Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 14,172	$ (6,035)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	38,373	32,256
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(94)	(84)
Loss (gain) on dispositions of property and equipment	(733)	923
Stock-based compensation expense	2,000	1,712
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount	732	742
Impairment of equipment	1,032	0
Deferred income taxes	5,846	(2,823)
Change in other long-term assets	720	734
Change in other long-term liabilities	219	4,477
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(17,320)	(19,303)
Inventory	(1,036)	(605)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(644)	(808)
Accounts payable	1,407	1,797
Prepaid drilling contracts	767	50
Accrued expenses	(15,789)	(3,989)
Net cash provided by operating activities	29,652	9,044
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of production services businesses	0	(2,000)
Purchases of property and equipment	(95,109)	(31,379)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	1,357	786
Proceeds from sale of auction rate securities	0	12,569
Net cash used in investing activities	(93,752)	(20,024)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt repayments	(656)	(13,529)
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	17,000
Proceeds from exercise of options	253	560
Purchase of treasury stock	(293)	(210)
Excess tax benefit of stock option exercises	0	459
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(696)	4,280
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(64,796)	(6,700)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	86,197	22,011
Ending cash and cash equivalents	21,401	15,311
Supplementary disclosure:
Interest paid	21,343	13,004
Income taxes (refunded) paid	$ (1,074)	$ 226