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Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]      
Total number of shares authorized for grant before amendment     10,250,000
Total number of shares authorized for grant after amendment     15,250,000
Options outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value $ 14,600,000    
Options outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual term 4 years 10 months 24 days    
Options exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value 12,400,000    
Options exercisable, weighted-average remaining contractual term 4 years 2 months 12 days    
Outstanding non-vested options 1,092,139    
Restricted Stock Awards
      
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]      
Outstanding non-vested restricted stock 1,200,000    
Performance Unit Awards 2009
      
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]      
Performance period 3 years    
Award description Generally, the recipients would receive a target payment if the Company's total shareholder return was positive and, when compared to the peer group, was at or above the 50thpercentile but less than the 75thpercentile and two times the target if at the 75thpercentile or higher.    
Base payment 3,400,000    
Pro-rated obligation 1,700,000    
Compensation expense $ 1,900,000 $ 1,300,000 $ 1,500,000
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended
      
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]      
Total number of shares authorized for grant after amendment 15,250,000    
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended | Maximum
      
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]      
Option term 10 years    
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended | Non Employee Director
      
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]      
Awards vesting period 1 year    
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended | Employees
      
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]      
Awards vesting period 3 years    
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended ("1997 Plan")
      
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]      
Total number of shares authorized for grant after amendment       
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended ("1997 Plan") | Restricted Stock Awards
      
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]      
Awards vesting period 4 years    
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended ("1997 Plan") | Maximum | Employee Stock Option
      
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]      
Awards vesting period 5 years    
Option term 10 years    
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended ("1997 Plan") | Minimum | Employee Stock Option
      
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]      
Awards vesting period 3 years