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Business Segments - Depreciation, Amortization and Improvement (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | $ 783,341 | $ 668,434 | $ 864,759
Other Operations |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | 29,402 | 10,114 | 26,301
Corporate |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | 7,695 | 5,474 | 5,472
Operating Segments | Contract Drilling |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | 538,891 | 467,974 | 618,434
Operating Segments | Pressure Pumping |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | 198,006 | $ 184,872 | $ 214,552
Operating Segments | Directional Drilling |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | $ 9,347 |  |

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