Fair value measurements (Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements) (Detail)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2016
Jun. 30, 2015
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Jan. 31, 2017
Rig
Oct. 31, 2016
Rig
Predecessor                
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments                
Loss on impairment of other assets | $       $ 1,393 $ 16,207 $ 0    
Number of drilling rigs to be sold | Rig               4
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements                
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments                
Annual inflation rate 2.30% 2.42%            
Credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate   20.00%            
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements | Minimum                
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments                
Credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate 5.20%              
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements | Maximum                
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments                
Credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate 7.40%              
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Predecessor | Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements                
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments                
Annual inflation rate       2.42% 2.91%      
Credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate       17.05% 15.09%      
Loss on impairment of other assets | $     $ 6,015 $ 0   $ 0    
Number of drilling rigs to be sold | Rig             4