XML 60 R45.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.6.0.2

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |  |
Settlement of fund for eligible participants |  | $ (12.3)
Reimbursement of workers compensation insurance claims included in other current assets | $ 21.1 | $ 25.1
Future net cash flow discount rate | 10.00% |

X
- Definition Future net cash flows discount rate. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | pten_FutureNetCashFlowsDiscountRate
Namespace Prefix: | pten_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Reimbursement of workers compensation insurance claims included in other current assets. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | pten_ReimbursementOfWorkersCompensationInsuranceClaimsIncludedInOtherCurrentAssets
Namespace Prefix: | pten_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of judgment or settlement awarded to (against) the entity in respect of litigation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration