, consultants, and directors. We typically grant restricted stock units (RSUs), performance shares units (PSUs) and performance cash units (PCUs). Our RSUs are service-based awards and compensation expense is recognized ratably over the applicable vesting period, which is typically three years for employees. RSUs granted to non-management directors typically vest at the end of a one-year vesting period. The grant-date fair value of nonvested RSUs is determined based on the closing trading price of the company’s shares on the grant date. Our RSUs are settled in stock upon vesting.
	Our PSU and PCU awards contain payout conditions which are based on our performance against our peers with regard to relative total shareholder return (TSR) and absolute and relative return on capital employed (ROCE). The effects of these conditions are reflected in the grant-date fair value of the award using a lattice model for valuation. Typically, PSUs are settled in stock upon vesting and PCUs are settled in cash upon vesting. Both PSUs and PCUs vest fully at the end of a three year performance period. We evaluate the terms of each PSU and PCU award to determine if the award should be accounted for as equity or a liability under the stock compensation rules of U.S. GAAP. Compensation costs for PSUs and PCUs are recognized ratably over the service period.
	Share-based compensation expense is recognized, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, which is based on historical experience and adjusted, if necessary, in subsequent periods based on actual forfeitures. We recognize share-based compensation expense in the same financial statement line item as cash compensation paid to the respective employees. Tax deduction benefits for awards in excess of recognized compensation costs are reported as a financing cash flow.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Total Accounts and Notes Receivable	The components of our accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for bad debt balance are as follows:
		December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013
	Trade	$	281,640		$	270,498
	Notes receivable	500			244
	Allowance for bad debt(1)	(11,188		)	(12,853		)
	Total accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for bad debt	$	270,952		$	257,889
	1)	Additional information on the allowance for bad debt for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is reported on Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
Summary of Depreciable Lives for Different Categories of Property Plant and Equipment	Depreciable lives for different categories of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
	Land and barge drilling equipment		3 to 20 years
	Drill pipe, rental tools and other		4 to 10 years
	Buildings and improvements		5 to 30 years

Acquisitions_of_ITS_Tables

Acquisitions of ITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisition
	The following details the allocation of consideration transferred to net assets acquired in the ITS Acquisition:
	Dollars in thousands	April 22, 2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,009
	Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	48,184
	Other current assets	1,803
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(35,156		)
	Accrued income taxes	(1,251		)
	Working capital excluding rig materials and supplies	20,589
	Rig materials and supplies	11,514
	Property, plant and equipment, net (2)	72,935
	Investment in joint venture	4,134
	Other noncurrent assets	2,818
	Total tangible assets	111,990
	Deferred income tax assets - current	222
	Deferred income tax assets - noncurrent (3)	11,640
	Intangible assets (4)	8,500
	Total assets acquired	132,352
	Other long-term liabilities	(211		)
	Long-term deferred tax liability	(2,796		)
	Net assets acquired	129,345
	Less: Noncontrolling interest (5)	(4,345		)
	Total consideration transferred	$	125,000
	The following details the fair value of the consideration transferred to effect the ITS Acquisition (dollars in thousands):
	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
Schedule of Pro Forma Information for Business Acquisition	The impacts to our December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet for the revisions to the provisional allocation made during the 2014 first quarter are as follows:
	Dollars in thousands	Increase/(Decrease)
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	$	(1,859	)
	Total current assets	(1,859		)
	Property, plant and equipment	3,072
	Deferred income tax assets - noncurrent	391
	Total non-current assets	3,463
	Total assets	$	1,604
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities	(60		)
	Total non-current liabilities	(60		)
	Total liabilities	$	(60	)
	Noncontrolling interest	$	1,664
	Total liabilities and stockholder's equity	$	1,604

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income	Accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of the following:
	Dollars in thousands	Foreign Currency Items
	December 31, 2013	$	1,888
	Current period other comprehensive income	(2,386		)
	December 31, 2014	$	(498	)

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_P

Property, Plant and Equipment Property Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The components of our property, plant and equipment balance are as follows:
		December 31,
	Dollars in Thousands	2014		2013
	Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost:
	Drilling Equipment	$	1,383,308	$	1,346,477
	Rental Tools	494,924		467,731
	Building, Land and Improvements	53,024		49,518
	Other	95,074		61,273
	Construction in Progress	70,668		82,381
	Total Property, Plant and Equipment at cost	2,096,998		2,007,380
	Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	1,201,058		1,136,024
	Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	$	895,940	$	871,356

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	Income before income taxes is summarized below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	37,547		$	32,136		$	52,422
	Foreign	10,990			20,651			18,555
		$	48,537		$	52,787		$	70,977
Summary of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	United States:
	Federal	$	(3,079	)	$	(3,658	)	$	7,791
	State	5,335			1,968			733
	Foreign	20,311			14,599			9,518
	Deferred:
	United States:
	Federal	4,703			10,720			15,612
	State	(379		)	2,820			4,296
	Foreign	(2,815		)	(841		)	(4,071		)
		$	24,076		$	25,608		$	33,879
Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation from Federal Income Tax Statutory Rate
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	United States:
	Federal	$	(3,079	)	$	(3,658	)	$	7,791
	State	5,335			1,968			733
	Foreign	20,311			14,599			9,518
	Deferred:
	United States:
	Federal	4,703			10,720			15,612
	State	(379		)	2,820			4,296
	Foreign	(2,815		)	(841		)	(4,071		)
		$	24,076		$	25,608		$	33,879
	Total income tax expense differs from the amount computed by multiplying income before income taxes by the U.S. federal income tax statutory rate. The reasons for this difference are as follows:
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are shown below:
		December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Current deferred tax assets:
	Reserves established against realization of certain assets	$	2,156		$	1,504
	Accruals not currently deductible for tax purposes	4,897			7,223
	Other state deferred tax asset, net	412			990
	Foreign Local Office	11			223
	Gross current deferred tax assets	7,476			9,940
	Current deferred tax valuation allowance	—			—
	Net current deferred tax assets	7,476			9,940
	Non-current deferred tax assets:
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	17,235			—
	State net operating loss carryforwards	1,130			864
	Other state deferred tax asset, net	1,246			1,909
	Foreign Tax Credits	37,344			27,462
	FIN 48	4,870			8,317
	Foreign tax	28,645			18,499
	Asset Impairment	38,931			48,743
	Accruals not currently deductible for tax purposes	—			1,017
	Deferred compensation	3,210			2,436
	Other	—			—
	Gross long-term deferred tax assets	132,611			109,247
	Valuation Allowance	(9,922		)	(6,827		)
	Net non-current deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	122,689			102,420
	Net deferred tax assets	130,165			112,360
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Non-current deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, Plant and equipment	(43,637		)	(32,505		)
	Foreign tax local	(4,985		)	(1,440		)
	Other state deferred tax liability, net	(3,491		)	(4,819		)
	Other	(2		)	(3		)
	Gross non-current deferred tax liabilities	(52,115		)	(38,767		)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	78,050		$	73,593
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	Dollars in thousands
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(12,209	)
	Additions based on tax positions taken during a prior period	(3,862		)
	Additions based on tax positions taken during the current period	(385		)
	Reductions related to settlement of tax matters	6,088
	Reductions based on tax positions taken during a prior period	2,169
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(8,199	)
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	The following describes the open tax years, by major tax jurisdiction, as of December 31, 2014:
	Colombia	2010-present
	Kazakhstan	2007-present
	Mexico	2009-present
	Papua New Guinea	2011-present
	Russia	2011-present
	United States — Federal	2012-present
	United Kingdom	2012-present

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Company's Current Debt Portfolio	The following table illustrates the Company’s current debt portfolio as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014		2013
	6.75% Senior Notes, due July 2022	$	360,000	$	—
	7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020	225,000		225,000
	9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018	—		428,781
	Term Note, due December 2017	30,000		—
	Total debt	615,000		653,781
	Less current portion (1)	10,000		25,000
	Total long-term debt	$	605,000	$	628,781

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 are as follows:
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Dollars in thousands	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Long-term Debt
	6.75% Notes	$	360,000	$	270,000	$	—	$	—
	7.50% Notes	225,000		180,000		225,000		236,250
	9.125% Notes	—		—		425,000		446,250
	Total	$	585,000	$	450,000	$	650,000	$	682,500

Common_Stock_and_Stockholders_1

Common Stock and Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Incentive Plans
	Nonvested Units	Units		Weighted
				Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair
				Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2014	3,407,354		$	4.97
	Granted	1,541,395		6.66
	Vested	(1,399,874	)	5.06
	Forfeited	(204,062	)	5.44
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	3,344,813		$	5.66
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table presents PCUs granted and forfeited under the Company's Stock Plan:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Granted	16,574		18,000		38,429
	Forfeited	110		13,358		3,955

Reconciliation_of_Income_and_N1

Reconciliation of Income and Number of Shares Used to Calculate Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of Reconciliation of Income and Number of Shares Used to Calculate Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS)
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
			Income		Shares	Per-Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
		Basic EPS	$	23,451,000	121,186,464	$	0.19
		Effect of dilutive securities:
		Stock options and restricted stock			1,890,184
		Diluted EPS	$	23,451,000	123,076,648	$	0.19
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Income		Shares	Per-Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
		Basic EPS	$	27,015,000	119,284,468	$	0.23
		Effect of dilutive securities:
		Stock options and restricted stock			1,940,082	$	(0.01	)
		Diluted EPS:	$	27,015,000	121,224,550	$	0.22
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
			Income		Shares	Per-Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
		Basic EPS	$	37,313,000	117,721,135	$	0.32
		Effect of dilutive securities:
		Stock options and restricted stock			1,372,455	$	(0.01	)
		Diluted EPS:	$	37,313,000	119,093,590	$	0.31

Reportable_Segments_Tables

Reportable Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Results of Operations by Reportable Segment	The following table represents the results of operations by reportable segment:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling(1)	$	158,405		$	153,624		$	123,672
	International & Alaska Drilling(1)	462,513			410,507			307,189
	Rental Tools(1)	347,766			310,041			246,900
	Total revenues	968,684			874,172			677,761
	Operating income:
	U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling(2)	46,831			54,203			37,717
	International & Alaska Drilling(2)	34,405			23,080			(60		)
	Rental Tools(2)	72,946			91,164			113,899
	Total operating gross margin	154,182			168,447			151,556
	General and administrative expense	(35,016		)	(68,025		)	(46,257		)
	Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets	—			(2,544		)	—
	Gain on disposition of assets, net	1,054			3,994			1,974
	Total operating income	120,220			101,872			107,273
	Interest expense	(44,265		)	(47,820		)	(33,542		)
	Interest income	195			2,450			153
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(30,152		)	(5,218		)	(2,130		)
	Changes in fair value of derivative positions	—			53			55
	Other income (loss)	2,539			1,450			(832		)
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	48,537		$	52,787		$	70,977
	1)	In 2014, our largest customer, Exxon Neftegas Limited (ENL), constituted approximately 18.7 percent of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 39.2 percent of our International & Alaska Drilling segment. In 2013, our largest customer, ENL, constituted approximately 15.6 percent of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 33.3 percent of our International & Alaska Drilling segment. In 2012, our two largest customers, ENL and Schlumberger, constituted approximately 12.0 percent and 10.0 percent, respectively, of our total consolidated revenues and approximately 26.0 percent and 23.0 percent of our International & Alaska Drilling segment, respectively.
	2)	Operating income is calculated as revenues less direct operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization expense.
	The following table represents capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization by reportable segment:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Capital expenditures:
	U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling	$	43,120		$	23,796		$	8,808
	International & Alaska Drilling	26,761			40,822			102,026
	Rental Tools	95,340			76,928			61,958
	Corporate	14,292			14,099			18,751
	Total capital expenditures	$	179,513		$	155,645		$	191,543
	Depreciation and amortization (1):
	U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling	$	21,260		$	15,212		$	16,363
	International & Alaska Drilling	59,684			62,988			52,537
	Rental Tools	64,177			55,853			44,117
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	145,121		$	134,053		$	113,017
	1)	For presentation purposes, depreciation for corporate assets of $5.0 million, $3.5 million, and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, has been allocated to the above reportable segments.
	The following table represents identifiable assets by reportable segment:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in Thousands	2014			2013
	Identifiable assets:
	U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling	$	124,701		$	111,586
	International & Alaska Drilling	764,794			802,870
	Rental Tools	444,195			350,429
	Total identifiable assets	1,333,690			1,264,885
	Corporate and other assets(1)	186,969			269,871
	Total assets	$	1,520,659		$	1,534,756
	1)	This category includes corporate assets and previously included minimal assets for our historical technical services segment primarily related to office furniture and fixtures. The assets related to technical services have been reclassified into the segment benefiting from the support service activities.
Operations by Geographical Area
		Year Ended December 31,
	Operations by Geographic Area:	2014			2013			2012
	Dollars in Thousands
	Revenues:
	Africa and Middle East	$	128,214		$	58,416		$	26,528
	Asia Pacific	187,799			170,165			117,392
	CIS	61,849			55,165			44,312
	Europe	20,296			16,788			—
	Latin America	86,651			120,261			103,540
	United States	483,875			453,377			385,989
	Total revenues	968,684			874,172			677,761
	Operating gross margin:
	Africa and Middle East(1)	(16,973		)	(383		)	(2,027		)
	Asia Pacific(1)	29,769			21,995			16,550
	CIS(1)	19,534			11,888			(9,580		)
	Europe(1)	11,534			274			—
	Latin America(1)	(9,914		)	1,140			9,581
	United States(1)	120,232			133,533			137,032
	Total operating gross margin	154,182			168,447			151,556
	Long-lived assets:(2)
	Africa and Middle East	$	115,713		$	110,336
	Asia Pacific	43,252			44,606
	CIS	49,951			55,722
	Europe	20,140			82,473
	Latin America	77,136			15,198
	United States	589,748			563,021
	Total long-lived assets	$	895,940		$	871,356
	1)	Operating gross margin is calculated as revenues less direct operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization expense.
	2)	Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, net.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases with Non Cancelable Terms	Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2014, under operating leases with non-cancelable terms are as follows:
	Dollars in Thousands	Year Ended    December 31,
	2015	$	13,188
	2016	8,481
	2017	7,168
	2018	5,857
	2019	4,504
	Thereafter	8,459
	Total	$	47,657

Supplementary_Information_Supp

Supplementary Information Supplementary Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	The significant components of "Accrued liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Dollars in Thousands	2014		2013
	Accrued liabilities:
	Accrued Payroll & Related Benefits	$	32,504	$	35,671
	Accrued Interest Expense	18,171		16,820
	Accrued Professional Fees & Other	18,073		21,513
	Deferred Mobilization Fees	4,245		8,128
	Workers' Compensation Liabilities	2,710		2,721
	Total accrued liabilities	$	75,703	$	84,853

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_1

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014																Dec. 31, 2013																Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES																PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES																PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)																CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)																CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	(Dollars in Thousands)																(Dollars in Thousands)																(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)																(Unaudited)																(Unaudited)
																																		Year ended December 31, 2012
		Year Ended December 31, 2014																Year Ended December 31, 2013																Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated				Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated			Comprehensive income:
	Comprehensive income:																Comprehensive income:																Net income (loss)	$	37,313		$	54,961		$	32,816		$	(87,992	)	$	37,098
	Net income (loss)	$	23,451		$	69,912		$	(1,503	)	$	(67,399	)	$	24,461		Net income (loss)	$	27,015		$	36,214		$	19,380		$	(55,430	)	$	27,179
																																	Other comprehensive gain, net of tax:
	Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:																Other comprehensive gain, net of tax:																Currency translation difference on related borrowings	—			—			—			—			—
	Currency translation difference on related borrowings	—			—			(4,870		)	—			$	(4,870	)	Currency translation difference on related borrowings	—			—			(1,525		)	—			(1,525		)
																																	Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	—			—			—			—			—
	Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	—			—			2,147			—			$	2,147		Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	—			—			3,051			—			3,051
																																	Comprehensive income (loss)	37,313			54,961			32,816			(87,992		)	37,098
	Total other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:	—			—			(2,723		)	—			(2,723		)	Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax:	—			—			1,526			—			1,526
																																	Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			215			—			215
	Comprehensive income (loss)	23,451			69,912			(4,226		)	(67,399		)	21,738			Comprehensive income (loss)	27,015			36,214			20,906			(55,430		)	28,705
																																	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	37,313		$	54,961		$	33,031		$	(87,992	)	$	37,313
	Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(673		)	—			(673		)	Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			198			—			198
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	23,451		$	69,912		$	(4,899	)	$	(67,399	)	$	21,065		Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	27,015		$	36,214		$	21,104		$	(55,430	)	$	28,903
Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES																PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES																PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS																CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS																CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	(Dollars in Thousands)																(Dollars in Thousands)																(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)																(Unaudited)																(Unaudited)
		Year ended December 31, 2014																Year ended December 31, 2013																Year ended December 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated				Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated				Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Total revenues	$	—		$	506,205		$	640,147		$	(177,668	)	$	968,684		Total revenues	$	—		$	468,073		$	549,295		$	(143,196	)	$	874,172		Total revenues	$	—		$	393,738		$	385,279		$	(101,256	)	$	677,761
	Operating expenses	—			279,396			567,653			(177,668		)	669,381			Operating expenses	—			252,211			462,657			(143,196		)	571,672			Operating expenses	—			184,946			329,498			(101,256		)	413,188
	Depreciation and amortization	—			87,248			57,873			—			145,121			Depreciation and amortization	—			77,416			56,637			—			134,053			Depreciation and amortization	—			65,354			47,663			—			113,017
	Total operating gross margin	—			139,561			14,621			—			154,182			Total operating gross margin	—			138,446			30,001			—			168,447			Total operating gross margin	—			143,438			8,118			—			151,556
	General and administration expense (1)	(302		)	(33,035		)	(1,679		)	—			(35,016		)	General and administration expense (1)	(202		)	(67,083		)	(740		)	—			(68,025		)	General and administration expense (1)	(182		)	(45,758		)	(317		)	—			(46,257		)
	Gain (loss) on disposition of assets, net	(79		)	1,156			(23		)	—			1,054			Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets	—			—			(2,544		)	—			(2,544		)	Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			775			1,199			—			1,974
	Total operating income (loss)	(381		)	107,682			12,919			—			120,220			Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			1,759			2,235			—			3,994			Total operating income (loss)	(182		)	98,455			9,000			—			107,273
	Other income and (expense):																Total operating income (loss)	(202		)	73,122			28,952			—			101,872			Other income and (expense):
	Interest expense	(46,527		)	(148		)	(7,692		)	10,102			(44,265		)																	Interest expense	(37,326		)	(151		)	(8,739		)	12,674			(33,542		)
																	Other income and (expense):
	Interest income	1,478			623			8,196			(10,102		)	195			Interest expense	(51,439		)	(335		)	(9,930		)	13,884			(47,820		)	Interest income	9,863			5,073			41,999			(56,782		)	153
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(30,152		)	—			—			—			(30,152		)	Interest income	3,824			1,761			10,749			(13,884		)	2,450			Loss on extinguishment of debt	(2,130		)	—			—			—			(2,130		)
	Other	—			2,810			(271		)	—			2,539			Loss on extinguishment of debt	(5,218		)	—			—			—			(5,218		)	Changes in fair value of derivative positions	55			—			—			—			55
	Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	67,399			—			—			(67,399		)	—			Changes in fair value of derivative positions	53			—			—			—			53			Other	—			(206		)	(626		)	—			(832		)
	Total other income (expense)	(7,802		)	3,285			233			(67,399		)	(71,683		)	Other	(1		)	(143		)	1,594			—			1,450			Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	43,884			—			—			(43,884		)	—
	Income (loss) before income taxes	(8,183		)	110,967			13,152			(67,399		)	48,537			Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	55,430			—			—			(55,430		)	—			Total other income and (expense)	14,346			4,716			32,634			(87,992		)	(36,296		)
	Income tax expense (benefit):																Total other income (expense)	2,649			1,283			2,413			(55,430		)	(49,085		)	Income (loss) before income taxes	14,164			103,171			41,634			(87,992		)	70,977
	Current	(17,702		)	24,106			16,163			—			22,567
																	Income (loss) before income taxes	2,447			74,405			31,365			(55,430		)	52,787			Income tax expense (benefit):
	Deferred	(13,932		)	16,949			(1,508		)	—			1,509																			Current	(25,406		)	32,781			10,667			—			18,042
																	Income tax expense (benefit):
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(31,634		)	41,055			14,655			—			24,076			Current	(21,431		)	18,737			15,603			—			12,909			Deferred	2,257			15,429			(1,849		)	—			15,837
	Net income (loss)	23,451			69,912			(1,503		)	(67,399		)	24,461			Deferred	(3,137		)	19,454			(3,618		)	—			12,699			Total income tax expense (benefit)	(23,149		)	48,210			8,818			—			33,879
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			1,010			—			1,010			Income tax expense (benefit)	(24,568		)	38,191			11,985			—			25,608			Net income (loss)	37,313			54,961			32,816			(87,992		)	37,098
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	23,451		$	69,912		$	(2,513	)	$	(67,399	)	$	23,451		Net income (loss)	27,015			36,214			19,380			(55,430		)	27,179			Less: Net (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(215		)	—			(215		)
	(1)General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.																Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			164			—			164			Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	37,313		$	54,961		$	33,031		$	(87,992	)	$	37,313
																	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	27,015		$	36,214		$	19,216		$	(55,430	)	$	27,015
																	(1)General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.
Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES																PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET																CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
	(Dollars in Thousands)																(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)																(Unaudited)
		31-Dec-14																31-Dec-13
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated				Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS																ASSETS
	Current assets:																Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	36,728		$	13,546		$	58,182		$	—		$	108,456		Cash and cash equivalents	$	88,697		$	8,310		$	51,682		$	—		$	148,689
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	(33		)	96,100			174,885			—			270,952			Accounts and notes receivable, net	—			101,299			156,590			—			257,889
	Rig materials and supplies	—			(1,473		)	49,416			—			47,943			Rig materials and supplies	—			3,002			38,779			—			41,781
	Deferred costs	—			—			5,673			—			5,673			Deferred costs	—			—			13,682			—			13,682
	Deferred income taxes	—			6,131			1,345			—			7,476			Deferred income taxes	(57		)	8,435			1,562			—			9,940
	Other tax assets	19,885			(18,273		)	9,111			—			10,723			Other tax assets	54,524			(46,770		)	16,325			—			24,079
	Other current assets	—			7,999			10,557			—			18,556			Other current assets	—			9,089			14,134			—			23,223
	Total current assets	56,580			104,030			309,169			—			469,779			Total current assets	143,164			83,365			292,754			—			519,283
	Property, plant and equipment, net	(19		)	589,055			306,904			—			895,940			Property, plant and equipment, net	60			562,148			309,148			—			871,356
	Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany advances	3,060,867			2,441,527			2,464,502			(7,966,896		)	—			Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany advances	1,906,128			(336,570		)	1,667,937			(3,237,495		)	—
	Other noncurrent assets	(440,918		)	490,597			272,823			(167,562		)	154,940			Other noncurrent assets	(457,954		)	468,864			250,983			(117,776		)	144,117
	Total assets	$	2,676,510		$	3,625,209		$	3,353,398		$	(8,134,458	)	$	1,520,659		Total assets	$	1,591,398		$	777,807		$	2,520,822		$	(3,355,271	)	$	1,534,756
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY																LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:																Current liabilities:
	Current portion of long-term debt	$	10,000		$	—		$	—		$	—		10,000			Current portion of long-term debt	$	25,000		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	25,000
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	77,603			71,645			309,344			(304,113		)	154,479			Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	75,268			92,546			261,436			(254,364		)	174,886
	Accrued income taxes	(4,061		)	10,109			8,138			—			14,186			Accrued income taxes	—			725			6,541			—			7,266
	Total current liabilities	83,542			81,754			317,482			(304,113		)	178,665			Total current liabilities	100,268			93,271			267,977			(254,364		)	207,152
	Long-term debt	605,000			—			—			—			605,000			Long-term debt	628,781			—			—			—			628,781
	Other long-term liabilities	2,867			7,135			8,663			—			18,665			Other long-term liabilities	5,037			6,743			15,134			—			26,914
	Long-term deferred tax liability	—			56,105			(3,990		)	—			52,115			Long-term deferred tax liability	—			51,747			(12,980		)	—			38,767
	Intercompany payables	1,322,172			1,311,405			1,204,768			(3,838,345		)	—			Intercompany payables	227,504			291,783			422,645			(941,932		)	—
	Total Liabilities	2,013,581			1,456,399			1,526,923			(4,142,458		)	854,445			Total Liabilities	961,590			443,544			692,776			(1,196,296		)	901,614
	Total Equity	662,929			2,168,810			1,826,475			(3,992,000		)	666,214			Total Equity	629,808			334,263			1,828,046			(2,158,975		)	633,142
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,676,510		$	3,625,209		$	3,353,398		$	(8,134,458	)	$	1,520,659		Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,591,398		$	777,807		$	2,520,822		$	(3,355,271	)	$	1,534,756
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows	PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES																PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES																PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS																CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS																CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(Dollars in Thousands)																(Dollars in Thousands)																(Dollars in Thousands)
	(Unaudited)																(Unaudited)																(Unaudited)
		Year Ended December 31, 2014																Year Ended December 31, 2013																Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated				Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated				Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Cash flows from operating activities:																Cash flows from operating activities:																Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	23,451		$	69,912		$	(1,503	)	$	(67,399	)	24,461			Net income (loss)	$	27,015		$	36,214		$	19,380		$	(55,430	)	$	27,179		Net income (loss)	$	37,313		$	54,961		$	32,816		$	(87,992	)	$	37,098
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:																Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:																Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization	—			87,248			57,873			—			145,121			Depreciation and amortization	—			77,416			56,637			—			134,053			Depreciation and amortization	—			65,354			47,663			—			113,017
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	30,152			—			—			—			30,152			Loss on extinguishment of debt	5,218			—			—			—			5,218			Loss on extinguishment of debt	2,130			—			—			—			2,130
	Gain on disposition of assets	79			(1,156		)	23			—			(1,054		)	Gain on disposition of assets	—			(1,759		)	(2,235		)	—			(3,994		)	Gain on disposition of assets	—			(775		)	(1,199		)	—			(1,974		)
	Deferred income tax expense	(13,932		)	16,949			(1,508		)	—			1,509			Deferred income tax expense	(3,137		)	19,454			(3,618		)	—			12,699			Deferred income tax expense	2,257			15,429			(1,849		)	—			15,837
	Expenses not requiring cash	11,978			(710		)	8,063			—			19,331			Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets	—			—			2,544			—			2,544			Expenses not requiring cash	16,558			33,644			(27,602		)	—			22,600
	Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(67,399		)	—			—			67,399			—			Expenses not requiring cash	13,173			12			4,579			—			17,764			Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(43,884		)	—			—			43,884			—
	Change in accounts receivable	32			11,937			(24,207		)	—			(12,238		)	Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(55,430		)	—			—			55,430			—			Change in accounts receivable	(445		)	(1,788		)	17,474			—			15,241
	Change in other assets	35,438			(56,673		)	(3,154		)	—			(24,389		)	Change in accounts receivable	(7		)	(12,888		)	(20,617		)	—			(33,512		)	Change in other assets	1,649			2,060			(9,200		)	—			(5,491		)
	Change in accrued income taxes	(12,474		)	11,107			(6,290		)	—			(7,657		)	Change in other assets	74,411			(85,520		)	487			—			(10,622		)	Change in accrued income taxes	(4,055		)	220			(2,267		)	—			(6,102		)
	Change in liabilities	2,336			(20,492		)	45,387			—			27,231			Change in accrued income taxes	6,617			(1,052		)	4,889			—			10,454			Change in liabilities	3,914			(4,158		)	(2,413		)	—			(2,657		)
	Net cash provided by operating activities	9,661			118,122			74,684			—			202,467			Change in liabilities	6,934			(877		)	(6,343		)	—			(286		)	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	15,437			164,947			53,423			(44,108		)	189,699
	Cash flows from investing activities:																Net cash provided by operating activities	74,794			31,000			55,703			—			161,497			Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(125,260		)	(54,253		)	—			(179,513		)																	Capital expenditures	—			(176,333		)	(15,210		)	—			(191,543		)
																	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Proceeds from the sale of assets	—			2,594			3,344			—			5,938			Capital expenditures	—			(94,269		)	(61,376		)	—			(155,645		)	Proceeds from the sale of assets	—			2,062			1,875			—			3,937
	Net cash (used in) investing activities	—			(122,666		)	(50,909		)	—			(173,575		)	Proceeds from the sale of assets	—			3,725			4,493			—			8,218			Intercompany dividend payment	(8,387		)	(4,357		)	(31,364		)	44,108			—
	Cash flows from financing activities:																Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired	—			(6,903		)	(111,088		)	—			(117,991		)	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(8,387		)	(178,628		)	(44,699		)	44,108			(187,606		)
	Proceeds from debt issuance	400,000			—			—			—			400,000
																	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	—			(97,447		)	(167,971		)	—			(265,418		)	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Repayment of long term debt	(425,000		)	—			—			—			(425,000		)																	Proceeds from debt issuance	130,000			—			—			—			130,000
																	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Repayment of term loan	(10,000		)	—			—			—			(10,000		)	Proceeds from debt issuance	350,000			—			—			—			350,000			Proceeds from draw on revolver credit facility	7,000			—			—			—			7,000
	Payment of debt issuance costs	(7,630		)	—			—			—			(7,630		)	Repayment of long term debt	(125,000		)	—			—			—			(125,000		)	Paydown on senior notes	(125,000		)	—			—			—			(125,000		)
	Payment of debt extinguishment costs	(26,214		)	—			—			—			(26,214		)	Repayment of term loan	(50,000		)	—			—			—			(50,000		)	Paydown on term note	(18,000		)	—			—			—			(18,000		)
	Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(281		)	—			—			—			(281		)	Payment of debt issuance costs	(11,172		)	—			—			—			(11,172		)	Payment of debt issuance costs	(4,859		)	—			—			—			(4,859		)
	Intercompany advances, net	7,495			9,780			(17,275		)	—			—			Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	896			—			—			—			896			Payment of debt extinguishment costs	(555		)	—			—			—			(555		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(61,630		)	9,780			(17,275		)	—			(69,125		)	Intercompany advances, net	(193,072		)	63,734			129,338			—			—			Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(662		)	—			—			—			(662		)
	Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(51,969		)	5,236			6,500			—			(40,233		)	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(28,348		)	63,734			129,338			—			164,724			Intercompany advances, net	(8,393		)	20,492			(12,099		)	—			—
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	88,697			8,310			51,682			—			148,689			Net change in cash and cash equivalents	46,446			(2,713		)	17,070			—			60,803			Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(20,469		)	20,492			(12,099		)	—			(12,076		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	36,728		$	13,546		$	58,182		$	—		$	108,456		Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	42,251			11,023			34,612			—			87,886			Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(13,419		)	6,811			(3,375		)	—			(9,983		)
	See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.																Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	88,697		$	8,310		$	51,682		$	—		$	148,689		Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	55,670			4,212			37,987			—			97,869
																	See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.																Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	42,251		$	11,023		$	34,612		$	—		$	87,886
																																	See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Selected Quarterly Financial Data
		Quarter
	Year 2014	First			Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
		(Unaudited)
	Revenues	$	229,225		$	254,234	$	242,012	$	243,213	$	968,684
	Operating gross margin	$	28,863		$	43,485	$	45,066	$	36,768	$	154,182
	Operating income	$	19,770		$	37,497	$	35,239	$	27,714	$	120,220
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(12,549	)	$	15,681	$	12,566	$	7,753	$	23,451
	Basic earnings per share — net income (loss)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.13	$	0.1	$	0.06	$	0.19
	Diluted earnings per share — net income (loss)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.13	$	0.1	$	0.06	$	0.19
		Quarter
	Year 2013	First			Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
		(Unaudited)
	Revenues	$	167,135		$	225,954	$	237,762	$	243,321	$	874,172
	Operating gross margin (1)	$	20,877		$	50,273	$	48,733	$	48,564	$	168,447
	Operating income	$	9,180		$	28,587	$	35,589	$	28,516	$	101,872
	Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	592		$	8,281	$	7,970	$	10,172	$	27,015
	Basic earnings per share — net income	$	—		$	0.07	$	0.07	$	0.08	$	0.23
	Diluted earnings per share — net income	$	—		$	0.07	$	0.07	$	0.08	$	0.22
	1)	Expenses related to our U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling segment were found to be incorrectly included in our general and administrative expense during the first through third quarters of 2013. These expenses have been appropriately reclassified to be included as part of the segment operating expenses, therefore our operating gross margin for each of the first three quarters of 2013 will not agree to the respective 10-Q reports for 2013 only.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	country								segment
									country
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number Of Countries In Which Entity Has Operated Since Inception	50								50
Number of countries with operations	23								23
Number of operating segments									2
Percentage accounted for under the equity method	5000.00%								5000.00%
Reimbursement cost									$82,600,000	$69,700,000	$44,900,000
Collection period									90 days
Capitalized interest costs of construction of rigs									1,200,000	2,400,000	10,200,000
Consumed and replenished period									1 year
Rate of recognized income tax position being realized									50.00%
Deposits in domestic bank	59,300,000				104,300,000				59,300,000	104,300,000
Deposits in foreign banks	54,400,000				50,100,000				54,400,000	50,100,000
Percentage of revenue from major customer									18.70%
Contract margin	36,768,000	45,066,000	43,485,000	28,863,000	48,564,000	48,733,000	50,273,000	20,877,000	154,182,000	168,447,000	151,556,000
Share-based awards vesting period									3 years
Exxon Neftegas Limited [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue from major customer									18.70%	15.60%	12.00%
ITS [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Adjusted amount for definite lived intangible assets	$8,500,000								$8,500,000
Definite lived assets, weighted average useful life					3 years 146 days				3 years
Land and Barge Drilling Equipment | Minimum [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life									3 years
Land and Barge Drilling Equipment | Maximum [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life									20 years
Drill pipe, rental tools and other | Minimum [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life									4 years
Drill pipe, rental tools and other | Maximum [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life									10 years
Buildings and improvements | Minimum [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life									5 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life									30 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Total Accounts and Notes Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Trade	$281,640	$270,498
Notes receivable	500	244
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-11,188	-12,853
Total accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for bad debt	$270,952	$257,889

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Depreciable Lives for Different Categories of Property Plant and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Land and Barge Drilling Equipment | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life	3 years
Land and Barge Drilling Equipment | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life	20 years
Drill pipe, rental tools and other | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life	4 years
Drill pipe, rental tools and other | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life	10 years
Buildings and improvements | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life	5 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Barge drilling equipment, useful life	30 years

Acquisitions_of_ITS_Narrative_

Acquisitions of ITS - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 22, 2013	Apr. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs	$7,600,000
Long-term Debt				615,000,000	653,781,000
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
Business Acquisition, Escrow Funds Released				10,500,000
Fair value of contingent consideration deposited in escrow for assets not acquired		5,000,000
Debt issuance costs				5,400,000
Proceeds from issuance of term note			225,000,000
Acquisition related costs				22,500,000
Business Acquisition, Escrow Funds Received				2,750,000
ITS [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure				$0

Acquisitions_of_ITS_Fair_Value

Acquisitions of ITS - Fair Value of Consideration Transferred (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 22, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Escrow Funds Released to Seller	$2,000,000
Business Combination, Amount Remaining in Escrow	3,000,000
ITS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid to, or on behalf of, ITS and its equity holders		101,000,000
Cash deposited in escrow		19,000,000
Fair value of contingent consideration deposited in escrow for assets not acquired		5,000,000
Total fair value of the consideration transferred		125,000,000
Accounts Receivable [Member] | ITS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$0

Acquisitions_of_ITS_Allocation

Acquisitions of ITS - Allocation of Consideration Transferred (Details) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 22, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Intangible Assets
Increase in deferred income tax asset		$1,509,000	$12,699,000	$15,837,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		154,479,000	174,886,000				174,886,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Adjustments, Amount	400,000		-2,900,000
Percentage accounted for under the equity method		5000.00%
ITS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Current Assets Receivables, Gross before Adjustments					54,700,000
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Current Assets Receivables, Period Adjustments					1,200,000
Cash and cash equivalents					7,009,000
Accounts and notes receivable, net					48,184,000
Other current assets					1,803,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities					-35,156,000
Accrued income taxes					-1,251,000
Working capital excluding rig materials and supplies					20,589,000
Rig materials and supplies					11,514,000
Property, plant and equipment, net					72,935,000
Investment in joint venture					4,134,000
Other noncurrent assets					2,818,000
Total tangible assets					111,990,000
Deferred income tax assets - current					222,000
Deferred income tax assets - noncurrent					11,640,000
Intangible Assets
Trade name, developed technology, and customer relationship					8,500,000
Total assets acquired					132,352,000
Other long-term liabilities					-211,000
Long-term deferred tax liability					-2,796,000
Net assets acquired					129,345,000
Less: Noncontrolling interest					-4,345,000
Total consideration transferred					125,000,000
Accounts and notes receivable, gross					55,900,000
Impairments and other charges			-2,600,000					-4,000,000
Increase in deferred income tax asset		11,900,000			14,400,000
Intangible assets acquired					8,500,000
Weighted average useful life		3 years					3 years 146 days
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable					5,900,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Gross					1,900,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities					39,200,000
Estimated Impairment Charges for Property, Plant and Equipment			40,200,000
Estimated Fair Value of Definite Lived Intangible Assets					10,000,000
Estimated Fair Value of Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets					200,000
Estimated Fair Value of Definite Lived Intangible Assets, Adjustments					1,500,000
Estimated Fair Value of Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets, Adjustments					200,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Disclosure					2,700,000	4,300,000
Increase in Fair Value of Business Combination						$1,600,000
Maximum [Member] | ITS [Member] | ITS [Member]
Intangible Assets
Percentage accounted for under the equity method					100.00%

Acquisitions_of_ITS_Supplement

Acquisitions of ITS - Supplemental Proforma (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs	$7,600,000
Long-term Debt			615,000,000	653,781,000
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current			-270,952,000	-257,889,000
Assets, Current			-469,779,000	-519,283,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross			2,096,998,000	2,007,380,000
Deferred income taxes			7,476,000	9,940,000
Total assets			1,520,659,000	1,534,756,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent			-52,115,000	-38,767,000
Liabilities			-854,445,000	-901,614,000
Noncontrolling interest			3,783,000	1,446,000
Liabilities and Equity			1,520,659,000	1,534,756,000
ITS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs			22,500,000
Debt issuance costs			5,400,000
Proceeds from issuance of term note		225,000,000
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current				-1,859,000
Assets, Current				-1,859,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross				3,072,000
Deferred income taxes				391,000
Assets, Noncurrent				3,463,000
Total assets				1,604,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent				-60,000
Liabilities, Noncurrent				-60,000
Liabilities				-60,000
Noncontrolling interest				1,664,000
Liabilities and Equity				1,604,000
Term Note Due April Twenty Eighteen [Member] | ITS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt instrument fixed interest rate			7.50%
Long-term Debt			125,000,000
Deferred acquisition costs	$4,700,000				$5,200,000	$5,600,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$1,888,000
Current period other comprehensive income	-2,386,000
Ending balance	-498,000
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	($200,000)

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			rig
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Impairment Charge on Reclassified Assets	$1,900,000
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	1,900,000
Number Of Land Rigs Impacting Assets Held For Sale			5
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	1,346,477,000	1,383,308,000	1,346,477,000
Rental Tools	467,731,000	494,924,000	467,731,000
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	49,518,000	53,024,000	49,518,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross	61,273,000	95,074,000	61,273,000
Construction in Progress, Gross	82,381,000	70,668,000	82,381,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	2,007,380,000	2,096,998,000	2,007,380,000
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	1,136,024,000	1,201,058,000	1,136,024,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	871,356,000	895,940,000	871,356,000
Depreciation		145,100,000	134,100,000	113,017,000
International Drilling [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Impairment Charge on Reclassified Assets	$600,000

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment Disposition of Assets (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		rig		rig
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Disposals	$0.20
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Net of Tax				-0.5
KAZAKHSTAN
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number Of Land Rigs And Related Equipment Sold		2
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets					3.8
Property, Plant and Equipment, Disposals			3.5
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Net of Tax					0.3
NEW ZEALAND
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number Of Land Rigs And Related Equipment Sold				2
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets		2.3
Property, Plant and Equipment, Disposals				3.2
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Net of Tax		-0.9
OKLAHOMA
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Disposals				0.8
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Net of Tax		0.1
MEXICO
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets					0.3
Property, Plant and Equipment, Disposals			0.5
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Net of Tax					$0.20

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A1

Property, Plant and Equipment Assets Held for Sale (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
	rig	rig
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	$1.90
Number of Rigs Reclassified from Held-for-sale to Assets Held for Use and Inventory	2	3
Depreciation Expense on Reclassified Assets		0.7
Number of Rigs Expected to be Sold During Period	3
Impairments and other charges	-1.9
International Drilling [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairments and other charges	($0.60)

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Compon

Income Taxes - Summary of Components of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$37,547	$32,136	$52,422
Foreign	10,990	20,651	18,555
Income before income taxes	$48,537	$52,787	$70,977

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Income

Income Taxes - Summary of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Federal	($3,079)	($3,658)	$7,791
State	5,335	1,968	733
Foreign	20,311	14,599	9,518
Federal	4,703	10,720	15,612
State	-379	2,820	4,296
Foreign	-2,815	-841	-4,071
Total income tax expense	24,076	25,608	33,879
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Total income tax expense			1,700
MEXICO | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Total income tax expense	($2,200)	($3,300)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation from Federal Income Tax Statutory Rate (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Computed Expected Tax Expense, Amount	$16,988	$18,476	$24,842
Foreign Taxes, Amount	11,221	12,470	13,171
Tax Effect Different From Statutory Rates, Amount	-3,389	-8,920	-8,080
State Taxes, net of Federal Benefit, Amount	3,117	4,099	4,757
Foreign Tax Credits, Amount	-3,043	-1,484	-1,867
Change in Valuation Allowance, Amount	2,800	1,975	-1,662
Uncertain Tax Positions, Amount	-1,125	2,472	-6,642
Permanent Differences, Amount	676	4,005	5,477
Prior Year Return to Provision Adjustments, Amount	-2,618	-6,268	4,057
Other, Amount	-551	-1,217	-174
Unremitted Foreign Earnings-Current Year Adjustment, Amount	0	0	0
Total income tax expense	$24,076	$25,608	$33,879
Computed Expected Tax Expense, Percentage	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Foreign Taxes, Percentage	23.10%	23.60%	18.60%
Tax Effect Different From Statutory Rates, Percentage	-7.00%	-16.90%	-11.40%
State Taxes, net of Federal Benefit, Percentage	6.40%	7.80%	6.70%
Foreign Tax Credits, Percentage	-6.30%	-2.80%	-2.60%
Change in Valuation Allowance, Percentage	5.80%	3.70%	-2.30%
Uncertain Tax Positions, percentage	-2.30%	4.70%	-9.40%
Permanent Differences, Percentage	1.40%	7.60%	7.70%
Prior Year Return to Provision Adjustments, Percentage	-5.40%	-11.90%	5.70%
Other, Percentage	-1.10%	-2.30%	-0.20%
Unremitted Foreign Earnings-Current Year Adjustment, Percentage	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Actual Tax Expense, Percentage	49.60%	48.50%	47.80%

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current deferred tax assets:
Reserves established against realization of certain assets	$2,156	$1,504
Accruals not currently deductible for tax purposes	4,897	7,223
Other state deferred tax asset, net	412	990
Foreign Local Office	11	223
Gross current deferred tax assets	7,476	9,940
Net current deferred tax assets	7,476	9,940
Non-current deferred tax assets:
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	17,235	0
State net operating loss carryforwards	1,130	864
Other state deferred tax asset, net	1,246	1,909
Foreign Tax Credits	37,344	27,462
FIN 48	4,870	8,317
Foreign tax	28,645	18,499
Asset Impairment	38,931	48,743
Accruals not currently deductible for tax purposes	0	1,017
Deferred compensation	3,210	2,436
Other	0	0
Gross long-term deferred tax assets	132,611	109,247
Valuation Allowance	-9,922	-6,827
Non-current deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	122,689	102,420
Net deferred tax assets	130,165	112,360
Non-current deferred tax liabilities:
Property, Plant and equipment	-43,637	-32,505
Foreign tax local	-4,985	-1,440
Other state deferred tax liability, net	-3,491	-4,819
Other	-2	-3
Gross non-current deferred tax liabilities	-52,115	-38,767
Net deferred tax asset	$78,050	$73,593

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Decrease in valuation allowance	$2,800,000	$2,000,000	$1,700,000
Depreciation and amortization	145,121,000	134,053,000	113,017,000
Total income tax expense (benefit)	24,076,000	25,608,000	33,879,000
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits	8,199,000	12,209,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	3,600,000
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	3,300,000	7,900,000
Increase of interest	700,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Total income tax expense (benefit)			1,700,000
KAZAKHSTAN
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Payments for Other Taxes	6,100,000
MEXICO | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Total income tax expense (benefit)	-2,200,000	-3,300,000
ALASKA
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$25,000,000	$20,900,000	$7,700,000

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($12,209)
Additions based on tax positions taken during a prior period	-3,862
Additions based on tax positions taken during the current period	-385
Reductions related to settlement of tax matters	6,088
Reductions based on tax positions taken during a prior period	2,169
Ending balance	($8,199)

Income_Taxes_Open_Tax_Years_by

Income Taxes - Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Colombia [Member]
Open Tax Years By Major Jurisdiction [Line Items]
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	2010-present
KAZAKHSTAN
Open Tax Years By Major Jurisdiction [Line Items]
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	2007-present
MEXICO
Open Tax Years By Major Jurisdiction [Line Items]
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	2009-present
Papua New Guinea [Member]
Open Tax Years By Major Jurisdiction [Line Items]
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	2011-present
Russia [Member]
Open Tax Years By Major Jurisdiction [Line Items]
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	2011-present
United States - Federal [Member]
Open Tax Years By Major Jurisdiction [Line Items]
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	2012-present
United Kingdom [Member]
Open Tax Years By Major Jurisdiction [Line Items]
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	2012-present

LongTerm_Debt_Summary_of_Compa

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Company's Current Debt Portfolio (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Jan. 22, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 07, 2014	Mar. 22, 2010	Apr. 25, 2012	Jul. 30, 2013	Jul. 13, 2013	Jan. 26, 2015	Apr. 02, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 14, 2012	Apr. 18, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments of debt issuance costs			($7,630,000)	($11,172,000)	($4,859,000)
Repayments of long-term debt			425,000,000	125,000,000	0
Tender offer costs	25,800,000
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost			7,700,000
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)			-3,800,000
Interest Expense			44,265,000	47,820,000	33,542,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			-30,152,000	-5,218,000	-2,130,000
Debt issuance costs		7,600,000
Debt Issuance Cost Net Of Amortization		7,000,000
Total debt			615,000,000	653,781,000
Less current portion			10,000,000	25,000,000
Total long-term debt			605,000,000	628,781,000
6.75 % Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount	360,000,000		360,000,000	0
Debt instrument fixed interest rate	6.75%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Amount Percentage of Principal	35.00%
Debt instrument, Redemption Price Percent	106.75%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price After Year Three	103.38%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price After Year Five	101.00%
7.50 % Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount									225,000,000
Debt instrument fixed interest rate									7.50%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Amount Percentage of Principal									35.00%
Debt instrument, Redemption Price Percent									107.50%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price After Year Three									103.75%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price After Year Five									101.00%
7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 (Issued July 30, 2013) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			225,000,000	225,000,000
9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 (Issued April 25, 2012) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			0	428,781,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			30,000,000	0
Principal payments			2,500,000
Nine Point One Two Five Percent Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount							300,000,000
Tender Offer Price for Each 1000 Principal Amount			1,061.98
Tender Offer Price per Note, Consent Payment						30
Debt Instrument Face Amount per Note			1,000
Payments of debt issuance costs	-453,700,000
Debt instrument fixed interest rate		9.13%							9.13%
Repayments of long-term debt	416,200,000
Accrued interest	11,700,000
Senior Notes												8,800,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price												9,600,000
Redemption Premium			400,000
Interest Expense			400,000
Senior Notes One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of debt							225,000,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of debt							42,000,000
Senior Notes Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount								125,000,000
Par value of senior notes								104.00%
Gross proceeds of aggregate principal amount additional issued								130,000,000
Term Note Due December Twenty Seventeen [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt				0									40,000,000	50,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
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%
Letters of credit outstanding			11,000,000	4,600,000
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increase in the amount of term loan or revolving credit facility									45,000,000
Revolving loan outstanding			30,000,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increase in the amount of term loan or revolving credit facility										45,000,000
Revolving loan outstanding	40,000,000												40,000,000
Quarterly decrease in borrowing capacity										2,500,000
Base rate plus				2.00%
LIBOR plus				3.00%
Secured Debt [Member] | Goldman Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount															125,000,000
ITS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs			5,400,000
ITS [Member] | Term Note Due April Twenty Eighteen [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred acquisition costs		4,700,000							5,600,000							5,200,000
Debt instrument fixed interest rate			7.50%
Total debt			125,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2015 Secured Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Secured Lines of Credit											30,000,000
Senior secured credit facility											200,000,000
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%
Letters of credit outstanding											11,700,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2012 Secured Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facility											80,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Additional Borrowing Capacity											50,000,000
Repayments of debt											$30,000,000

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

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

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Jan. 22, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 13, 2013

Mar. 22, 2010

Apr. 25, 2012

Jan. 26, 2015

Jan. 31, 2014

Jul. 30, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Current portion of long-term debt

$10,000,000

$25,000,000

Repayments of long-term debt

425,000,000

125,000,000

0

Debt issuance costs

7,600,000

Debt Issuance Cost Net Of Amortization

7,000,000

Payments of debt issuance costs

7,630,000

11,172,000

4,859,000

Tender offer costs

25,800,000

Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Revolving loan outstanding

40,000,000

40,000,000

Increase in the amount of term loan or revolving credit facility

45,000,000

Base rate plus

2.00%

LIBOR plus

3.00%

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

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%

Letters of credit outstanding

11,000,000

4,600,000

7.50 % Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

225,000,000

Debt instrument fixed interest rate

7.50%

Senior Notes One [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayments of debt

225,000,000

Line of Credit [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayments of debt

42,000,000

Term Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal payments

2,500,000

Senior Notes Other [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

125,000,000

Par value of senior notes

104.00%

Gross proceeds of aggregate principal amount additional issued

130,000,000

Secured Debt [Member] | Goldman Term Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

125,000,000

Subsequent Event [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayments of debt

$30,000,000

LongTerm_Debt_Goldman_Term_Loa

Long-Term Debt - Goldman Term Loan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 18, 2013	Jul. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	$26,214,000	$0	$555,000
Goldman Term Loan [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount				125,000,000
7.50 % Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount					$225,000,000

LongTerm_Debt_Amended_and_Rest

Long-Term Debt - Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 13, 2013	Jul. 30, 2013
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increase in the amount of term loan or revolving credit facility	$45
Quarterly decrease in borrowing capacity	2.5
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increase in the amount of term loan or revolving credit facility		$45

LongTerm_Debt_Revolver_Details

Long-Term Debt - Revolver (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 22, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving loan outstanding		$40	$40
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
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%
Letters of credit outstanding	$11			$4.60

LongTerm_Debt_Term_Loan_Detail

Long-Term Debt - Term Loan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 14, 2012	Jan. 22, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$615,000,000	$653,781,000
Repayments of long-term debt	425,000,000	125,000,000	0
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal payments	2,500,000
Long-term Debt	30,000,000	0
9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 (Issued April 25, 2012) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	0	428,781,000
Term Note Due December Twenty Seventeen [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		0		40,000,000	50,000,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base rate plus		2.00%
LIBOR plus		3.00%
Revolving loan outstanding				$40,000,000		$40,000,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Agreement
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of interest rate swap agreements		2
Notional amount of borrowings		$73
Interest rate derivatives fixed interest rate		3.88%
Fair value of the interest rate swap liability	$0.10

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Debt Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt	$585,000	$650,000
Carrying Amount [Member] | 6.75 % Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt	360,000	0
Carrying Amount [Member] | 7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 (Issued July 30, 2013) [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt	225,000	225,000
Carrying Amount [Member] | 9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 (Issued April 25, 2012) [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt	0	425,000
Fair Value [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt	450,000	682,500
Fair Value [Member] | 6.75 % Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt	270,000	0
Fair Value [Member] | 7.50% Senior Notes, due August 2020 (Issued July 30, 2013) [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt	180,000	236,250
Fair Value [Member] | 9.125% Senior Notes, due April 2018 (Issued April 25, 2012) [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt	$0	$446,250

Common_Stock_and_Stockholders_2

Common Stock and Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based awards vesting period	3 years
Restricted shares to selected key personnel		2,602,973
Compensation expense related to the performance units	$9.30	$9.40	$7.20
Total fair value of the shares vested	7.1	7.4	5.2
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted (in usd per share)	$6.66	$4.77	$5.37
Non-vested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units (in shares)		3,407,354
Performance units under 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan (in shares)	1,541,395		1,558,347
Performance units forfeited (in shares)	204,062
Performance period - awards percentage	200.00%
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	0
Performance Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense related to the performance units	3.9	1.8	0.5
Performance units under 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan (in shares)	16,574	18,000	38,429
Performance units forfeited (in shares)	110	13,358	3,955
Nominal value	$100
Performance at the maximum level	3 years
Nonvested RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units (in shares)	3,344,813
Total unrecognized compensation cost of unamortized non-vested stock awards	$7.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	18 months
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance units under 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan (in shares)			349,651
Chief Financial Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance units under 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan (in shares)		261,438
2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock granted	11,000,000
2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option outstanding or exercisable (in shares)	3,915,594

Common_Stock_and_Stockholders_3

Common Stock and Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Long-Term Incentive Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Shares
Nonvested beginning balance, shares	3,407,354
Granted, shares	1,541,395		1,558,347
Vested, shares	-1,399,874
Forfeited, shares	-204,062
Nonvested ending balance, shares		3,407,354
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested beginning balance (in usd per share)	$4.97
Granted (in usd per share)	$6.66	$4.77	$5.37
Vested (in usd per share)	$5.06
Forfeited (in usd per share)	$5.44
Nonvested ending balance (in usd per share)	$5.66	$4.97
2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option outstanding or exercisable (in shares)	3,915,594

Reconciliation_of_Income_and_N2

Reconciliation of Income and Number of Shares Used to Calculate Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS) - Summary of Reconciliation of Income and Number of Shares Used to Calculate Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EPS, income	$7,753	$12,566	$15,681	($12,549)	$10,172	$7,970	$8,281	$592	$23,451	$27,015	$37,313
Basic EPS, shares									121,186,464	119,284,468	117,721,135
Basic earnings per share:	$0.06	$0.10	$0.13	($0.10)	$0.08	$0.07	$0.07	$0	$0.19	$0.23	$0.32
Stock options and restricted stock, shares									1,890,184	1,940,082	1,372,455
Stock options and restricted stock, per share amount					($0.01)					($0.01)	($0.01)
Diluted EPS, shares									123,076,648	121,224,550	119,093,590
Diluted earnings per share:	$0.06	$0.10	$0.13	($0.10)	$0.08	$0.07	$0.07	$0	$0.19	$0.22	$0.31

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Addition

Employee Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan contributions cost	$4.70	$3.60	$2.80
First Four Percent Of Employee Pre Tax Contribution [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employee vested percentage	100.00%
Next Two Percent Of Employee Pre Tax Contribution [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employee vested percentage	50.00%

Reportable_Segments_Results_of

Reportable Segments - Results of Operations by Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Revenues	$243,213	$242,012	$254,234	$229,225	$243,321	$237,762	$225,954	$167,135	$968,684	$874,172	$677,761
Operating income:
Total operating gross margin	36,768	45,066	43,485	28,863	48,564	48,733	50,273	20,877	154,182	168,447	151,556
General and administrative expense									-35,016	-68,025	-46,257
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets									0	-2,544	0
Gain on disposition of assets, net									1,054	3,994	1,974
Total operating income	27,714	35,239	37,497	19,770	28,516	35,589	28,587	9,180	120,220	101,872	107,273
Interest expense									-44,265	-47,820	-33,542
Interest income									195	2,450	153
Loss on extinguishment of debt									-30,152	-5,218	-2,130
Changes in fair value of derivative positions									0	53	55
Other income (loss)									2,539	1,450	-832
Income before income taxes									48,537	52,787	70,977
Concentration Risk:
Percentage of revenue from major customer									18.70%
Rental Tools [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues									347,766	310,041	246,900
Operating income:
Total operating gross margin									72,946	91,164	113,899
U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues									158,405	153,624	123,672
Operating income:
Total operating gross margin									46,831	54,203	37,717
International & Alaska Drilling [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues									462,513	410,507	307,189
Operating income:
Total operating gross margin									$34,405	$23,080	($60)
Exxon Neftegas Limited [Member]
Concentration Risk:
Percentage of revenue from major customer									18.70%	15.60%	12.00%
Exxon Neftegas Limited [Member] | International & Alaska Drilling [Member]
Concentration Risk:
Percentage of revenue from major customer									39.20%	33.30%	26.00%
Schlumberger [Member]
Concentration Risk:
Percentage of revenue from major customer											10.00%
Schlumberger [Member] | International & Alaska Drilling [Member]
Concentration Risk:
Percentage of revenue from major customer											23.00%

Reportable_Segments_Capital_Ex

Reportable Segments - Capital Expenditures and Depreciation and Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	$179,513	$155,645	$191,543
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	145,121	134,053	113,017
Rental Tools [Member]
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	95,340	76,928	61,958
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	64,177	55,853	44,117
U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling [Member]
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	43,120	23,796	8,808
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	21,260	15,212	16,363
International & Alaska Drilling [Member]
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	26,761	40,822	102,026
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	59,684	62,988	52,537
Corporate and other [Member]
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	14,292	14,099	18,751
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	$5,000	$3,500	$3,200

Reportable_Segments_Reportable

Reportable Segments Reportable Segments - Identifiable Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Identifiable assets:
Total identifiable assets	$1,333,690	$1,264,885
Total assets	1,520,659	1,534,756
Rental Tools [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Total identifiable assets	444,195	350,429
U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Total identifiable assets	124,701	111,586
International & Alaska Drilling [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Total identifiable assets	764,794	802,870
Corporate and other [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Total identifiable assets	$186,969	$269,871

Reportable_Segments_Results_of1

Reportable Segments - Results of Operations by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Total revenues	$243,213	$242,012	$254,234	$229,225	$243,321	$237,762	$225,954	$167,135	$968,684	$874,172	$677,761
Operating gross margin:
Total operating gross margin	36,768	45,066	43,485	28,863	48,564	48,733	50,273	20,877	154,182	168,447	151,556
Long-lived assets:
Total long-lived assets	895,940				871,356				895,940	871,356
Africa and Middle East [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues									128,214	58,416	26,528
Operating gross margin:
Total operating gross margin									-16,973	-383	-2,027
Long-lived assets:
Total long-lived assets	115,713				110,336				115,713	110,336
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues									187,799	170,165	117,392
Operating gross margin:
Total operating gross margin									29,769	21,995	16,550
Long-lived assets:
Total long-lived assets	43,252				44,606				43,252	44,606
CIS [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues									61,849	55,165	44,312
Operating gross margin:
Total operating gross margin									19,534	11,888	-9,580
Long-lived assets:
Total long-lived assets	49,951				55,722				49,951	55,722
Europe [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues									20,296	16,788	0
Operating gross margin:
Total operating gross margin									11,534	274	0
Long-lived assets:
Total long-lived assets	20,140				82,473				20,140	82,473
Latin America [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues									86,651	120,261	103,540
Operating gross margin:
Total operating gross margin									-9,914	1,140	9,581
Long-lived assets:
Total long-lived assets	77,136				15,198				77,136	15,198
United States [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues									483,875	453,377	385,989
Operating gross margin:
Total operating gross margin									120,232	133,533	137,032
Long-lived assets:
Total long-lived assets	$589,748				$563,021				$589,748	$563,021

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases with Non Cancelable Terms (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$13,188
2016	8,481
2017	7,168
2018	5,857
2019	4,504
Thereafter	8,459
Total	$47,657

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Rent expense for operating leases	$21,800,000	$19,900,000	$11,800,000
Exposure per occurrence, employees compensation	250,000
Aggregate self insured exposure per employer's liability	500,000
Exposure per occurrence	500,000
Aggregate self insured exposure per occurrence, foreign employees compensation	100,000
Aggregate self insured exposure per employer's liability, foreign	1,000,000
Aggregate deductible for protection and indemnity and maritime employers' liability claims	500,000
Auto liability claims	100,000
Gross self insurance accruals	5,900,000	5,700,000
Related insurance recoveries	2,000,000	1,700,000
Estimated Litigation Liability	$11,760,000
Minimum [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Employment agreements terms	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Employment agreements terms	2 years

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Costs and Expenses, Related Party	$15,000	$36,000
Consulting Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost	1,096,687
Severance Costs	2,488,024
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	12,876
Consultant Fee	250,000
Fees pursuant to the ranch lease agreements for right to utilize premises of ranches	411,188
Apache [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from affiliated	34,000,000	40,800,000
GD [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fees pursuant to the ranch lease agreements for right to utilize premises of ranches		200,000
Ranch Lease Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of ranch lease agreements	2
Ranch Lease Agreement [Member] | Cypress Springs Ranch [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fees pursuant to the ranch lease agreements for right to utilize premises of ranches	15,394	14,281	39,875
Ranch Lease Agreement [Member] | Camp Verde Ranch [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fees pursuant to the ranch lease agreements for right to utilize premises of ranches		$3,850	$1,650

Supplementary_Information_Addi

Supplementary Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued Employee Benefits, Current	$32,504	$35,671
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	18,171	16,820
Accrued Professional Fees, Current	18,073	21,513
Deferred mobilization fees	4,245	8,128
Workers' Compensation Liability, Current	2,710	2,721
Accrued Liabilities, Current	$75,703	$84,853

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_2

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
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 Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014																Dec. 31, 2013																Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]
Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations									PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES																PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES																PARKER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
									CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS																CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS																CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
									(Dollars in Thousands)																(Dollars in Thousands)																(Dollars in Thousands)
									(Unaudited)																(Unaudited)																(Unaudited)
										Year ended December 31, 2014																Year ended December 31, 2013																Year ended December 31, 2012
										Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated				Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated				Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
									Total revenues	$	—		$	506,205		$	640,147		$	(177,668	)	$	968,684		Total revenues	$	—		$	468,073		$	549,295		$	(143,196	)	$	874,172		Total revenues	$	—		$	393,738		$	385,279		$	(101,256	)	$	677,761
									Operating expenses	—			279,396			567,653			(177,668		)	669,381			Operating expenses	—			252,211			462,657			(143,196		)	571,672			Operating expenses	—			184,946			329,498			(101,256		)	413,188
									Depreciation and amortization	—			87,248			57,873			—			145,121			Depreciation and amortization	—			77,416			56,637			—			134,053			Depreciation and amortization	—			65,354			47,663			—			113,017
									Total operating gross margin	—			139,561			14,621			—			154,182			Total operating gross margin	—			138,446			30,001			—			168,447			Total operating gross margin	—			143,438			8,118			—			151,556
									General and administration expense (1)	(302		)	(33,035		)	(1,679		)	—			(35,016		)	General and administration expense (1)	(202		)	(67,083		)	(740		)	—			(68,025		)	General and administration expense (1)	(182		)	(45,758		)	(317		)	—			(46,257		)
									Gain (loss) on disposition of assets, net	(79		)	1,156			(23		)	—			1,054			Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets	—			—			(2,544		)	—			(2,544		)	Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			775			1,199			—			1,974
									Total operating income (loss)	(381		)	107,682			12,919			—			120,220			Gain on disposition of assets, net	—			1,759			2,235			—			3,994			Total operating income (loss)	(182		)	98,455			9,000			—			107,273
									Other income and (expense):																Total operating income (loss)	(202		)	73,122			28,952			—			101,872			Other income and (expense):
									Interest expense	(46,527		)	(148		)	(7,692		)	10,102			(44,265		)																	Interest expense	(37,326		)	(151		)	(8,739		)	12,674			(33,542		)
																									Other income and (expense):
									Interest income	1,478			623			8,196			(10,102		)	195			Interest expense	(51,439		)	(335		)	(9,930		)	13,884			(47,820		)	Interest income	9,863			5,073			41,999			(56,782		)	153
									Loss on extinguishment of debt	(30,152		)	—			—			—			(30,152		)	Interest income	3,824			1,761			10,749			(13,884		)	2,450			Loss on extinguishment of debt	(2,130		)	—			—			—			(2,130		)
									Other	—			2,810			(271		)	—			2,539			Loss on extinguishment of debt	(5,218		)	—			—			—			(5,218		)	Changes in fair value of derivative positions	55			—			—			—			55
									Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	67,399			—			—			(67,399		)	—			Changes in fair value of derivative positions	53			—			—			—			53			Other	—			(206		)	(626		)	—			(832		)
									Total other income (expense)	(7,802		)	3,285			233			(67,399		)	(71,683		)	Other	(1		)	(143		)	1,594			—			1,450			Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	43,884			—			—			(43,884		)	—
									Income (loss) before income taxes	(8,183		)	110,967			13,152			(67,399		)	48,537			Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	55,430			—			—			(55,430		)	—			Total other income and (expense)	14,346			4,716			32,634			(87,992		)	(36,296		)
									Income tax expense (benefit):																Total other income (expense)	2,649			1,283			2,413			(55,430		)	(49,085		)	Income (loss) before income taxes	14,164			103,171			41,634			(87,992		)	70,977
									Current	(17,702		)	24,106			16,163			—			22,567
																									Income (loss) before income taxes	2,447			74,405			31,365			(55,430		)	52,787			Income tax expense (benefit):
									Deferred	(13,932		)	16,949			(1,508		)	—			1,509																			Current	(25,406		)	32,781			10,667			—			18,042
																									Income tax expense (benefit):
									Income tax expense (benefit)	(31,634		)	41,055			14,655			—			24,076			Current	(21,431		)	18,737			15,603			—			12,909			Deferred	2,257			15,429			(1,849		)	—			15,837
									Net income (loss)	23,451			69,912			(1,503		)	(67,399		)	24,461			Deferred	(3,137		)	19,454			(3,618		)	—			12,699			Total income tax expense (benefit)	(23,149		)	48,210			8,818			—			33,879
									Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			1,010			—			1,010			Income tax expense (benefit)	(24,568		)	38,191			11,985			—			25,608			Net income (loss)	37,313			54,961			32,816			(87,992		)	37,098
									Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	23,451		$	69,912		$	(2,513	)	$	(67,399	)	$	23,451		Net income (loss)	27,015			36,214			19,380			(55,430		)	27,179			Less: Net (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(215		)	—			(215		)
									(1)General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.																Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			164			—			164			Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	37,313		$	54,961		$	33,031		$	(87,992	)	$	37,313
																									Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	27,015		$	36,214		$	19,216		$	(55,430	)	$	27,015
																									(1)General and administration expenses for field operations are included in operating expenses.
Total revenues	$243,213	$242,012	$254,234	$229,225	$243,321	$237,762	$225,954	$167,135	$968,684																$874,172																$677,761
Operating expenses									669,381																571,672																413,188
Depreciation and amortization									145,121																134,053																113,017
Total operating gross margin	36,768	45,066	43,485	28,863	48,564	48,733	50,273	20,877	154,182																168,447																151,556
General and administration expense									-35,016																-68,025																-46,257
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets									0																-2,544																0
Gain on disposition of assets, net									1,054																3,994																1,974
Total operating income	27,714	35,239	37,497	19,770	28,516	35,589	28,587	9,180	120,220																101,872																107,273
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense									-44,265																-47,820																-33,542
Interest income									195																2,450																153
Loss on extinguishment of debt									-30,152																-5,218																-2,130
Changes in fair value of derivative positions									0																53																55
Other									2,539																1,450																-832
Change in fair value of derivative positions																									53																55
Equity In Net Earnings Of Subsidiaries									0																0																0
Total other expense									-71,683																-49,085																-36,296
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									48,537																52,787																70,977
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									22,567																12,909																18,042
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									1,509																12,699																15,837
Total income tax expense (benefit)									24,076																25,608																33,879
Net income									24,461																27,179																37,098
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									1,010																164																-215
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	7,753	12,566	15,681	-12,549	10,172	7,970	8,281	592	23,451																27,015																37,313
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]
Total revenues									0																0																0
Operating expenses									0																0																0
Depreciation and amortization									0																0																0
Total operating gross margin									0																0																0
General and administration expense									-302																-202																-182
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets																									0
Gain on disposition of assets, net									-79																0																0
Total operating income									-381																-202																-182
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense									-46,527																-51,439																-37,326
Interest income									1,478																3,824																9,863
Loss on extinguishment of debt									-30,152																-5,218																-2,130
Other									0																-1																0
Change in fair value of derivative positions																									53																55
Equity In Net Earnings Of Subsidiaries									67,399																55,430																43,884
Total other expense									-7,802																2,649																14,346
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									-8,183																2,447																14,164
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									-17,702																-21,431																-25,406
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									-13,932																-3,137																2,257
Total income tax expense (benefit)									-31,634																-24,568																-23,149
Net income									23,451																27,015																37,313
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									0																0																0
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									23,451																27,015																37,313
Guarantor [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]
Total revenues									506,205																468,073																393,738
Operating expenses									279,396																252,211																184,946
Depreciation and amortization									87,248																77,416																65,354
Total operating gross margin									139,561																138,446																143,438
General and administration expense									-33,035																-67,083																-45,758
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets																									0
Gain on disposition of assets, net									1,156																1,759																775
Total operating income									107,682																73,122																98,455
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense									-148																-335																-151
Interest income									623																1,761																5,073
Loss on extinguishment of debt									0																0																0
Other									2,810																-143																-206
Change in fair value of derivative positions																									0																0
Equity In Net Earnings Of Subsidiaries									0																0																0
Total other expense									3,285																1,283																4,716
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									110,967																74,405																103,171
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									24,106																18,737																32,781
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									16,949																19,454																15,429
Total income tax expense (benefit)									41,055																38,191																48,210
Net income									69,912																36,214																54,961
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									0																0																0
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									69,912																36,214																54,961
Non-Guarantor [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]
Total revenues									640,147																549,295																385,279
Operating expenses									567,653																462,657																329,498
Depreciation and amortization									57,873																56,637																47,663
Total operating gross margin									14,621																30,001																8,118
General and administration expense									-1,679																-740																-317
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets																									-2,544
Gain on disposition of assets, net									-23																2,235																1,199
Total operating income									12,919																28,952																9,000
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense									-7,692																-9,930																-8,739
Interest income									8,196																10,749																41,999
Loss on extinguishment of debt									0																0																0
Other									-271																1,594																-626
Change in fair value of derivative positions																									0																0
Equity In Net Earnings Of Subsidiaries									0																0																0
Total other expense									233																2,413																32,634
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									13,152																31,365																41,634
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									16,163																15,603																10,667
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									-1,508																-3,618																-1,849
Total income tax expense (benefit)									14,655																11,985																8,818
Net income									-1,503																19,380																32,816
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									1,010																164																-215
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									-2,513																19,216																33,031
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements [Line Items]
Total revenues									-177,668																-143,196																-101,256
Operating expenses									-177,668																-143,196																-101,256
Depreciation and amortization									0																0																0
Total operating gross margin									0																0																0
General and administration expense									0																0																0
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets																									0
Gain on disposition of assets, net									0																0																0
Total operating income									0																0																0
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense									10,102																13,884																12,674
Interest income									-10,102																-13,884																-56,782
Loss on extinguishment of debt									0																0																0
Other									0																0																0
Change in fair value of derivative positions																									0																0
Equity In Net Earnings Of Subsidiaries									-67,399																-55,430																-43,884
Total other expense									-67,399																-55,430																-87,992
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									-67,399																-55,430																-87,992
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									0																0																0
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									0																0																0
Total income tax expense (benefit)									0																0																0
Net income									-67,399																-55,430																-87,992
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									0																0																0
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									($67,399)																($55,430)																($87,992)

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_4

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$108,456	$148,689	$87,886	$97,869
Accounts and notes receivable, net	270,952	257,889
Rig materials and supplies	47,943	41,781
Deferred costs	5,673	13,682
Deferred income taxes	7,476	9,940
Other tax assets	10,723	24,079
Other current assets	18,556	23,223
Total current assets	469,779	519,283
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,201,058 in 2014 and $1,136,024 in 2013 (Note 4)	895,940	871,356
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	0	0
Other noncurrent assets	154,940	144,117
Total assets	1,520,659	1,534,756
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	10,000	25,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	154,479	174,886
Accrued income taxes	14,186	7,266
Total current liabilities	178,665	207,152
Long-term debt	605,000	628,781
Other long-term liabilities	18,665	26,914
Long-term deferred tax liability	52,115	38,767
Intercompany payables	0	0
Liabilities	854,445	901,614
Contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	20,325	20,075
Capital in excess of par value	666,769	657,349
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-498	1,888
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-24,165	-47,616
Total controlling interest stockholders' equity	662,431	631,696
Noncontrolling interest	3,783	1,446
Total Equity	666,214	633,142	590,633	544,050
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,520,659	1,534,756
Parent [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	36,728	88,697	42,251	55,670
Accounts and notes receivable, net	-33	0
Rig materials and supplies	0	0
Deferred costs	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	-57
Other tax assets	19,885	54,524
Other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	56,580	143,164
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,201,058 in 2014 and $1,136,024 in 2013 (Note 4)	-19	60
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	3,060,867	1,906,128
Other noncurrent assets	-440,918	-457,954
Total assets	2,676,510	1,591,398
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	10,000	25,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	77,603	75,268
Accrued income taxes	-4,061	0
Total current liabilities	83,542	100,268
Long-term debt	605,000	628,781
Other long-term liabilities	2,867	5,037
Long-term deferred tax liability	0	0
Intercompany payables	1,322,172	227,504
Liabilities	2,013,581	961,590
Stockholders’ equity:
Total Equity	662,929	629,808
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,676,510	1,591,398
Guarantor [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	13,546	8,310	11,023	4,212
Accounts and notes receivable, net	96,100	101,299
Rig materials and supplies	-1,473	3,002
Deferred costs	0	0
Deferred income taxes	6,131	8,435
Other tax assets	-18,273	-46,770
Other current assets	7,999	9,089
Total current assets	104,030	83,365
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,201,058 in 2014 and $1,136,024 in 2013 (Note 4)	589,055	562,148
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	2,441,527	-336,570
Other noncurrent assets	490,597	468,864
Total assets	3,625,209	777,807
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	71,645	92,546
Accrued income taxes	10,109	725
Total current liabilities	81,754	93,271
Long-term debt	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	7,135	6,743
Long-term deferred tax liability	56,105	51,747
Intercompany payables	1,311,405	291,783
Liabilities	1,456,399	443,544
Stockholders’ equity:
Total Equity	2,168,810	334,263
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,625,209	777,807
Non-Guarantor [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	58,182	51,682	34,612	37,987
Accounts and notes receivable, net	174,885	156,590
Rig materials and supplies	49,416	38,779
Deferred costs	5,673	13,682
Deferred income taxes	1,345	1,562
Other tax assets	9,111	16,325
Other current assets	10,557	14,134
Total current assets	309,169	292,754
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,201,058 in 2014 and $1,136,024 in 2013 (Note 4)	306,904	309,148
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	2,464,502	1,667,937
Other noncurrent assets	272,823	250,983
Total assets	3,353,398	2,520,822
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	309,344	261,436
Accrued income taxes	8,138	6,541
Total current liabilities	317,482	267,977
Long-term debt	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	8,663	15,134
Long-term deferred tax liability	-3,990	-12,980
Intercompany payables	1,204,768	422,645
Liabilities	1,526,923	692,776
Stockholders’ equity:
Total Equity	1,826,475	1,828,046
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,353,398	2,520,822
Eliminations [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts and notes receivable, net	0	0
Rig materials and supplies	0	0
Deferred costs	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other tax assets	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	0	0
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,201,058 in 2014 and $1,136,024 in 2013 (Note 4)	0	0
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	-7,966,896	-3,237,495
Other noncurrent assets	-167,562	-117,776
Total assets	-8,134,458	-3,355,271
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-304,113	-254,364
Accrued income taxes	0	0
Total current liabilities	-304,113	-254,364
Long-term debt	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Long-term deferred tax liability	0	0
Intercompany payables	-3,838,345	-941,932
Liabilities	-4,142,458	-1,196,296
Stockholders’ equity:
Total Equity	-3,992,000	-2,158,975
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($8,134,458)	($3,355,271)

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_5

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	$24,461	$27,179	$37,098
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	-4,870	-1,525	0
Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	2,147	3,051	0
Total other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:	-2,723	1,526	0
Comprehensive income	21,738	28,705	37,098
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-673	198	215
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	21,065	28,903	37,313
Parent [Member]
Schedule of Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	23,451	27,015	37,313
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	0	0	0
Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:	0	0
Comprehensive income	23,451	27,015	37,313
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	23,451	27,015	37,313
Guarantor [Member]
Schedule of Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	69,912	36,214	54,961
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	0	0	0
Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:	0	0
Comprehensive income	69,912	36,214	54,961
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	69,912	36,214	54,961
Non-Guarantor [Member]
Schedule of Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	-1,503	19,380	32,816
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	-4,870	-1,525	0
Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	2,147	3,051	0
Total other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:	-2,723	1,526
Comprehensive income	-4,226	20,906	32,816
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-673	198	215
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	-4,899	21,104	33,031
Eliminations [Member]
Schedule of Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	-67,399	-55,430	-87,992
Currency translation difference on related borrowings	0	0	0
Currency translation difference on foreign currency net investments	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:	0	0
Comprehensive income	-67,399	-55,430	-87,992
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	($67,399)	($55,430)	($87,992)

Parent_Guarantor_NonGuarantor_6

Parent, Guarantor, Non-Guarantor Unaudited Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$24,461	$27,179	$37,098
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	145,121	134,053	113,017
Loss on extinguishment of debt	30,152	5,218	2,130
Gain on disposition of assets	-1,054	-3,994	-1,974
Deferred income tax expense	1,509	12,699	15,837
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets	0	2,544	0
Expenses not requiring cash	19,331	17,764	22,600
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	0	0	0
Change in accounts receivable	-12,238	-33,512	15,241
Change in other assets	-24,389	-10,622	-5,491
Change in accrued income taxes	-7,657	10,454	-6,102
Change in liabilities		-286	-2,657
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	27,231	-286	-2,657
Net cash provided by operating activities	202,467	161,497	189,699
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	-179,513	-155,645	-191,543
Proceeds from the sale of assets	5,938	8,218	3,937
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired	0	-117,991
Intercompany dividend payment			0
Net cash used in investing activities	-173,575	-265,418	-187,606
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from debt issuance	400,000	350,000	130,000
Proceeds from draw on revolver credit facility	0	0	7,000
Repayments of long-term debt	-425,000	-125,000	0
Repayments of senior notes	0	0	-125,000
Paydown on term note	-10,000	-50,000	-18,000
Payment of debt issuance costs	-7,630	-11,172	-4,859
Payment of debt extinguishment costs	-26,214	0	-555
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-281	896	-662
Intercompany advances, net	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-69,125	164,724	-12,076
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-40,233	60,803	-9,983
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	148,689	87,886	97,869
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	108,456	148,689	87,886
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt			130,000
Parent [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	23,451	27,015	37,313
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	30,152	5,218	2,130
Gain on disposition of assets	79	0	0
Deferred income tax expense	-13,932	-3,137	2,257
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets		0
Expenses not requiring cash	11,978	13,173	16,558
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	-67,399	-55,430	-43,884
Change in accounts receivable	32	-7	-445
Change in other assets	35,438	74,411	1,649
Change in accrued income taxes	-12,474	6,617	-4,055
Change in liabilities	2,336	6,934	3,914
Net cash provided by operating activities	9,661	74,794	15,437
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0	0
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired		0
Intercompany dividend payment			-8,387
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0	-8,387
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from debt issuance	400,000	350,000
Proceeds from draw on revolver credit facility			7,000
Repayments of long-term debt	-425,000	-125,000
Repayments of senior notes			-125,000
Paydown on term note	-10,000	-50,000	-18,000
Payment of debt issuance costs	-7,630	-11,172	-4,859
Payment of debt extinguishment costs	-26,214		-555
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-281	896	-662
Intercompany advances, net	7,495	-193,072	-8,393
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-61,630	-28,348	-20,469
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-51,969	46,446	-13,419
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	88,697	42,251	55,670
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	36,728	88,697	42,251
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt			130,000
Guarantor [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	69,912	36,214	54,961
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	87,248	77,416	65,354
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	0
Gain on disposition of assets	-1,156	-1,759	-775
Deferred income tax expense	16,949	19,454	15,429
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets		0
Expenses not requiring cash	-710	12	33,644
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	0	0	0
Change in accounts receivable	11,937	-12,888	-1,788
Change in other assets	-56,673	-85,520	2,060
Change in accrued income taxes	11,107	-1,052	220
Change in liabilities	-20,492	-877	-4,158
Net cash provided by operating activities	118,122	31,000	164,947
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	-125,260	-94,269	-176,333
Proceeds from the sale of assets	2,594	3,725	2,062
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired		-6,903
Intercompany dividend payment			-4,357
Net cash used in investing activities	-122,666	-97,447	-178,628
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from debt issuance	0	0
Proceeds from draw on revolver credit facility			0
Repayments of long-term debt	0	0	0
Paydown on term note	0	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Payment of debt extinguishment costs	0		0
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Intercompany advances, net	9,780	63,734	20,492
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	9,780	63,734	20,492
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	5,236	-2,713	6,811
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	8,310	11,023	4,212
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	13,546	8,310	11,023
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt			0
Non-Guarantor [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	-1,503	19,380	32,816
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	57,873	56,637	47,663
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	0
Gain on disposition of assets	23	-2,235	-1,199
Deferred income tax expense	-1,508	-3,618	-1,849
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets		2,544
Expenses not requiring cash	8,063	4,579	-27,602
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	0	0	0
Change in accounts receivable	-24,207	-20,617	17,474
Change in other assets	-3,154	487	-9,200
Change in accrued income taxes	-6,290	4,889	-2,267
Change in liabilities	45,387	-6,343	-2,413
Net cash provided by operating activities	74,684	55,703	53,423
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	-54,253	-61,376	-15,210
Proceeds from the sale of assets	3,344	4,493	1,875
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired		-111,088
Intercompany dividend payment			-31,364
Net cash used in investing activities	-50,909	-167,971	-44,699
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from debt issuance	0	0
Proceeds from draw on revolver credit facility			0
Repayments of long-term debt	0	0	0
Paydown on term note	0	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Payment of debt extinguishment costs	0		0
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Intercompany advances, net	-17,275	129,338	-12,099
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-17,275	129,338	-12,099
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	6,500	17,070	-3,375
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	51,682	34,612	37,987
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	58,182	51,682	34,612
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt			0
Eliminations [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	-67,399	-55,430	-87,992
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	0
Gain on disposition of assets	0	0	0
Deferred income tax expense	0	0	0
Provision for reduction in carrying value of certain assets		0
Expenses not requiring cash	0	0	0
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	67,399	55,430	43,884
Change in accounts receivable	0	0	0
Change in other assets	0	0	0
Change in accrued income taxes	0	0	0
Change in liabilities	0	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0	-44,108
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0	0
Acquisition of ITS, net of cash acquired		0
Intercompany dividend payment			44,108
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0	44,108
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from debt issuance	0	0
Proceeds from draw on revolver credit facility			0
Repayments of long-term debt	0	0	0
Paydown on term note	0	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Payment of debt extinguishment costs	0		0
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Intercompany advances, net	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	0	0	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt			$0

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data - Schedule of Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$243,213	$242,012	$254,234	$229,225	$243,321	$237,762	$225,954	$167,135	$968,684	$874,172	$677,761
Operating gross margin	36,768	45,066	43,485	28,863	48,564	48,733	50,273	20,877	154,182	168,447	151,556
Operating income	27,714	35,239	37,497	19,770	28,516	35,589	28,587	9,180	120,220	101,872	107,273
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$7,753	$12,566	$15,681	($12,549)	$10,172	$7,970	$8,281	$592	$23,451	$27,015	$37,313
Basic earnings per share - net income (loss)	$0.06	$0.10	$0.13	($0.10)	$0.08	$0.07	$0.07	$0	$0.19	$0.23	$0.32
Diluted earnings per share - net income (loss)	$0.06	$0.10	$0.13	($0.10)	$0.08	$0.07	$0.07	$0	$0.19	$0.22	$0.31