Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v3.6.0.2
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Jun. 30, 2016
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-K  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
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 125,227,182  
Entity Public Float   $ 274.1