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Concentrations of Credit Risk - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Provision for bad debts	$ 0	$ (2,000)	$ 3,810

X

- Definition

Provision For Reduction Of Doubtful Accounts

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	pten_ProvisionForReductionOfDoubtfulAccounts
Namespace Prefix:	pten_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration