Reportable Segments - Operations by Industry Segment (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Capital expenditures:      
Total capital expenditures $ 155,645 $ 191,543 $ 190,399
Depreciation and amortization:      
Total depreciation and amortization 134,053 113,017 112,136
Rental Tools [Member]
      
Capital expenditures:      
Total capital expenditures 76,928 61,958 61,702
Depreciation and amortization:      
Total depreciation and amortization 54,625 42,944 40,497
U.S. Barge Drilling [Member]
      
Capital expenditures:      
Total capital expenditures 23,694 8,808 7,339
Depreciation and amortization:      
Total depreciation and amortization 13,796 13,906 17,006
U.S. Drilling [Member]
      
Capital expenditures:      
Total capital expenditures 1,809 86,786 99,915
Depreciation and amortization:      
Total depreciation and amortization 16,120 7,011 2,223
International Drilling [Member]
      
Capital expenditures:      
Total capital expenditures 39,115 15,240 15,011
Depreciation and amortization:      
Total depreciation and amortization 46,022 45,967 48,965
Corporate [Member]
      
Capital expenditures:      
Total capital expenditures 14,099 18,751 6,432
Corporate and other [Member]
      
Depreciation and amortization:      
Total depreciation and amortization $ 3,490 $ 3,189 $ 3,445