Business Segments - Depreciation, Amortization and Improvement (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment	$ 597,469	$ 526,614	$ 437,279
Operating Segments | Contract Drilling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment	438,728	390,316	344,312
Operating Segments | Pressure Pumping
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment	129,984	111,062	73,279
Operating Segments | Oil and Natural Gas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment	24,400	21,417	16,962
Corporate and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment	$ 4,357	$ 3,819	$ 2,726