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Document and Entity Information
 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name North American Energy Partners Inc.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001368519  
Document Type 40-F  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2012  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --03-31  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   36,242,526