Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Feb. 26, 2013
Jun. 30, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol PKD    
Entity Registrant Name PARKER DRILLING CO /DE/    
Entity Central Index Key 0000076321    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   118,638,423  
Entity Public Float     $ 519.6