Note 8 - Earnings per Share Calculation (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Basic [Member]
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (226)	$ (51,776)	$ (292,217)
Diluted [Member]
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	221	50,923	289,045
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Less: Undistributed net income allocable to participating securities	5	853	3,172
Undistributed net income reallocated to participating securities		5	20
Continuing Operations [Member]
Undistributed net income applicable to common stockholders	$ 27,779	$ 125,132	$ 127,640
Basic (in shares)	50,269	52,862	54,969
Undistributed net income reallocated to participating securities	$ 1	$ 11	$ 9
Income from continuing operations applicable to Oil States International, Inc. common stockholders - Diluted	$ 27,780	$ 125,143	$ 127,649
Diluted (in shares)	50,335	53,151	55,327
Net income attributable to Oil States International, Inc.	$ 28,597	$ 179,003	$ 421,258
Less: Undistributed net income allocable to participating securities	(597)	(2,948)	(4,573)
Undistributed net income applicable to common stockholders	28,000	176,055	416,685
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 226	$ 51,776	$ 292,217
Basic (in shares)	50,269	52,862	54,969
Options on common stock (in shares)	57	274	341
Restricted stock awards and other (in shares)	9	15	17
Income from continuing operations applicable to Oil States International, Inc. common stockholders - Diluted	$ 28,001	$ 176,071	$ 416,714
Diluted (in shares)	50,335	53,151	55,327