Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value Measurements Used In Testing) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment	$ 40,952
Property, Plant and Equipment Fair Measurment Used in Testing Impairment of Long-lived Assets	$ 292,277

The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for property, plant and equipment held for use (including those held for disposal by means other than sale).

No definition available.

Name:	spn_ImpairmentOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix:	spn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration