Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	(1)Basis of Presentation Certain information and footnote disclosures normally in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); however, management believes the disclosures that are made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Superior Energy Services, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations herein. The financial information of Superior Energy Services, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 has not been audited. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the periods presented have been included therein. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation. The results of operations for the first nine months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that might be expected for the entire year. Due to the nature of the Company’s business, the Company is involved, from time to time, in routine litigation or subject to disputes or claims regarding its business activities. Legal costs related to these matters are expensed as incurred. In management’s opinion, none of the pending litigation, disputes or claims is expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. The Company evaluates events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued for potential recognition or disclosure. Based on the evaluation, the Company determined that there were no material subsequent events for recognition or disclosure other than those disclosed herein.

(1)Basis of Presentation

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); however, management believes the disclosures that are made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Superior Energy Services, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations herein.

The financial information of Superior Energy Services, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 has not been audited. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the periods presented have been included therein. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation. The results of operations for the first nine months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that might be expected for the entire year.

Due to the nature of the Company’s business, the Company is involved, from time to time, in routine litigation or subject to disputes or claims regarding its business activities. Legal costs related to these matters are expensed as incurred. In management’s opinion, none of the pending litigation, disputes or claims is expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

The Company evaluates events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued for potential recognition or disclosure. Based on the evaluation, the Company determined that there were no material subsequent events for recognition or disclosure other than those disclosed herein.