Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (207,789)	$ 21,123	$ (218,088)	$ 37,138
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Unrealized loss on securities, net of tax of $0, ($13), $0, ($60)	0	(38)	0	(179)
Reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities, net of tax of ($45), $0, ($47), $0	487	0	481	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	(207,302)	21,085	(217,607)	36,959
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	(903)	2,224	811	4,586
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Unit Corporation	$ (206,399)	$ 18,861	$ (218,418)	$ 32,373