XML 27 R40.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Fair Value of Stock Settled Performance Units (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 9 Months Ended
--- | ---
Sep. 30, 2013
Performance Unit Awards 2013 |
Schedule of Share based Compensation Arrangements by Share based Payment Award, Performance Options [Line Items] |
Fair value at date of grant | $ 5,564
Performance Unit Awards 2012 |
Schedule of Share based Compensation Arrangements by Share based Payment Award, Performance Options [Line Items] |
Fair value at date of grant | 3,065
Performance Unit Awards 2011 |
Schedule of Share based Compensation Arrangements by Share based Payment Award, Performance Options [Line Items] |
Fair value at date of grant | 5,569
Performance Unit Awards 2010 |
Schedule of Share based Compensation Arrangements by Share based Payment Award, Performance Options [Line Items] |
Fair value at date of grant | $ 3,117

X
- Details
Name: | pten_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceOptionsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | pten_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Grant Date Fair Value Of Awards + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | pten_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardGrantDateFairValueOfAwards
Namespace Prefix: | pten_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration