Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
May 01, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name PARKER DRILLING CO /DE/  
Entity Central Index Key 0000076321  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2012  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   117,610,161