Document And Entity Information - USD ($)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Mar. 24, 2021

Document And Entity Information [Abstract]

Document Type

10-K

Document Annual Report

true

Current Fiscal Year End Date

--12-31

Document Period End Date

Dec. 31, 2020

Document Transition Report

false

Entity File Number

001-34037

Entity Registrant Name

SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC.

Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code

DE

Entity Tax Identification Number

75-2379388

Entity Address, Address Line One

1001 Louisiana Street

Entity Address, Address Line Two

Suite 2900

Entity Address, City or Town

Houston

Entity Address, State or Province

TX

Entity Address, Postal Zip Code

77002

City Area Code

713

Local Phone Number

654-2200

Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer

No

Entity Voluntary Filers

No

Entity Current Reporting Status

Yes

Entity Interactive Data Current

Yes

Entity Filer Category

Non-accelerated Filer

Entity Small Business

false

Entity Emerging Growth Company

false

ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag

false

Entity Shell Company

false

Entity Public Float

$ 0

Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding

19,967,898

Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block]

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Not applicable.

Entity Central Index Key

0000886835

Document Fiscal Year Focus

2020

Document Fiscal Period Focus

FY

Amendment Flag

false