| Document | Mar. 16, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 16, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Unit Corporation |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-9260 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 73-1283193 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 8200 South Unit Drive, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Tulsa, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OK |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 74132 |
| Entity Address, Country | US |
| City Area Code | (918) |
| Local Phone Number | 493-7700 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | UNT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000798949 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
