Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Cover Page

v3.19.3.a.u2
Cover Page - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Feb. 28, 2020
Jun. 28, 2019
Cover page.      
Entity File Number 1-7573    
Document Annual Report true    
Entity Address, Address Line One 5 Greenway Plaza    
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 100    
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2019    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Registrant Name PARKER DRILLING CO /DE/    
Entity Central Index Key 0000076321    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Title of 12(g) Security Common Stock    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business true    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Bankruptcy Proceedings, Reporting Current true    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   15,044,676  
Entity Public Float     $ 115.8
Entity Tax Identification Number 73-0618660    
Entity Address, City or Town Houston    
Entity Address, State or Province TX    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 77046    
City Area Code 281    
Local Phone Number 406-2000