v2.4.0.8

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details) (Increase (decrease) in cash flow, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011
Nabors Delaware (Issuer/Guarantor) |
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information |
Increase (decrease) in cash used for operating activities | $ 78.0
Increase (decrease) in cash used for investing activities | 78.0
Other Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors) |
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information |
Increase (decrease) in cash used for operating activities | 78.0
Increase (decrease) in cash used for investing activities | $ 78.0

X
- Definition Represents the increase (decrease) in net cash inflow or outflow from investing activity. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nbr_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix: | nbr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the increase (decrease) in net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nbr_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix: | nbr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_QuantifyingMisstatementInCurrentYearFinancialStatementsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration