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Business Segments - Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Impairment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | $ 437,279 | $ 333,493 | $ 289,847
Operating Segments | Contract Drilling |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | 344,312 | 280,458 | 248,424
Operating Segments | Pressure Pumping |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | 73,279 | 40,724 | 27,589
Operating Segments | Oil and Natural Gas |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | 16,962 | 10,950 | 12,927
Corporate and other |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | $ 2,726 | $ 1,361 | $ 907

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- Definition Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Impairment + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | pten_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration