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