Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Information [Abstract]
Acquisition costs allocated to two reporting segments	$ 4.5

Acquisition costs incurred in the year prior to the acquisition.

No definition available.

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