ACQUISITIONS Acquisitions - Change in Ownership (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KEY	$ (12,518)	$ (4,848)	$ (4,128)	$ (274)	$ 13,485	$ (38,094)	$ 29,041	$ 3,190	$ (21,768)	$ 7,622	$ 101,461
Net transfers from noncontrolling interests									19,544
Change from net loss attributable to Key and transfers from noncontrolling interests									(2,224)
AlMansoori Key Energy Services LLC | Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Purchase of Interest by Parent									(2,888)
Geostream [Member] | Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Purchase of Interest by Parent									$ 22,432