Fair Value Measurements (Level 3 Liabilities) (Details) (Level 3 [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Losses recorded_Level 3 liabilities	$ 2,227
Settlements _Level 3 Liabilities	(3,000)
Additions related to acquisitions_Level 3 Liabilities	10,663
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 9,890

Amount of Level 3 Liabilities added during the period related to acquisitions

No definition available.

Name:	spn_AdditionsRelatedToAcquisitions_level3Liabilities
Namespace Prefix:	spn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Losses recorded during the period to increase Level 3 liabilities

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	spn_LossesRecorded_level3Liabilities
Namespace Prefix:	spn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Settlements that reduced the amount of level 3 liabilities during the period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	spn_Settlements_level3Liabilities
Namespace Prefix:	spn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the aggregate of the liabilities reported on the balance sheet at period end measured at fair value by the entity. This element is intended to be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant