XML 21 R58.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.19.3.a.u2

Acquisitions - 2018 and 2017 Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands |  |  |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Oct. 03, 2018 | Dec. 15, 2017 | Sep. 05, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,929 | $ 25,000 | $ 51,664
Goodwill |  |  |  | $ 173,226 | $ 28,380 |  |  |  | $ 183,914 |  |  |  | 28,380 | 183,914 | 173,226
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) |  |  |  |  | $ (262,684) | $ (118,928) | $ (203,564) | $ (117,709) | $ (183,418) | $ (114,577) | $ (198,752) | $ (144,201) | $ (702,885) | $ (640,948) | $ (546,811)
Stavanger Based Robotic Drilling Systems AS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses |  |  | $ 50,700 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Recorded intangible assets |  |  | 53,300 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill |  |  | 5,700 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other liabilities |  |  | 7,300 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other long-term liabilities |  |  | 7,300 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stavanger Based Robotic Drilling Systems AS | Developed Technology |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Recorded intangible assets |  |  | $ 20,800 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimated Useful Life |  |  | 10 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stavanger Based Robotic Drilling Systems AS | In Process Research and Development |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Recorded intangible assets |  |  | $ 32,500 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
PetroMar Technologies |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses | $ 25,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Recorded intangible assets | 36,200 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill | 11,400 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other liabilities | 22,600 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other long-term liabilities | 22,600 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
PetroMar Technologies | Developed Technology |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Recorded intangible assets | 13,700 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
PetroMar Technologies | Trade Names [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Recorded intangible assets | 800 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
PetroMar Technologies | In Process Research and Development |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Recorded intangible assets | $ 21,700 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Tesco Corporation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of common shares issued |  | $ 179,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other liabilities |  | 2,436 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | 59,804 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable |  | 40,465 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Inventory |  | 44,525 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other current assets |  | 13,889 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  | 68,591 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other long-term assets |  | 3,647 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total assets |  | 230,921 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts payable |  | 14,111 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accrued liabilities |  | 35,383 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other long-term liabilities |  | 2,436 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total liabilities |  | 51,930 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net assets acquired |  | $ 178,991 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  | 7,700 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) |  |  |  | 100 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  | $ 7,700 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common Stock | Tesco Corporation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of shares of Nabors stock exchanged per share of acquiree stock |  | 0.68 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of common shares to be issued |  | 32,100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Number of shares of common stock of acquirer issued or issuable per share stock of acquiree company. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nbr_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssuedToAcquireePerCommonStockOfAcquirer
Namespace Prefix: | nbr_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Business acquisition purchase price allocation assets. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nbr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | nbr_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Business acquisition purchase price allocation liabilities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nbr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | nbr_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Weighted average amortization period of finite-lived intangible assets acquired either individually or as part of a group of assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16265-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of shares of equity interests issued or issuable to acquire entity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition The pro forma revenue for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of equity interests of the acquirer, including instruments or interests issued or issuable in consideration for the business combination. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 30 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116859721&loc=d3e6613-128477 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 30 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116859721&loc=d3e6578-128477 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of assets acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions, acquired at the acquisition date. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of asset related to consideration paid in advance for costs that provide economic benefits in future periods, and amount of other assets that are expected to be realized or consumed within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount due from customers or clients for goods or services, including trade receivables, that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, and amounts due from others, including related parties expected to be converted to cash, sold or exchanged within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of liabilities due within one year or within the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of liabilities incurred for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business and related party payables, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of inventory recognized as of the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116868840&loc=d3e2207-128464 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount recognized as of the acquisition date for the identifiable assets acquired in excess of (less than) the aggregate liabilities assumed. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116868840&loc=d3e2207-128464 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of other liabilities due after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of other assets expected to be realized or consumed after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of property, plant, and equipment recognized as of the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116868840&loc=d3e2207-128464 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77989000&loc=SL49117168-202975 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99380562&loc=d3e13770-109266 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Goodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669619-108580 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637391&loc=SL114874048-224260 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669625-108580 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(18)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637232&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(20)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period. The cash portion only of the acquisition price. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=nbr_StavangerBasedRoboticDrillingSystemsAsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=nbr_PetromarTechnologiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_TradeNamesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=nbr_TescoCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis=us-gaap_CommonStockMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |