Superior Energy Services 10-Q 23 Oct 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 19, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Superior Energy Services Inc
Entity Central Index Key	886,835
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		154,530,114
Trading Symbol	spn

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 104,690	$ 172,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $17,884 and $29,037 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	493,243	398,056
Income taxes receivable		959
Prepaid expenses	42,271	42,128
Inventory and other current assets	150,683	134,032
Assets held for sale		13,644
Total current assets	790,887	760,819
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $2,890,000 and $2,736,620 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	1,198,549	1,316,944
Goodwill	806,496	807,860
Notes receivable	63,009	60,149
Restricted cash	8,677	20,483
Intangible and other long-term assets, net of accumulated amortization of $92,599 and $83,359 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	134,112	143,970
Total assets	3,001,730	3,110,225
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	132,166	119,716
Accrued expenses	230,520	221,757
Income taxes payable	2,119
Current portion of decommissioning liabilities	24,182	27,261
Liabilities held for sale		6,463
Total current liabilities	388,987	375,197
Deferred income taxes	33,464	61,058
Decommissioning liabilities	104,416	103,136
Long-term debt, net	1,282,014	1,279,771
Other long-term liabilities	156,834	158,634
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock of $0.01 par value. Authorized - 5,000,000 shares; none issued
Common stock of $0.001 par value, Authorized - 250,000,000, Issued and Outstanding - 154,530,114 at September 30, 2018, Authorized - 250,000,000, Issued and Outstanding - 153,263,097 at December 31, 2017	155	153
Additional paid in capital	2,728,167	2,713,161
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(70,918)	(67,427)
Retained deficit	(1,621,389)	(1,513,458)
Total stockholders' equity	1,036,015	1,132,429
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,001,730	$ 3,110,225

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 17,884	$ 29,037
Accumulated depreciation and depletion on Property, plant and equipment	2,890,000	2,736,620
Accumulated amortization of Intangible and other long-term assets	$ 92,599	$ 83,359
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	154,530,114	153,263,097
Common stock, shares outstanding	154,530,114	153,263,097

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 573,068	$ 506,029	$ 1,590,934	$ 1,377,033
Costs and expenses:
Costs (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion)	404,389	368,279	1,117,659	1,042,067
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	99,892	108,751	303,584	331,151
General and administrative expenses	68,895	74,372	214,611	226,573
Reduction in value of assets		9,953		9,953
Loss from operations	(108)	(55,326)	(44,920)	(232,711)
Other expense:
Interest expense, net	(24,952)	(29,096)	(74,733)	(76,679)
Other expense	(277)	(970)	(4,394)	(2,477)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(25,337)	(85,392)	(124,047)	(311,867)
Income taxes	(3,521)	(28,203)	(16,846)	(102,978)
Net loss from continuing operations	(21,816)	(57,189)	(107,201)	(208,889)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax		(1,860)	(729)	(5,625)
Net loss	$ (21,816)	$ (59,049)	$ (107,930)	$ (214,514)
Basic and diluted:
Net loss from continuing operations	$ (0.14)	$ (0.37)	$ (0.70)	$ (1.37)
Loss from discontinued operations		(0.02)		(0.04)
Net loss	$ (0.14)	$ (0.39)	$ (0.70)	$ (1.41)
Weighted average common shares used in computing loss per share:
Basic and diluted	154,529	153,082	154,047	152,624
Services [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 471,218	$ 431,874	$ 1,317,798	$ 1,170,455
Costs and expenses:
Costs (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion)	372,837	340,401	1,017,102	959,630
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	81,911	92,814	251,398	281,097
Rentals [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	101,850	74,155	273,136	206,578
Costs and expenses:
Costs (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion)	31,552	27,878	100,557	82,437
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	$ 17,981	$ 15,937	$ 52,186	$ 50,054

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (21,816)	$ (59,049)	$ (107,930)	$ (214,514)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax	(826)	3,629	(3,491)	11,375
Comprehensive loss	$ (22,642)	$ (55,420)	$ (111,421)	$ (203,139)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (107,930)	$ (214,514)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	303,584	331,151
Deferred income taxes	(25,475)	(92,999)
Reduction in value of assets		9,953
Stock based compensation expense	23,303	29,780
Other reconciling items, net	(8,255)	(10,489)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(95,806)	(116,989)
Inventory and other current assets	(16,879)	(8,510)
Accounts payable	18,367	24,821
Accrued expenses	(9,543)	7,182
Income taxes	1,318	100,969
Other, net	672	(12,439)
Net cash provided by operating activities	83,356	47,916
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for capital expenditures	(186,283)	(109,635)
Proceeds from sales of assets	29,595	15,647
Net cash used in investing activities	(156,688)	(93,988)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		500,000
Principal payments on long-term debt		(500,000)
Payment of debt issuance costs		(9,091)
Tax withholdings for vested restricted stock units	(5,189)	(8,327)
Other	1,239	1,538
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,950)	(15,880)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,834)	3,294
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(79,116)	(58,658)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	192,483	246,092
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$ 113,367	$ 187,434

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	(1) Basis of Presentation  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); however, management believes the disclosures that are made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Superior Energy Services, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 , and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations herein.  The financial information of Superior Energy Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 has not been audited. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the periods presented have been included therein. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation. The results of operations for the first nine months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that might be expected for the entire year.  Due to the nature of the Company’s business, the Company is involved, from time to time, in routine litigation or subject to disputes or claims regarding its business activities. Legal costs related to these matters are expensed as incurred. In management’s opinion, none of the pending litigation, disputes or claims is expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.  The Company evaluates events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued for potential recognition or disclosure. Based on the evaluation, the Company determined that there were no material subsequent events for recognition or disclosure.

Revenue

Revenue	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue [Abstract]
Revenue	(2) Revenue  Adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers  Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The Company adopted this ASU using the modified retrospective adoption method. There was no impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements and no cumulative effect adjustment was recognized.  Revenue Recognition  Revenues are recognized when performance obligations are satisfied in accordance with contractual terms, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for services rendered or rentals provided. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities and revenues are reported on a net basis in the Company’s financial statements.  Performance Obligations  A performance obligation arises under contracts with customers to render services or provide rentals, and is the unit of account under Topic 606. The Company accounts for services rendered and rentals provided separately if they are distinct and the service or rental is separately identifiable from other items provided to a customer and if a customer can benefit from the services rendered or rentals provided on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. A contract’s standalone selling prices are determined based on the prices that the Company charges for its services rendered and rentals provided. The majority of the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied over time, which is generally represented by a period of 30 days or less. The Company’s payment terms vary by the type of products or services offered. The term between invoicing and when the payment is due is typically 30 days.  Services revenue primarily represents amounts charged to customers for the completion of services rendered, including labor, products and supplies necessary to perform the service. Rates for these services vary depending on the type of services provided and can be based on a per job, per hour or per day basis.  Rentals revenue is, primarily priced on a per day, per man hour or similar basis and consists of fees charged to customers for use of the Company’s rental equipment over the term of the rental period, which is generally less than twelve months.  The Company expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less.  Disaggregation of revenue  The following table presents the Company’s revenues by segment disaggregated by geography (in thousands):       Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  U.S. land  Drilling Products and Services $ 45,605 $ 33,779 $ 129,716 $ 82,711  Onshore Completion and Workover Services 294,869 248,405 802,600 702,463  Production Services 47,858 40,123 148,259 96,620  Technical Solutions 8,453 9,118 23,144 26,124  Total U.S. land $ 396,785 $ 331,425 $ 1,103,719 $ 907,918   Gulf of Mexico  Drilling Products and Services $ 26,065 $ 23,234 $ 70,315 $ 68,985  Onshore Completion and Workover Services - - - -  Production Services 16,776 16,487 47,910 54,170  Technical Solutions 47,286 51,991 120,181 127,738  Total Gulf of Mexico $ 90,127 $ 91,712 $ 238,406 $ 250,893   International  Drilling Products and Services $ 27,514 $ 20,193 $ 78,388 $ 62,768  Onshore Completion and Workover Services - - - -  Production Services 41,236 40,723 112,422 103,754  Technical Solutions 17,406 21,976 57,999 51,700  Total International $ 86,156 $ 82,892 $ 248,809 $ 218,222  Total Revenues $ 573,068 $ 506,029 $ 1,590,934 $ 1,377,033    The following table presents the Company’s revenues by segment disaggregated by type (in thousands):       Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Services  Drilling Products and Services $ 24,083 $ 21,064 $ 75,549 $ 57,564  Onshore Completion and Workover Services 284,187 239,208 771,605 679,115  Production Services 97,551 93,422 285,843 239,279  Technical Solutions 65,397 78,180 184,801 194,497  Total services $ 471,218 $ 431,874 $ 1,317,798 $ 1,170,455   Rentals  Drilling Products and Services $ 75,101 $ 56,142 $ 202,870 $ 156,900  Onshore Completion and Workover Services 10,682 9,197 30,995 23,348  Production Services 8,319 3,911 22,748 15,265  Technical Solutions 7,748 4,905 16,523 11,065  Total rentals $ 101,850 $ 74,155 $ 273,136 $ 206,578  Total Revenues $ 573,068 $ 506,029 $ 1,590,934 $ 1,377,033  

Inventory

Inventory	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory [Abstract]
Inventory	(3) Inventory  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The Company applies net realizable value and obsolescence to the gross value of the inventory. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out or weighted-average cost methods for finished goods and work-in-process. Supplies and consumables primarily consist of products used in our services provided to customers. The components of the inventory balances are as follows (in thousands):     September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017  Finished goods $ 61,393 $ 61,764  Raw materials 18,131 13,727  Work-in-process 8,332 6,174  Supplies and consumables 26,785 24,923  Total $ 114,641 $ 106,588 

Notes Receivable

Notes Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes Receivable [Abstract]
Notes Receivable	(4) Notes Receivable  Notes receivable consist of a commitment from the seller of an oil and gas property acquired by the Company related to costs associated with the abandonment of the acquired property. Pursuant to an agreement with the seller, the Company will invoice the seller an agreed upon amount at the completion of certain decommissioning activities. The gross amount of this obligation totals $ 115.0 million and is recorded at present value using an effective interest rate of 6.58 %. The related discount is amortized to interest income based on the expected timing of completion of the decommissioning activities. The Company recorded interest income related to notes receivable of $2.9 million and $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Decommissioning Liabilities

Decommissioning Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Decommissioning Liabilities [Abstract]
Decommissioning Liabilities	(5) Decommissioning Liabilities  The Company’s decommissioning liabilities associated with an oil and gas property and its related assets consist of costs related to the plugging of wells, the removal of the related platform and equipment, and site restoration. The Company reviews the adequacy of its decommissioning liabilities whenever indicators suggest that the estimated cash flows needed to satisfy the liabilities have changed materially. The Company had decommissioning liabilities of $128.6 m illion and $130.4 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	(6) Debt  The Company’s outstanding debt is as follows (in thousands):     September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017  Long-term Long-term  Senior unsecured notes due September 2024 $ 500,000 $ 500,000  Senior unsecured notes due December 2021 800,000 800,000  Total debt, gross 1,300,000 1,300,000  Unamortized debt issuance costs (17,986) (20,229)  Total debt, net $ 1,282,014 $ 1,279,771  Credit Facility  The Company has an asset-based revolving credit facility which matures in October 2022. The borrowing base under the credit facility is calculated based on a formula referencing the borrower’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ eligible accounts receivable, eligible inventory and eligible premium rental drill pipe less reserves. Availability under the credit facility is the lesser of (i) the commitments, (ii) the borrowing base and (iii) the highest principal amount permitted to be secured under the indenture governing the 7 1/8% senior unsecured notes due 2021. At September 30, 2018 , the borrowing base was $261.0 million and the Company had $47.2 million of letters of credit outstanding that reduced its borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility. The credit agreement contains various covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness, permitted investments, liens on assets, making distributions, transactions with affiliates, merger, consolidations, dispositions of assets and other provisions customary in similar types of agreements. Senior Unsecured Notes  The Company has outstanding $500 million of 7 3/4% senior unsecured notes due September 2024. The indenture governing the 7 3/4% senior unsecured notes due 2024 requires semi-annual interest payments on March 15 th and September 15 th of each year through the maturity date of September 15, 2024.  The Company also has outstanding $ 800 million of 7 1/8% senior unsecured notes due December 2021. The indenture governing the 7 1/8% senior unsecured notes due 2021 requires semi-annual interest payments on June 15 th and December 15 th of each year through the maturity date of December 15, 2021.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	(7) Fair Value Measurements  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Inputs used in determining fair value are characterized according to a hierarchy that prioritizes those inputs based on the degree to which they are observable. The three input levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows.  Level 1 : Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.  Level 2 : Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or model-derived valuations or other inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data.  Level 3 : Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.  The following tables provide a summary of the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):     Fair Value at September 30, 2018  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Intangible and other long-term assets, net  Non-qualified deferred compensation assets $ 374 $ 14,368 $ - $ 14,742  Accounts payable  Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities $ - $ 1,355 $ - $ 1,355  Other long-term liabilities  Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities $ - $ 21,672 $ - $ 21,672   Fair Value at December 31, 2017  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Intangible and other long-term assets, net  Non-qualified deferred compensation assets $ 370 $ 13,817 $ - $ 14,187  Accounts payable  Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities $ - $ 1,253 $ - $ 1,253  Other long-term liabilities  Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities $ - $ 21,085 $ - $ 21,085  The Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plans allow officers, certain highly compensated employees and non-employee directors to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation and contribute such amounts to one or more hypothetical investment funds. These investments are reported at fair value based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identifiable assets and observable inputs for similar assets and liabilities, which represent Levels 1 and 2, respectively, in the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents and accounts receivable approximates their carrying amounts. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was approximately $ 1,326. 3 million and $ 1,347.0 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. The fair value of these debt instruments is determined by reference to the market value of the instruments as quoted in over-the-counter markets, which are Level 1 inputs.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	(8) Segment Information  Business Segments  The Drilling Products and Services segment rents and sells premium drill pipe, bottom hole assemblies, tubulars and specialized equipment for use with onshore and offshore oil and gas well drilling, completion, production and workover activities. It also provides on-site accommodations and machining services. The Onshore Completion and Workover Services segment provides pressure pumping services used to complete and stimulate production in new oil and gas wells, fluid handling services and well servicing rigs that provide a variety of well completion, workover and maintenance services. The Production Services segment provides intervention services such as coiled tubing, cased hole and mechanical wireline, hydraulic workover and snubbing, production testing and optimization, and remedial pumping services. The Technical Solutions segment provides services typically requiring specialized engineering, manufacturing or project planning, including well control services, stimulation and sand control services and well plug and abandonment services. It also includes the production and sale of oil and gas.  The Company evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on income or loss from operations excluding allocated corporate expenses. The segment measure is calculated as follows: segment revenues less segment operating expenses, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion expense and reduction in value of assets. The Company uses this segment measure to evaluate its reportable segments because it is the measure that is most consistent with how the Company organizes and manages its business operations. Corporate and other costs primarily include expenses related to support functions, salaries and benefits for corporate employees and stock-based compensation expense.  Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows (in thousands):     Three Months Ended September 30, 2018   Onshore  Drilling Completion  Products and and Workover Production Technical Corporate and Consolidated  Services Services Services Solutions Other Total  Revenues $ 99,184 $ 294,869 $ 105,870 $ 73,145 $ - $ 573,068  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of  depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion) 37,328 239,348 84,312 43,401 - 404,389  Depreciation, depletion, amortization  and accretion 27,830 47,299 17,085 6,329 1,349 99,892  General and administrative expenses 13,771 5,455 10,471 14,453 24,745 68,895  Income (loss) from operations 20,255 2,767 (5,998) 8,962 (26,094) (108)  Interest income (expense), net - - - 986 (25,938) (24,952)  Other expense - - - - (277) (277)  Income (loss) from continuing operations  before income taxes $ 20,255 $ 2,767 $ (5,998) $ 9,948 $ (52,309) $ (25,337)       Three Months Ended September 30, 2017   Onshore  Drilling Completion  Products and and Workover Production Technical Corporate and Consolidated  Services Services Services Solutions Other Total  Revenues $ 77,206 $ 248,405 $ 97,333 $ 83,085 $ - $ 506,029  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of  depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion) 31,444 210,231 78,035 48,569 - 368,279  Depreciation, depletion, amortization  and accretion 31,839 48,131 19,333 8,029 1,419 108,751  General and administrative expenses 12,758 10,922 12,735 13,492 24,465 74,372  Reduction in value of assets - 1,838 - 8,115 - 9,953  Income (loss) from operations 1,165 (22,717) (12,770) 4,880 (25,884) (55,326)  Interest income (expense), net - - - 926 (30,022) (29,096)  Other expense - - - - (970) (970)  Income (loss) from continuing operations  before income taxes $ 1,165 $ (22,717) $ (12,770) $ 5,806 $ (56,876) $ (85,392)        Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018   Onshore  Drilling Completion  Products and and Workover Production Technical Corporate and Consolidated  Services Services Services Solutions Other Total  Revenues $ 278,419 $ 802,600 $ 308,591 $ 201,324 $ - $ 1,590,934  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of  depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion) 108,997 630,205 255,377 123,080 - 1,117,659  Depreciation, depletion, amortization  and accretion 86,061 142,377 50,668 20,332 4,146 303,584  General and administrative expenses 40,138 29,783 29,760 41,836 73,094 214,611  Income/(loss) from operations 43,223 235 (27,214) 16,076 (77,240) (44,920)  Interest income (expense), net - - - 2,913 (77,646) (74,733)  Other expense - - - - (4,394) (4,394)  Income/(loss) from continuing operations  before income taxes $ 43,223 $ 235 $ (27,214) $ 18,989 $ (159,280) $ (124,047)         Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017   Onshore  Drilling Completion  Products and and Workover Production Technical Corporate and Consolidated  Services Services Services Solutions Other Total  Revenues $ 214,464 $ 702,463 $ 254,544 $ 205,562 $ - $ 1,377,033  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of  depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion) 93,504 610,941 210,192 127,430 - 1,042,067  Depreciation, depletion, amortization  and accretion 100,187 141,899 60,115 24,660 4,290 331,151  General and administrative expenses 38,463 33,997 35,902 40,888 77,323 226,573  Reduction in value of assets - 1,838 - 8,115 - 9,953  Income (loss) from operations (17,690) (86,212) (51,665) 4,469 (81,613) (232,711)  Interest income (expense), net - - - 2,627 (79,306) (76,679)  Other expense - - - - (2,477) (2,477)  Income (loss) from continuing operations  before income taxes $ (17,690) $ (86,212) $ (51,665) $ 7,096 $ (163,396) $ (311,867)         Identifiable Assets  Onshore  Drilling Completion  Products and and Workover Production Technical Corporate and Consolidated  Services Services Services Solutions Other Total  September 30, 2018 $ 564,813 $ 1,468,622 $ 564,300 $ 352,327 $ 51,668 $ 3,001,730  December 31, 2017 $ 662,968 $ 1,501,214 $ 512,256 $ 377,549 $ 56,238 $ 3,110,225  Geographic Segments  The Company attributes revenue to various countries based on the location of where services are performed or the destination of the drilling products or equipment sold or rented. Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment and are attributed to various countries based on the physical location of the asset at the end of a period. The Company’s revenue attributed to the U.S. and to other countries and the value of its long-lived assets by those locations are as follows (in thousands):     Revenues  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  United States $ 486,912 $ 423,137 $ 1,342,125 $ 1,158,811  Other countries 86,156 82,892 248,809 218,222  Total $ 573,068 $ 506,029 $ 1,590,934 $ 1,377,033   Long-Lived Assets   September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017  United States $ 982,737 $ 1,064,823  Other countries 215,812 252,121  Total $ 1,198,549 $ 1,316,944

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	(9) Stock-Based Compensation Plans  The Company maintains various stock incentive plans that provide long-term incentives to the Company’s key employees, including officers, directors, consultants and advisors (Eligible Participants). Under the stock incentive plans, the Company may grant incentive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, other stock-based awards or any combination thereof to Eligible Participants. The Company’s total compensation expense related to these plans was approximately $ 22. 8 million and $ 29.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, which is reflected in general and administrative expenses.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(10) Income Taxes  The Company had $ 30. 7 million of unrecorded tax benefits as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , all of which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and applicable penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and no revisions were recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(11) Earnings per Share  Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that could have been outstanding assuming the exercise of stock options and the conversion of restricted stock units.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred a loss from continuing operations; therefore the impact of any incremental shares would be anti-dilutive.

Supplemental Guarantor Informat

Supplemental Guarantor Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Supplemental Guarantor Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor Information	(12) Supplemental Guarantor Information  SESI, L.L.C. (the Issuer), a 100% owned subsidiary of Superior Energy Services, Inc. (Parent), has $500 million of 7 3/4% senior unsecured notes due 2024. The Parent, along with certain of its 100% owned domestic subsidiaries, fully and unconditionally guaranteed such senior unsecured notes, and such guarantees are joint and several.          SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets  September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Assets  Current assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 37,745 $ 547 $ 66,398 $ - $ 104,690  Accounts receivable, net - (235) 431,609 61,869 - 493,243  Intercompany accounts receivable - 10,232 67,417 3,139 (80,788) -  Other current assets - 9,207 145,879 37,868 - 192,954  Total current assets - 56,949 645,452 169,274 (80,788) 790,887   Property, plant and equipment, net - 10,577 1,001,662 186,310 - 1,198,549  Goodwill - - 657,099 149,397 - 806,496  Notes receivable - - 63,009 - - 63,009  Long-term intercompany accounts receivable 2,236,472 - 2,047,835 182,529 (4,466,836) -  Equity investments of consolidated subsidiaries (1,200,202) 4,477,064 6,122 - (3,282,984) -  Restricted cash - - 8,632 45 - 8,677  Intangible and other long-term assets, net - 21,187 105,400 7,525 - 134,112  Total assets $ 1,036,270 $ 4,565,777 $ 4,535,211 $ 695,080 $ (7,830,608) $ 3,001,730   Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity  Current liabilities:  Accounts payable $ - $ 8,089 $ 106,867 $ 17,210 $ - $ 132,166  Accrued expenses 255 110,937 89,405 29,923 - 230,520  Income taxes payable - 555 - 1,564 - 2,119  Intercompany accounts payable - 724 6,095 73,969 (80,788) -  Current portion of decommissioning liabilities - - 20,670 3,512 - 24,182  Total current liabilities 255 120,305 223,037 126,178 (80,788) 388,987   Deferred income taxes - (155,505) 185,496 3,473 - 33,464  Decommissioning liabilities - - 104,416 - - 104,416  Long-term debt, net - 1,282,014 - - - 1,282,014  Long-term intercompany accounts payable - 4,466,836 - - (4,466,836) -  Other long-term liabilities - 52,329 78,324 26,181 - 156,834  Total stockholders' equity (deficit) 1,036,015 (1,200,202) 3,943,938 539,248 (3,282,984) 1,036,015  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,036,270 $ 4,565,777 $ 4,535,211 $ 695,080 $ (7,830,608) $ 3,001,730       SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets  December 31, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Assets  Current assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 126,533 $ 440 $ 45,027 $ - $ 172,000  Accounts receivable, net - - 332,402 70,889 (5,235) 398,056  Income taxes receivable - - (221) 1,180 - 959  Intercompany accounts receivable - 6,460 58,375 5,865 (70,700) -  Other current assets - 11,895 129,970 34,295 - 176,160  Assets held for sale - - - 13,644 - 13,644  Total current assets - 144,888 520,966 170,900 (75,935) 760,819   Property, plant and equipment, net - 12,055 1,093,446 211,443 - 1,316,944  Goodwill - - 657,099 150,761 - 807,860  Notes receivable - - 60,149 - - 60,149  Long-term intercompany accounts receivable 2,221,697 - 2,032,056 177,842 (4,431,595) -  Equity investments of consolidated subsidiaries (1,088,736) 4,481,702 6,590 - (3,399,556) -  Restricted cash - - 20,483 - - 20,483  Intangible and other long-term assets, net - 22,118 113,632 8,220 - 143,970  Total assets $ 1,132,961 $ 4,660,763 $ 4,504,421 $ 719,166 $ (7,907,086) $ 3,110,225   Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity  Current liabilities:  Accounts payable $ - $ 14,339 $ 89,714 $ 20,898 $ (5,235) $ 119,716  Accrued expenses 532 116,767 80,825 23,633 - 221,757  Intercompany accounts payable - 724 7,918 62,058 (70,700) -  Current portion of decommissioning liabilities - - 25,670 1,591 - 27,261  Liabilities held for sale - - - 6,463 - 6,463  Total current liabilities 532 131,830 204,127 114,643 (75,935) 375,197   Deferred income taxes - (147,116) 205,386 2,788 - 61,058  Decommissioning liabilities - - 101,293 1,843 - 103,136  Long-term debt, net - 1,279,771 - - - 1,279,771  Long-term intercompany accounts payable - 4,431,595 - - (4,431,595) -  Other long-term liabilities - 53,419 79,061 26,154 - 158,634  Total stockholders' equity (deficit) 1,132,429 (1,088,736) 3,914,554 573,738 (3,399,556) 1,132,429  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,132,961 $ 4,660,763 $ 4,504,421 $ 719,166 $ (7,907,086) $ 3,110,225       SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations  Three Months Ended September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Revenues $ - $ - $ 511,510 66,428 (4,870) $ 573,068  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation,  depletion, amortization and accretion) - (793) 366,568 43,484 (4,870) 404,389  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and  accretion - 965 87,973 10,954 - 99,892  General and administrative expenses - 23,959 34,726 10,210 - 68,895  Income (loss) from operations - (24,131) 22,243 1,780 - (108)   Other income (expense):  Interest expense, net - (26,024) 993 79 - (24,952)  Other income (expense) - (356) 264 (185) - (277)  Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries (21,816) 19,182 (53) - 2,687 -  Income (loss) from operations before income taxes (21,816) (31,329) 23,447 1,674 2,687 (25,337)  Income taxes - (9,513) 5,260 732 - (3,521)  Net income (loss) $ (21,816) $ (21,816) $ 18,187 $ 942 $ 2,687 $ (21,816)      SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Loss  Three Months Ended September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Net income (loss) $ (21,816) $ (21,816) $ 18,187 $ 942 $ 2,687 $ (21,816)  Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax (826) (826) - (826) 1,652 (826)  Comprehensive income (loss) $ (22,642) $ (22,642) $ 18,187 $ 116 $ 4,339 $ (22,642)       SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations  Three Months Ended September 30, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Revenues $ - $ - $ 449,267 $ 60,311 $ (3,549) $ 506,029  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation,  depletion, amortization and accretion) - (2,505) 329,074 45,259 (3,549) 368,279  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and  accretion - 1,033 94,829 12,889 - 108,751  General and administrative expenses - 23,960 38,247 12,165 - 74,372  Reduction in value of assets - - 1,835 8,118 - 9,953  Loss from operations - (22,488) (14,718) (18,120) - (55,326)   Other income (expense):  Interest expense, net - (30,216) 969 151 - (29,096)  Other income (expense) - (282) 199 (887) - (970)  Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries (59,049) (25,096) (250) - 84,395 -  Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (59,049) (78,082) (13,800) (18,856) 84,395 (85,392)  Income taxes - (19,033) (2,750) (6,420) - (28,203)  Net loss from continuing operations (59,049) (59,049) (11,050) (12,436) 84,395 (57,189)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax - - - (1,860) - (1,860)  Net loss $ (59,049) $ (59,049) $ (11,050) $ (14,296) $ 84,395 $ (59,049)      SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Loss  Three Months Ended September 30, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Net loss $ (59,049) $ (59,049) $ (11,050) $ (14,296) $ 84,395 $ (59,049)  Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax 3,629 3,629 - 3,629 (7,258) 3,629  Comprehensive loss $ (55,420) $ (55,420) $ (11,050) $ (10,667) $ 77,137 $ (55,420)      SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Revenues $ - $ - $ 1,420,368 $ 192,976 $ (22,410) $ 1,590,934  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation,  depletion, amortization and accretion) - (6,382) 1,011,801 134,650 (22,410) 1,117,659  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and  accretion - 2,974 266,188 34,422 - 303,584  General and administrative expenses - 70,721 109,083 34,807 - 214,611  Income (loss) from operations - (67,313) 33,296 (10,903) - (44,920)   Other income (expense):  Interest expense, net - (77,778) 2,940 105 - (74,733)  Other income (expense) - (608) 802 (4,588) - (4,394)  Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries (107,930) 13,073 (421) - 95,278 -  Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (107,930) (132,626) 36,617 (15,386) 95,278 (124,047)  Income taxes - (24,696) 7,185 665 - (16,846)  Net income (loss) from continuing operations (107,930) (107,930) 29,432 (16,051) 95,278 (107,201)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax - - - (729) - (729)  Net income (loss) $ (107,930) $ (107,930) $ 29,432 $ (16,780) $ 95,278 $ (107,930)      SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Loss  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Net income (loss) $ (107,930) $ (107,930) $ 29,432 $ (16,780) $ 95,278 $ (107,930)  Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax (3,491) (3,491) - (3,491) 6,982 (3,491)  Comprehensive income (loss) $ (111,421) $ (111,421) $ 29,432 $ (20,271) $ 102,260 $ (111,421)       SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Revenues $ - $ - $ 1,219,455 $ 168,810 $ (11,232) $ 1,377,033  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation,  depletion, amortization and accretion) - (245) 925,043 128,501 (11,232) 1,042,067  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and  accretion - 3,114 289,428 38,609 - 331,151  General and administrative expenses - 75,843 113,123 37,607 - 226,573  Reduction in value of assets - - 1,835 8,118 - 9,953  Loss from operations - (78,712) (109,974) (44,025) - (232,711)   Other income (expense):  Interest expense, net - (79,827) 2,728 420 - (76,679)  Other income (expense) - (1,004) 646 (2,119) - (2,477)  Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries (214,514) (104,203) (458) - 319,175 -  Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (214,514) (263,746) (107,058) (45,724) 319,175 (311,867)  Income taxes - (49,232) (46,996) (6,750) - (102,978)  Net loss from continuing operations (214,514) (214,514) (60,062) (38,974) 319,175 (208,889)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax - - - (5,625) - (5,625)  Net loss $ (214,514) $ (214,514) $ (60,062) $ (44,599) $ 319,175 $ (214,514)      SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Loss  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Net loss $ (214,514) $ (214,514) $ (60,062) $ (44,599) $ 319,175 $ (214,514)  Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax 11,375 11,375 - 11,375 (22,750) 11,375  Comprehensive loss $ (203,139) $ (203,139) $ (60,062) $ (33,224) $ 296,425 $ (203,139)         SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Cash flows from operating activities:  Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 18,290 $ (118,313) $ 174,198 $ 23,450 $ (14,269) $ 83,356   Cash flows from investing activities:  Payments for capital expenditures - (1,509) (175,524) (9,250) - (186,283)  Proceeds from sales of assets - - 16,226 13,369 - 29,595  Net cash used in investing activities - (1,509) (159,298) 4,119 - (156,688)   Cash flows from financing activities:  Intercompany dividends - - - (14,269) 14,269 -  Changes in notes with affiliated companies, net (14,775) 31,469 (26,644) 9,950 - -  Other (3,515) (435) - - - (3,950)  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (18,290) 31,034 (26,644) (4,319) 14,269 (3,950)  Effect of exchange rate changes on cash - - - (1,834) - (1,834)  Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - (88,788) (11,744) 21,416 - (79,116)   Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period - 126,533 20,923 45,027 - 192,483  Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ - $ 37,745 $ 9,179 $ 66,443 $ - $ 113,367               SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidated  Cash flows from operating activities:  Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 20,316 $ (1,071) $ 46,999 $ (18,328) $ 47,916   Cash flows from investing activities:  Payments for capital expenditures - (1,041) (94,884) (13,710) (109,635)  Other - - 15,647 - 15,647  Net cash used in investing activities - (1,041) (79,237) (13,710) (93,988)   Cash flows from financing activities:  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt - 500,000 - - 500,000  Principal payments on long-term debt - (500,000) - - (500,000)  Payment of debt issuance costs - (9,091) - - (9,091)  Changes in notes with affiliated companies, net (13,527) 6,037 1,336 6,154 -  Other (6,789) - - - (6,789)  Net cash used in financing activities (20,316) (3,054) 1,336 6,154 (15,880)  Effect of exchange rate changes on cash - - - 3,294 3,294  Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - (5,166) (30,902) (22,590) (58,658)   Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period - 127,445 51,789 66,858 246,092  Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ - $ 122,279 $ 20,887 $ 44,268 $ 187,434 

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	 (13) Discontinued Operations  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the remaining marine vessels and equipment of the Company’s former subsea construction business were disposed of, resulting in $0.8 million loss on sale. Loss from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $0 and $0.7 million, respectively. Loss from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $1.9 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements	(14) New Accounting Pronouncements  Standards adopted In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. The guidance in this ASU applies to all entities that change the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments provide clarity and reduce diversity in practice as well as cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, to the modification of the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in ASU 2017-09 include guidance on determining which changes to the terms and conditions of share-based payment awards require an entity to apply modification accounting under Topic 718. The Company adopted the accounting guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.  In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments affect all companies and other reporting organizations that must determine whether they have acquired or sold a business. The amendments are intended to help companies and other organizations evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments provide a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. The Company adopted the accounting guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statements of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. The guidance in this ASU requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As a result, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted the accounting guidance as of January 1, 2018 and applied it retrospectively to the periods presented in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net cash used in investing activities was adjusted to exclude the change in restricted cash related to cash held in escrow for the future decommissioning obligations associated with an oil and gas property. The adjustment resulted in a $30.6 million decrease in net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. The guidance in this ASU requires entities to recognize at the transaction date the income tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers other than inventory. The Company adopted the accounting guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP. The guidance in this ASU requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue that it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The Company adopted the accounting guidance as of January 1, 2018. The Company adopted this ASU using the modified retrospective adoption method. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and no cumulative effect adjustment was recognized.  Standards not yet adopted  In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from leases on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use model (ROU) that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months.  The Company expects to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2019 and use the effective date as the date of initial application. Therefore, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019.  The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. The Company expects to elect the “package of practical expedients,” that would permit the Company to not reassess under the new standard prior conclusions reached about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs.  The Company expects that this standard will have a material effect on its financial statements. While, the Company continues to assess all of the effects of the adoption of this ASU, the Company believes the most significant effects relate to (i) the recognition of new ROU assets and lease liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet for the Company’s operating leases and (ii) providing significant new disclosures about the Company’s leasing activities.

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue [Abstract]
Disaggregation Of Revenues	       Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  U.S. land  Drilling Products and Services $ 45,605 $ 33,779 $ 129,716 $ 82,711  Onshore Completion and Workover Services 294,869 248,405 802,600 702,463  Production Services 47,858 40,123 148,259 96,620  Technical Solutions 8,453 9,118 23,144 26,124  Total U.S. land $ 396,785 $ 331,425 $ 1,103,719 $ 907,918   Gulf of Mexico  Drilling Products and Services $ 26,065 $ 23,234 $ 70,315 $ 68,985  Onshore Completion and Workover Services - - - -  Production Services 16,776 16,487 47,910 54,170  Technical Solutions 47,286 51,991 120,181 127,738  Total Gulf of Mexico $ 90,127 $ 91,712 $ 238,406 $ 250,893   International  Drilling Products and Services $ 27,514 $ 20,193 $ 78,388 $ 62,768  Onshore Completion and Workover Services - - - -  Production Services 41,236 40,723 112,422 103,754  Technical Solutions 17,406 21,976 57,999 51,700  Total International $ 86,156 $ 82,892 $ 248,809 $ 218,222  Total Revenues $ 573,068 $ 506,029 $ 1,590,934 $ 1,377,033    The following table presents the Company’s revenues by segment disaggregated by type (in thousands):       Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Services  Drilling Products and Services $ 24,083 $ 21,064 $ 75,549 $ 57,564  Onshore Completion and Workover Services 284,187 239,208 771,605 679,115  Production Services 97,551 93,422 285,843 239,279  Technical Solutions 65,397 78,180 184,801 194,497  Total services $ 471,218 $ 431,874 $ 1,317,798 $ 1,170,455   Rentals  Drilling Products and Services $ 75,101 $ 56,142 $ 202,870 $ 156,900  Onshore Completion and Workover Services 10,682 9,197 30,995 23,348  Production Services 8,319 3,911 22,748 15,265  Technical Solutions 7,748 4,905 16,523 11,065  Total rentals $ 101,850 $ 74,155 $ 273,136 $ 206,578  Total Revenues $ 573,068 $ 506,029 $ 1,590,934 $ 1,377,033  

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory [Abstract]
Components Of Inventory	   September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017  Finished goods $ 61,393 $ 61,764  Raw materials 18,131 13,727  Work-in-process 8,332 6,174  Supplies and consumables 26,785 24,923  Total $ 114,641 $ 106,588  

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule Of Long-Term Debt	   September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017  Long-term Long-term  Senior unsecured notes due September 2024 $ 500,000 $ 500,000  Senior unsecured notes due December 2021 800,000 800,000  Total debt, gross 1,300,000 1,300,000  Unamortized debt issuance costs (17,986) (20,229)  Total debt, net $ 1,282,014 $ 1,279,771 

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	    Fair Value at September 30, 2018  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Intangible and other long-term assets, net  Non-qualified deferred compensation assets $ 374 $ 14,368 $ - $ 14,742  Accounts payable  Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities $ - $ 1,355 $ - $ 1,355  Other long-term liabilities  Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities $ - $ 21,672 $ - $ 21,672   Fair Value at December 31, 2017  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Intangible and other long-term assets, net  Non-qualified deferred compensation assets $ 370 $ 13,817 $ - $ 14,187  Accounts payable  Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities $ - $ 1,253 $ - $ 1,253  Other long-term liabilities  Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities $ - $ 21,085 $ - $ 21,085  

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment	     Three Months Ended September 30, 2018   Onshore  Drilling Completion  Products and and Workover Production Technical Corporate and Consolidated  Services Services Services Solutions Other Total  Revenues $ 99,184 $ 294,869 $ 105,870 $ 73,145 $ - $ 573,068  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of  depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion) 37,328 239,348 84,312 43,401 - 404,389  Depreciation, depletion, amortization  and accretion 27,830 47,299 17,085 6,329 1,349 99,892  General and administrative expenses 13,771 5,455 10,471 14,453 24,745 68,895  Income (loss) from operations 20,255 2,767 (5,998) 8,962 (26,094) (108)  Interest income (expense), net - - - 986 (25,938) (24,952)  Other expense - - - - (277) (277)  Income (loss) from continuing operations  before income taxes $ 20,255 $ 2,767 $ (5,998) $ 9,948 $ (52,309) $ (25,337)       Three Months Ended September 30, 2017   Onshore  Drilling Completion  Products and and Workover Production Technical Corporate and Consolidated  Services Services Services Solutions Other Total  Revenues $ 77,206 $ 248,405 $ 97,333 $ 83,085 $ - $ 506,029  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of  depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion) 31,444 210,231 78,035 48,569 - 368,279  Depreciation, depletion, amortization  and accretion 31,839 48,131 19,333 8,029 1,419 108,751  General and administrative expenses 12,758 10,922 12,735 13,492 24,465 74,372  Reduction in value of assets - 1,838 - 8,115 - 9,953  Income (loss) from operations 1,165 (22,717) (12,770) 4,880 (25,884) (55,326)  Interest income (expense), net - - - 926 (30,022) (29,096)  Other expense - - - - (970) (970)  Income (loss) from continuing operations  before income taxes $ 1,165 $ (22,717) $ (12,770) $ 5,806 $ (56,876) $ (85,392)        Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018   Onshore  Drilling Completion  Products and and Workover Production Technical Corporate and Consolidated  Services Services Services Solutions Other Total  Revenues $ 278,419 $ 802,600 $ 308,591 $ 201,324 $ - $ 1,590,934  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of  depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion) 108,997 630,205 255,377 123,080 - 1,117,659  Depreciation, depletion, amortization  and accretion 86,061 142,377 50,668 20,332 4,146 303,584  General and administrative expenses 40,138 29,783 29,760 41,836 73,094 214,611  Income/(loss) from operations 43,223 235 (27,214) 16,076 (77,240) (44,920)  Interest income (expense), net - - - 2,913 (77,646) (74,733)  Other expense - - - - (4,394) (4,394)  Income/(loss) from continuing operations  before income taxes $ 43,223 $ 235 $ (27,214) $ 18,989 $ (159,280) $ (124,047)         Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017   Onshore  Drilling Completion  Products and and Workover Production Technical Corporate and Consolidated  Services Services Services Solutions Other Total  Revenues $ 214,464 $ 702,463 $ 254,544 $ 205,562 $ - $ 1,377,033  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of  depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion) 93,504 610,941 210,192 127,430 - 1,042,067  Depreciation, depletion, amortization  and accretion 100,187 141,899 60,115 24,660 4,290 331,151  General and administrative expenses 38,463 33,997 35,902 40,888 77,323 226,573  Reduction in value of assets - 1,838 - 8,115 - 9,953  Income (loss) from operations (17,690) (86,212) (51,665) 4,469 (81,613) (232,711)  Interest income (expense), net - - - 2,627 (79,306) (76,679)  Other expense - - - - (2,477) (2,477)  Income (loss) from continuing operations  before income taxes $ (17,690) $ (86,212) $ (51,665) $ 7,096 $ (163,396) $ (311,867)    
Identifiable Assets	   Identifiable Assets  Onshore  Drilling Completion  Products and and Workover Production Technical Corporate and Consolidated  Services Services Services Solutions Other Total  September 30, 2018 $ 564,813 $ 1,468,622 $ 564,300 $ 352,327 $ 51,668 $ 3,001,730  December 31, 2017 $ 662,968 $ 1,501,214 $ 512,256 $ 377,549 $ 56,238 $ 3,110,225 
Revenue By Geographic Area	   Revenues  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  United States $ 486,912 $ 423,137 $ 1,342,125 $ 1,158,811  Other countries 86,156 82,892 248,809 218,222  Total $ 573,068 $ 506,029 $ 1,590,934 $ 1,377,033   Long-Lived Assets   September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017  United States $ 982,737 $ 1,064,823  Other countries 215,812 252,121  Total $ 1,198,549 $ 1,316,944 

Supplemental Guarantor Inform_2

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Supplemental Guarantor Information [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	      SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets  September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Assets  Current assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 37,745 $ 547 $ 66,398 $ - $ 104,690  Accounts receivable, net - (235) 431,609 61,869 - 493,243  Intercompany accounts receivable - 10,232 67,417 3,139 (80,788) -  Other current assets - 9,207 145,879 37,868 - 192,954  Total current assets - 56,949 645,452 169,274 (80,788) 790,887   Property, plant and equipment, net - 10,577 1,001,662 186,310 - 1,198,549  Goodwill - - 657,099 149,397 - 806,496  Notes receivable - - 63,009 - - 63,009  Long-term intercompany accounts receivable 2,236,472 - 2,047,835 182,529 (4,466,836) -  Equity investments of consolidated subsidiaries (1,200,202) 4,477,064 6,122 - (3,282,984) -  Restricted cash - - 8,632 45 - 8,677  Intangible and other long-term assets, net - 21,187 105,400 7,525 - 134,112  Total assets $ 1,036,270 $ 4,565,777 $ 4,535,211 $ 695,080 $ (7,830,608) $ 3,001,730   Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity  Current liabilities:  Accounts payable $ - $ 8,089 $ 106,867 $ 17,210 $ - $ 132,166  Accrued expenses 255 110,937 89,405 29,923 - 230,520  Income taxes payable - 555 - 1,564 - 2,119  Intercompany accounts payable - 724 6,095 73,969 (80,788) -  Current portion of decommissioning liabilities - - 20,670 3,512 - 24,182  Total current liabilities 255 120,305 223,037 126,178 (80,788) 388,987   Deferred income taxes - (155,505) 185,496 3,473 - 33,464  Decommissioning liabilities - - 104,416 - - 104,416  Long-term debt, net - 1,282,014 - - - 1,282,014  Long-term intercompany accounts payable - 4,466,836 - - (4,466,836) -  Other long-term liabilities - 52,329 78,324 26,181 - 156,834  Total stockholders' equity (deficit) 1,036,015 (1,200,202) 3,943,938 539,248 (3,282,984) 1,036,015  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,036,270 $ 4,565,777 $ 4,535,211 $ 695,080 $ (7,830,608) $ 3,001,730       SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets  December 31, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Assets  Current assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 126,533 $ 440 $ 45,027 $ - $ 172,000  Accounts receivable, net - - 332,402 70,889 (5,235) 398,056  Income taxes receivable - - (221) 1,180 - 959  Intercompany accounts receivable - 6,460 58,375 5,865 (70,700) -  Other current assets - 11,895 129,970 34,295 - 176,160  Assets held for sale - - - 13,644 - 13,644  Total current assets - 144,888 520,966 170,900 (75,935) 760,819   Property, plant and equipment, net - 12,055 1,093,446 211,443 - 1,316,944  Goodwill - - 657,099 150,761 - 807,860  Notes receivable - - 60,149 - - 60,149  Long-term intercompany accounts receivable 2,221,697 - 2,032,056 177,842 (4,431,595) -  Equity investments of consolidated subsidiaries (1,088,736) 4,481,702 6,590 - (3,399,556) -  Restricted cash - - 20,483 - - 20,483  Intangible and other long-term assets, net - 22,118 113,632 8,220 - 143,970  Total assets $ 1,132,961 $ 4,660,763 $ 4,504,421 $ 719,166 $ (7,907,086) $ 3,110,225   Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity  Current liabilities:  Accounts payable $ - $ 14,339 $ 89,714 $ 20,898 $ (5,235) $ 119,716  Accrued expenses 532 116,767 80,825 23,633 - 221,757  Intercompany accounts payable - 724 7,918 62,058 (70,700) -  Current portion of decommissioning liabilities - - 25,670 1,591 - 27,261  Liabilities held for sale - - - 6,463 - 6,463  Total current liabilities 532 131,830 204,127 114,643 (75,935) 375,197   Deferred income taxes - (147,116) 205,386 2,788 - 61,058  Decommissioning liabilities - - 101,293 1,843 - 103,136  Long-term debt, net - 1,279,771 - - - 1,279,771  Long-term intercompany accounts payable - 4,431,595 - - (4,431,595) -  Other long-term liabilities - 53,419 79,061 26,154 - 158,634  Total stockholders' equity (deficit) 1,132,429 (1,088,736) 3,914,554 573,738 (3,399,556) 1,132,429  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,132,961 $ 4,660,763 $ 4,504,421 $ 719,166 $ (7,907,086) $ 3,110,225  
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations And Comprehensive Income	   SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations  Three Months Ended September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Revenues $ - $ - $ 511,510 66,428 (4,870) $ 573,068  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation,  depletion, amortization and accretion) - (793) 366,568 43,484 (4,870) 404,389  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and  accretion - 965 87,973 10,954 - 99,892  General and administrative expenses - 23,959 34,726 10,210 - 68,895  Income (loss) from operations - (24,131) 22,243 1,780 - (108)   Other income (expense):  Interest expense, net - (26,024) 993 79 - (24,952)  Other income (expense) - (356) 264 (185) - (277)  Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries (21,816) 19,182 (53) - 2,687 -  Income (loss) from operations before income taxes (21,816) (31,329) 23,447 1,674 2,687 (25,337)  Income taxes - (9,513) 5,260 732 - (3,521)  Net income (loss) $ (21,816) $ (21,816) $ 18,187 $ 942 $ 2,687 $ (21,816)      SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Loss  Three Months Ended September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Net income (loss) $ (21,816) $ (21,816) $ 18,187 $ 942 $ 2,687 $ (21,816)  Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax (826) (826) - (826) 1,652 (826)  Comprehensive income (loss) $ (22,642) $ (22,642) $ 18,187 $ 116 $ 4,339 $ (22,642)       SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations  Three Months Ended September 30, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Revenues $ - $ - $ 449,267 $ 60,311 $ (3,549) $ 506,029  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation,  depletion, amortization and accretion) - (2,505) 329,074 45,259 (3,549) 368,279  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and  accretion - 1,033 94,829 12,889 - 108,751  General and administrative expenses - 23,960 38,247 12,165 - 74,372  Reduction in value of assets - - 1,835 8,118 - 9,953  Loss from operations - (22,488) (14,718) (18,120) - (55,326)   Other income (expense):  Interest expense, net - (30,216) 969 151 - (29,096)  Other income (expense) - (282) 199 (887) - (970)  Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries (59,049) (25,096) (250) - 84,395 -  Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (59,049) (78,082) (13,800) (18,856) 84,395 (85,392)  Income taxes - (19,033) (2,750) (6,420) - (28,203)  Net loss from continuing operations (59,049) (59,049) (11,050) (12,436) 84,395 (57,189)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax - - - (1,860) - (1,860)  Net loss $ (59,049) $ (59,049) $ (11,050) $ (14,296) $ 84,395 $ (59,049)      SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Loss  Three Months Ended September 30, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Net loss $ (59,049) $ (59,049) $ (11,050) $ (14,296) $ 84,395 $ (59,049)  Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax 3,629 3,629 - 3,629 (7,258) 3,629  Comprehensive loss $ (55,420) $ (55,420) $ (11,050) $ (10,667) $ 77,137 $ (55,420)      SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Revenues $ - $ - $ 1,420,368 $ 192,976 $ (22,410) $ 1,590,934  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation,  depletion, amortization and accretion) - (6,382) 1,011,801 134,650 (22,410) 1,117,659  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and  accretion - 2,974 266,188 34,422 - 303,584  General and administrative expenses - 70,721 109,083 34,807 - 214,611  Income (loss) from operations - (67,313) 33,296 (10,903) - (44,920)   Other income (expense):  Interest expense, net - (77,778) 2,940 105 - (74,733)  Other income (expense) - (608) 802 (4,588) - (4,394)  Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries (107,930) 13,073 (421) - 95,278 -  Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (107,930) (132,626) 36,617 (15,386) 95,278 (124,047)  Income taxes - (24,696) 7,185 665 - (16,846)  Net income (loss) from continuing operations (107,930) (107,930) 29,432 (16,051) 95,278 (107,201)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax - - - (729) - (729)  Net income (loss) $ (107,930) $ (107,930) $ 29,432 $ (16,780) $ 95,278 $ (107,930)      SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Loss  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Net income (loss) $ (107,930) $ (107,930) $ 29,432 $ (16,780) $ 95,278 $ (107,930)  Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax (3,491) (3,491) - (3,491) 6,982 (3,491)  Comprehensive income (loss) $ (111,421) $ (111,421) $ 29,432 $ (20,271) $ 102,260 $ (111,421)       SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Revenues $ - $ - $ 1,219,455 $ 168,810 $ (11,232) $ 1,377,033  Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation,  depletion, amortization and accretion) - (245) 925,043 128,501 (11,232) 1,042,067  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and  accretion - 3,114 289,428 38,609 - 331,151  General and administrative expenses - 75,843 113,123 37,607 - 226,573  Reduction in value of assets - - 1,835 8,118 - 9,953  Loss from operations - (78,712) (109,974) (44,025) - (232,711)   Other income (expense):  Interest expense, net - (79,827) 2,728 420 - (76,679)  Other income (expense) - (1,004) 646 (2,119) - (2,477)  Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries (214,514) (104,203) (458) - 319,175 -  Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (214,514) (263,746) (107,058) (45,724) 319,175 (311,867)  Income taxes - (49,232) (46,996) (6,750) - (102,978)  Net loss from continuing operations (214,514) (214,514) (60,062) (38,974) 319,175 (208,889)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax - - - (5,625) - (5,625)  Net loss $ (214,514) $ (214,514) $ (60,062) $ (44,599) $ 319,175 $ (214,514)      SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Loss  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Net loss $ (214,514) $ (214,514) $ (60,062) $ (44,599) $ 319,175 $ (214,514)  Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax 11,375 11,375 - 11,375 (22,750) 11,375  Comprehensive loss $ (203,139) $ (203,139) $ (60,062) $ (33,224) $ 296,425 $ (203,139)   
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	    SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated  Cash flows from operating activities:  Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 18,290 $ (118,313) $ 174,198 $ 23,450 $ (14,269) $ 83,356   Cash flows from investing activities:  Payments for capital expenditures - (1,509) (175,524) (9,250) - (186,283)  Proceeds from sales of assets - - 16,226 13,369 - 29,595  Net cash used in investing activities - (1,509) (159,298) 4,119 - (156,688)   Cash flows from financing activities:  Intercompany dividends - - - (14,269) 14,269 -  Changes in notes with affiliated companies, net (14,775) 31,469 (26,644) 9,950 - -  Other (3,515) (435) - - - (3,950)  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (18,290) 31,034 (26,644) (4,319) 14,269 (3,950)  Effect of exchange rate changes on cash - - - (1,834) - (1,834)  Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - (88,788) (11,744) 21,416 - (79,116)   Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period - 126,533 20,923 45,027 - 192,483  Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ - $ 37,745 $ 9,179 $ 66,443 $ - $ 113,367               SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  (in thousands)  (unaudited)  Parent Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidated  Cash flows from operating activities:  Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 20,316 $ (1,071) $ 46,999 $ (18,328) $ 47,916   Cash flows from investing activities:  Payments for capital expenditures - (1,041) (94,884) (13,710) (109,635)  Other - - 15,647 - 15,647  Net cash used in investing activities - (1,041) (79,237) (13,710) (93,988)   Cash flows from financing activities:  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt - 500,000 - - 500,000  Principal payments on long-term debt - (500,000) - - (500,000)  Payment of debt issuance costs - (9,091) - - (9,091)  Changes in notes with affiliated companies, net (13,527) 6,037 1,336 6,154 -  Other (6,789) - - - (6,789)  Net cash used in financing activities (20,316) (3,054) 1,336 6,154 (15,880)  Effect of exchange rate changes on cash - - - 3,294 3,294  Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - (5,166) (30,902) (22,590) (58,658)   Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period - 127,445 51,789 66,858 246,092  Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ - $ 122,279 $ 20,887 $ 44,268 $ 187,434 

Revenue (Disaggregation Of Reve

Revenue (Disaggregation Of Revenues, By Geography) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 573,068	$ 506,029	$ 1,590,934	$ 1,377,033
Drilling Products and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	99,184	77,206	278,419	214,464
Onshore Completion and Workover Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	294,869	248,405	802,600	702,463
Production Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	105,870	97,333	308,591	254,544
Technical Solutions [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	73,145	83,085	201,324	205,562
U.S. Land [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	396,785	331,425	1,103,719	907,918
U.S. Land [Member] | Drilling Products and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	45,605	33,779	129,716	82,711
U.S. Land [Member] | Onshore Completion and Workover Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	294,869	248,405	802,600	702,463
U.S. Land [Member] | Production Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	47,858	40,123	148,259	96,620
U.S. Land [Member] | Technical Solutions [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	8,453	9,118	23,144	26,124
Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	90,127	91,712	238,406	250,893
Gulf Of Mexico [Member] | Drilling Products and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	26,065	23,234	70,315	68,985
Gulf Of Mexico [Member] | Production Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	16,776	16,487	47,910	54,170
Gulf Of Mexico [Member] | Technical Solutions [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	47,286	51,991	120,181	127,738
International [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	86,156	82,892	248,809	218,222
International [Member] | Drilling Products and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	27,514	20,193	78,388	62,768
International [Member] | Production Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	41,236	40,723	112,422	103,754
International [Member] | Technical Solutions [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 17,406	$ 21,976	$ 57,999	$ 51,700

Revenue (Disaggregation Of Re_2

Revenue (Disaggregation Of Revenues, By Type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 573,068	$ 506,029	$ 1,590,934	$ 1,377,033
Drilling Products and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	99,184	77,206	278,419	214,464
Onshore Completion and Workover Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	294,869	248,405	802,600	702,463
Production Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	105,870	97,333	308,591	254,544
Technical Solutions [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	73,145	83,085	201,324	205,562
Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	471,218	431,874	1,317,798	1,170,455
Services [Member] | Drilling Products and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	24,083	21,064	75,549	57,564
Services [Member] | Onshore Completion and Workover Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	284,187	239,208	771,605	679,115
Services [Member] | Production Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	97,551	93,422	285,843	239,279
Services [Member] | Technical Solutions [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	65,397	78,180	184,801	194,497
Rentals [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	101,850	74,155	273,136	206,578
Rentals [Member] | Drilling Products and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	75,101	56,142	202,870	156,900
Rentals [Member] | Onshore Completion and Workover Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	10,682	9,197	30,995	23,348
Rentals [Member] | Production Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	8,319	3,911	22,748	15,265
Rentals [Member] | Technical Solutions [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 7,748	$ 4,905	$ 16,523	$ 11,065

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 61,393	$ 61,764
Raw materials	18,131	13,727
Work-in-process	8,332	6,174
Supplies and consumables	26,785	24,923
Total	$ 114,641	$ 106,588

Notes Receivable (Details)

Notes Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Notes Receivable [Abstract]
Amount of notes receivable	$ 115
Interest rate percentage to record present value of notes receivable	6.58%
Company recorded interest income	$ 2.9	$ 2.6

Decommissioning Liabilities (De

Decommissioning Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of the activity for the Company's decommissioning liabilities
Decommissioning liabilities	$ 128.6	$ 130.4

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity		$ 261,000,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount		47,200,000
Debt repayment	$ 500,000,000
Debt issuance costs	$ 9,091,000
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance		$ 800,000,000
Stated interest rate on unsecured senior notes		7.125%
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance		$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate on unsecured senior notes		7.75%

Debt (Schedule Of Long Term Deb

Debt (Schedule Of Long Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	$ 1,300,000	$ 1,300,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(17,986)	(20,229)
Total debt, net	1,282,014	1,279,771
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	500,000	500,000
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	$ 800,000	$ 800,000

Fair Value Measurements (Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair value of long term debt	$ 1,326.3	$ 1,347

Fair Value Measurements (Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible and other long-term assets, net	$ 14,742	$ 14,187
Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accounts payable	1,355	1,253
Other long-term liabilities	21,672	21,085
Level 1 [Member] | Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible and other long-term assets, net	374	370
Level 1 [Member] | Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accounts payable
Other long-term liabilities
Level 2 [Member] | Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible and other long-term assets, net	14,368	13,817
Level 2 [Member] | Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accounts payable	1,355	1,253
Other long-term liabilities	21,672	21,085
Level 3 [Member] | Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible and other long-term assets, net
Level 3 [Member] | Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accounts payable
Other long-term liabilities

Segment Information (Schedule O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment And Identifiable Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 573,068	$ 506,029	$ 1,590,934	$ 1,377,033
Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion)	404,389	368,279	1,117,659	1,042,067
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	99,892	108,751	303,584	331,151
General and administrative expenses	68,895	74,372	214,611	226,573
Reduction in value of assets		9,953		9,953
Loss from operations	(108)	(55,326)	(44,920)	(232,711)
Interest income (expense), net	(24,952)	(29,096)	(74,733)	(76,679)
Other expense	(277)	(970)	(4,394)	(2,477)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(25,337)	(85,392)	(124,047)	(311,867)
Identifiable Assets	3,001,730		3,001,730		$ 3,110,225
Drilling Products and Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	99,184	77,206	278,419	214,464
Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion)	37,328	31,444	108,997	93,504
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	27,830	31,839	86,061	100,187
General and administrative expenses	13,771	12,758	40,138	38,463
Loss from operations	20,255	1,165	43,223	(17,690)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	20,255	1,165	43,223	(17,690)
Identifiable Assets	564,813		564,813		662,968
Onshore Completion and Workover Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	294,869	248,405	802,600	702,463
Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion)	239,348	210,231	630,205	610,941
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	47,299	48,131	142,377	141,899
General and administrative expenses	5,455	10,922	29,783	33,997
Reduction in value of assets		1,838		1,838
Loss from operations	2,767	(22,717)	235	(86,212)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	2,767	(22,717)	235	(86,212)
Identifiable Assets	1,468,622		1,468,622		1,501,214
Production Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	105,870	97,333	308,591	254,544
Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion)	84,312	78,035	255,377	210,192
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	17,085	19,333	50,668	60,115
General and administrative expenses	10,471	12,735	29,760	35,902
Loss from operations	(5,998)	(12,770)	(27,214)	(51,665)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(5,998)	(12,770)	(27,214)	(51,665)
Identifiable Assets	564,300		564,300		512,256
Technical Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	73,145	83,085	201,324	205,562
Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion)	43,401	48,569	123,080	127,430
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	6,329	8,029	20,332	24,660
General and administrative expenses	14,453	13,492	41,836	40,888
Reduction in value of assets		8,115		8,115
Loss from operations	8,962	4,880	16,076	4,469
Interest income (expense), net	986	926	2,913	2,627
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	9,948	5,806	18,989	7,096
Identifiable Assets	352,327		352,327		377,549
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	1,349	1,419	4,146	4,290
General and administrative expenses	24,745	24,465	73,094	77,323
Loss from operations	(26,094)	(25,884)	(77,240)	(81,613)
Interest income (expense), net	(25,938)	(30,022)	(77,646)	(79,306)
Other expense	(277)	(970)	(4,394)	(2,477)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(52,309)	$ (56,876)	(159,280)	$ (163,396)
Identifiable Assets	$ 51,668		$ 51,668		$ 56,238

Segment Information (Revenue By

Segment Information (Revenue By Geographic Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 573,068	$ 506,029	$ 1,590,934	$ 1,377,033
Long-lived assets	1,198,549		1,198,549		$ 1,316,944
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	486,912	423,137	1,342,125	1,158,811
Long-lived assets	982,737		982,737		1,064,823
International [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	86,156	$ 82,892	248,809	$ 218,222
Long-lived assets	$ 215,812		$ 215,812		$ 252,121

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Awards, Excluding ESPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$ 22.8	$ 29.2

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Unrecorded tax benefits	$ 30.7	$ 30.7

Supplemental Guarantor Inform_3

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Subsidiary ownership	100.00%
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes	$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate on unsecured senior notes	7.75%

Supplemental Guarantor Inform_4

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 104,690	$ 172,000
Accounts receivable, net	493,243	398,056
Income taxes receivable		959
Other current assets	192,954	176,160
Assets held for sale		13,644
Total current assets	790,887	760,819
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,198,549	1,316,944
Goodwill	806,496	807,860
Notes receivable	63,009	60,149
Restricted cash	8,677	20,483
Intangible and other long-term assets, net	134,112	143,970
Total assets	3,001,730	3,110,225
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	132,166	119,716
Accrued expenses	230,520	221,757
Income taxes payable	2,119
Current portion of decommissioning liabilities	24,182	27,261
Liabilities held for sale		6,463
Total current liabilities	388,987	375,197
Deferred income taxes	33,464	61,058
Decommissioning liabilities	104,416	103,136
Long-term debt, net	1,282,014	1,279,771
Other long-term liabilities	156,834	158,634
Total stockholders' equity	1,036,015	1,132,429
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,001,730	3,110,225
Eliminations [Member]
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, net		(5,235)
Intercompany accounts receivable	(80,788)	(70,700)
Total current assets	(80,788)	(75,935)
Long-term intercompany accounts receivable	(4,466,836)	(4,431,595)
Equity investments of consolidated subsidiaries	(3,282,984)	(3,399,556)
Total assets	(7,830,608)	(7,907,086)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		(5,235)
Intercompany accounts payable	(80,788)	(70,700)
Total current liabilities	(80,788)	(75,935)
Long-term intercompany accounts payable	(4,466,836)	(4,431,595)
Total stockholders' equity	(3,282,984)	(3,399,556)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	(7,830,608)	(7,907,086)
Parent [Member]
Current assets:
Long-term intercompany accounts receivable	2,236,472	2,221,697
Equity investments of consolidated subsidiaries	(1,200,202)	(1,088,736)
Total assets	1,036,270	1,132,961
Current liabilities:
Accrued expenses	255	532
Total current liabilities	255	532
Total stockholders' equity	1,036,015	1,132,429
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,036,270	1,132,961
Issuer [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	37,745	126,533
Accounts receivable, net	(235)
Intercompany accounts receivable	10,232	6,460
Other current assets	9,207	11,895
Total current assets	56,949	144,888
Property, plant and equipment, net	10,577	12,055
Equity investments of consolidated subsidiaries	4,477,064	4,481,702
Intangible and other long-term assets, net	21,187	22,118
Total assets	4,565,777	4,660,763
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	8,089	14,339
Accrued expenses	110,937	116,767
Income taxes payable	555
Intercompany accounts payable	724	724
Total current liabilities	120,305	131,830
Deferred income taxes	(155,505)	(147,116)
Long-term debt, net	1,282,014	1,279,771
Long-term intercompany accounts payable	4,466,836	4,431,595
Other long-term liabilities	52,329	53,419
Total stockholders' equity	(1,200,202)	(1,088,736)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	4,565,777	4,660,763
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	547	440
Accounts receivable, net	431,609	332,402
Income taxes receivable		(221)
Intercompany accounts receivable	67,417	58,375
Other current assets	145,879	129,970
Total current assets	645,452	520,966
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,001,662	1,093,446
Goodwill	657,099	657,099
Notes receivable	63,009	60,149
Long-term intercompany accounts receivable	2,047,835	2,032,056
Equity investments of consolidated subsidiaries	6,122	6,590
Restricted cash	8,632	20,483
Intangible and other long-term assets, net	105,400	113,632
Total assets	4,535,211	4,504,421
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	106,867	89,714
Accrued expenses	89,405	80,825
Intercompany accounts payable	6,095	7,918
Current portion of decommissioning liabilities	20,670	25,670
Total current liabilities	223,037	204,127
Deferred income taxes	185,496	205,386
Decommissioning liabilities	104,416	101,293
Other long-term liabilities	78,324	79,061
Total stockholders' equity	3,943,938	3,914,554
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	4,535,211	4,504,421
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	66,398	45,027
Accounts receivable, net	61,869	70,889
Income taxes receivable		1,180
Intercompany accounts receivable	3,139	5,865
Other current assets	37,868	34,295
Assets held for sale		13,644
Total current assets	169,274	170,900
Property, plant and equipment, net	186,310	211,443
Goodwill	149,397	150,761
Long-term intercompany accounts receivable	182,529	177,842
Restricted cash	45
Intangible and other long-term assets, net	7,525	8,220
Total assets	695,080	719,166
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	17,210	20,898
Accrued expenses	29,923	23,633
Income taxes payable	1,564
Intercompany accounts payable	73,969	62,058
Current portion of decommissioning liabilities	3,512	1,591
Liabilities held for sale		6,463
Total current liabilities	126,178	114,643
Deferred income taxes	3,473	2,788
Decommissioning liabilities		1,843
Other long-term liabilities	26,181	26,154
Total stockholders' equity	539,248	573,738
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 695,080	$ 719,166

Supplemental Guarantor Inform_5

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 573,068	$ 506,029	$ 1,590,934	$ 1,377,033
Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion)	404,389	368,279	1,117,659	1,042,067
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	99,892	108,751	303,584	331,151
General and administrative expenses	68,895	74,372	214,611	226,573
Reduction in value of assets		9,953		9,953
Loss from operations	(108)	(55,326)	(44,920)	(232,711)
Other expense:
Interest expense, net	(24,952)	(29,096)	(74,733)	(76,679)
Other expense	(277)	(970)	(4,394)	(2,477)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(25,337)	(85,392)	(124,047)	(311,867)
Income taxes	(3,521)	(28,203)	(16,846)	(102,978)
Net loss from continuing operations	(21,816)	(57,189)	(107,201)	(208,889)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax		(1,860)	(729)	(5,625)
Net loss	(21,816)	(59,049)	(107,930)	(214,514)
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	(4,870)	(3,549)	(22,410)	(11,232)
Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion)	(4,870)	(3,549)	(22,410)	(11,232)
Other expense:
Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries	2,687	84,395	95,278	319,175
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	2,687	84,395	95,278	319,175
Net loss from continuing operations		84,395	95,278	319,175
Net loss	2,687	84,395	95,278	319,175
Parent [Member]
Other expense:
Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries	(21,816)	(59,049)	(107,930)	(214,514)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(21,816)	(59,049)	(107,930)	(214,514)
Net loss from continuing operations		(59,049)	(107,930)	(214,514)
Net loss	(21,816)	(59,049)	(107,930)	(214,514)
Issuer [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion)	(793)	(2,505)	(6,382)	(245)
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	965	1,033	2,974	3,114
General and administrative expenses	23,959	23,960	70,721	75,843
Loss from operations	(24,131)	(22,488)	(67,313)	(78,712)
Other expense:
Interest expense, net	(26,024)	(30,216)	(77,778)	(79,827)
Other expense	(356)	(282)	(608)	(1,004)
Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries	19,182	(25,096)	13,073	(104,203)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(31,329)	(78,082)	(132,626)	(263,746)
Income taxes	(9,513)	(19,033)	(24,696)	(49,232)
Net loss from continuing operations		(59,049)	(107,930)	(214,514)
Net loss	(21,816)	(59,049)	(107,930)	(214,514)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	511,510	449,267	1,420,368	1,219,455
Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion)	366,568	329,074	1,011,801	925,043
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	87,973	94,829	266,188	289,428
General and administrative expenses	34,726	38,247	109,083	113,123
Reduction in value of assets		1,835		1,835
Loss from operations	22,243	(14,718)	33,296	(109,974)
Other expense:
Interest expense, net	993	969	2,940	2,728
Other expense	264	199	802	646
Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries	(53)	(250)	(421)	(458)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	23,447	(13,800)	36,617	(107,058)
Income taxes	5,260	(2,750)	7,185	(46,996)
Net loss from continuing operations		(11,050)	29,432	(60,062)
Net loss	18,187	(11,050)	29,432	(60,062)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	66,428	60,311	192,976	168,810
Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion)	43,484	45,259	134,650	128,501
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion	10,954	12,889	34,422	38,609
General and administrative expenses	10,210	12,165	34,807	37,607
Reduction in value of assets		8,118		8,118
Loss from operations	1,780	(18,120)	(10,903)	(44,025)
Other expense:
Interest expense, net	79	151	105	420
Other expense	(185)	(887)	(4,588)	(2,119)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	1,674	(18,856)	(15,386)	(45,724)
Income taxes	732	(6,420)	665	(6,750)
Net loss from continuing operations		(12,436)	(16,051)	(38,974)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax		(1,860)	(729)	(5,625)
Net loss	$ 942	$ (14,296)	$ (16,780)	$ (44,599)

Supplemental Guarantor Inform_6

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net loss	$ (21,816)	$ (59,049)	$ (107,930)	$ (214,514)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax	(826)	3,629	(3,491)	11,375
Comprehensive loss	(22,642)	(55,420)	(111,421)	(203,139)
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net loss	2,687	84,395	95,278	319,175
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax	1,652	(7,258)	6,982	(22,750)
Comprehensive loss	4,339	77,137	102,260	296,425
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net loss	(21,816)	(59,049)	(107,930)	(214,514)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax	(826)	3,629	(3,491)	11,375
Comprehensive loss	(22,642)	(55,420)	(111,421)	(203,139)
Issuer [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net loss	(21,816)	(59,049)	(107,930)	(214,514)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax	(826)	3,629	(3,491)	11,375
Comprehensive loss	(22,642)	(55,420)	(111,421)	(203,139)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net loss	18,187	(11,050)	29,432	(60,062)
Comprehensive loss	18,187	(11,050)	29,432	(60,062)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net loss	942	(14,296)	(16,780)	(44,599)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax	(826)	3,629	(3,491)	11,375
Comprehensive loss	$ 116	$ (10,667)	$ (20,271)	$ (33,224)

Supplemental Guarantor Inform_7

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 83,356	$ 47,916
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for capital expenditures	(186,283)	(109,635)
Proceeds from sales of assets	29,595	15,647
Net cash used in investing activities	(156,688)	(93,988)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		500,000
Principal payments on long-term debt		(500,000)
Payment of debt issuance costs		(9,091)
Other	(3,950)	(6,789)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(3,950)	(15,880)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,834)	3,294
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(79,116)	(58,658)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	192,483	246,092
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	113,367	187,434
Eliminations [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(14,269)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany dividends	14,269
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	14,269
Parent [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	18,290	20,316
Cash flows from financing activities:
Changes in notes with affiliated companies, net	(14,775)	(13,527)
Other	(3,515)	(6,789)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(18,290)	(20,316)
Issuer [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(118,313)	(1,071)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for capital expenditures	(1,509)	(1,041)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,509)	(1,041)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		500,000
Principal payments on long-term debt		(500,000)
Payment of debt issuance costs		(9,091)
Changes in notes with affiliated companies, net	31,469	6,037
Other	(435)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	31,034	(3,054)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(88,788)	(5,166)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	126,533	127,445
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	37,745	122,279
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	174,198	46,999
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for capital expenditures	(175,524)	(94,884)
Proceeds from sales of assets	16,226	15,647
Net cash used in investing activities	(159,298)	(79,237)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Changes in notes with affiliated companies, net	(26,644)	1,336
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(26,644)	1,336
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(11,744)	(30,902)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	20,923	51,789
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	9,179	20,887
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	23,450	(18,328)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for capital expenditures	(9,250)	(13,710)
Proceeds from sales of assets	13,369
Net cash used in investing activities	4,119	(13,710)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany dividends	(14,269)
Changes in notes with affiliated companies, net	9,950	6,154
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(4,319)	6,154
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,834)	3,294
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	21,416	(22,590)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	45,027	66,858
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$ 66,443	$ 44,268

Discontinued Operations (Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Loss from discontinued operations before income tax	$ 0	$ 1.9	$ 0.7	$ 5.6
Pre-tax gain loss after sale			$ 0.8

New Accounting Pronouncements (

New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Effect of change in accounting principle	$ 30.6