Noble 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 14, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Noble Corp plc	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001458891	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	254,138,833	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$9.50
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	261,245,693	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$114,458	$282,092
Accounts receivable	949,069	743,673
Taxes receivable	140,269	112,423
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	187,139	167,137
Total current assets	1,390,935	1,305,325
Property and equipment, at cost	19,198,767	16,971,666
Accumulated depreciation	-4,640,677	-3,945,694
Property and equipment, net	14,558,090	13,025,972
Other assets	268,932	276,477
Total assets	16,217,957	14,607,774
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	347,214	350,147
Accrued payroll and related costs	151,161	132,728
Taxes payable	125,119	135,257
Dividends payable	128,249	66,369
Other current liabilities	300,172	226,948
Total current liabilities	1,051,915	911,449
Long-term debt	5,556,251	4,634,375
Deferred income taxes	225,455	226,045
Other liabilities	334,308	347,615
Total liabilities	7,167,929	6,119,484
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Equity	'	'
Shares	2,534	710,130
Treasury shares	'	-21,069
Additional paid-in capital	810,286	83,531
Retained earnings	7,591,927	7,066,023
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-82,164	-115,449
Total shareholders' equity	8,322,583	7,723,166
Noncontrolling interests	727,445	765,124
Total equity	9,050,028	8,488,290
Total liabilities and equity	16,217,957	14,607,774
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	110,382	277,375
Accounts receivable	949,069	743,673
Taxes receivable	140,029	112,310
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	184,348	163,881
Total current assets	1,383,828	1,297,239
Property and equipment, at cost	19,160,350	16,935,147
Accumulated depreciation	-4,631,678	-3,938,518
Property and equipment, net	14,528,672	12,996,629
Other assets	269,014	276,558
Total assets	16,181,514	14,570,426
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	345,910	349,594
Accrued payroll and related costs	143,346	123,936
Taxes payable	120,588	130,844
Other current liabilities	300,172	226,935
Total current liabilities	910,016	831,309
Long-term debt	5,556,251	4,634,375
Deferred income taxes	225,455	226,045
Other liabilities	334,308	347,615
Total liabilities	7,026,030	6,039,344
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Equity	'	'
Shares	26,125	26,125
Additional paid-in capital	497,316	470,454
Retained earnings	7,986,762	7,384,828
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-82,164	-115,449
Total shareholders' equity	8,428,039	7,765,958
Noncontrolling interests	727,445	765,124
Total equity	9,155,484	8,531,082
Total liabilities and equity	$16,181,514	$14,570,426

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating revenues	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	$4,070,070	$3,349,362	$2,556,758
Reimbursables	111,874	115,495	79,195
Labor contract drilling services	52,241	81,890	59,004
Other	105	265	875
Total operating revenues	4,234,290	3,547,012	2,695,832
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	2,014,217	1,769,428	1,384,200
Reimbursables	85,548	94,096	58,439
Labor contract drilling services	36,604	46,752	33,885
Depreciation and amortization	879,422	758,621	658,640
General and administrative	117,997	99,990	91,377
Incremental spin-off related costs	17,702	7,196	'
Loss on impairment	43,688	20,384	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	-35,646	'	'
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	-46,800	-33,255	-21,202
Total operating costs and expenses	3,112,732	2,763,212	2,205,339
Operating income	1,121,558	783,800	490,493
Other income (expense)	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-106,300	-85,763	-55,727
Interest income and other, net	2,754	5,188	1,484
Income before income taxes	1,018,012	703,225	436,250
Income tax provision	-167,606	-147,088	-72,625
Net income	850,406	556,137	363,625
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-67,709	-33,793	7,273
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	782,697	522,344	370,898
Net income per share attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'
Basic	$3.05	$2.05	$1.46
Diluted	$3.05	$2.05	$1.46
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic	253,288	252,435	251,405
Diluted	253,547	252,791	251,989
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	4,070,070	3,349,362	2,556,758
Reimbursables	111,874	115,495	79,195
Labor contract drilling services	52,241	81,890	59,004
Other	105	265	875
Total operating revenues	4,234,290	3,547,012	2,695,832
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	2,004,624	1,760,965	1,371,415
Reimbursables	85,548	94,096	58,439
Labor contract drilling services	36,604	46,895	33,885
Depreciation and amortization	877,250	756,689	657,205
General and administrative	64,859	59,366	56,787
Loss on impairment	43,688	20,384	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	-35,646	'	'
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	-46,800	-33,255	-21,202
Total operating costs and expenses	3,030,127	2,705,140	2,156,529
Operating income	1,204,163	841,872	539,303
Other income (expense)	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-106,300	-85,763	-55,727
Interest income and other, net	2,126	4,695	2,480
Income before income taxes	1,099,989	760,804	486,056
Income tax provision	-164,466	-146,088	-71,286
Net income	935,523	614,716	414,770
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-67,709	-33,793	7,273
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$867,814	$580,923	$422,043

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$850,406	$556,137	$363,625
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,188	-8,076	-2,566
Net pension plan gain (loss) (net of tax provision (benefit) of $14,155 in 2013, ($3,777) in 2012 and ($12,845) in 2011)	29,861	-41,658	-18,551
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $2,924 in 2013, $2,841 in 2012 and $1,146 in 2011)	6,612	5,545	2,047
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	33,285	-41,128	-24,101
Total comprehensive income	883,691	515,009	339,524
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-67,709	-33,793	7,273
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps	'	'	183
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	815,982	481,216	346,980
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated	'	3,061	-4,665
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated	'	'	-366
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'
Net income	935,523	614,716	414,770
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,188	-8,076	-2,566
Net pension plan gain (loss) (net of tax provision (benefit) of $14,155 in 2013, ($3,777) in 2012 and ($12,845) in 2011)	29,861	-41,658	-18,551
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $2,924 in 2013, $2,841 in 2012 and $1,146 in 2011)	6,612	5,545	2,047
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	33,285	-41,128	-24,101
Total comprehensive income	968,808	573,588	390,669
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-67,709	-33,793	7,273
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps	'	'	183
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	901,099	539,795	398,125
Noble-Cayman [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated	'	3,061	-4,665
Noble-Cayman [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated	'	'	($366)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net pension plan gain (loss), tax provision (benefit)	$14,155	($3,777)	($12,845)
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	2,924	2,841	1,146
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'
Net pension plan gain (loss), tax provision (benefit)	14,155	-3,777	-12,845
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	$2,924	$2,841	$1,146

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	$850,406	$556,137	$363,625
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	879,422	758,621	658,640
Loss on impairment	43,688	20,384	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	-35,646	'	'
Gain on contract extinguishments, net	'	'	-21,202
Deferred income taxes	-15,955	-20,119	-82,325
Amortization of share-based compensation	43,620	35,930	31,904
Net change in other assets and liabilities	-63,218	30,740	-210,402
Net cash from operating activities	1,702,317	1,381,693	740,240
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-2,487,520	-1,669,811	-2,621,235
Change in accrued capital expenditures	-58,587	-121,077	81,047
Refund from contract extinguishments	'	'	18,642
Proceeds from disposal of assets	61,000	'	'
Net cash from investing activities	-2,485,107	-1,790,888	-2,521,546
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	1,221,333	-635,192	935,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-300,000	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs	'	1,186,636	1,087,833
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-105,388	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	40,000	536,000
Payments of joint venture debt	'	'	-693,494
Settlement of interest rate swaps	'	'	-29,032
Financing costs on credit facilities	-2,484	-5,221	-2,835
Proceeds from employee stock transactions	4,261	14,677	9,924
Repurchases of employee shares surrendered for taxes	-7,653	-10,516	-10,233
Par value reduction/dividend payments	-194,913	-138,293	-150,532
Net cash from financing activities	615,156	452,091	1,682,631
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-167,634	42,896	-98,675
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	282,092	239,196	337,871
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	114,458	282,092	239,196
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	935,523	614,716	414,770
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	877,250	756,689	657,205
Loss on impairment	43,688	20,384	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	-35,646	'	'
Gain on contract extinguishments, net	'	'	-21,202
Deferred income taxes	-15,955	-20,119	-82,325
Capital contribution by parent-share-based compensation	26,862	19,838	18,726
Net change in other assets and liabilities	-63,092	29,119	-216,687
Net cash from operating activities	1,768,630	1,420,627	770,487
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-2,485,617	-1,667,477	-2,615,943
Change in accrued capital expenditures	-58,587	-121,077	81,047
Refund from contract extinguishments	'	'	18,642
Proceeds from disposal of assets	61,000	'	'
Net cash from investing activities	-2,483,204	-1,788,554	-2,516,254
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	1,221,333	-635,192	935,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-300,000	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs	'	1,186,636	1,087,833
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-105,388	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	40,000	536,000
Payments of joint venture debt	'	'	-693,494
Settlement of interest rate swaps	'	'	-29,032
Financing costs on credit facilities	-2,484	-5,221	-2,835
Distributions to parent company, net	-265,880	-175,977	-186,048
Net cash from financing activities	547,581	410,246	1,647,424
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-166,993	42,319	-98,343
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	277,375	235,056	333,399
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$110,382	$277,375	$235,056

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)

Total

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Shares [Member]

Shares [Member]

Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]

Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Treasury Shares [Member]

Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010

$7,287,634

$7,260,655

$917,684

$26,125

$39,006

$416,232

$6,630,500

$6,743,887

($373,967)

$124,631

$124,631

($50,220)

($50,220)

Beginning Balance, (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2010

'

'

262,415,000

261,246,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee related equity activity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of share-based compensation

31,904

'

'

'

31,904

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares

10

'

848

'

-838

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares

'

'

252,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options

8,964

'

1,661

'

7,303

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options, Shares

506,149

'

501,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

950

'

'

'

950

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes

-10,233

'

-1,401

'

1,401

'

'

'

-10,233

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes, Shares

'

'

-413,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions to parent

'

-186,048

'

'

'

'

'

-186,048

'

'

'

'

'

Capital contributions by parent-Share-based compensation

'

18,726

'

'

'

18,726

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retirement of treasury shares

'

'

-33,035

'

'

'

-340,612

'

373,647

'

'

'

'

Retirement of treasury shares, Shares

'

'

-10,116,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Settlement of FIN 48 provision

15,658

15,658

'

'

'

15,658

15,658

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

363,625

414,770

'

'

'

'

370,898

422,043

'

-7,273

-7,273

'

'

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

573,973

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

573,973

'

'

'

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

'

573,973

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

573,973

'

'

Par value reduction payments

-150,532

'

-119,162

'

-31,370

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income, net

-24,101

-24,101

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-24,101

-24,101

Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011

8,097,852

8,073,633

766,595

26,125

48,356

450,616

6,676,444

6,979,882

-10,553

691,331

691,331

-74,321

-74,321

Ending Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011

'

'

252,639,000

261,246,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee related equity activity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of share-based compensation

35,930

'

'

'

35,930

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares

8

'

1,307

'

-1,299

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares

'

'

437,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options

13,541

'

1,836

'

11,705

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options, Shares

645,731

'

646,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

1,128

'

'

'

1,128

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes

-10,516

'

-1,138

'

1,138

'

'

'

-10,516

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes, Shares

'

'

-374,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions to parent

-132,765

-175,977

'

'

'

'

-132,765

-175,977

'

'

'

'

'

Capital contributions by parent-Share-based compensation

'

19,838

'

'

'

19,838

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

556,137

614,716

'

'

'

'

522,344

580,923

'

33,793

33,793

'

'

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

40,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,000

'

'

'

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

'

40,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,000

'

'

Par value reduction payments

-71,897

'

-58,470

'

-13,427

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income, net

-41,128

-41,128

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-41,128

-41,128

Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012

8,488,290

8,531,082

710,130

26,125

83,531

470,454

7,066,023

7,384,828

-21,069

765,124

765,124

-115,449

-115,449

Ending Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012

'

'

253,348,000

261,246,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee related equity activity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of share-based compensation

43,620

'

'

'

43,620

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares

17

'

1,872

'

-1,855

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares

'

'

667,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options

5,651

'

496

'

5,155

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options, Shares

212,017

'

212,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

-1,407

'

'

'

-1,407

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes

-7,653

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,653

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions to parent

-256,793

-265,880

'

'

'

'

-256,793

-265,880

'

'

'

'

'

Capital contributions by parent-Share-based compensation

'

26,862

'

'

'

26,862

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retirement of treasury shares

'

'

'

'

-28,722

'

'

'

28,722

'

'

'

'

Retirement of treasury shares, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redomiciliation to the United Kingdom

'

'

-709,964

'

709,964

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redomiciliation to the United Kingdom, Shares

'

'

-779,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

850,406

935,523

'

'

'

'

782,697

867,814

'

67,709

67,709

'

'

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

-105,388

-105,388

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-105,388

-105,388

'

'

Other comprehensive income, net

33,285

33,285

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

33,285

33,285

Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013

$9,050,028

$9,155,484

$2,534

$26,125

$810,286

$497,316

$7,591,927

$7,986,762

'

$727,445

$727,445

($82,164)

($82,164)

Ending Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013

'

'

253,448,000

261,246,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ1

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amortization of share-based compensation, Shares	'	'	'
Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization of share-based compensation, Shares	'	'	'
Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization of share-based compensation, Shares	'	'	'
Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization of share-based compensation, Shares	'	'	'
Treasury Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization of share-based compensation, Shares	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization of share-based compensation, Shares	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization of share-based compensation, Shares	'	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	253,448	253,348
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	261,246	261,246

Organization_and_Significant_A

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
	Organization and Business
	On November 20, 2013, pursuant to the Merger Agreement dated as of June 30, 2013 between Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), and Noble Corporation plc, a company registered under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), Noble-Swiss merged with and into Noble-UK, with Noble-UK as the surviving company (the “Transaction”). In the Transaction, all of the outstanding ordinary shares of Noble-Swiss were cancelled, and Noble-UK issued, through an exchange agent, one ordinary share of Noble-UK in exchange for each ordinary share of Noble-Swiss.
	The Transaction effectively changed the place of incorporation of our publicly traded parent holding company from Switzerland to the United Kingdom. As a result of the Transaction, Noble-UK owns and conducts the same businesses through the Noble group as Noble-Swiss conducted prior to the Transaction, except that Noble-UK is the parent company of the Noble group of companies.
	Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”), is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-UK. Noble-UK’s principal asset is all of the shares of Noble-Cayman. Noble-Cayman has no public equity outstanding. The consolidated financial statements of Noble-UK include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-UK conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries.
	Noble-UK is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We perform contract drilling services with our fleet of mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide. We also own one floating production storage and offloading unit (“FPSO”). Currently, our fleet consists of 14 semisubmersibles, 14 drillships and 49 jackups, including six units under construction as follows:
		•	two dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships; and
		•	four high-specification, heavy-duty, harsh environment jackups.
	Our fleet is located in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia and Australia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts, those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of two joint ventures, in each of which we own a 50 percent interest. Our ownership interest meets the definition of variable interest under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) codification and we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Although we are a UK company, we define foreign currency as any non-U.S. denominated currency. In non-U.S. locations where the U.S. Dollar has been designated as the functional currency (based on an evaluation of factors including the markets in which the subsidiary operates, inflation, generation of cash flow, financing activities and intercompany arrangements), local currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income. In non-U.S. locations where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date, while income statement items are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. The resulting gains or losses arising from the translation of accounts from the functional currency to the U.S. Dollar are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We did not recognize any material gains or losses on foreign currency transactions or translations during the three years ended December 31, 2013.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits with banks and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are subject to potential credit risk, and certain of our cash accounts carry balances greater than the federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held by major banks or investment firms. Our cash management and investment policies restrict investments to lower risk, highly liquid securities and we perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of the financial institutions with which we conduct business.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost, reduced by provisions to recognize economic impairment in value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are sold, retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the gain or loss is recognized. Drilling equipment and facilities are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as of the date placed in service or date of major refurbishment. Estimated useful lives of our drilling equipment range from three to thirty years. Other property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over useful lives ranging from two to twenty-five years. Included in accounts payable were $88 million and $141 million of capital accruals as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Interest is capitalized on construction-in-progress at the weighted average cost of debt outstanding during the period of construction.
	Scheduled maintenance of equipment is performed based on the number of hours operated in accordance with our preventative maintenance program. Routine repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred; however, the costs of the overhauls and asset replacement projects that benefit future periods and which typically occur every three to five years are capitalized when incurred and depreciated over an equivalent period. These overhauls and asset replacement projects are included in “Drilling equipment and facilities” in Note 5. Such amounts, net of accumulated depreciation, totaled $400 million and $303 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Depreciation expense related to overhauls and asset replacement totaled $140 million, $113 million and $103 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	We evaluate the impairment of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In addition, on an annual basis, we complete an impairment analysis on our rig fleet. An impairment loss on our property and equipment exists when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Any impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the estimated fair value. As part of this analysis, we make assumptions and estimates regarding future market conditions. To the extent actual results do not meet our estimated assumptions, for a given rig class, we may take an impairment loss in the future.
	Deferred Costs
	Deferred debt issuance costs are being amortized through interest expense over the life of the debt securities.
	Insurance Reserves
	We maintain various levels of self-insured retention for certain losses including property damage, loss of hire, employment practices liability, employers’ liability, and general liability, among others. We accrue for property damage and loss of hire charges on a per event basis.
	Employment practices liability claims are accrued based on actual claims during the year. Maritime employer’s liability claims are generally estimated using actuarial determinations. General liability claims are estimated by our internal claims department by evaluating the facts and circumstances of each claim (including incurred but not reported claims) and making estimates based upon historical experience with similar claims. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, loss reserves for personal injury and protection claims totaled $29 million and $20 million, respectively, and such amounts are included in “Other current liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenues generated from our dayrate-basis drilling contracts and labor contracts are recognized as services are performed and begin upon the contract commencement, as defined under the specified drilling or labor contract. Revenues from bonuses are recognized when earned.
	It is typical, in our dayrate drilling contracts, to receive compensation for mobilization, equipment modification, or other activities prior to the commencement of the contract. These payments take either the form of a lump-sum payment or other daily compensation. We defer pre-contract compensation and related costs over the term of the initial contract period to which the compensation and costs relate. Upon completion of our drilling contracts, any demobilization revenues received are recognized as income, as are any related expenses.
	Deferred revenues under drilling contracts totaled $303 million at December 31, 2013 as compared to $252 million at December 31, 2012. Such amounts are included in either “Other current liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition. Related expenses deferred under drilling contracts totaled $157 million at December 31, 2013 as compared to $150 million at December 31, 2012, and are included in either “Other current assets” or “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets based upon our expected time of recognition.
	We record reimbursements from customers for “out-of-pocket” expenses as revenues and the related direct cost as operating expenses.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are based on the laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted or in which we or our subsidiaries are considered resident for income tax purposes. Applicable income and withholding taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings of our subsidiaries. We do not intend to repatriate such undistributed earnings except for distributions upon which incremental income and withholding taxes would not be material. In certain circumstances, we expect that, due to changing demands of the offshore drilling markets and the ability to redeploy our offshore drilling units, certain of such units will not reside in a location long enough to give rise to future tax consequences. As a result, no deferred tax asset or liability has been recognized in these circumstances. Should our expectations change regarding the length of time an offshore drilling unit will be used in a given location, we will adjust deferred taxes accordingly.
	We operate through various subsidiaries in numerous countries throughout the world, including the United States. Consequently, we are subject to changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof in the U.S., UK or jurisdictions in which we or any of our subsidiaries operate or are resident. Our income tax expense is based upon our interpretation of the tax laws in effect in various countries at the time that the expense was incurred. If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or other taxing authorities do not agree with our assessment of the effects of such laws, treaties and regulations, this could have a material adverse effect on us including the imposition of a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings or a reclassification of the tax impact of our significant corporate restructuring transactions.
	Net Income per Share
	Our unvested share-based payment awards, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the “two-class” method. The “two-class” method allocates undistributed earnings between common shares and participating securities. The diluted earnings per share calculation under the “two-class” method also includes the dilutive effect of potential shares issued in connection with stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options is determined using the treasury stock method.
	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	We record the grant date fair value of share-based compensation arrangements as compensation cost using a straight-line method over the service period. Share-based compensation is expensed or capitalized based on the nature of the employee’s activities.
	Certain Significant Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain accounting policies involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could have been reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions had been used. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
	Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income.” This amended guidance requires additional information about reclassification adjustments out of comprehensive income, including changes in comprehensive income balances by component and significant items reclassified out of comprehensive income. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, which amends ASC Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” This ASU provides guidance on foreign currency translation adjustments when a parent entity ceases to have a controlling interest on a previously consolidated subsidiary or group of assets. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, which amends ASC Topic 740, “Taxes.” This ASU provides guidance on the presentation of tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward or other tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures

Consolidated Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Consolidated Joint Ventures	'
	Note 2 – Consolidated Joint Ventures
	We maintain a 50 percent interest in two joint ventures, each with a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc (“Shell”) that own and operate the two Bully-class drillships. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, we consolidate the entities in our consolidated financial statements after eliminating intercompany transactions. Shell’s equity interests are presented as noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In January 2011, the Bully joint ventures issued notes to the joint venture partners totaling $70 million. The interest rate on these notes was 10%, payable semi-annually in arrears and in kind on June 30 and December 31 commencing in June 2011. The purpose of these notes was to provide additional liquidity to the joint ventures in connection with the shipyard construction of the Bully vessels.
	In April 2011, the Bully joint venture partners entered into a subscription agreement, pursuant to which each partner was issued equity in each of the Bully joint ventures in exchange for the cancellation of all outstanding joint venture partner notes. The subscription agreement converted all joint venture partner notes into equity of the respective joint venture. The total capital contributed as a result of these agreements was $146 million, which included $142 million in outstanding notes, plus accrued interest. Our portion of the capital contribution, totaling $73 million, was eliminated in consolidation.
	In April 2011, the Bully joint venture partners also entered into capital contribution agreements whereby capital calls up to a total of $360 million could be made for funds needed to complete the construction of the drillships. All contributions under these agreements have been made, with the final contribution made in the first quarter of 2012.
	During 2013, the Bully joint ventures approved and paid dividends totaling $211 million, of which $105 million was paid to our joint venture partner.
	The combined carrying amount of the Bully-class drillships at both December 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $1.4 billion. These assets were primarily funded through partner equity contributions. During 2012, these rigs commenced the operating phases of their contracts. Cash held by the Bully joint ventures totaled approximately $50 million at December 31, 2013. Operational results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Operating revenues	$	355,115	$	237,123
	Net income	$	145,447	$	71,629

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share	'
	Note 3- Earnings per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share for Noble-UK:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Allocation of income from continuing operations
	Basic
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	782,697		$	522,344		$	370,898
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(9,271	)		(5,309	)		(3,727	)
	Net income to common shareholders—basic	$	773,426		$	517,035		$	367,171
	Diluted
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	782,697		$	522,344		$	370,898
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(9,261	)		(5,302	)		(3,719	)
	Net income to common shareholders—diluted	$	773,436		$	517,042		$	367,179
	Weighted average shares outstanding—basic		253,288			252,435			251,405
	Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		259			356			584
	Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted		253,547			252,791			251,989
	Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		3,036			2,592			2,552
	Earnings per share
	Basic	$	3.05		$	2.05		$	1.46
	Diluted	$	3.05		$	2.05		$	1.46
	Dividends per share	$	0.76		$	0.54		$	0.6
	Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic net income per share are included in diluted net income per share. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, approximately 1 million shares underlying stock options were excluded from the diluted net income per share calculation as such stock options were not dilutive.

Receivables_from_Customers

Receivables from Customers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables from Customers	'
	Note 4- Receivables from Customers
	At December 31, 2013, we had receivables of approximately $14 million related to the Noble Max Smith, which are being disputed by our customer, Petróleos Mexicanos (“Pemex”). These receivables have been classified as long-term and are included in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The disputed amounts relate to lost revenues for downtime that occurred after our rig was damaged when one of Pemex’s supply boats collided with our rig in 2010. In January 2012, we filed a lawsuit against Pemex in Mexican court seeking recovery of these amounts. While we can make no assurances as to the outcome of this dispute, we believe we are entitled to the disputed amounts.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Note 5- Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment, at cost, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 for Noble-UK consisted of the following:
		2013		2012
	Drilling equipment and facilities	$	17,130,986	$	14,043,717
	Construction in progress		1,854,434		2,733,296
	Other		213,347		194,653
	Property and equipment, at cost	$	19,198,767	$	16,971,666
	Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $2.5 billion and $1.7 billion for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Capitalized interest was $115 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $136 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Note 6 – Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			December 31,				December 31,
			2013				2012
	Senior unsecured notes:
	5.875% Senior Notes due 2013		$	—			$	299,985
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014			249,964				249,799
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015			350,000				350,000
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016			299,967				299,952
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017			299,886				299,852
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019			201,695				201,695
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020			499,022				498,900
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021			399,576				399,527
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022			399,178				399,095
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040			399,893				399,891
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041			397,646				397,613
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042			498,283				498,257
	Total senior unsecured notes			3,995,110				4,294,566
	Commercial paper program			1,561,141				339,809
	Total long-term debt		$	5,556,251			$	4,634,375
	Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program
	Noble currently has three separate credit facilities with an aggregate maximum available capacity of $2.9 billion (together, the “Credit Facilities”). During 2013, we undertook a series of transactions related to our Credit Facilities, which are summarized by the following:
		•		in August 2013, we entered into a $600 million 364-day unsecured revolving credit agreement;
		•		in November 2013, we increased our commercial paper program by $900 million. As a result, we are able to issue up to an aggregate of $2.7 billion in unsecured commercial paper notes. Amounts issued under the commercial paper program are supported by our Credit Facilities and, therefore, are classified as long-term on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Commercial paper issued reduces availability under our Credit Facilities; and
		•		in December 2013, we extended the maturity date of the $800 million credit facility maturing in 2015 for a one-year period to February 11, 2016. During the extended period, availability under this credit facility will be reduced by $36 million.
	In addition to the above transactions, we continue to maintain a $1.5 billion credit facility that matures in 2017.
	The Credit Facilities provide us with the ability to issue up to $375 million in letters of credit in the aggregate. The issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities, but it does reduce the amount available. At December 31, 2013, we had no letters of credit issued under the Credit Facilities.
	Senior Unsecured Notes
	During the second quarter of 2013, we repaid our $300 million 5.875% Senior Notes using proceeds from our commercial paper program.
	In February 2012, we issued, through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”), $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in three separate tranches, comprising of $300 million of 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017, $400 million of 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022, and $500 million of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042. The weighted average coupon of all three tranches is 4.13%. The net proceeds of approximately $1.19 billion, after expenses, were primarily used to repay the then outstanding balance on our Credit Facilities.
	Our $250 million 7.375% Senior Notes mature during the first quarter of 2014. We anticipate using availability under our Credit Facilities or commercial paper program to repay the outstanding balance; therefore, we continue to report the balance as long-term at December 31, 2013.
	Covenants
	The Credit Facilities are guaranteed by our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, NHIL and Noble Drilling Corporation (“NDC”). The covenants and events of default under the Credit Facilities are substantially similar, and each facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the Credit Facilities, to 0.60. At December 31, 2013, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was approximately 0.38. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2013.
	In addition to the covenants from the Credit Facilities noted above, the indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes contain covenants that place restrictions on certain merger and consolidation transactions, unless we are the surviving entity or the other party assumes the obligations under the indenture, and on the ability to sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, there are restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and sale and lease-back transactions. At December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all our debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the covenants under our notes and expect to remain in compliance during 2014.
	Joint Venture Debt
	In the first quarter of 2011, the joint venture credit facilities, which had a combined outstanding balance of $693 million, were repaid in full through contributions to the joint ventures from Noble and Shell. Shell contributed $361 million in equity to fund their portion of the repayment of joint venture credit facilities and related interest rate swaps, which were settled concurrently with the repayment and termination of the joint venture credit facilities.
	Other
	At December 31, 2013, we had letters of credit of $314 million and performance and temporary import bonds totaling $131 million supported by surety bonds outstanding. Certain of our subsidiaries issue guarantees to the temporary import status of rigs or equipment imported into certain countries in which we operate. These guarantees are issued in-lieu of payment of custom, value added or similar taxes in those countries.
	Aggregate principal repayments of total debt for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	2014(1)(2)				2015				2016				2017				2018		Thereafter		Total
	$	1,811,105			$	350,000			$	299,967			$	299,886			$	—	$	2,795,293	$	5,556,251
	-1	In March 2014, our $250 million 7.375% senior notes mature. We anticipate using availability on our Credit Facilities or commercial paper program to repay the outstanding balance; therefore, we have shown the entire balance as long-term on our December 31, 2013 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	-2	Amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program mature during 2014. As amounts issued under the commercial paper program are supported by the unused committed capacity under our Credit Facilities, they are classified as long-term on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair value represents the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The estimated fair value of our senior notes was based on the quoted market prices for similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of similar remaining maturities (Level 2 measurement).
	The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			December 31, 2013								December 31, 2012
			Carrying				Estimated				Carrying				Estimated
			Value				Fair Value				Value				Fair Value
	Senior unsecured notes:
	5.875% Senior Notes due 2013		$	—			$	—			$	299,985			$	305,594
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014			249,964				253,634				249,799				269,008
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015			350,000				363,019				350,000				368,824
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016			299,967				309,878				299,952				316,268
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017			299,886				302,891				299,852				309,846
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019			201,695				232,839				201,695				249,358
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020			499,022				528,597				498,900				562,530
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021			399,576				413,868				399,527				442,776
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022			399,178				390,520				399,095				422,227
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040			399,893				421,720				399,891				477,327
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041			397,646				417,312				397,613				468,256
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042			498,283				476,873				498,257				533,422
	Total senior unsecured notes			3,995,110				4,111,151				4,294,566				4,725,436
Commercial paper program			1,561,141				1,561,141				339,809				339,809
Total long-term debt		$	5,556,251			$	5,672,292			$	4,634,375			$	5,065,245

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity	'
	Note 7 – Equity
	Share Capital
	The following table provides a detail of Noble-UK’s share capital as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Shares outstanding and trading			253,448			252,759
	Treasury shares			—			589
	Total shares outstanding			253,448			253,348
	Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans			—			12,802
	Total shares authorized for issuance			253,448			266,150
	Repurchased treasury shares are recorded at cost, and relate to shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock.
	In November 2013, concurrent with our change in place of incorporation, 0.8 million repurchased shares held in treasury were cancelled. Additionally, in December 2013, as part of the capital reduction in connection with our change in place of incorporation, 12.0 million treasury shares held by a wholly-owned subsidiary were cancelled.
	Our Board of Directors may increase our share capital through the issuance of up to approximately 53 million authorized shares (at current nominal value of $0.01 per share) without obtaining shareholder approval.
	In April 2013, our shareholders approved the payment of a dividend aggregating $1.00 per share to be paid in four equal installments. As of December 31, 2013, we had $128 million of dividends payable outstanding on this obligation. Any additional issuances of shares would further increase our obligation. Our Board of Directors has the authority to accelerate the payment of any installment, or portions thereof, at its sole discretion at any time prior to payment of the final installment.
	Our most recent quarterly dividend payment to shareholders, totaling approximately $97 million (or $0.375 per share), was declared on January 30, 2014 and paid on February 20, 2014 to holders of record on February 10, 2014. This payment represented the third tranche ($0.25 per share) of our previously approved annual dividend payment to shareholders, and includes an increase of $0.125 per share that was approved by the Board of Directors in January 2014. Including the increase approved in January 2014, our current dividend is $1.50 per share on an annualized basis.
	Share Repurchases
	Under UK law, the company is only permitted to purchase its own shares by way of an “off market purchase” in a plan approved by shareholders. Prior to our redomiciliation to the UK, a resolution was adopted authorizing the repurchase of 6,769,891 shares during the five-year period commencing on the date of the redomiciliation. This number of shares corresponds to the number of shares that Noble-Swiss had authority to repurchase at the time of the redomiciliation. The company may only fund the purchase of its own shares out of distributable reserves or the proceeds of a new issue of shares made expressly for that purpose. The company currently has adequate distributable reserves to fund its currently approved repurchase plan. If any premium above the nominal value of the purchased shares is paid, it must be paid out of distributable reserves. Any shares purchased by the company out of distributable reserves may be held as treasury shares.
	Share repurchases for each of the three years ended December 31 are as follows:
			Total Number						Average
	Year Ended		of Shares						Price Paid
	December 31,		Purchased (1)			Total Cost			per Share
	2013			190,187		$	7,653		$	40.24
	2012			302,150			10,516			34.8
	2011			261,721			10,233			39.1
	-1	Includes shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock.
	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	Stock Plans
	The Noble Corporation 1991 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan, as amended (the “1991 Plan”), provides for the granting of options to purchase our shares, with or without stock appreciation rights, and the awarding of restricted shares or units to selected employees. The 1991 Plan limits the total number of shares issuable under the plan to 50.1 million. As of December 31, 2013, we had 6.4 million shares remaining available for grants to employees under the 1991 Plan.
	Prior to October 25, 2007, the Noble Corporation 1992 Nonqualified Stock Option and Share Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “1992 Plan”) provided for the granting of nonqualified stock options to our non-employee directors. On October 25, 2007, the 1992 Plan was amended and restated to, among other things, eliminate grants of stock options to non-employee directors and modify the annual award of restricted shares from a fixed number of restricted shares to an annually-determined variable number of restricted or unrestricted shares. The 1992 Plan limits the total number of shares issuable under the plan to 2.0 million. As of December 31, 2013, we had 0.5 million shares remaining available for award to non-employee directors under the 1992 Plan.
	Stock Options
	In general, options have a term of 10 years, an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share on the date of grant and generally vest over a three-year period. A summary of the status of stock options granted under both the 1991 Plan and 1992 Plan as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and the changes during the year ended on those dates is presented below:
			2013						2012					2011
			Number of			Weighted			Number of			Weighted		Number of			Weighted
			Shares			Average			Shares			Average		Shares			Average
			Underlying			Exercise			Underlying			Exercise		Underlying			Exercise
			Options			Price			Options			Price		Options			Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year			2,027,089		$	32.44			2,498,662		$	29.22		2,767,486		$	26.22
	Granted			—			—			358,772			36.04		322,567			37.71
	Exercised (1)			(212,017	)		26.66			(645,731	)		20.97		(506,149	)		17.89
	Forfeited			(6,085	)		31.35			(184,614	)		35.92		(85,242	)		31.33
	Outstanding at end of year (2)			1,808,987			33.13			2,027,089			32.44		2,498,662			29.22
	Exercisable at end of year (2)			1,510,929		$	32.47			1,453,945		$	30.7		2,004,370		$	27.55
	-1	The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $6 million.
	-2	The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 was $9 million.
	The following table summarizes additional information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013:
			Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
			Number of			Weighted			Weighted					Weighted
			Shares			Average			Average					Average
			Underlying			Remaining			Exercise			Number		Exercise
			Options			Life (Years)			Price			Exercisable		Price
	$16.06 to $26.46			579,471			2.54		$	24.3			579,471	$	24.3
	$26.47 to $35.79			269,300			3.66			32.63			239,431		32.88
	$35.80 to $43.01			960,216			6.3			38.59			692,027		39.18
	Total			1,808,987			4.7		$	33.13			1,510,929	$	32.47
	No stock options were granted during the year ended December 31, 2013. Fair value information and related valuation assumptions for stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
			2012			2011
	Weighted average fair value per option granted		$	13.41		$	13.2
	Valuation assumptions:
	Expected option term (years)			6			6
	Expected volatility			43	%		38.6	%
	Historical dividend yield			1.4	%		1.5	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.1	%		2.6	%
	The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes pricing model. Assumptions used in the valuation are shown in the table above. The expected term of options granted represents the period of time that the options are expected to be outstanding and is derived from historical exercise behavior, current trends and values derived from lattice-based models. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities of traded options on our shares, historical volatility of our shares, and other factors. The expected dividend yield is based on historical yields on the date of grant. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
A summary of the status of our non-vested stock options at December 31, 2013, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2013, is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted-Average
		Under Outstanding			Grant-Date
		Options			Fair Value
Non-Vested Options at January 1, 2013			573,144		$	13.44
Vested			(275,086	)		13.78
Non-Vested Options at December 31, 2013			298,058		$	13.13
At December 31, 2013, there was $2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost remaining for option grants awarded under the 1991 Plan. We attribute the service period to the vesting period and the unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.82 years. Compensation cost recognized during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 related to stock options totaled $3 million, $4 million and $3 million, respectively.
We issue new shares to meet the share requirements upon exercise of stock options. We have historically repurchased shares in the open market from time to time, which minimizes the dilutive effect of share-based compensation.
Restricted Stock Units (“RSU’s”)
We have awarded both time-vested restricted stock units (“TVRSU’s”) and market based performance-vested restricted stock units (“PVRSU’s”) under the 1991 Plan. The TVRSU’s generally vest over a three year period. The number of PVRSU’s which vest will depend on the degree of achievement of specified corporate performance criteria over a three-year performance period. These criteria are strictly market based criteria as defined by FASB standards.
The TVRSU is valued on the date of award at our underlying share price. The total compensation for units that ultimately vest is recognized over the service period. The shares and related nominal value are recorded when the restricted stock unit vests and additional paid-in capital is adjusted as the share-based compensation cost is recognized for financial reporting purposes.
The market based PVRSU is valued on the date of grant based on the estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined based on numerous assumptions, including an estimate of the likelihood that our stock price performance will achieve the targeted thresholds and the expected forfeiture rate. The fair value is calculated using a Monte Carlo Simulation Model. The assumptions used to value the PVRSU’s include historical volatility, risk-free interest rates, and expected dividends over a time period commensurate with the remaining term prior to vesting, as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
Valuation assumptions:
Expected volatility			34.8	%		41.4	%		57.7	%
Expected dividend yield			0.5	%		0.6	%		0.6	%
Risk-free interest rate			0.4	%		0.3	%		1.3	%
Additionally, similar assumptions were made for each of the companies included in the defined index and the peer group of companies in order to simulate the future outcome using the Monte Carlo Simulation Model.
A summary of the RSU awards for each of the years in the period ended December 31 is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
TVRSU
Units awarded (maximum available)			1,033,009			932,274			660,124
Weighted-average share price at award date		$	41.32		$	36.53		$	37.68
Weighted-average vesting period (years)			3			3			3
PVRSU
Units awarded (maximum available)			565,650			481,206			508,206
Weighted-average share price at award date		$	41.42		$	36.9		$	37.6
Three-year performance period ended December 31			2015			2014			2013
Weighted-average award-date fair value		$	24.97		$	20.05		$	16.77
We award unrestricted shares under the 1992 Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we awarded 57,095, 65,329 and 69,711 unrestricted shares to non-employee directors, resulting in related compensation cost of $2 million, $2 million and $3 million, respectively.
A summary of the status of non-vested RSU’s at December 31, 2013 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2013 is presented below:
					Weighted						Weighted
					Average						Average
		TVRSU’s			Award-Date			PVRSU’s			Award-Date
		Outstanding			Fair Value			Outstanding (1)			Fair Value
Non-vested RSU’s at January 1, 2013			1,355,721		$	37.13			1,151,338		$	18.32
Awarded			1,033,009			41.32			565,650			24.97
Vested			(609,843	)		37.58			—			—
Forfeited			(126,527	)		39.45			(319,851	)		18.12
Non-vested RSU’s at December 31, 2013			1,652,360		$	39.4			1,397,137		$	21.06
-1	The number of PVRSU’s shown equals the units that would vest if the “maximum” level of performance is achieved. The minimum number of units is zero and the “target” level of performance is 67 percent of the amounts shown.
At December 31, 2013 there was $39 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the TVRSU’s which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.6 years. The total award-date fair value of TVRSU’s vested during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $23 million.
At December 31, 2013, there was $12 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the PVRSU’s which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.6 years. The total potential compensation for PVRSU’s is recognized over the service period regardless of whether the performance thresholds are ultimately achieved. During the year ended December 31, 2013, 285,656 PVRSU’s for the 2010-2012 performance period were forfeited. In January 2014, 218,195 PVRSU’s for the 2011-2013 performance period were forfeited.
Share-based amortization recognized during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 related to all restricted stock totaled $44 million ($36 million net of income tax), $36 million ($31 million net of income tax) and $32 million ($28 million net of income tax), respectively. Capitalized share-based amortization totaled approximately $1 million for each year in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Note 8- Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following tables set forth the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”) for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and changes in AOCL by component for the year ended December 31, 2013. All amounts within the tables are shown net of tax.
			Defined
			Benefit			Foreign
			Pension			Currency
			Items(1)			Items			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	(95,071	)	$	(20,378	)	$	(115,449	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			—			(3,188	)		(3,188	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			36,473			—			36,473
	Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)			36,473			(3,188	)		33,285
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(58,598	)	$	(23,566	)	$	(82,164	)
	-1	Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial losses and the amortization of prior service costs. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statement of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 13 for additional information.

Loss_on_Impairment

Loss on Impairment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Loss on Impairment	'
	Note 9- Loss on Impairment
	During 2013, we determined that our FPSO, Noble Seillean, was partially impaired as a result of our annual impairment test and the current market outlook for this unit. We estimated the fair value of this unit by considering both income and market-based valuation approaches utilizing statistics for comparable rigs (Level 2 fair value measurement). Based on these estimates, we recognized a charge of $40 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	In 2012, we determined that our submersible rig fleet, consisting of two cold stacked rigs, was partially impaired due to the declining market outlook for drilling services for that rig type. We estimated the fair value of the rigs based on the salvage value of the rigs and a recent transaction involving a similar unit owned by a peer company (Level 2 fair value measurement). Based on these estimates, we recognized a charge of approximately $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. During the current year, we recorded an additional impairment charge of approximately $4 million on these rigs arising from the potential disposition of these assets to an unrelated third party. In January 2014, we completed the sale of the submersibles for a total sales price of $7 million.
	In addition, during the prior year we determined that certain corporate assets were partially impaired due to a declining market for, and the potential disposal of, the assets. We estimated the fair value of the assets based on a signed letter of intent to sell the assets (Level 2 fair value measurement). Based on these estimates, we recognized a charge of approximately $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Gain_on_Disposal_of_Assets_Net

Gain on Disposal of Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Gain on Disposal of Assets, Net	'
	Note 10- Gain on Disposal of Assets, net
	During the third quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of the Noble Lewis Dugger for $61 million to an unrelated third party in Mexico. In connection with the sale, we recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $36 million.

Gain_on_Contract_SettlementsEx

Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Contractors [Abstract]	'
Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, Net	'
	Note 11- Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, Net
	During the third quarter of 2013, we received $45 million related to the settlement of all claims against the former shareholders of FDR Holdings, Ltd., which we acquired in July 2010, relating to alleged breaches of various representations and warranties contained in the purchase agreement.
	During the second quarter of 2012, we received approximately $5 million from the settlement of a claim relating to the Noble David Tinsley, which had experienced a “punch-through” while being positioned on location in 2009. We had originally recorded a $17 million charge during 2009 related to this incident. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2012, we settled an action against certain vendors for damages sustained during Hurricane Ike. We recognized a net gain of approximately $28 million related to this settlement. We also resolved all outstanding matters with Anadarko Petroleum Company (“Anadarko”) related to the previously disclosed force majeure action, Hurricane Ike matters and receivables relating to the Noble Amos Runner.
	In January 2011, we announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) regarding operations in Brazil. Under the terms of the MOU, we agreed to substitute the Noble Phoenix, then under contract with Shell in Southeast Asia, for the Noble Muravlenko. In connection with the cancellation of the contract on the Noble Phoenix, we recognized a non-cash gain of approximately $52.5 million during the first quarter of 2011, which represented the unamortized fair value of the in-place contract at acquisition. As a result of the substitution, we reached a decision not to proceed with the previously announced reliability upgrade to the Noble Muravlenko that was scheduled to take place in 2013, and therefore, incurred a non-cash charge of approximately $32.6 million related to the termination of outstanding shipyard contracts. The substitution was completed during the fourth quarter of 2012.
	In February 2011, the outstanding balances of the Bully joint venture credit facilities, which totaled $693 million, were repaid in full and the credit facilities terminated using a portion of the proceeds from our February 2011 debt offering and equity contributions from our joint venture partner. In addition, the related interest rate swaps were settled and terminated concurrent with the repayment and termination of the credit facilities. As a result of these transactions, we recognized a gain of approximately $1.3 million during the first quarter of 2011.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 12- Income Taxes
	Noble-UK is a company which is tax resident in the UK and, as such, will be subject to UK corporation tax on its taxable profits and gains. A UK tax exemption is available in respect of qualifying dividends income and capital gains related to the sale of qualifying participations. We operate in various countries throughout the world, including the United States. The income of the non-UK subsidiaries is not expected to be subject to UK corporation tax. Prior to the redomiciliation, Noble-Swiss was the group holding company and was exempt from Swiss cantonal and communal income tax on its worldwide income, and was also granted participation relief from Swiss federal tax for qualifying dividend income and capital gains related to the sale of qualifying participations. It is expected that the participation relief will result in a full exemption of participation income from Swiss federal income tax.We do not expect the redomiciliation from Switzerland to the UK to have a material impact on our effective tax rate.
	Consequently, we have taken account of those tax exemptions and provided for income taxes based on the laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted, or in which we or our subsidiaries have a taxable presence for income tax purposes.
	The components of the net deferred taxes are as follows:
			2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets
	United States
	Deferred pension plan amounts		$	8,859		$	14,382
	Accrued expenses not currently deductible			31,769			20,431
	Other			14,542			259
	Non-U.S.
	Net operating loss carry forwards			33,021			43,314
	Deferred pension plan amounts			2,130			3,832
	Other			300			3,631
	Deferred tax assets			90,621			85,849
	Less: valuation allowance			(16,847	)		—
	Net deferred tax assets		$	73,774		$	85,849
	Deferred tax liabilities
	United States
	Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis		$	(275,073	)	$	(254,724	)
	Other			(6,002	)		(2,102	)
	Non-U.S.
	Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis			(1,034	)		(38,726	)
	Other			(2,452	)		—
	Deferred tax liabilities		$	(284,561	)	$	(295,552	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities		$	(210,787	)	$	(209,703	)
	Income before income taxes consists of the following:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	United States		$	253,770		$	209,662		$	142,922
	Non-U.S.			764,242			493,563			293,328
	Total		$	1,018,012		$	703,225		$	436,250
	The income tax provision consists of the following:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Current- United States		$	88,956		$	88,183		$	68,254
	Current- Non-U.S.			94,605			79,024			86,696
	Deferred- United States			(11,531	)		(21,228	)		(39,167	)
	Deferred- Non-U.S.			(4,424	)		1,109			(43,158	)
	Total		$	167,606		$	147,088		$	72,625
	The following is a reconciliation of our reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties:
			2013			2012			2011
	Gross balance at January 1,		$	115,009		$	108,036		$	128,581
	Additions based on tax positions related to current year			2,318			3,704			5,130
	Additions for tax positions of prior years			18,906			16,432			5,718
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years			(7,910	)		(7,917	)		(2,354	)
	Expiration of statutes (1)			(2,633	)		(1,903	)		(28,846	)
	Tax settlements			(9,721	)		(3,343	)		(193	)
	Gross balance at December 31,			115,969			115,009			108,036
	Related tax benefits			(2,038	)		(9,981	)		(8,127	)
	Net reserve at December 31,		$	113,931		$	105,028		$	99,909
	-1	$(15.7) million relate to transactions recorded directly to equity for the years ended December 31, 2011. There were no transactions recorded directly to equity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The liabilities related to our reserve for uncertain tax positions are comprised of the following:
			2013			2012
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties		$	113,931		$	105,028
	Interest and penalties included in “Other liabilities”			13,190			19,944
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties		$	127,121		$	124,972
	If these reserves of $127 million are not realized, the provision for income taxes will be reduced by $127 million.
	We include, as a component of our “Income tax provision”, potential interest and penalties related to recognized tax contingencies within our global operations. Interest and penalties resulted in an income tax benefit of $7 million in 2013, an income tax expense of $5 million in 2012 and an income tax benefit of $5 million in 2011.
	It is reasonably possible that our existing liabilities related to our reserve for uncertain tax positions may increase or decrease in the next twelve months primarily due to the completion of open audits or the expiration of statutes of limitation. However, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of changes in our existing liabilities due to various uncertainties, such as the unresolved nature of various audits.
	We conduct business globally and, as a result, we file numerous income tax returns in the U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions. In the normal course of business we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including major jurisdictions such as Brazil, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. We are no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for years before 2009 and non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2003.
	Noble-UK conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries. The income of our non-UK subsidiaries is not subject to UK income tax. Earnings are taxable in the United Kingdom at the UK statutory rate of 23.25 percent. Ongoing consultative process in the United Kingdom and a possible change in law could materially impact our tax rate on operations in the United Kingdom continental shelf. A reconciliation of tax rates outside of the United Kingdom and the Cayman Islands to our Noble-UK effective rate is shown below:
			Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
Effect of:
Tax rates which are different than the UK and Cayman Island rates			17.1	%		20.7	%		18.9	%
Reserve for (resolution of) tax authority audits			-0.6	%		0.2	%		-2.2	%
Total			16.5	%		20.9	%		16.7	%
We generated and fully utilized U.S. foreign tax credits of $15 million, $22 million and $21 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Deferred income taxes have not been provided on approximately $80 million of undistributed earnings of our subsidiaries. We consider such earnings to be permanently reinvested. If such earnings were to be distributed, we may be subject to additional income taxes of approximately $20 to $25 million.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	Note 13- Employee Benefit Plans
	Defined Benefit Plans
	We have two U.S. noncontributory defined benefit pension plans: one which covers certain salaried employees and one which covers certain hourly employees, whose initial date of employment is prior to August 1, 2004 (collectively referred to as our “qualified U.S. plans”). These plans are governed by the Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Trust (the “Trust”). The benefits from these plans are based primarily on years of service and, for the salaried plan, employees’ compensation near retirement. These plans qualify under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), and our funding policy is consistent with funding requirements of ERISA and other applicable laws and regulations. We make cash contributions, or utilize credit balances available to us under the plan, for the qualified U.S. plans when required. The benefit amount that can be covered by the qualified U.S. plans is limited under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) of 1986. Therefore, we maintain an unfunded, nonqualified excess benefit plan designed to maintain benefits for all employees at the formula level in the qualified salary U.S. plan. We refer to the qualified U.S. plans and the excess benefit plan collectively as the “U.S. plans”.
	Each of Noble Drilling (Land Support) Limited, Noble Enterprises Limited and Noble Drilling (Nederland) B.V., all indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Noble-UK, maintains a pension plan which covers all of its salaried, non-union employees (collectively referred to as our “non-U.S. plans”). Benefits are based on credited service and employees’ compensation near retirement, as defined by the plans.
	A reconciliation of the changes in projected benefit obligations (“PBO”) for our non-U.S. and U.S. plans is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	151,781		$	225,885		$	111,164		$	192,042
	Service cost		5,496			10,724			4,461			9,612
	Interest cost		5,085			9,049			5,372			8,719
	Actuarial loss (gain)		(4,584	)		(17,652	)		28,442			19,115
	Plan amendments		(227	)		—			—			—
	Benefits paid		(2,558	)		(4,068	)		(2,442	)		(3,603	)
	Plan participants’ contributions		956			—			747			—
	Foreign exchange rate changes		5,642			—			4,037			—
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	161,591		$	223,938		$	151,781		$	225,885
	A reconciliation of the changes in fair value of plan assets is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	151,819		$	167,170		$	143,110		$	140,828
	Actual return on plan assets		8,470			31,518			935			19,251
	Employer contributions		9,365			6,391			5,647			10,694
	Benefits and expenses paid		(2,558	)		(4,068	)		(2,442	)		(3,603	)
	Plan participants’ contributions		956			—			747			—
	Foreign exchange rate changes		6,205			—			3,822			—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	174,257		$	201,011		$	151,819		$	167,170
	The funded status of the plans is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Funded status	$	12,666		$	(22,927	)	$	38		$	(58,715	)
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Other assets (noncurrent)	$	13,586		$	6,132		$	3,486		$	—
	Other liabilities (current)		—			(2,120	)		—			(1,988	)
	Other liabilities (noncurrent)		(920	)		(26,939	)		(3,448	)		(56,727	)
	Net amount recognized	$	12,666		$	(22,927	)	$	38		$	(58,715	)
	Amounts recognized in AOCL consist of:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Net actuarial loss	$	30,902		$	45,338		$	40,288		$	89,046
	Prior service cost		(232	)		905			—			1,131
	Deferred income tax asset		(2,130	)		(16,185	)		(3,832	)		(31,562	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	28,540		$	30,058		$	36,456		$	58,615
	Pension cost includes the following components:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012						2011
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service Cost	$	5,496		$	10,724		$	4,461		$	9,612		$	4,545		$	8,608
	Interest Cost		5,085			9,049			5,372			8,719			5,586			8,570
	Return on plan assets		(5,836	)		(13,102	)		(5,344	)		(11,171	)		(5,647	)		(11,072	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		—			227			—			227			483			227
	Amortization of transition obligation		—			—			—			—			74			—
	Recognized net actuarial loss		1,670			7,639			803			7,356			—			3,374
	Net pension expense	$	6,415		$	14,537		$	5,292		$	14,743		$	5,041		$	9,707
	The estimated prior service cost, transition obligation and net actuarial loss that will be amortized from AOCL into net periodic pension cost in 2014 are $0 million, $0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, for non-U.S. plans and $0.2 million, $0 million and $2.6 million, respectively, for U.S. plans.
	Defined Benefit Plans—Disaggregated Plan Information
	Disaggregated information regarding our non-U.S. and U.S. plans is summarized below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	2013						2012
	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
Projected benefit obligation	$	161,591		$	223,938		$	151,781		$	225,885
Accumulated benefit obligation		154,140			185,383			146,612			185,961
Fair value of plan assets		174,257			201,011			151,819			167,170
The following table provides information related to those plans in which the PBO exceeded the fair value of the plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The PBO is the actuarially computed present value of earned benefits based on service to date and includes the estimated effect of any future salary increases.
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013						2012
	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
Projected benefit obligation	$	6,740		$	200,472		$	87,455		$	225,885
Fair value of plan assets		5,820			171,413			84,007			167,170
The PBO for the unfunded excess benefit plan was $13 million at December 31, 2013 as compared to $14 million in 2012, and is included under “U.S.” in the above tables.
The following table provides information related to those plans in which the accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) exceeded the fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The ABO is the actuarially computed present value of earned benefits based on service to date, but differs from the PBO in that it is based on current salary levels.
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013						2012
	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	6,493		$	11,997		$	6,481		$	185,961
Fair value of plan assets		5,820			—			5,074			167,170
The ABO for the unfunded excess benefit plan was $12 million at December 31, 2013 as compared to $13 million in 2012, and is included under “U.S.” in the above tables.
Defined Benefit Plans—Key Assumptions
The key assumptions for the plans are summarized below:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012
	Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount Rate	3.9%-4.7%		3.9%-5.1%	3.6%-4.5%		3.1%-4.2%
Rate of compensation increase	3.6%-4.5%		5.00%	3.6%-4.1%		5.00%
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
	Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:
Discount Rate	2.5%-4.5%		3.1%-4.2%	4.7%-5.0%		4.3%-4.7%	5.3%-5.4%		5.0%-5.8%
Expected long-term return on assets	2.3%-5.7%		7.80%	3.9%-5.4%		7.80%	2.2%-6.3%		7.80%
Rate of compensation increase	3.6%-4.1%		5.00%	2.3%-4.4%		5.00%	3.9%-4.6%		5.00%
The discount rate used to calculate the net present value of future benefit obligations for our U.S. plan is based on the average of current rates earned on long-term bonds that receive a Moody’s rating of “Aa” or better. We have determined that the timing and amount of expected cash outflows on our plan reasonably match this index. For non-U.S. plans, the discount rates used to calculate the net present value of future benefit obligations are determined by using a yield curve of high quality bond portfolios with an average maturity approximating that of the liabilities.
We employ third-party consultants for our U.S. and non-U.S. plans that use a portfolio return model to assess the initial reasonableness of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets, we considered the current level of expected returns on risk free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets for the portfolio.
Defined Benefit Plans—Plan Assets
Non-U.S. Plans
Both the Noble Enterprises Limited and Noble Drilling (Nederland) B.V. pension plans have a targeted asset allocation of 100 percent debt securities. The investment objective for the Noble Enterprises Limited U.S. Dollar plan assets is to earn a favorable return against the Citigroup World Governmental Bond Index for all maturities greater than one year. The investment objective for both the Noble Enterprises Limited (“NEL”) and the Noble Drilling (Nederland) B.V. (“NDNBV”) Euro plan assets is to earn a favorable return against the Barclays Capital Euro Aggregate Unhedged index and the Customized Benchmark for Long Duration Fund for all maturities greater than one year. We evaluate the performance of these plans on an annual basis.
The Noble Drilling (Land Support) Limited pension plan has a target asset allocation of 70 percent equity securities and 30 percent debt securities. The investment objective of the plan, as adopted by the plan’s trustees, is to achieve a favorable return against a benchmark of blended United Kingdom market indices. By achieving this objective, the trustees believe the plan will be able to avoid significant volatility in the contribution rate and provide sufficient plan assets to cover the plan’s benefit obligations were the plan to be liquidated. To achieve these objectives, the trustees have given the plan’s investment managers full discretion in the day-to-day management of the plan’s assets. The plan’s assets are invested with two investment managers. The performance objective communicated to one of these investment managers is to exceed a blend of FTSE A Over 15 Year Gilts index and iBoxx Sterling Non Gilts index by 1.25 percent per annum. The performance objective communicated to the other investment manager is to exceed a blend of FTSE’s All Share index, North America index, Europe index and Pacific Basin index by 1.00 to 2.00 percent per annum. This investment manager is prohibited by the trustees from investing in real estate. The trustees meet with the investment managers periodically to review and discuss their investment performance.
The actual fair values of Non-U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
				December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value
				Measurements
				Quoted			Significant
				Prices in			Other			Significant
				Active			Observable			Unobservable
	Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
	Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash	$	207		$	207		$	—		$	—
Equity securities:
International companies	$	54,722		$	54,722		$	—		$	—
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds	$	41,767		$	—		$	41,767		$	—
Other		77,561			—			—			77,561
Total	$	174,257		$	54,929		$	41,767		$	77,561
				December 31, 2012
				Estimated Fair Value
				Measurements
				Quoted			Significant
				Prices in			Other			Significant
				Active			Observable			Unobservable
	Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
	Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash	$	7,158		$	7,158		$	—		$	—
Equity securities:
International companies	$	45,560		$	45,560		$	—		$	—
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds	$	22,189		$	—		$	22,189		$	—
Other		76,912			—			—			76,912
Total	$	151,819		$	52,718		$	22,189		$	76,912
At December 31, 2013, assets of both NEL and NDNBV are invested in instruments that are similar in form to a guaranteed insurance contract. There are no observable market values for these assets (Level 3); however, the amounts listed as plan assets were materially similar to the anticipated benefit obligations that were anticipated under the plan. Amounts were therefore calculated using actuarial assumptions completed by third-party consultants employed by Noble. The following table details the activity related to these investments during the year.
	Market
	Value
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	76,912
Assets sold/benefits paid		(776	)
Gain on exchange rate		3,478
Loss on investment		(2,053	)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	77,561
U.S. Plans
The Trust invests in equity securities, fixed income debt securities, and cash equivalents and other short-term investments. The Trust may invest in these investments directly or through pooled vehicles, including mutual funds.
The Company’s overall investment strategy, or target range, is to achieve a mix of approximately 67 percent in equity securities, 32 percent in debt securities and 1 percent in cash holdings. Actual results may deviate from the target range, however any deviation from the target range of asset allocations must be approved by the Trust’s governing committee.
The performance objective of the Trust is to outperform the return of the Total Index Composite as constructed to reflect the target allocation weightings for each asset class. This objective should be met over a market cycle, which is defined as a period not less than three years or more than five years. U.S. equity securities (common stock, convertible preferred stock and convertible bonds) should achieve a total return (after fees) that exceeds the total return of an appropriate market index over a full market cycle of three to five years. Non-U.S. equity securities (common stock, convertible preferred stock and convertible bonds), either from developed or emerging markets, should achieve a total return (after fees) that exceeds the total return of an appropriate market index over a full market cycle of three to five years. Fixed income debt securities should achieve a total return (after fees) that exceeds the total return of an appropriate market index over a full market cycle of three to five years. Cash equivalent and short-term investments should achieve relative performance better than the 90-day Treasury bills. When mutual funds are used by the Trust, those mutual funds should achieve a total return that equals or exceeds the total return of each fund’s appropriate Lipper or Morningstar peer category over a full market cycle of three to five years. Lipper and Morningstar are independent mutual fund rating and information services.
For investments in equity securities, no individual options or financial futures contracts are purchased unless approved in writing by the Trust’s governing committee. In addition, no private placements or purchases of venture capital are allowed. The target amount in international equities is 20 percent of plan assets and may not exceed 23 percent of plan assets. Of the international equities amount, no more than 30 percent can be related to any particular country. The Trust’s equity managers vote all proxies in the best interest of the Trust without regards to social issues. The Trust’s governing committee reserves the right to comment on and exercise control over the response to any individual proxy solicitation.
For fixed income debt securities, corporate bonds purchased are primarily limited to investment grade securities as established by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s. The total fixed income exposure from any single non-government or government agency issuer shall not exceed 10 percent of the Trust’s fixed income holdings. The average duration of the total portfolio shall not exceed the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index by 1.5 years. All interest and principal receipts are swept, as received, into an alternative cash management vehicle until reallocated in accordance with the Trust’s core allocation.
For investments in mutual funds, the assets of the Trust are subject to the guidelines and limits imposed by such mutual fund’s prospectus and the other governing documentation at the fund level.
For investments in cash equivalent and short-term investments, the Trust utilizes a money market mutual fund which invests in U.S. government and agency obligations, repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government or agency securities, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances, certificate of deposits, delayed delivery transactions, reverse repurchase agreements, time deposits and Euro obligations. Bankers’ acceptances shall be made in larger banks (ranked by assets) rated “Aa” or better by Moody’s and in conformance with all FDIC regulations concerning capital requirements.
Equity securities include our shares in the amounts of $4 million (2.1 percent of total U.S. plan assets) and $4 million (2.3 percent of total U.S. plan assets) at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The actual fair values of U.S. pension plan assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
				December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value
				Measurements
				Quoted			Significant
				Prices in			Other			Significant
				Active			Observable			Unobservable
	Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
	Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash	$	2,184		$	2,184		$	—		$	—
Equity securities:
United States	$	104,899		$	80,714		$	24,185		$	—
International		33,012			33,012			—			—
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds	$	60,916		$	60,916		$	—		$	—
Total	$	201,011		$	176,826		$	24,185		$	—
				December 31, 2012
				Estimated Fair Value
				Measurements
				Quoted			Significant
				Prices in			Other			Significant
				Active			Observable			Unobservable
	Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
	Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash	$	1,609		$	1,609		$	—		$	—
Equity securities:
United States	$	79,264		$	60,112		$	19,152		$	—
International		34,466			34,466			—			—
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds	$	51,831		$	51,831		$	—		$	—
Total	$	167,170		$	148,018		$	19,152		$	—
While the underlying investments related to the equity securities are traded in active markets, which is a Level 1 measurement, the funds we own the investments through are not themselves actively traded, and therefore are being presented as a Level 2 measurement at both December 31, 2013 and 2012.
As of December 31, 2013, no single security made up more than 10 percent of total assets of either the U.S. or the Non-U.S. plans.
Defined Benefit Plans—Cash Flows
In 2013, we made total contributions of $9 million and $6 million to our non-U.S. and U.S. pension plans, respectively. In 2012, we made total contributions of $6 million and $11 million to our non-U.S. and U.S. pension plans, respectively. In 2011, we made total contributions of $6 million and $5 million to our non-U.S. and U.S. pension plans, respectively. We expect our aggregate minimum contributions to our non-U.S. and U.S. plans in 2014, subject to applicable law, to be $11 million and $2 million, respectively. We continue to monitor and evaluate funding options based upon market conditions and may increase contributions at our discretion.
The following table summarizes our estimated benefit payments at December 31, 2013:
				Payments by Period
	Total			2014			2015			2016			2017			2018			Thereafter
Estimated benefit payments
Non U.S. plan	$	40,007		$	2,585		$	2,792		$	2,997		$	3,308		$	3,327		$	24,998
U.S. plan		108,134			7,086			6,203			8,272			8,001			9,112			69,460
Total estimated benefit payments	$	148,141		$	9,671		$	8,995		$	11,269		$	11,309		$	12,439		$	94,458
Other Benefit Plans
We sponsor the Restoration Plan, which is a nonqualified, unfunded employee benefit plan under which certain highly compensated employees may elect to defer compensation in excess of amounts deferrable under our 401(k) savings plan. The Restoration Plan has no assets, and amounts withheld for the Restoration Plan are kept by us for general corporate purposes. The investments selected by employees and associated returns are tracked on a phantom basis. Accordingly, we have a liability to the employee for amounts originally withheld plus phantom investment income or less phantom investment losses. We are at risk for phantom investment income and, conversely, benefit should phantom investment losses occur. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, our liability for the Restoration Plan was $8 million and $7 million, respectively, and is included in “Accrued payroll and related costs.”
In 2005 we enacted a profit sharing plan, the Noble Drilling Corporation Profit Sharing Plan, which covers eligible employees, as defined. Participants in the plan become fully vested in the plan after five years of service, or three years beginning in 2007. Profit sharing contributions are discretionary, require Board of Directors approval and are made in the form of cash. Contributions recorded related to this plan totaled $5 million, $4 million and $2 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
We sponsor a 401(k) savings plan and other retirement, health and welfare plans for the benefit of our employees. The cost of maintaining these plans aggregated $94 million, $84 million and $61 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We do not provide post-retirement benefits (other than pensions) or any post-employment benefits to our employees.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Note 14- Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We periodically enter into derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivative instruments. We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes, nor were we a party to leveraged derivatives. During the period, we maintained certain foreign currency forward contracts that did not qualify under the FASB standards for hedge accounting treatment and therefore, changes in fair values were recognized as either income or loss in our consolidated income statement.
	For foreign currency forward contracts, hedge effectiveness is evaluated at inception based on the matching of critical terms between derivative contracts and the hedged item. For interest rate swaps, we evaluate all material terms between the swap and the underlying debt obligation, known in FASB standards as the “long-haul method”. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings. During 2011, we recognized a loss of $1.2 million in other income due to interest rate swap hedge ineffectiveness. No income or loss was recognized during 2013 and 2012 due to hedge ineffectiveness.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Our North Sea and Brazil operations have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we have historically maintained short-term forward contracts settling monthly in their respective local currencies. During 2013, we entered into forward contracts of approximately $128 million, all of which settled during the year. At both December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had no outstanding derivative contracts.
	Our two joint ventures had maintained interest rate swaps which were classified as cash flow hedges. The purpose of these hedges was to satisfy bank covenants of the then outstanding credit facilities and to limit exposure to changes in interest rates. In February 2011, the outstanding balances of the joint venture credit facilities and the related interest rate swaps were settled and terminated. As a result of these transactions, we recognized a gain of $1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.
	The balance of the net unrealized gain/(loss) related to our cash flow hedges included in AOCL in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and related activity is as follows:
		2012			2011
	Net unrealized gain (loss) at beginning of period	$	(3,061	)	$	1,970
	Activity during period:
	Settlement of foreign currency forward contracts during the period		3,061			(1,604	)
	Settlement of interest rate swaps during the period		—			(366	)
	Net unrealized loss on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts		—			(3,061	)
	Net unrealized loss at end of period	$	—		$	(3,061	)
	Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	The Bully 2 joint venture maintained foreign currency forward contracts to help mitigate the risk of currency fluctuation of the Singapore Dollar for the construction of the Noble Bully II drillship. These contracts were not designated for hedge accounting treatment under FASB standards, and therefore, changes in fair values were recognized as either income or loss in our Consolidated Income Statement. These contracts are referred to as non-designated derivatives in the tables to follow, and all were settled during the first quarter of 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we recognized a loss of $0.5 million related to these foreign currency forward contracts.
	Financial Statement Presentation
	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 15, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Gain/(loss) recognized						Gain reclassified from				Gain/(loss) recognized
		through AOCL						AOCL to “other				through “other income”
								income”
		2013			2012			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(2,526	)	$	—		$	2,526	$	3,061	$	—	$	—
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, in connection with the settlement of our interest rate swaps, $1 million was reclassified from AOCL to “gain on contract extinguishments, net”.
	For cash flow presentation purposes, cash outflows of $29 million were recognized in the financing activities section related to the settlement of interest rate swaps in 2011. All other amounts are recognized through changes in operating activities and are recognized through changes in other assets and liabilities.

Financial_Instruments_and_Cred

Financial Instruments and Credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments and Credit Risk	'
	Note 15- Financial Instruments and Credit Risk
	The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
				December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets—
	Marketable securities	$	7,230	$	7,230	$	—	$	—
				December 31, 2012
				Estimated Fair Value
				Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets—
	Marketable securities	$	5,816	$	5,816	$	—	$	—
	The derivative instruments have been valued using actively quoted prices and quotes obtained from the counterparties to the derivative agreements. Our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are by their nature short-term. As a result, the carrying values included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The market for our services is the offshore oil and gas industry, and our customers consist primarily of government-owned oil companies, major integrated oil companies and independent oil and gas producers. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and do not require material collateral. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses when necessary. Our results of operations and financial condition should be considered in light of the fluctuations in demand experienced by drilling contractors as changes in oil and gas producers’ expenditures and budgets occur. These fluctuations can impact our results of operations and financial condition as supply and demand factors directly affect utilization and dayrates, which are the primary determinants of our net cash provided by operating activities.
	Revenues from Shell and its affiliates accounted for approximately 41 percent, 32 percent and 24 percent of our consolidated operating revenues in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Revenues from Petrobras accounted for approximately 12 percent, 14 percent and 18 percent of our consolidated operating revenues in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Revenues from Pemex accounted for approximately 15 percent of our consolidated operating revenues in 2011. Pemex did not account for more than 10 percent of our total operating revenues in either 2013 or 2012. No other customer accounted for more than 10 percent of our consolidated operating revenues in 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 16 – Commitments and Contingencies
	The Noble Homer Ferrington was under contract with a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”), which entered into an assignment agreement with BP for a two-well farmout of the rig in Libya after successfully drilling two wells with the rig for ExxonMobil. In August 2010, BP attempted to terminate the assignment agreement claiming that the rig was not in the required condition, and ExxonMobil informed us that we must look to BP for payment of the dayrate during the assignment period. In August 2010, we initiated arbitration proceedings under the drilling contract against both BP and ExxonMobil. We do not believe BP had the right to terminate the assignment agreement and believe the rig was ready to operate under the drilling contract. The rig operated under farmout arrangements from March 2011 to the conclusion of the contract in the second quarter of 2012. We believe we are owed dayrate by either or both of these clients. The operating dayrate was approximately $538,000 per day for the work in Libya. BP and ExxonMobil have asserted counterclaims against us for alleged costs and damages incurred in connection with the assignment agreement. The arbitration process is proceeding, and we intend to vigorously pursue these claims. As a result of the uncertainties noted above, we have not recognized any revenue during the assignment period and the matter could have a material positive effect on our results of operations or cash flows in the period the matter is resolved should the arbitration panel ultimately rule in our favor.
	In August 2007, we entered into a drilling contract with Marathon Oil Company (“Marathon”) for the Noble Jim Day to operate in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. On January 1, 2011, Marathon provided notice that it was terminating the contract. Marathon’s stated reason for the termination was that the rig had not been accepted by Marathon by December 31, 2010, and Marathon also maintained that a force majeure condition existed under the contract. The contract contained a provision allowing Marathon to terminate if the rig had not commenced operations by December 31, 2010. We believe the rig was ready to commence operations and should have been accepted by Marathon. In March 2011, we filed suit in Texas State District Court against Marathon seeking damages for its actions. The contract term was for four years, and we contracted the rig for much of the original term with other customers. In December 2013, we amicably settled the lawsuit with Marathon.
	In November 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard in Alaska conducted an inspection of our drillship, the Noble Discoverer, and cited a number of deficiencies to be remediated, including issues relating to the main propulsion and safety management systems. We initiated a comprehensive effort to address the deficiencies identified by the Coast Guard and commenced an ongoing dialogue with the agency to keep it apprised of our progress. We began an internal investigation in conjunction with the Coast Guard inspection, and the Coast Guard then began its own investigation. We reported certain potential violations of applicable law to the Coast Guard identified as a result of our internal investigation. These related to what we believe were certain unauthorized disposals of collected deck and sea water from the Noble Discoverer, collected, treated deck water from the Kulluk and potential record-keeping issues with the oil record books for the Noble Discoverer, Kulluk and other rigs, and with the garbage log for the Kulluk. The Coast Guard referred the Noble Discoverer and Kulluk matters to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) for further investigation. We are cooperating with the DOJ and Coast Guard in connection with their investigation, and are maintaining a dialogue with the DOJ. We cannot predict when the DOJ and Coast Guard will conclude the investigation and cannot provide any assurances with respect to the outcome. We expect the DOJ to seek criminal sanctions, including monetary penalties, against us, as well as potentially seek oversight of our operational compliance programs. Based on information obtained to date, we believe it is probable that we will have to pay some amount in fines and penalties to resolve this matter. However, at this time we cannot appropriately estimate the potential liability that may result and we have not made any accrual in our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2013 related to the matter.
	We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits that are incidental to our operations in which the claimants seek an unspecified amount of monetary damages for personal injury, including injuries purportedly resulting from exposure to asbestos on drilling rigs and associated facilities. At December 31, 2013, there were approximately 34 of these lawsuits in which we are one of many defendants. These lawsuits have been filed in the United States in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We intend to defend vigorously against the litigation. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	We are a defendant in certain claims and litigation arising out of operations in the ordinary course of business, including certain disputes with customers over receivables discussed in Note 4, the resolution of which, in the opinion of management, will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. There is inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these claims.
	We operate in a number of countries throughout the world and our tax returns filed in those jurisdictions are subject to review and examination by tax authorities within those jurisdictions. The IRS has completed its examination of our tax reporting for the taxable year ended December 31, 2008. In June 2013, the IRS examination team notified us that they were no longer proposing any adjustments with respect to our tax reporting for the taxable year ended December 31, 2008. We are due a refund for the 2008 tax year. In November 2013, the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation completed its review of this refund with no exception to the conclusions reached by the IRS. The IRS began its examination of our tax reporting for the taxable year ended December 31, 2009. We believe that we have accurately reported all amounts in our 2009 tax returns. Furthermore, we are currently contesting several non-U.S. tax assessments and may contest future assessments. We believe the ultimate resolution of the outstanding assessments, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. We recognize uncertain tax positions that we believe have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained. We cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any existing or future assessments.
	During the second quarter of 2013, we reached an agreement with the tax authorities in Mexico resolving certain previously disclosed tax assessments. This settlement removed potential contingent tax exposure of $502 million for periods prior to 2007, which includes the assessments for years 2002 through 2005 of approximately $348 million, as well as settlement for 2006. The settlement of these assessments did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	Audit claims of approximately $320 million attributable to income, customs and other business taxes have been assessed against us. We have contested, or intend to contest, these assessments, including through litigation if necessary, and we believe the ultimate resolution, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. Tax authorities may issue additional assessments or pursue legal actions as a result of tax audits and we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of such assessments and legal actions.
	We maintain certain insurance coverage against specified marine perils, which includes physical damage and loss of hire. Damage caused by hurricanes has negatively impacted the energy insurance market, resulting in more restrictive and expensive coverage for U.S. named windstorm perils. Accordingly, we have elected to significantly reduce the named windstorm insurance on our rigs operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Presently, we insure the Noble Jim Thompson, Noble Amos Runner and Noble Driller for “total loss only” when caused by a named windstorm. For the Noble Bully I, our customer assumes the risk of loss due to a named windstorm event, pursuant to the terms of the drilling contract, through the purchase of insurance coverage (provided that we are responsible for any deductible under such policy) or, at its option, the assumption of the risk of loss up to the insured value in lieu of the purchase of such insurance. The remaining rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are self-insured for named windstorm perils. Our rigs located in the Mexico portion of the Gulf of Mexico remain covered by commercial insurance for windstorm damage. In addition, we maintain physical damage deductibles on our rigs ranging from $15 million to $25 million per occurrence, depending on location. The loss of hire coverage applies only to our rigs operating under contract with a dayrate equal to or greater than $200,000 a day and is subject to a 45-day waiting period for each unit and each occurrence.
	Although we maintain insurance in the geographic areas in which we operate, pollution, reservoir damage and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. Our insurance policies and contractual rights to indemnity may not adequately cover our losses or may have exclusions of coverage for some losses. We do not have insurance coverage or rights to indemnity for all risks, including loss of hire insurance on most of the rigs in our fleet. Uninsured exposures may include expatriate activities prohibited by U.S. laws and regulations, radiation hazards, certain loss or damage to property on board our rigs and losses relating to shore-based terrorist acts or strikes. If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance or contractual indemnity, it could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, there can be no assurance that those parties with contractual obligations to indemnify us will necessarily be financially able to indemnify us against all these risks.
	We carry protection and indemnity insurance covering marine third party liability exposures, which also includes coverage for employer’s liability resulting from personal injury to our offshore drilling crews. Our protection and indemnity policy currently has a standard deductible of $10 million per occurrence, with maximum liability coverage of $750 million.
	In connection with our capital expenditure program, we had outstanding commitments, including shipyard and purchase commitments of approximately $2.0 billion at December 31, 2013.
	We have entered into agreements with certain of our executive officers, as well as certain other employees. These agreements become effective upon a change of control of Noble-UK (within the meaning set forth in the agreements) or a termination of employment in connection with or in anticipation of a change of control, and remain effective for three years thereafter. These agreements provide for compensation and certain other benefits under such circumstances.
	Nigerian Operations
	During the fourth quarter of 2007, our Nigerian subsidiary received letters from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, or NIMASA, seeking to collect a 2 percent surcharge on contract amounts under contracts performed by “vessels,” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws, engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade. Although we do not believe that these laws apply to our ownership of drilling rigs, NIMASA is seeking to apply a provision of the Nigerian cabotage laws (which became effective on May 1, 2004) to our offshore drilling rigs by considering these rigs to be “vessels” within the meaning of those laws and therefore subject to the surcharge, which is imposed only upon “vessels.” Our offshore drilling rigs are not engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade and are not in our view “vessels” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws. In January 2008, we filed an originating summons against NIMASA and the Minister of Transportation in the Federal High Court of Lagos, Nigeria seeking, among other things, a declaration that our drilling operations do not constitute “coastal trade” or “cabotage” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws and that our offshore drilling rigs are not “vessels” within the meaning of those laws. In February 2009, NIMASA filed suit against us in the Federal High Court of Nigeria seeking collection of the cabotage surcharge with respect to one of our rigs. In August 2009, the court issued a favorable ruling in response to our originating summons stating that drilling operations do not fall within the cabotage laws and that drilling rigs are not vessels for purposes of those laws. The court also issued an injunction against the defendants prohibiting their interference with our drilling rigs or drilling operations. NIMASA appealed the court’s ruling on procedural grounds, and the court dismissed NIMASA’s lawsuit filed against us in February 2009. In December 2013, the court of appeals ruled in favor of NIMASA and quashed the High Court’s decision in our favor, although there is no adverse ruling against us with respect to the merits. We intend to appeal this latest decision and take further appropriate legal action to resist the application of Nigeria’s cabotage laws to our drilling rigs. The outcome of any such legal action and the extent to which we may ultimately be responsible for the surcharge is uncertain. If it is ultimately determined that offshore drilling rigs constitute vessels within the meaning of the Nigerian cabotage laws, we may be required to pay the surcharge and comply with other aspects of the Nigerian cabotage laws, which could adversely affect future operations in Nigerian waters and require us to incur additional costs of compliance.
	Under the Nigerian Industrial Training Fund Act of 2004, as amended (“the Act”), Nigerian companies with five or more employees must contribute annually 1 percent of their payroll to the Industrial Training Fund, or ITF, established under the Act to be used for the training of Nigerian nationals with a view towards generating a pool of indigenously trained manpower. We have not paid this amount on our expatriate workers employed by our non-Nigerian employment entity in the past as we did not believe the contribution obligation was applicable to them. In October 2012, we received a demand from the ITF for payments going back to 2004 and associated penalties in respect of these expatriate employees. In February 2013, the ITF filed suit seeking payment of these amounts. We do not believe that we owe the amount claimed. We have had discussions with the ITF to resolve the issue and do not believe the resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or cash flows.
	In 2007, we began, and voluntarily contacted the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the DOJ, to advise them of an internal investigation of the legality under the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and local laws of certain reimbursement payments made by our Nigerian affiliate to our customs agents in Nigeria. In 2010, we finalized settlements of this matter with each of the SEC and the DOJ. Pursuant to these settlements, we agreed to pay fines and penalties to the DOJ and the SEC and to certain undertakings, including refraining from violating the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws, self-reporting any violations of the FCPA or such laws to the DOJ and reporting to the DOJ on an annual basis our progress on anti-corruption compliance matters. There are no remaining obligations under either settlement.

Segment_and_Related_Informatio

Segment and Related Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment and Related Information	'
	Note 17- Segment and Related Information
	We report our contract drilling operations as a single reportable segment, Contract Drilling Services, which reflects how we manage our business, and the fact that all of our drilling fleet is dependent upon the worldwide oil industry. The mobile offshore drilling units comprising our offshore rig fleet operate in a single, global market for contract drilling services and are often redeployed globally due to changing demands of our customers, which consist largely of major non-U.S. and government owned/controlled oil and gas companies throughout the world. Our contract drilling services segment conducts contract drilling operations in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia and Australia.
	The accounting policies of our reportable segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 1). We evaluate the performance of our operating segment based on revenues from external customers and segment profit. Summarized financial information of our reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is shown in the following table. The “Other” column includes results of labor contract drilling services in Canada and Alaska, as well as corporate related items. The consolidated financial statements of Noble-UK include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-UK conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries. As a result, the summarized financial information for Noble-Cayman is substantially the same as Noble-UK.
			Contract
			Drilling
			Services			Other			Total
	2013
	Revenues from external customers		$	4,179,246		$	55,044		$	4,234,290
	Depreciation and amortization			865,126			14,296			879,422
	Segment operating income			1,121,326			232			1,121,558
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(695	)		(105,605	)		(106,300	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit			(183,945	)		16,339			(167,606	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)			864,810			(82,113	)		782,697
	Total assets (at end of period)			15,495,071			722,886			16,217,957
	2012
	Revenues from external customers		$	3,462,583		$	84,429		$	3,547,012
	Depreciation and amortization			745,027			13,594			758,621
	Segment operating income			772,007			11,793			783,800
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(394	)		(85,369	)		(85,763	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit			(163,346	)		16,258			(147,088	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)			580,468			(58,124	)		522,344
	Total assets (at end of period)			13,971,189			636,585			14,607,774
	2011
	Revenues from external customers		$	2,634,911		$	60,921		$	2,695,832
	Depreciation and amortization			647,142			11,498			658,640
	Segment operating income			477,920			12,573			490,493
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(1,959	)		(53,768	)		(55,727	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit			(80,317	)		7,692			(72,625	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)			406,112			(35,214	)		370,898
	The following table presents revenues and identifiable assets by country based on the location of the service provided:
			Revenues									Identifiable Assets
			Year Ended December 31,									As of December 31,
			2013			2012			2011			2013		2012
	United States		$	1,338,634		$	1,061,255		$	524,750		$	5,525,839	$	5,259,294
	Australia			133,214			42,353			—			624,238		635,171
	Benin			50,821			—			—			803,788		—
	Brazil			839,993			714,798			572,015			3,921,306		3,851,387
	Cameroon			55,803			—			17,029			48,973		9,220
	Canada			36,965			38,709			39,186			13,672		13,952
	China (1)			—			—			—			—		552,721
	Denmark			22,850			14,119			—			—		21,999
	Egypt			33,685			103,380			11,261			—		—
	India			103,282			58,355			102,432			188,609		216,686
	Israel			21,109			118,485			25,566			—		203,442
	Malaysia			33,841			—			—			23,002		—
	Malta			7,453			35,776			44,713			454,951		165,297
	Mexico			367,734			329,896			402,129			439,098		537,931
	New Zealand			11,995			9,563			68,153			663,165		—
	Nigeria			107,739			149,082			58,501			31,701		65,340
	Oman			12,051			35,400			4,607			47,664		72,637
	Qatar			139,891			78,047			132,917			119,156		94,151
	Saudi Arabia			246,083			220,657			96,655			584,230		654,551
	Singapore (1)			—			—			—			618,341		586,510
	South Korea (1)			—			—			—			894,347		858,909
	Switzerland (2)			—			—			—			32,162		37,432
	The Netherlands			179,718			210,598			220,489			339,560		95,465
	United Arab Emirates			118,290			79,945			84,253			443,166		190,440
	United Kingdom			333,697			207,667			164,559			400,989		350,333
	Other			39,442			38,927			126,617			—		134,906
	Total		$	4,234,290		$	3,547,012		$	2,695,832		$	16,217,957	$	14,607,774
	-1	China, Singapore and South Korea consist primarily of asset values for newbuild rigs under construction in shipyards.
	-2	Switzerland assets consist of general corporate assets, which generate no external revenue for the Company.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Note 18- Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Noble-UK)
	The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Accounts receivable	$	(165,233	)	$	(143,010	)	$	(283,268	)
	Other current assets		(47,848	)		(43,246	)		(51,409	)
	Other assets		34,757			(385	)		(23,821	)
	Accounts payable		50,731			28,565			(12,502	)
	Other current liabilities		61,644			108,385			72,861
	Other liabilities		2,731			80,431			87,737
		$	(63,218	)	$	30,740		$	(210,402	)
	Additional cash flow information is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	81,897		$	56,144		$	46,180
	Income taxes (net of refunds)	$	219,088		$	148,612		$	128,162
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Note 19- Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Noble-Cayman)
	The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Accounts receivable	$	(165,233	)	$	(143,010	)	$	(283,268	)
	Other current assets		(48,186	)		(44,632	)		(49,044	)
	Other assets		35,103			(385	)		(26,800	)
	Accounts payable		49,980			28,289			(12,524	)
	Other current liabilities		62,516			108,425			67,238
	Other liabilities		2,728			80,432			87,711
		$	(63,092	)	$	29,119		$	(216,687	)
	Additional cash flow information is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	81,897		$	56,144		$	46,180
	Income taxes (net of refunds)	$	216,391		$	148,612		$	128,162

Information_about_NobleCayman

Information about Noble-Cayman	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Information about Noble-Cayman	'
	Note 20- Information about Noble-Cayman
	Guarantees of Registered Securities
	Noble-Cayman, or one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman, are a co-issuer or full and unconditional guarantor or otherwise obligated as of December 31, 2013 as follows:
		Issuer
	Notes	(Co-Issuer(s))		Guarantor(s)
	$250 million 7.375% Senior Notes due 2014	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$350 million 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019	NDC;		Noble-Cayman;
		Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)		Noble Holding (U.S.) Corporation (“NHC”);
				Noble Drilling Holding LLC (“NDH”)
	$500 million 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$500 million 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	The following consolidating financial statements of Noble-Cayman, NHC and NDH combined, NDC, NHIL, NDS6 and all other subsidiaries present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.
	Revision
	As part of our worldwide asset consolidation completed in 2009, NDC received a limited partnership interest in one of our Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble. This limited partnership interest has historically been included as a component of Total Shareholder Equity and income attributable to this limited partnership interest has been included in Net Income Attributable to Noble Corporation in the Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble column in the condensed consolidating financial statements.
	During the first quarter of 2013, we amended the presentation of this limited partnership interest in the Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble column to correctly present it as a noncontrolling interest and to record the income attributable to NDC as Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. We also made appropriate adjustments to the Consolidating Adjustments column. We concluded these errors were not material individually or in the aggregate to any of the previously issued financial statements taken as a whole. The following chart presents the impact of this change in presentation in the Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble and Consolidating Adjustments columns on the historical Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income. The revisions below did not impact our Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows.
		Other Non-Guarantor
		Subsidiaries of Noble						Consolidating Adjustments
		As reported			As adjusted			As reported			As adjusted
	December 31, 2010
	Income statement- Twelve months ended
	Net income	$	1,023,782		$	1,023,782		$	(2,963,512	)	$	(2,963,512	)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3	)		(41,889	)		—			41,886
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	1,023,779		$	981,893		$	(2,963,512	)	$	(2,921,626	)
	December 31, 2011
	Income statement- Twelve months ended
	Net income	$	634,128		$	634,128		$	(1,758,285	)	$	(1,758,285	)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		7,273			(15,808	)		—			23,081
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	641,401		$	618,320		$	(1,758,285	)	$	(1,735,204	)
	Balance Sheet
	Total shareholder equity	$	9,853,129		$	9,483,809		$	(28,268,572	)	$	(27,899,252	)
	Noncontrolling interests		691,331			1,060,651			—			(369,320	)
	Total equity	$	10,544,460		$	10,544,460		$	(28,268,572	)	$	(28,268,572	)
	December 31, 2012
	Income statement- Twelve months ended
	Net income	$	280,763		$	280,763		$	(1,891,202	)	$	(1,891,202	)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(33,793	)		(68,969	)		—			35,176
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	246,970		$	211,794		$	(1,891,202	)	$	(1,856,026	)
	Balance Sheet
	Total shareholder equity	$	9,913,839		$	9,509,343		$	(29,719,135	)	$	(29,314,639	)
	Noncontrolling interests		765,124			1,169,620			—			(404,496	)
	Total equity	$	10,678,963		$	10,678,963		$	(29,719,135	)	$	(29,719,135	)
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
																	Other
																	Non-guarantor
		Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
		Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1		$	402		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	109,975		$	—		$	110,382
	Accounts receivable		—			34,038			3,325			—			—			911,706			—			949,069
	Taxes receivable		—			52,307			—			—			—			87,722			—			140,029
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—			1,456,245			—			139,195			19,500			166,760			(1,781,700	)		—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates		1,244,019			108,208			1,137,137			210,868			27,537			6,302,784			(9,030,553	)		—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			6,336			204			—			—			177,808			—			184,348
Total current assets		1,244,020			1,657,536			1,140,666			350,067			47,037			7,756,755			(10,812,253	)		1,383,828
Property and equipment, at cost		—			2,340,216			75,856			—			—			16,744,278			—			19,160,350
Accumulated depreciation		—			(310,171	)		(60,950	)		—			—			(4,260,557	)		—			(4,631,678	)
Property and equipment, net		—			2,030,045			14,906			—			—			12,483,721			—			14,528,672
Notes receivable from affiliates		3,304,753			124,216			—			2,367,555			5,000			1,390,500			(7,192,024	)		—
Investments in affiliates		8,601,712			9,502,970			2,523,808			9,456,735			5,440,004			—			(35,525,229	)		—
Other assets		6,256			6,332			173			22,681			639			232,933			—			269,014
Total assets	$	13,156,741		$	13,321,099		$	3,679,553		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,863,909		$	(53,529,506	)	$	16,181,514
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	191,806		$	114,149		$	—		$	750,000		$	725,745		$	(1,781,700	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—			5,310			452			—			—			340,148			—			345,910
Accrued payroll and related costs		—			8,582			9,141			—			—			125,623			—			143,346
Accounts payable to affiliates		1,104,410			4,685,825			292,354			216,866			21,173			2,709,925			(9,030,553	)		—
Taxes payable		—			827			9			—			—			119,752			—			120,588
Other current liabilities		412			22,106			240			62,431			4,412			210,571			—			300,172
Total current liabilities		1,104,822			4,914,456			416,345			279,297			775,585			4,231,764			(10,812,253	)		910,016
Long-term debt		1,561,141			—			—			3,793,414			201,696			—			—			5,556,251
Notes payable to affiliates		2,042,808			534,683			—			975,000			260,216			3,379,317			(7,192,024	)		—
Deferred income taxes		—			—			3,275			—			—			222,180			—			225,455
Other liabilities		19,931			24,502			—			—			—			289,875			—			334,308
Total liabilities		4,728,702			5,473,641			419,620			5,047,711			1,237,497			8,123,136			(18,004,277	)		7,026,030
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		8,428,039			7,847,458			3,259,933			7,149,327			4,255,183			12,502,531			(35,014,432	)		8,428,039
Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,238,242			(510,797	)		727,445
Total equity		8,428,039			7,847,458			3,259,933			7,149,327			4,255,183			13,740,773			(35,525,229	)		9,155,484
Total liabilities and equity	$	13,156,741		$	13,321,099		$	3,679,553		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,863,909		$	(53,529,506	)	$	16,181,514
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,003		$	904		$	—		$	2		$	—		$	275,466		$	—		$	277,375
Accounts receivable		—			14,885			3,335			—			—			725,453			—			743,673
Taxes receivable		—			8,341			—			—			—			103,969			—			112,310
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—			119,476			—			—			586,769			252,138			(958,383	)		—
Accounts receivable from affiliates		664,375			140,014			1,015,204			526,483			38,895			5,855,066			(8,240,037	)		—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		235			1,035			205			—			—			162,406			—			163,881
Total current assets		665,613			284,655			1,018,744			526,485			625,664			7,374,498			(9,198,420	)		1,297,239
Property and equipment, at cost		—			2,735,223			76,428			—			—			14,123,496			—			16,935,147
Accumulated depreciation		—			(283,028	)		(58,411	)		—			—			(3,597,079	)		—			(3,938,518	)
Property and equipment, net		—			2,452,195			18,017			—			—			10,526,417			—			12,996,629
Notes receivable from affiliates		3,816,463			1,206,000			—			3,524,814			479,107			2,171,875			(11,198,259	)		—
Investments in affiliates		7,770,066			9,170,923			3,386,879			7,413,361			1,977,906			—			(29,719,135	)		—
Other assets		5,798			320			543			25,895			759			243,243			—			276,558
Total assets	$	12,257,940		$	13,114,093		$	4,424,183		$	11,490,555		$	3,083,436		$	20,316,033		$	(50,115,814	)	$	14,570,426
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	90,314		$	51,054		$	110,770		$	—		$	—		$	706,245		$	(958,383	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—			6,522			1,183			—			—			341,889			—			349,594
Accrued payroll and related costs		—			6,176			7,611			—			—			110,149			—			123,936
Accounts payable to affiliates		900,063			4,806,235			5,444			165,065			77,075			2,286,155			(8,240,037	)		—
Taxes payable		—			9,152			—			—			—			121,692			—			130,844
Other current liabilities		1,594			—			240			62,430			4,412			158,259			—			226,935
Total current liabilities		991,971			4,879,139			125,248			227,495			81,487			3,724,389			(9,198,420	)		831,309
Long-term debt		639,794			—			—			3,792,886			201,695			—			—			4,634,375
Notes payable to affiliates		2,840,287			648,475			—			975,000			1,342,000			5,392,497			(11,198,259	)		—
Deferred income taxes		—			—			15,731			—			—			210,314			—			226,045
Other liabilities		19,930			17,815			—			—			—			309,870			—			347,615
Total liabilities		4,491,982			5,545,429			140,979			4,995,381			1,625,182			9,637,070			(20,396,679	)		6,039,344
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		7,765,958			7,568,664			4,283,204			6,495,174			1,458,254			9,509,343			(29,314,639	)		7,765,958
Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,169,620			(404,496	)		765,124
Total equity		7,765,958			7,568,664			4,283,204			6,495,174			1,458,254			10,678,963			(29,719,135	)		8,531,082
Total liabilities and equity	$	12,257,940		$	13,114,093		$	4,424,183		$	11,490,555		$	3,083,436		$	20,316,033		$	(50,115,814	)	$	14,570,426
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	240,631		$	20,183		$	—		$	—		$	3,886,617		$	(77,361	)	$	4,070,070
Reimbursables		—			8,498			—			—			—			103,376			—			111,874
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			52,241			—			52,241
Other		—			—			—			—			—			105			—			105
Total operating revenues		—			249,129			20,183			—			—			4,042,339			(77,361	)		4,234,290
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		24,039			92,554			7,930			110,138			—			1,847,324			(77,361	)		2,004,624
Reimbursables		—			6,850			—			—			—			78,698			—			85,548
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			36,604			—			36,604
Depreciation and amortization		—			62,778			4,539			—			—			809,933			—			877,250
General and administrative		7,380			7,396			340			36,050			1			13,692			—			64,859
Loss on impairment		—			—			—			—			—			43,688			—			43,688
Gain on disposal of assets, net		—			—			—			—			—			(35,646	)		—			(35,646	)
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		(45,000	)		—			—			—			—			(1,800	)		—			(46,800	)
Total operating costs and expenses		(13,581	)		169,578			12,809			146,188			1			2,792,493			(77,361	)		3,030,127
Operating income (loss)		13,581			79,551			7,374			(146,188	)		(1	)		1,249,846			—			1,204,163
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		975,619			365,919			106,038			1,072,304			(1,073,596	)		—			(1,446,284	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(127,995	)		(24,237	)		(2,346	)		(139,784	)		(45,897	)		(1,850,077	)		2,084,036			(106,300	)
Interest income and other, net		6,609			262,717			(99	)		154,442			1,569,003			93,490			(2,084,036	)		2,126
Income before income taxes		867,814			683,950			110,967			940,774			449,509			(506,741	)		(1,446,284	)		1,099,989
Income tax provision		—			(37,487	)		—			—			—			(126,979	)		—			(164,466	)
Net Income		867,814			646,463			110,967			940,774			449,509			(633,720	)		(1,446,284	)		935,523
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(114,314	)		46,605			(67,709	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		867,814			646,463			110,967			940,774			449,509			(748,034	)		(1,399,679	)		867,814
Other comprehensive income, net		33,285			—			—			—			—			33,285			(33,285	)		33,285
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	901,099		$	646,463		$	110,967		$	940,774		$	449,509		$	(714,749	)	$	(1,432,964	)	$	901,099
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	161,577		$	20,033		$	—		$	—		$	3,246,332		$	(78,580	)	$	3,349,362
Reimbursables		—			6,637			—			—			—			108,858			—			115,495
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			81,890			—			81,890
Other		—			—			—			—			—			1,196			(931	)		265
Total operating revenues		—			168,214			20,033			—			—			3,438,276			(79,511	)		3,547,012
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		2,646			63,025			7,476			82,736			—			1,684,593			(79,511	)		1,760,965
Reimbursables		—			5,886			—			—			—			88,210			—			94,096
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			46,895			—			46,895
Depreciation and amortization		—			60,738			4,526			—			—			691,425			—			756,689
General and administrative		3,036			7,786			—			35,606			1			12,937			—			59,366
Loss on impairment		—			—			—			—			—			20,384			—			20,384
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		—			(4,869	)		—			—			—			(28,386	)		—			(33,255	)
Total operating costs and expenses		5,682			132,566			12,002			118,342			1			2,516,058			(79,511	)		2,705,140
Operating income (loss)		(5,682	)		35,648			8,031			(118,342	)		(1	)		922,218			—			841,872
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		684,446			472,509			110,820			807,590			(184,163	)		—			(1,891,202	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(105,147	)		(44,055	)		(3,892	)		(120,361	)		(43,090	)		(663,076	)		893,858			(85,763	)
Interest income and other, net		7,306			40,845			8			135,001			594,328			121,065			(893,858	)		4,695
Income before income taxes		580,923			504,947			114,967			703,888			367,074			380,207			(1,891,202	)		760,804
Income tax provision		—			(46,644	)		—			—			—			(99,444	)		—			(146,088	)
Net Income		580,923			458,303			114,967			703,888			367,074			280,763			(1,891,202	)		614,716
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(68,969	)		35,176			(33,793	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		580,923			458,303			114,967			703,888			367,074			211,794			(1,856,026	)		580,923
Other comprehensive loss, net		(41,128	)		—			—			—			—			(41,128	)		41,128			(41,128	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	539,795		$	458,303		$	114,967		$	703,888		$	367,074		$	170,666		$	(1,814,898	)	$	539,795
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	134,602		$	19,913		$	—		$	—		$	2,466,701		$	(64,458	)	$	2,556,758
Reimbursables		—			4,351			12			—			—			74,832			—			79,195
Labor contract drilling services		—			4			—			—			—			59,000			—			59,004
Other		—			—			—			—			—			875			—			875
Total operating revenues		—			138,957			19,925			—			—			2,601,408			(64,458	)		2,695,832
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		3,038			46,305			7,478			59,865			—			1,319,187			(64,458	)		1,371,415
Reimbursables		—			4,125			—			—			—			54,314			—			58,439
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			33,885			—			33,885
Depreciation and amortization		—			50,462			3,767			—			—			602,976			—			657,205
General and administrative		1,242			5,025			1			33,355			1			17,163			—			56,787
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		—			—			—			—			—			(21,202	)		—			(21,202	)
Total operating costs and expenses		4,280			105,917			11,246			93,220			1			2,006,323			(64,458	)		2,156,529
Operating income (loss)		(4,280	)		33,040			8,679			(93,220	)		(1	)		595,085			—			539,303
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		488,735			296,751			64,626			579,730			328,443			—			(1,758,285	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(69,180	)		(61,271	)		(6,110	)		(88,396	)		(29,050	)		(38,778	)		237,058			(55,727	)
Interest income and other, net		6,768			26,291			(11	)		63,607			8,709			134,174			(237,058	)		2,480
Income before income taxes		422,043			294,811			67,184			461,721			308,101			690,481			(1,758,285	)		486,056
Income tax provision		—			(14,933	)		—			—			—			(56,353	)		—			(71,286	)
Net Income		422,043			279,878			67,184			461,721			308,101			634,128			(1,758,285	)		414,770
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(15,808	)		23,081			7,273
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		422,043			279,878			67,184			461,721			308,101			618,320			(1,735,204	)		422,043
Other comprehensive loss, net		(24,101	)		—			—			—			—			(24,101	)		24,101			(24,101	)
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps		183			—			—			—			—			183			(183	)		183
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	398,125		$	279,878		$	67,184		$	461,721		$	308,101		$	594,402		$	(1,711,286	)	$	398,125
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(117,993	)	$	290,552		$	(1,799	)	$	(128,315	)	$	1,523,225		$	202,960		$	—		$	1,768,630
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(1,594,449	)		(751	)		—			—			(949,004	)		—			(2,544,204	)
Proceeds from disposal of assets		—			—			—			—			—			61,000			—			61,000
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			(294,798	)		—
Net cash from investing activities		—			(1,594,449	)		(751	)		—			—			(593,206	)		(294,798	)		(2,483,204	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		1,221,333			—			—			—			—			—			—			1,221,333
Repayment of long-term debt		(300,000	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(300,000	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(105,388	)		—			(105,388	)
Financing cost on credit facilities		(2,484	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(2,484	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(265,880	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(265,880	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(241,180	)		1,303,395			2,550			128,317			(1,523,225	)		330,143			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(294,798	)		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			—
Net cash from financing activities		116,991			1,303,395			2,550			128,317			(1,523,225	)		224,755			294,798			547,581
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(1,002	)		(502	)		—			2			—			(165,491	)		—			(166,993	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,003			904			—			2			—			275,466			—			277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1		$	402		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	109,975		$	—		$	110,382
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(86,784	)	$	35,177		$	9,950		$	(96,642	)	$	551,358		$	1,007,568		$	—		$	1,420,627
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(682,477	)		(2,106	)		—			—			(1,103,971	)		—			(1,788,554	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—			—			1,188,287			—
Net cash from investing activities		—			(682,477	)		(2,106	)		(1,188,287	)		—			(1,103,971	)		1,188,287			(1,788,554	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		(635,192	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(635,192	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net		—			—			—			1,186,636			—			—			—			1,186,636
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			40,000			—			40,000
Financing cost on credit facilities		(5,221	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(5,221	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(175,977	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(175,977	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(284,256	)		647,819			(7,844	)		98,295			(551,358	)		97,344			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		1,188,287			—			—			—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—
Net cash from financing activities		87,641			647,819			(7,844	)		1,284,931			(551,358	)		137,344			(1,188,287	)		410,246
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		857			519			—			2			—			40,941			—			42,319
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		146			385			—			—			—			234,525			—			235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,003		$	904		$	—		$	2		$	—		$	275,466		$	—		$	277,375
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(48,906	)	$	17,107		$	(5,616	)	$	(109,171	)	$	(20,222	)	$	937,295		$	—		$	770,487
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(1,495,056	)		(1,380	)		—			—			(1,038,460	)		—			(2,534,896	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		20,000			—			—			(1,096,927	)		—			172,302			904,625			—
Refund from contract extinguishments		—			—			—			—			—			18,642			—			18,642
Net cash from investing activities		20,000			(1,495,056	)		(1,380	)		(1,096,927	)		—			(847,516	)		904,625			(2,516,254	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		935,000			—			—			—			—			—			—			935,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net		—			—			—			1,087,833			—			—			—			1,087,833
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			536,000			—			536,000
Payments of joint venture debt		—			—			—			—			—			(693,494	)		—			(693,494	)
Settlement of interest rate swaps		—			—			—			—			—			(29,032	)		—			(29,032	)
Financing cost on credit facilities		(2,835	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(2,835	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(186,048	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(186,048	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(597,305	)		1,495,688			41,996			118,265			20,222			(1,078,866	)		—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(119,802	)		(17,500	)		(35,000	)		—			—			1,076,927			(904,625	)		—
Net cash from financing activities		29,010			1,478,188			6,996			1,206,098			20,222			(188,465	)		(904,625	)		1,647,424
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		104			239			—			—			—			(98,686	)		—			(98,343	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		42			146			—			—			—			333,211			—			333,399
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	146		$	385		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	234,525		$	—		$	235,056

Unaudited_Interim_Financial_Da

Unaudited Interim Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unaudited Interim Financial Data	'
	Note 21- Unaudited Interim Financial Data
	Unaudited interim consolidated financial information for Noble-UK for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Quarter Ended
			Mar. 31		Jun. 30		Sep. 30		Dec. 31
	2013
	Operating revenues		$	970,975	$	1,017,385	$	1,078,881	$	1,167,049
	Operating income			229,791		253,860		378,381		259,526
	Net Income attributable to Noble Corporation			150,060		176,620		281,957		174,060
	Net income per share attributable to Noble Corporation (1)
	Basic			0.59		0.69		1.1		0.68
	Diluted			0.59		0.69		1.1		0.68
			Quarter Ended
			Mar. 31		Jun. 30		Sep. 30		Dec. 31
	2012
	Operating revenues		$	797,690	$	898,923	$	884,032	$	966,367
	Operating income			143,643		244,495		178,924		216,738
	Net Income attributable to Noble Corporation			120,175		159,818		114,774		127,577
	Net income per share attributable to Noble Corporation (1)
	Basic			0.47		0.63		0.45		0.5
	Diluted			0.47		0.63		0.45		0.5
	-1	Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Organization_and_Significant_A1

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and Business	'
	Organization and Business
	On November 20, 2013, pursuant to the Merger Agreement dated as of June 30, 2013 between Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), and Noble Corporation plc, a company registered under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), Noble-Swiss merged with and into Noble-UK, with Noble-UK as the surviving company (the “Transaction”). In the Transaction, all of the outstanding ordinary shares of Noble-Swiss were cancelled, and Noble-UK issued, through an exchange agent, one ordinary share of Noble-UK in exchange for each ordinary share of Noble-Swiss.
	The Transaction effectively changed the place of incorporation of our publicly traded parent holding company from Switzerland to the United Kingdom. As a result of the Transaction, Noble-UK owns and conducts the same businesses through the Noble group as Noble-Swiss conducted prior to the Transaction, except that Noble-UK is the parent company of the Noble group of companies.
	Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”), is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-UK. Noble-UK’s principal asset is all of the shares of Noble-Cayman. Noble-Cayman has no public equity outstanding. The consolidated financial statements of Noble-UK include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-UK conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries.
	Noble-UK is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We perform contract drilling services with our fleet of mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide. We also own one floating production storage and offloading unit (“FPSO”). Currently, our fleet consists of 14 semisubmersibles, 14 drillships and 49 jackups, including six units under construction as follows:
		•	two dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships; and
		•	four high-specification, heavy-duty, harsh environment jackups.
	Our fleet is located in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia and Australia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts, those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of two joint ventures, in each of which we own a 50 percent interest. Our ownership interest meets the definition of variable interest under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) codification and we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Although we are a UK company, we define foreign currency as any non-U.S. denominated currency. In non-U.S. locations where the U.S. Dollar has been designated as the functional currency (based on an evaluation of factors including the markets in which the subsidiary operates, inflation, generation of cash flow, financing activities and intercompany arrangements), local currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income. In non-U.S. locations where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date, while income statement items are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. The resulting gains or losses arising from the translation of accounts from the functional currency to the U.S. Dollar are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We did not recognize any material gains or losses on foreign currency transactions or translations during the three years ended December 31, 2013.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits with banks and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are subject to potential credit risk, and certain of our cash accounts carry balances greater than the federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held by major banks or investment firms. Our cash management and investment policies restrict investments to lower risk, highly liquid securities and we perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of the financial institutions with which we conduct business.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost, reduced by provisions to recognize economic impairment in value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are sold, retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the gain or loss is recognized. Drilling equipment and facilities are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as of the date placed in service or date of major refurbishment. Estimated useful lives of our drilling equipment range from three to thirty years. Other property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over useful lives ranging from two to twenty-five years. Included in accounts payable were $88 million and $141 million of capital accruals as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Interest is capitalized on construction-in-progress at the weighted average cost of debt outstanding during the period of construction.
	Scheduled maintenance of equipment is performed based on the number of hours operated in accordance with our preventative maintenance program. Routine repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred; however, the costs of the overhauls and asset replacement projects that benefit future periods and which typically occur every three to five years are capitalized when incurred and depreciated over an equivalent period. These overhauls and asset replacement projects are included in “Drilling equipment and facilities” in Note 5. Such amounts, net of accumulated depreciation, totaled $400 million and $303 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Depreciation expense related to overhauls and asset replacement totaled $140 million, $113 million and $103 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	We evaluate the impairment of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In addition, on an annual basis, we complete an impairment analysis on our rig fleet. An impairment loss on our property and equipment exists when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Any impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the estimated fair value. As part of this analysis, we make assumptions and estimates regarding future market conditions. To the extent actual results do not meet our estimated assumptions, for a given rig class, we may take an impairment loss in the future.
Deferred Costs	'
	Deferred Costs
	Deferred debt issuance costs are being amortized through interest expense over the life of the debt securities.
Insurance Reserves	'
	Insurance Reserves
	We maintain various levels of self-insured retention for certain losses including property damage, loss of hire, employment practices liability, employers’ liability, and general liability, among others. We accrue for property damage and loss of hire charges on a per event basis.
	Employment practices liability claims are accrued based on actual claims during the year. Maritime employer’s liability claims are generally estimated using actuarial determinations. General liability claims are estimated by our internal claims department by evaluating the facts and circumstances of each claim (including incurred but not reported claims) and making estimates based upon historical experience with similar claims. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, loss reserves for personal injury and protection claims totaled $29 million and $20 million, respectively, and such amounts are included in “Other current liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenues generated from our dayrate-basis drilling contracts and labor contracts are recognized as services are performed and begin upon the contract commencement, as defined under the specified drilling or labor contract. Revenues from bonuses are recognized when earned.
	It is typical, in our dayrate drilling contracts, to receive compensation for mobilization, equipment modification, or other activities prior to the commencement of the contract. These payments take either the form of a lump-sum payment or other daily compensation. We defer pre-contract compensation and related costs over the term of the initial contract period to which the compensation and costs relate. Upon completion of our drilling contracts, any demobilization revenues received are recognized as income, as are any related expenses.
	Deferred revenues under drilling contracts totaled $303 million at December 31, 2013 as compared to $252 million at December 31, 2012. Such amounts are included in either “Other current liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition. Related expenses deferred under drilling contracts totaled $157 million at December 31, 2013 as compared to $150 million at December 31, 2012, and are included in either “Other current assets” or “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets based upon our expected time of recognition.
	We record reimbursements from customers for “out-of-pocket” expenses as revenues and the related direct cost as operating expenses.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are based on the laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted or in which we or our subsidiaries are considered resident for income tax purposes. Applicable income and withholding taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings of our subsidiaries. We do not intend to repatriate such undistributed earnings except for distributions upon which incremental income and withholding taxes would not be material. In certain circumstances, we expect that, due to changing demands of the offshore drilling markets and the ability to redeploy our offshore drilling units, certain of such units will not reside in a location long enough to give rise to future tax consequences. As a result, no deferred tax asset or liability has been recognized in these circumstances. Should our expectations change regarding the length of time an offshore drilling unit will be used in a given location, we will adjust deferred taxes accordingly.
	We operate through various subsidiaries in numerous countries throughout the world, including the United States. Consequently, we are subject to changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof in the U.S., UK or jurisdictions in which we or any of our subsidiaries operate or are resident. Our income tax expense is based upon our interpretation of the tax laws in effect in various countries at the time that the expense was incurred. If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or other taxing authorities do not agree with our assessment of the effects of such laws, treaties and regulations, this could have a material adverse effect on us including the imposition of a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings or a reclassification of the tax impact of our significant corporate restructuring transactions.
Net Income Per Share	'
	Net Income per Share
	Our unvested share-based payment awards, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the “two-class” method. The “two-class” method allocates undistributed earnings between common shares and participating securities. The diluted earnings per share calculation under the “two-class” method also includes the dilutive effect of potential shares issued in connection with stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options is determined using the treasury stock method.
Share-Based Compensation Plans	'
	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	We record the grant date fair value of share-based compensation arrangements as compensation cost using a straight-line method over the service period. Share-based compensation is expensed or capitalized based on the nature of the employee’s activities.
Certain Significant Estimates	'
	Certain Significant Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain accounting policies involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could have been reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions had been used. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income.” This amended guidance requires additional information about reclassification adjustments out of comprehensive income, including changes in comprehensive income balances by component and significant items reclassified out of comprehensive income. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, which amends ASC Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” This ASU provides guidance on foreign currency translation adjustments when a parent entity ceases to have a controlling interest on a previously consolidated subsidiary or group of assets. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, which amends ASC Topic 740, “Taxes.” This ASU provides guidance on the presentation of tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward or other tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Ta

Consolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Operational Results	'
	Operational results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Operating revenues	$	355,115	$	237,123
	Net income	$	145,447	$	71,629

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share for Noble-UK	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share for Noble-UK:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Allocation of income from continuing operations
	Basic
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	782,697		$	522,344		$	370,898
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(9,271	)		(5,309	)		(3,727	)
	Net income to common shareholders—basic	$	773,426		$	517,035		$	367,171
	Diluted
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	782,697		$	522,344		$	370,898
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(9,261	)		(5,302	)		(3,719	)
	Net income to common shareholders—diluted	$	773,436		$	517,042		$	367,179
	Weighted average shares outstanding—basic		253,288			252,435			251,405
	Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		259			356			584
	Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted		253,547			252,791			251,989
	Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		3,036			2,592			2,552
	Earnings per share
	Basic	$	3.05		$	2.05		$	1.46
	Diluted	$	3.05		$	2.05		$	1.46
	Dividends per share	$	0.76		$	0.54		$	0.6

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment, at Cost	'
	Property and equipment, at cost, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 for Noble-UK consisted of the following:
		2013		2012
	Drilling equipment and facilities	$	17,130,986	$	14,043,717
	Construction in progress		1,854,434		2,733,296
	Other		213,347		194,653
	Property and equipment, at cost	$	19,198,767	$	16,971,666

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt	'
	Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			December 31,		December 31,
			2013		2012
	Senior unsecured notes:
	5.875% Senior Notes due 2013		$	—	$	299,985
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014			249,964		249,799
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015			350,000		350,000
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016			299,967		299,952
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017			299,886		299,852
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019			201,695		201,695
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020			499,022		498,900
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021			399,576		399,527
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022			399,178		399,095
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040			399,893		399,891
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041			397,646		397,613
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042			498,283		498,257
	Total senior unsecured notes			3,995,110		4,294,566
	Commercial paper program			1,561,141		339,809
	Total long-term debt		$	5,556,251	$	4,634,375
Repayments of Total Debt	'
	Aggregate principal repayments of total debt for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	2014(1)(2)		2015		2016		2017		2018		Thereafter		Total
	$1,811,105		$	350,000	$	299,967	$	299,886	$	—	$	2,795,293	$	5,556,251
	-1	In March 2014, our $250 million 7.375% senior notes mature. We anticipate using availability on our Credit Facilities or commercial paper program to repay the outstanding balance; therefore, we have shown the entire balance as long-term on our December 31, 2013 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	-2	Amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program mature during 2014. As amounts issued under the commercial paper program are supported by the unused committed capacity under our Credit Facilities, they are classified as long-term on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013
Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt	'
	The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
			Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
			Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
	Senior unsecured notes:
	5.875% Senior Notes due 2013		$	—	$	—	$	299,985	$	305,594
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014			249,964		253,634		249,799		269,008
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015			350,000		363,019		350,000		368,824
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016			299,967		309,878		299,952		316,268
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017			299,886		302,891		299,852		309,846
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019			201,695		232,839		201,695		249,358
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020			499,022		528,597		498,900		562,530
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021			399,576		413,868		399,527		442,776
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022			399,178		390,520		399,095		422,227
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040			399,893		421,720		399,891		477,327
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041			397,646		417,312		397,613		468,256
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042			498,283		476,873		498,257		533,422
	Total senior unsecured notes			3,995,110		4,111,151		4,294,566		4,725,436
	Commercial paper program			1,561,141		1,561,141		339,809		339,809
	Total long-term debt		$	5,556,251	$	5,672,292	$	4,634,375	$	5,065,245

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Noble-UK's Share Capital	'
	The following table provides a detail of Noble-UK’s share capital as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Shares outstanding and trading			253,448			252,759
	Treasury shares			—			589
	Total shares outstanding			253,448			253,348
	Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans			—			12,802
	Total shares authorized for issuance			253,448			266,150
Share Repurchases	'
	Share repurchases for each of the three years ended December 31 are as follows:
			Total Number						Average
	Year Ended		of Shares						Price Paid
	December 31,		Purchased (1)			Total Cost			per Share
	2013			190,187		$	7,653		$	40.24
	2012			302,150			10,516			34.8
	2011			261,721			10,233			39.1
	-1	Includes shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock.
Summary of Stock Options Granted	'
	A summary of the status of stock options granted under both the 1991 Plan and 1992 Plan as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and the changes during the year ended on those dates is presented below:
			2013						2012					2011
			Number of			Weighted			Number of			Weighted		Number of			Weighted
			Shares			Average			Shares			Average		Shares			Average
			Underlying			Exercise			Underlying			Exercise		Underlying			Exercise
			Options			Price			Options			Price		Options			Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year			2,027,089		$	32.44			2,498,662		$	29.22		2,767,486		$	26.22
	Granted			—			—			358,772			36.04		322,567			37.71
	Exercised (1)			(212,017	)		26.66			(645,731	)		20.97		(506,149	)		17.89
	Forfeited			(6,085	)		31.35			(184,614	)		35.92		(85,242	)		31.33
	Outstanding at end of year (2)			1,808,987			33.13			2,027,089			32.44		2,498,662			29.22
	Exercisable at end of year (2)			1,510,929		$	32.47			1,453,945		$	30.7		2,004,370		$	27.55
	-1	The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $6 million.
	-2	The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 was $9 million.
Additional Information about Stock Options Outstanding	'
	The following table summarizes additional information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013:
			Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
			Number of			Weighted			Weighted					Weighted
			Shares			Average			Average					Average
			Underlying			Remaining			Exercise			Number		Exercise
			Options			Life (Years)			Price			Exercisable		Price
	$16.06 to $26.46			579,471			2.54		$	24.3			579,471	$	24.3
	$26.47 to $35.79			269,300			3.66			32.63			239,431		32.88
	$35.80 to $43.01			960,216			6.3			38.59			692,027		39.18
	Total			1,808,987			4.7		$	33.13			1,510,929	$	32.47
Valuation Assumptions for Stock Options Granted	'
	Fair value information and related valuation assumptions for stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
			2012			2011
	Weighted average fair value per option granted		$	13.41		$	13.2
	Valuation assumptions:
	Expected option term (years)			6			6
	Expected volatility			43	%		38.6	%
	Historical dividend yield			1.4	%		1.5	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.1	%		2.6	%
Summary of Status of Non-Vested Stock Options	'
	A summary of the status of our non-vested stock options at December 31, 2013, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2013, is presented below:
			Shares			Weighted-Average
			Under Outstanding			Grant-Date
			Options			Fair Value
	Non-Vested Options at January 1, 2013			573,144		$	13.44
	Vested			(275,086	)		13.78
	Non-Vested Options at December 31, 2013			298,058		$	13.13
Assumptions used to Value the Performance-Vested Restricted Stock Awards	'
	The assumptions used to value the PVRSU’s include historical volatility, risk-free interest rates, and expected dividends over a time period commensurate with the remaining term prior to vesting, as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
	Valuation assumptions:
	Expected volatility			34.8	%		41.4	%		57.7	%
	Expected dividend yield			0.5	%		0.6	%		0.6	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.4	%		0.3	%		1.3	%
Summary of Restricted Share Awards	'
	A summary of the RSU awards for each of the years in the period ended December 31 is as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
	TVRSU
	Units awarded (maximum available)			1,033,009			932,274			660,124
	Weighted-average share price at award date		$	41.32		$	36.53		$	37.68
	Weighted-average vesting period (years)			3			3			3
	PVRSU
	Units awarded (maximum available)			565,650			481,206			508,206
	Weighted-average share price at award date		$	41.42		$	36.9		$	37.6
	Three-year performance period ended December 31			2015			2014			2013
	Weighted-average award-date fair value		$	24.97		$	20.05		$	16.77
Summary of Status of Non-Vested Restricted Shares	'
	A summary of the status of non-vested RSU’s at December 31, 2013 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2013 is presented below:
						Weighted						Weighted
						Average						Average
			TVRSU’s			Award-Date			PVRSU’s			Award-Date
			Outstanding			Fair Value			Outstanding (1)			Fair Value
	Non-vested RSU’s at January 1, 2013			1,355,721		$	37.13			1,151,338		$	18.32
	Awarded			1,033,009			41.32			565,650			24.97
	Vested			(609,843	)		37.58			—			—
	Forfeited			(126,527	)		39.45			(319,851	)		18.12
	Non-vested RSU’s at December 31, 2013			1,652,360		$	39.4			1,397,137		$	21.06
	-1	The number of PVRSU’s shown equals the units that would vest if the “maximum” level of performance is achieved. The minimum number of units is zero and the “target” level of performance is 67 percent of the amounts shown.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Changes in AOCL by Component	'
	The following tables set forth the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”) for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and changes in AOCL by component for the year ended December 31, 2013. All amounts within the tables are shown net of tax.
			Defined
			Benefit			Foreign
			Pension			Currency
			Items(1)			Items			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	(95,071	)	$	(20,378	)	$	(115,449	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			—			(3,188	)		(3,188	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			36,473			—			36,473
	Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)			36,473			(3,188	)		33,285
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(58,598	)	$	(23,566	)	$	(82,164	)
	-1	Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial losses and the amortization of prior service costs. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statement of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 13 for additional information.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Deferred Taxes	'
	The components of the net deferred taxes are as follows:
			2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets
	United States
	Deferred pension plan amounts		$	8,859		$	14,382
	Accrued expenses not currently deductible			31,769			20,431
	Other			14,542			259
	Non-U.S.
	Net operating loss carry forwards			33,021			43,314
	Deferred pension plan amounts			2,130			3,832
	Other			300			3,631
	Deferred tax assets			90,621			85,849
	Less: valuation allowance			(16,847	)		—
	Net deferred tax assets		$	73,774		$	85,849
	Deferred tax liabilities
	United States
	Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis		$	(275,073	)	$	(254,724	)
	Other			(6,002	)		(2,102	)
	Non-U.S.
	Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis			(1,034	)		(38,726	)
	Other			(2,452	)		—
	Deferred tax liabilities		$	(284,561	)	$	(295,552	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities		$	(210,787	)	$	(209,703	)
Income Before Income Taxes	'
	Income before income taxes consists of the following:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	United States		$	253,770		$	209,662		$	142,922
	Non-U.S.			764,242			493,563			293,328
	Total		$	1,018,012		$	703,225		$	436,250
Income Tax Provision	'
	The income tax provision consists of the following:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Current- United States		$	88,956		$	88,183		$	68,254
	Current- Non-U.S.			94,605			79,024			86,696
	Deferred- United States			(11,531	)		(21,228	)		(39,167	)
	Deferred- Non-U.S.			(4,424	)		1,109			(43,158	)
	Total		$	167,606		$	147,088		$	72,625
Reconciliation of Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions, Excluding Interest and Penalties	'
	The following is a reconciliation of our reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties:
			2013			2012			2011
	Gross balance at January 1,		$	115,009		$	108,036		$	128,581
	Additions based on tax positions related to current year			2,318			3,704			5,130
	Additions for tax positions of prior years			18,906			16,432			5,718
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years			(7,910	)		(7,917	)		(2,354	)
	Expiration of statutes (1)			(2,633	)		(1,903	)		(28,846	)
	Tax settlements			(9,721	)		(3,343	)		(193	)
	Gross balance at December 31,			115,969			115,009			108,036
	Related tax benefits			(2,038	)		(9,981	)		(8,127	)
	Net reserve at December 31,		$	113,931		$	105,028		$	99,909
	-1	$(15.7) million relate to transactions recorded directly to equity for the years ended December 31, 2011. There were no transactions recorded directly to equity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Summary of Liabilities Related to Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions	'
	The liabilities related to our reserve for uncertain tax positions are comprised of the following:
			2013			2012
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties		$	113,931		$	105,028
	Interest and penalties included in “Other liabilities”			13,190			19,944
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties		$	127,121		$	124,972
Reconciliation of Statutory and Effective Income Tax Rate	'
	A reconciliation of tax rates outside of the United Kingdom and the Cayman Islands to our Noble-UK effective rate is shown below:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Effect of:
	Tax rates which are different than the UK and Cayman Island rates			17.1	%		20.7	%		18.9	%
	Reserve for (resolution of) tax authority audits			-0.6	%		0.2	%		-2.2	%
	Total			16.5	%		20.9	%		16.7	%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations for our Non - U.S. and U.S. Plan	'
	A reconciliation of the changes in projected benefit obligations (“PBO”) for our non-U.S. and U.S. plans is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	151,781		$	225,885		$	111,164		$	192,042
	Service cost		5,496			10,724			4,461			9,612
	Interest cost		5,085			9,049			5,372			8,719
	Actuarial loss (gain)		(4,584	)		(17,652	)		28,442			19,115
	Plan amendments		(227	)		—			—			—
	Benefits paid		(2,558	)		(4,068	)		(2,442	)		(3,603	)
	Plan participants’ contributions		956			—			747			—
	Foreign exchange rate changes		5,642			—			4,037			—
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	161,591		$	223,938		$	151,781		$	225,885
Reconciliation of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets	'
	A reconciliation of the changes in fair value of plan assets is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	151,819		$	167,170		$	143,110		$	140,828
	Actual return on plan assets		8,470			31,518			935			19,251
	Employer contributions		9,365			6,391			5,647			10,694
	Benefits and expenses paid		(2,558	)		(4,068	)		(2,442	)		(3,603	)
	Plan participants’ contributions		956			—			747			—
	Foreign exchange rate changes		6,205			—			3,822			—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	174,257		$	201,011		$	151,819		$	167,170
Funded Status of Plans	'
	The funded status of the plans is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Funded status	$	12,666		$	(22,927	)	$	38		$	(58,715	)
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Other assets (noncurrent)	$	13,586		$	6,132		$	3,486		$	—
	Other liabilities (current)		—			(2,120	)		—			(1,988	)
	Other liabilities (noncurrent)		(920	)		(26,939	)		(3,448	)		(56,727	)
	Net amount recognized	$	12,666		$	(22,927	)	$	38		$	(58,715	)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Amounts recognized in AOCL consist of:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Net actuarial loss	$	30,902		$	45,338		$	40,288		$	89,046
	Prior service cost		(232	)		905			—			1,131
	Deferred income tax asset		(2,130	)		(16,185	)		(3,832	)		(31,562	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	28,540		$	30,058		$	36,456		$	58,615
Pension Costs	'
	Pension cost includes the following components:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012						2011
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service Cost	$	5,496		$	10,724		$	4,461		$	9,612		$	4,545		$	8,608
	Interest Cost		5,085			9,049			5,372			8,719			5,586			8,570
	Return on plan assets		(5,836	)		(13,102	)		(5,344	)		(11,171	)		(5,647	)		(11,072	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		—			227			—			227			483			227
	Amortization of transition obligation		—			—			—			—			74			—
	Recognized net actuarial loss		1,670			7,639			803			7,356			—			3,374
	Net pension expense	$	6,415		$	14,537		$	5,292		$	14,743		$	5,041		$	9,707
Disaggregated Plan Information	'
	Disaggregated information regarding our non-U.S. and U.S. plans is summarized below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Projected benefit obligation	$	161,591		$	223,938		$	151,781		$	225,885
	Accumulated benefit obligation		154,140			185,383			146,612			185,961
	Fair value of plan assets		174,257			201,011			151,819			167,170
Plans in which PBO Exceeded Fair Value	'
	The following table provides information related to those plans in which the PBO exceeded the fair value of the plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The PBO is the actuarially computed present value of earned benefits based on service to date and includes the estimated effect of any future salary increases.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Projected benefit obligation	$	6,740		$	200,472		$	87,455		$	225,885
	Fair value of plan assets		5,820			171,413			84,007			167,170
Plans in which Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeded Fair Value of Plan Assets	'
	The following table provides information related to those plans in which the accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) exceeded the fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The ABO is the actuarially computed present value of earned benefits based on service to date, but differs from the PBO in that it is based on current salary levels.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	6,493		$	11,997		$	6,481		$	185,961
	Fair value of plan assets		5,820			—			5,074			167,170
Defined Benefit Plans Key Assumptions	'
	The key assumptions for the plans are summarized below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
		Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
	Discount Rate	3.9%-4.7%		3.9%-5.1%	3.6%-4.5%		3.1%-4.2%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.6%-4.5%		5.00%	3.6%-4.1%		5.00%
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:
	Discount Rate	2.5%-4.5%		3.1%-4.2%	4.7%-5.0%		4.3%-4.7%	5.3%-5.4%		5.0%-5.8%
	Expected long-term return on assets	2.3%-5.7%		7.80%	3.9%-5.4%		7.80%	2.2%-6.3%		7.80%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.6%-4.1%		5.00%	2.3%-4.4%		5.00%	3.9%-4.6%		5.00%
Actual Fair Values of Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'
	The actual fair values of Non-U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
					December 31, 2013
					Estimated Fair Value
					Measurements
					Quoted			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Significant
					Active			Observable			Unobservable
		Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
		Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash	$	207		$	207		$	—		$	—
	Equity securities:
	International companies	$	54,722		$	54,722		$	—		$	—
	Fixed income securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	41,767		$	—		$	41,767		$	—
	Other		77,561			—			—			77,561
	Total	$	174,257		$	54,929		$	41,767		$	77,561
					December 31, 2012
					Estimated Fair Value
					Measurements
					Quoted			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Significant
					Active			Observable			Unobservable
		Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
		Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash	$	7,158		$	7,158		$	—		$	—
	Equity securities:
	International companies	$	45,560		$	45,560		$	—		$	—
	Fixed income securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	22,189		$	—		$	22,189		$	—
	Other		76,912			—			—			76,912
	Total	$	151,819		$	52,718		$	22,189		$	76,912
Schedule of Activity Related to Investments	'
	The following table details the activity related to these investments during the year.
		Market
		Value
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	76,912
	Assets sold/benefits paid		(776	)
	Gain on exchange rate		3,478
	Loss on investment		(2,053	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	77,561
Actual Fair Values of U.S. Pension Plans	'
	The actual fair values of U.S. pension plan assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
					December 31, 2013
					Estimated Fair Value
					Measurements
					Quoted			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Significant
					Active			Observable			Unobservable
		Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
		Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash	$	2,184		$	2,184		$	—		$	—
	Equity securities:
	United States	$	104,899		$	80,714		$	24,185		$	—
	International		33,012			33,012			—			—
	Fixed income securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	60,916		$	60,916		$	—		$	—
	Total	$	201,011		$	176,826		$	24,185		$	—
					December 31, 2012
					Estimated Fair Value
					Measurements
					Quoted			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Significant
					Active			Observable			Unobservable
		Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
		Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash	$	1,609		$	1,609		$	—		$	—
	Equity securities:
	United States	$	79,264		$	60,112		$	19,152		$	—
	International		34,466			34,466			—			—
	Fixed income securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	51,831		$	51,831		$	—		$	—
	Total	$	167,170		$	148,018		$	19,152		$	—
Estimated Benefit Payments	'
	The following table summarizes our estimated benefit payments at December 31, 2013:
					Payments by Period
		Total			2014			2015			2016			2017			2018			Thereafter
	Estimated benefit payments
	Non U.S. plan	$	40,007		$	2,585		$	2,792		$	2,997		$	3,308		$	3,327		$	24,998
	U.S. plan		108,134			7,086			6,203			8,272			8,001			9,112			69,460
	Total estimated benefit payments	$	148,141		$	9,671		$	8,995		$	11,269		$	11,309		$	12,439		$	94,458

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Net Unrealized Loss Related to Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The balance of the net unrealized gain/(loss) related to our cash flow hedges included in AOCL in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and related activity is as follows:
		2012			2011
	Net unrealized gain (loss) at beginning of period	$	(3,061	)	$	1,970
	Activity during period:
	Settlement of foreign currency forward contracts during the period		3,061			(1,604	)
	Settlement of interest rate swaps during the period		—			(366	)
	Net unrealized loss on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts		—			(3,061	)
	Net unrealized loss at end of period	$	—		$	(3,061	)
Summarization of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges	'
	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 15, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Gain/(loss) recognized						Gain reclassified from				Gain/(loss) recognized
		through AOCL						AOCL to “other				through “other income”
								income”
		2013			2012			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(2,526	)	$	—		$	2,526	$	3,061	$	—	$	—

Financial_Instruments_and_Cred1

Financial Instruments and Credit Risk (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
				December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets—
	Marketable securities	$	7,230	$	7,230	$	—	$	—
				December 31, 2012
				Estimated Fair Value
				Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets—
	Marketable securities	$	5,816	$	5,816	$	—	$	—

Segment_and_Related_Informatio1

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summarized Financial Information of Reportable Segment	'
	As a result, the summarized financial information for Noble-Cayman is substantially the same as Noble-UK.
			Contract
			Drilling
			Services			Other			Total
	2013
	Revenues from external customers		$	4,179,246		$	55,044		$	4,234,290
	Depreciation and amortization			865,126			14,296			879,422
	Segment operating income			1,121,326			232			1,121,558
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(695	)		(105,605	)		(106,300	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit			(183,945	)		16,339			(167,606	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)			864,810			(82,113	)		782,697
	Total assets (at end of period)			15,495,071			722,886			16,217,957
	2012
	Revenues from external customers		$	3,462,583		$	84,429		$	3,547,012
	Depreciation and amortization			745,027			13,594			758,621
	Segment operating income			772,007			11,793			783,800
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(394	)		(85,369	)		(85,763	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit			(163,346	)		16,258			(147,088	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)			580,468			(58,124	)		522,344
	Total assets (at end of period)			13,971,189			636,585			14,607,774
	2011
	Revenues from external customers		$	2,634,911		$	60,921		$	2,695,832
	Depreciation and amortization			647,142			11,498			658,640
	Segment operating income			477,920			12,573			490,493
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(1,959	)		(53,768	)		(55,727	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit			(80,317	)		7,692			(72,625	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)			406,112			(35,214	)		370,898
Revenues and Identifiable Assets by Country Based on the Location of the Service Provided	'
	The following table presents revenues and identifiable assets by country based on the location of the service provided:
			Revenues									Identifiable Assets
			Year Ended December 31,									As of December 31,
			2013			2012			2011			2013		2012
	United States		$	1,338,634		$	1,061,255		$	524,750		$	5,525,839	$	5,259,294
	Australia			133,214			42,353			—			624,238		635,171
	Benin			50,821			—			—			803,788		—
	Brazil			839,993			714,798			572,015			3,921,306		3,851,387
	Cameroon			55,803			—			17,029			48,973		9,220
	Canada			36,965			38,709			39,186			13,672		13,952
	China (1)			—			—			—			—		552,721
	Denmark			22,850			14,119			—			—		21,999
	Egypt			33,685			103,380			11,261			—		—
	India			103,282			58,355			102,432			188,609		216,686
	Israel			21,109			118,485			25,566			—		203,442
	Malaysia			33,841			—			—			23,002		—
	Malta			7,453			35,776			44,713			454,951		165,297
	Mexico			367,734			329,896			402,129			439,098		537,931
	New Zealand			11,995			9,563			68,153			663,165		—
	Nigeria			107,739			149,082			58,501			31,701		65,340
	Oman			12,051			35,400			4,607			47,664		72,637
	Qatar			139,891			78,047			132,917			119,156		94,151
	Saudi Arabia			246,083			220,657			96,655			584,230		654,551
	Singapore (1)			—			—			—			618,341		586,510
	South Korea (1)			—			—			—			894,347		858,909
	Switzerland (2)			—			—			—			32,162		37,432
	The Netherlands			179,718			210,598			220,489			339,560		95,465
	United Arab Emirates			118,290			79,945			84,253			443,166		190,440
	United Kingdom			333,697			207,667			164,559			400,989		350,333
	Other			39,442			38,927			126,617			—		134,906
	Total		$	4,234,290		$	3,547,012		$	2,695,832		$	16,217,957	$	14,607,774
	-1	China, Singapore and South Korea consist primarily of asset values for newbuild rigs under construction in shipyards.
	-2	Switzerland assets consist of general corporate assets, which generate no external revenue for the Company.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'
	The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Accounts receivable	$	(165,233	)	$	(143,010	)	$	(283,268	)
	Other current assets		(47,848	)		(43,246	)		(51,409	)
	Other assets		34,757			(385	)		(23,821	)
	Accounts payable		50,731			28,565			(12,502	)
	Other current liabilities		61,644			108,385			72,861
	Other liabilities		2,731			80,431			87,737
		$	(63,218	)	$	30,740		$	(210,402	)
Additional Cash Flow Information	'
	Additional cash flow information is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	81,897		$	56,144		$	46,180
	Income taxes (net of refunds)	$	219,088		$	148,612		$	128,162
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'
Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'
	The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Accounts receivable	$	(165,233	)	$	(143,010	)	$	(283,268	)
	Other current assets		(48,186	)		(44,632	)		(49,044	)
	Other assets		35,103			(385	)		(26,800	)
	Accounts payable		49,980			28,289			(12,524	)
	Other current liabilities		62,516			108,425			67,238
	Other liabilities		2,728			80,432			87,711
		$	(63,092	)	$	29,119		$	(216,687	)
Additional Cash Flow Information	'
	Additional cash flow information is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	81,897		$	56,144		$	46,180
	Income taxes (net of refunds)	$	216,391		$	148,612		$	128,162

Information_about_NobleCayman_

Information about Noble-Cayman (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Guarantor Obligations	'
	Guarantees of Registered Securities
	Noble-Cayman, or one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman, are a co-issuer or full and unconditional guarantor or otherwise obligated as of December 31, 2013 as follows:
		Issuer
	Notes	(Co-Issuer(s))		Guarantor(s)
	$250 million 7.375% Senior Notes due 2014	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$350 million 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019	NDC;		Noble-Cayman;
		Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)		Noble Holding (U.S.) Corporation (“NHC”);
				Noble Drilling Holding LLC (“NDH”)
	$500 million 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$500 million 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
Summary of Impact of Change in Presentation on Historical Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income	'
	The following chart presents the impact of this change in presentation in the Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble and Consolidating Adjustments columns on the historical Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income. The revisions below did not impact our Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows.
		Other Non-Guarantor
		Subsidiaries of Noble						Consolidating Adjustments
		As reported			As adjusted			As reported			As adjusted
	December 31, 2010
	Income statement- Twelve months ended
	Net income	$	1,023,782		$	1,023,782		$	(2,963,512	)	$	(2,963,512	)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3	)		(41,889	)		—			41,886
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	1,023,779		$	981,893		$	(2,963,512	)	$	(2,921,626	)
	December 31, 2011
	Income statement- Twelve months ended
	Net income	$	634,128		$	634,128		$	(1,758,285	)	$	(1,758,285	)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		7,273			(15,808	)		—			23,081
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	641,401		$	618,320		$	(1,758,285	)	$	(1,735,204	)
	Balance Sheet
	Total shareholder equity	$	9,853,129		$	9,483,809		$	(28,268,572	)	$	(27,899,252	)
	Noncontrolling interests		691,331			1,060,651			—			(369,320	)
	Total equity	$	10,544,460		$	10,544,460		$	(28,268,572	)	$	(28,268,572	)
	December 31, 2012
	Income statement- Twelve months ended
	Net income	$	280,763		$	280,763		$	(1,891,202	)	$	(1,891,202	)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(33,793	)		(68,969	)		—			35,176
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	246,970		$	211,794		$	(1,891,202	)	$	(1,856,026	)
	Balance Sheet
	Total shareholder equity	$	9,913,839		$	9,509,343		$	(29,719,135	)	$	(29,314,639	)
	Noncontrolling interests		765,124			1,169,620			—			(404,496	)
	Total equity	$	10,678,963		$	10,678,963		$	(29,719,135	)	$	(29,719,135	)
Condensed Financial Statements	'
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
																	Other
																	Non-guarantor
		Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
		Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1		$	402		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	109,975		$	—		$	110,382
	Accounts receivable		—			34,038			3,325			—			—			911,706			—			949,069
	Taxes receivable		—			52,307			—			—			—			87,722			—			140,029
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—			1,456,245			—			139,195			19,500			166,760			(1,781,700	)		—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates		1,244,019			108,208			1,137,137			210,868			27,537			6,302,784			(9,030,553	)		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			6,336			204			—			—			177,808			—			184,348
	Total current assets		1,244,020			1,657,536			1,140,666			350,067			47,037			7,756,755			(10,812,253	)		1,383,828
	Property and equipment, at cost		—			2,340,216			75,856			—			—			16,744,278			—			19,160,350
	Accumulated depreciation		—			(310,171	)		(60,950	)		—			—			(4,260,557	)		—			(4,631,678	)
	Property and equipment, net		—			2,030,045			14,906			—			—			12,483,721			—			14,528,672
	Notes receivable from affiliates		3,304,753			124,216			—			2,367,555			5,000			1,390,500			(7,192,024	)		—
	Investments in affiliates		8,601,712			9,502,970			2,523,808			9,456,735			5,440,004			—			(35,525,229	)		—
	Other assets		6,256			6,332			173			22,681			639			232,933			—			269,014
	Total assets	$	13,156,741		$	13,321,099		$	3,679,553		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,863,909		$	(53,529,506	)	$	16,181,514
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities
	Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	191,806		$	114,149		$	—		$	750,000		$	725,745		$	(1,781,700	)	$	—
	Accounts payable		—			5,310			452			—			—			340,148			—			345,910
	Accrued payroll and related costs		—			8,582			9,141			—			—			125,623			—			143,346
	Accounts payable to affiliates		1,104,410			4,685,825			292,354			216,866			21,173			2,709,925			(9,030,553	)		—
	Taxes payable		—			827			9			—			—			119,752			—			120,588
	Other current liabilities		412			22,106			240			62,431			4,412			210,571			—			300,172
	Total current liabilities		1,104,822			4,914,456			416,345			279,297			775,585			4,231,764			(10,812,253	)		910,016
	Long-term debt		1,561,141			—			—			3,793,414			201,696			—			—			5,556,251
	Notes payable to affiliates		2,042,808			534,683			—			975,000			260,216			3,379,317			(7,192,024	)		—
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			3,275			—			—			222,180			—			225,455
	Other liabilities		19,931			24,502			—			—			—			289,875			—			334,308
	Total liabilities		4,728,702			5,473,641			419,620			5,047,711			1,237,497			8,123,136			(18,004,277	)		7,026,030
	Commitments and contingencies
	Total shareholder equity		8,428,039			7,847,458			3,259,933			7,149,327			4,255,183			12,502,531			(35,014,432	)		8,428,039
	Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,238,242			(510,797	)		727,445
	Total equity		8,428,039			7,847,458			3,259,933			7,149,327			4,255,183			13,740,773			(35,525,229	)		9,155,484
	Total liabilities and equity	$	13,156,741		$	13,321,099		$	3,679,553		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,863,909		$	(53,529,506	)	$	16,181,514
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
																	Other
																	Non-guarantor
		Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
		Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,003		$	904		$	—		$	2		$	—		$	275,466		$	—		$	277,375
	Accounts receivable		—			14,885			3,335			—			—			725,453			—			743,673
	Taxes receivable		—			8,341			—			—			—			103,969			—			112,310
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—			119,476			—			—			586,769			252,138			(958,383	)		—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates		664,375			140,014			1,015,204			526,483			38,895			5,855,066			(8,240,037	)		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		235			1,035			205			—			—			162,406			—			163,881
	Total current assets		665,613			284,655			1,018,744			526,485			625,664			7,374,498			(9,198,420	)		1,297,239
	Property and equipment, at cost		—			2,735,223			76,428			—			—			14,123,496			—			16,935,147
	Accumulated depreciation		—			(283,028	)		(58,411	)		—			—			(3,597,079	)		—			(3,938,518	)
	Property and equipment, net		—			2,452,195			18,017			—			—			10,526,417			—			12,996,629
Notes receivable from affiliates		3,816,463			1,206,000			—			3,524,814			479,107			2,171,875			(11,198,259	)		—
Investments in affiliates		7,770,066			9,170,923			3,386,879			7,413,361			1,977,906			—			(29,719,135	)		—
Other assets		5,798			320			543			25,895			759			243,243			—			276,558
Total assets	$	12,257,940		$	13,114,093		$	4,424,183		$	11,490,555		$	3,083,436		$	20,316,033		$	(50,115,814	)	$	14,570,426
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	90,314		$	51,054		$	110,770		$	—		$	—		$	706,245		$	(958,383	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—			6,522			1,183			—			—			341,889			—			349,594
Accrued payroll and related costs		—			6,176			7,611			—			—			110,149			—			123,936
Accounts payable to affiliates		900,063			4,806,235			5,444			165,065			77,075			2,286,155			(8,240,037	)		—
Taxes payable		—			9,152			—			—			—			121,692			—			130,844
Other current liabilities		1,594			—			240			62,430			4,412			158,259			—			226,935
Total current liabilities		991,971			4,879,139			125,248			227,495			81,487			3,724,389			(9,198,420	)		831,309
Long-term debt		639,794			—			—			3,792,886			201,695			—			—			4,634,375
Notes payable to affiliates		2,840,287			648,475			—			975,000			1,342,000			5,392,497			(11,198,259	)		—
Deferred income taxes		—			—			15,731			—			—			210,314			—			226,045
Other liabilities		19,930			17,815			—			—			—			309,870			—			347,615
Total liabilities		4,491,982			5,545,429			140,979			4,995,381			1,625,182			9,637,070			(20,396,679	)		6,039,344
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		7,765,958			7,568,664			4,283,204			6,495,174			1,458,254			9,509,343			(29,314,639	)		7,765,958
Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,169,620			(404,496	)		765,124
Total equity		7,765,958			7,568,664			4,283,204			6,495,174			1,458,254			10,678,963			(29,719,135	)		8,531,082
Total liabilities and equity	$	12,257,940		$	13,114,093		$	4,424,183		$	11,490,555		$	3,083,436		$	20,316,033		$	(50,115,814	)	$	14,570,426
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	240,631		$	20,183		$	—		$	—		$	3,886,617		$	(77,361	)	$	4,070,070
Reimbursables		—			8,498			—			—			—			103,376			—			111,874
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			52,241			—			52,241
Other		—			—			—			—			—			105			—			105
Total operating revenues		—			249,129			20,183			—			—			4,042,339			(77,361	)		4,234,290
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		24,039			92,554			7,930			110,138			—			1,847,324			(77,361	)		2,004,624
Reimbursables		—			6,850			—			—			—			78,698			—			85,548
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			36,604			—			36,604
Depreciation and amortization		—			62,778			4,539			—			—			809,933			—			877,250
General and administrative		7,380			7,396			340			36,050			1			13,692			—			64,859
Loss on impairment		—			—			—			—			—			43,688			—			43,688
Gain on disposal of assets, net		—			—			—			—			—			(35,646	)		—			(35,646	)
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		(45,000	)		—			—			—			—			(1,800	)		—			(46,800	)
Total operating costs and expenses		(13,581	)		169,578			12,809			146,188			1			2,792,493			(77,361	)		3,030,127
Operating income (loss)		13,581			79,551			7,374			(146,188	)		(1	)		1,249,846			—			1,204,163
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		975,619			365,919			106,038			1,072,304			(1,073,596	)		—			(1,446,284	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(127,995	)		(24,237	)		(2,346	)		(139,784	)		(45,897	)		(1,850,077	)		2,084,036			(106,300	)
Interest income and other, net		6,609			262,717			(99	)		154,442			1,569,003			93,490			(2,084,036	)		2,126
Income before income taxes		867,814			683,950			110,967			940,774			449,509			(506,741	)		(1,446,284	)		1,099,989
Income tax provision		—			(37,487	)		—			—			—			(126,979	)		—			(164,466	)
Net Income		867,814			646,463			110,967			940,774			449,509			(633,720	)		(1,446,284	)		935,523
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(114,314	)		46,605			(67,709	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		867,814			646,463			110,967			940,774			449,509			(748,034	)		(1,399,679	)		867,814
Other comprehensive income, net		33,285			—			—			—			—			33,285			(33,285	)		33,285
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	901,099		$	646,463		$	110,967		$	940,774		$	449,509		$	(714,749	)	$	(1,432,964	)	$	901,099
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	161,577		$	20,033		$	—		$	—		$	3,246,332		$	(78,580	)	$	3,349,362
Reimbursables		—			6,637			—			—			—			108,858			—			115,495
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			81,890			—			81,890
Other		—			—			—			—			—			1,196			(931	)		265
Total operating revenues		—			168,214			20,033			—			—			3,438,276			(79,511	)		3,547,012
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		2,646			63,025			7,476			82,736			—			1,684,593			(79,511	)		1,760,965
Reimbursables		—			5,886			—			—			—			88,210			—			94,096
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			46,895			—			46,895
Depreciation and amortization		—			60,738			4,526			—			—			691,425			—			756,689
General and administrative		3,036			7,786			—			35,606			1			12,937			—			59,366
Loss on impairment		—			—			—			—			—			20,384			—			20,384
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		—			(4,869	)		—			—			—			(28,386	)		—			(33,255	)
Total operating costs and expenses		5,682			132,566			12,002			118,342			1			2,516,058			(79,511	)		2,705,140
Operating income (loss)		(5,682	)		35,648			8,031			(118,342	)		(1	)		922,218			—			841,872
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		684,446			472,509			110,820			807,590			(184,163	)		—			(1,891,202	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(105,147	)		(44,055	)		(3,892	)		(120,361	)		(43,090	)		(663,076	)		893,858			(85,763	)
Interest income and other, net		7,306			40,845			8			135,001			594,328			121,065			(893,858	)		4,695
Income before income taxes		580,923			504,947			114,967			703,888			367,074			380,207			(1,891,202	)		760,804
Income tax provision		—			(46,644	)		—			—			—			(99,444	)		—			(146,088	)
Net Income		580,923			458,303			114,967			703,888			367,074			280,763			(1,891,202	)		614,716
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(68,969	)		35,176			(33,793	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		580,923			458,303			114,967			703,888			367,074			211,794			(1,856,026	)		580,923
Other comprehensive loss, net		(41,128	)		—			—			—			—			(41,128	)		41,128			(41,128	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	539,795		$	458,303		$	114,967		$	703,888		$	367,074		$	170,666		$	(1,814,898	)	$	539,795
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	134,602		$	19,913		$	—		$	—		$	2,466,701		$	(64,458	)	$	2,556,758
Reimbursables		—			4,351			12			—			—			74,832			—			79,195
Labor contract drilling services		—			4			—			—			—			59,000			—			59,004
Other		—			—			—			—			—			875			—			875
Total operating revenues		—			138,957			19,925			—			—			2,601,408			(64,458	)		2,695,832
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		3,038			46,305			7,478			59,865			—			1,319,187			(64,458	)		1,371,415
Reimbursables		—			4,125			—			—			—			54,314			—			58,439
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			33,885			—			33,885
Depreciation and amortization		—			50,462			3,767			—			—			602,976			—			657,205
General and administrative		1,242			5,025			1			33,355			1			17,163			—			56,787
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		—			—			—			—			—			(21,202	)		—			(21,202	)
Total operating costs and expenses		4,280			105,917			11,246			93,220			1			2,006,323			(64,458	)		2,156,529
Operating income (loss)		(4,280	)		33,040			8,679			(93,220	)		(1	)		595,085			—			539,303
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		488,735			296,751			64,626			579,730			328,443			—			(1,758,285	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(69,180	)		(61,271	)		(6,110	)		(88,396	)		(29,050	)		(38,778	)		237,058			(55,727	)
Interest income and other, net		6,768			26,291			(11	)		63,607			8,709			134,174			(237,058	)		2,480
Income before income taxes		422,043			294,811			67,184			461,721			308,101			690,481			(1,758,285	)		486,056
Income tax provision		—			(14,933	)		—			—			—			(56,353	)		—			(71,286	)
Net Income		422,043			279,878			67,184			461,721			308,101			634,128			(1,758,285	)		414,770
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(15,808	)		23,081			7,273
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		422,043			279,878			67,184			461,721			308,101			618,320			(1,735,204	)		422,043
Other comprehensive loss, net		(24,101	)		—			—			—			—			(24,101	)		24,101			(24,101	)
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps		183			—			—			—			—			183			(183	)		183
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	398,125		$	279,878		$	67,184		$	461,721		$	308,101		$	594,402		$	(1,711,286	)	$	398,125
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(117,993	)	$	290,552		$	(1,799	)	$	(128,315	)	$	1,523,225		$	202,960		$	—		$	1,768,630
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(1,594,449	)		(751	)		—			—			(949,004	)		—			(2,544,204	)
Proceeds from disposal of assets		—			—			—			—			—			61,000			—			61,000
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			(294,798	)		—
Net cash from investing activities		—			(1,594,449	)		(751	)		—			—			(593,206	)		(294,798	)		(2,483,204	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		1,221,333			—			—			—			—			—			—			1,221,333
Repayment of long-term debt		(300,000	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(300,000	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(105,388	)		—			(105,388	)
Financing cost on credit facilities		(2,484	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(2,484	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(265,880	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(265,880	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(241,180	)		1,303,395			2,550			128,317			(1,523,225	)		330,143			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(294,798	)		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			—
Net cash from financing activities		116,991			1,303,395			2,550			128,317			(1,523,225	)		224,755			294,798			547,581
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(1,002	)		(502	)		—			2			—			(165,491	)		—			(166,993	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,003			904			—			2			—			275,466			—			277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1		$	402		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	109,975		$	—		$	110,382
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(86,784	)	$	35,177		$	9,950		$	(96,642	)	$	551,358		$	1,007,568		$	—		$	1,420,627
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(682,477	)		(2,106	)		—			—			(1,103,971	)		—			(1,788,554	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—			—			1,188,287			—
Net cash from investing activities		—			(682,477	)		(2,106	)		(1,188,287	)		—			(1,103,971	)		1,188,287			(1,788,554	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		(635,192	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(635,192	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net		—			—			—			1,186,636			—			—			—			1,186,636
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			40,000			—			40,000
Financing cost on credit facilities		(5,221	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(5,221	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(175,977	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(175,977	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(284,256	)		647,819			(7,844	)		98,295			(551,358	)		97,344			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		1,188,287			—			—			—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—
Net cash from financing activities		87,641			647,819			(7,844	)		1,284,931			(551,358	)		137,344			(1,188,287	)		410,246
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		857			519			—			2			—			40,941			—			42,319
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		146			385			—			—			—			234,525			—			235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,003		$	904		$	—		$	2		$	—		$	275,466		$	—		$	277,375
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(48,906	)	$	17,107		$	(5,616	)	$	(109,171	)	$	(20,222	)	$	937,295		$	—		$	770,487
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(1,495,056	)		(1,380	)		—			—			(1,038,460	)		—			(2,534,896	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		20,000			—			—			(1,096,927	)		—			172,302			904,625			—
Refund from contract extinguishments		—			—			—			—			—			18,642			—			18,642
Net cash from investing activities		20,000			(1,495,056	)		(1,380	)		(1,096,927	)		—			(847,516	)		904,625			(2,516,254	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		935,000			—			—			—			—			—			—			935,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net		—			—			—			1,087,833			—			—			—			1,087,833
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			536,000			—			536,000
Payments of joint venture debt		—			—			—			—			—			(693,494	)		—			(693,494	)
Settlement of interest rate swaps		—			—			—			—			—			(29,032	)		—			(29,032	)
Financing cost on credit facilities		(2,835	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(2,835	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(186,048	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(186,048	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(597,305	)		1,495,688			41,996			118,265			20,222			(1,078,866	)		—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(119,802	)		(17,500	)		(35,000	)		—			—			1,076,927			(904,625	)		—
Net cash from financing activities		29,010			1,478,188			6,996			1,206,098			20,222			(188,465	)		(904,625	)		1,647,424
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		104			239			—			—			—			(98,686	)		—			(98,343	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		42			146			—			—			—			333,211			—			333,399
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	146		$	385		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	234,525		$	—		$	235,056

Unaudited_Interim_Financial_Da1

Unaudited Interim Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Unaudited interim consolidated financial information for Noble-UK for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Quarter Ended
			Mar. 31		Jun. 30		Sep. 30		Dec. 31
	2013
	Operating revenues		$	970,975	$	1,017,385	$	1,078,881	$	1,167,049
	Operating income			229,791		253,860		378,381		259,526
	Net Income attributable to Noble Corporation			150,060		176,620		281,957		174,060
	Net income per share attributable to Noble Corporation (1)
	Basic			0.59		0.69		1.1		0.68
	Diluted			0.59		0.69		1.1		0.68
			Quarter Ended
			Mar. 31		Jun. 30		Sep. 30		Dec. 31
	2012
	Operating revenues		$	797,690	$	898,923	$	884,032	$	966,367
	Operating income			143,643		244,495		178,924		216,738
	Net Income attributable to Noble Corporation			120,175		159,818		114,774		127,577
	Net income per share attributable to Noble Corporation (1)
	Basic			0.47		0.63		0.45		0.5
	Diluted			0.47		0.63		0.45		0.5
	-1	Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Organization_and_Significant_A2

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	JointVenture
	Rigs
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of floating production storage and offloading units ("FPSO")	1	'	'
Number of semisubmersibles	14	'	'
Number of drillships	14	'	'
Number of jackups	49	'	'
Number of fleet units under construction	6	'	'
Number of ultra-deep water harsh environment drillships under construction	2	'	'
Number of harsh environment jackups Rigs under construction	4	'	'
Number of joint ventures, where the company hold the variable interest	2	'	'
Percentage of variable interest in joint ventures	50.00%	'	'
Maturity period of highly liquid investments	'Three months or less	'	'
Capital accruals	$88	$141	'
Period for incurring maintenance costs, Minimum	'3 years	'	'
Period for incurring maintenance costs, Maximum	'5 years	'	'
Deferred costs for major maintenance projects, net of accumulated depreciation	400	303	'
Depreciation expense related to overhauls and asset replacement	140	113	103
Loss reserves for personal injury and protection claims	29	20	'
Deferred revenues under drilling contracts	303	252	'
Deferred expenses under drilling contracts	$157	$150	'
Drilling Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum useful life of property plant and equipment	'3 years	'	'
Drilling Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum useful life of property plant and equipment	'30 years	'	'
Other Property and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum useful life of property plant and equipment	'2 years	'	'
Other Property and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum useful life of property plant and equipment	'25 years	'	'

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Ad

Consolidated Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
		JointVenture
		Rigs
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percent of interest in joint ventures	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'
Number of joint ventures acquired	'	2	'	'	'	'
Number of bully class drillships	'	2	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of notes to joint venture partners	$70,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Percent of interest rates in issued notes	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Combined joint venture partner debt	'	'	'	'	146,000,000	'
Outstanding notes related to joint venture	'	'	'	'	142,000,000	'
Company's portion of joint venture partner debt	'	'	'	'	73,000,000	'
Capital call on joint venture	'	'	'	'	360,000,000	'
Dividend paid to joint venture partner	'	105,000,000	'	'	'	'
Carrying amount of the drillships	'	1,400,000,000	1,400,000,000	'	'	'
Cash held by Bully joint venture	'	114,458,000	282,092,000	239,196,000	'	337,871,000
Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash held by Bully joint venture	'	50,000,000	'	'	'	'
Bully Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividend paid by Bully Joint Venture Partners	'	$211,000,000	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Sc

Consolidated Joint Ventures - Schedule of Operational Results (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$1,167,049	$1,078,881	$1,017,385	$970,975	$966,367	$884,032	$898,923	$797,690	$4,234,290	$3,547,012	$2,695,832
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	850,406	556,137	363,625
Joint Ventures [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	355,115	237,123	'
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$145,447	$71,629	'

Earnings_per_Share_Computation

Earnings per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share for Noble-UK (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$174,060	$281,957	$176,620	$150,060	$127,577	$114,774	$159,818	$120,175	$782,697	$522,344	$370,898
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9,271	-5,309	-3,727
Net income to common shareholders-basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	773,426	517,035	367,171
Diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	174,060	281,957	176,620	150,060	127,577	114,774	159,818	120,175	782,697	522,344	370,898
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9,261	-5,302	-3,719
Net income to common shareholders-diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$773,436	$517,042	$367,179
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	253,288	252,435	251,405
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	259	356	584
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	253,547	252,791	251,989
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,036	2,592	2,552
Earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.68	$1.10	$0.69	$0.59	$0.50	$0.45	$0.63	$0.47	$3.05	$2.05	$1.46
Diluted	$0.68	$1.10	$0.69	$0.59	$0.50	$0.45	$0.63	$0.47	$3.05	$2.05	$1.46
Dividends per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.76	$0.54	$0.60

Earnings_per_Share_Additional_

Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (Stock Options [Member])	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock options excluded from the diluted net income per share	1	1	1

Receivables_from_Customers_Add

Receivables from Customers - Additional Information (Detail) (Petroleos Mexicanos [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Petroleos Mexicanos [Member]	'
Receivables From Major Customers [Line Items]	'
Approximate receivables	$14

Property_and_Equipment_Propert

Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment, at Cost (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	$19,198,767	$16,971,666
Drilling Equipment and Facilities [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	17,130,986	14,043,717
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	1,854,434	2,733,296
Other Property and Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	$213,347	$194,653

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'	'
Capital expenditures	$2,500,000,000	$1,700,000,000
Capitalized interest on construction-in-progress	$115,000,000	$136,000,000

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Detail

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	$5,556,251	$4,634,375
Commercial Paper Program [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	1,561,141	339,809
5.875% Senior Notes Due 2013 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	'	299,985
7.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	249,964	249,799
3.45% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	350,000	350,000
3.05% Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	299,967	299,952
2.50% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	299,886	299,852
7.50% Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	201,695	201,695
4.90% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	499,022	498,900
4.625% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	399,576	399,527
3.95% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	399,178	399,095
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	399,893	399,891
6.05% Senior Notes Due 2041 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	397,646	397,613
5.25% Senior Notes Due 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	498,283	498,257
Total Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	$3,995,110	$4,294,566

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Parenthe

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013
5.875% Senior Notes Due 2013 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	5.88%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2013
7.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	7.38%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2014
3.45% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2015
3.05% Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2016
2.50% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2017
7.50% Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2019
4.90% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2020
4.625% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2021
3.95% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2022
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2040
6.05% Senior Notes Due 2041 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2041
5.25% Senior Notes Due 2042 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2042

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Feb. 29, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

CreditFacility

Credit Facilities [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility Which Matures in 2017 [Member]

Joint Venture Debt [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility Which Matures in 2015 [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility Which Matures in 2014 [Member]

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Commercial Paper Program [Member]

5.875% Senior Notes Due 2013 [Member]

5.875% Senior Notes Due 2013 [Member]

2.50% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

3.95% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]

5.25% Senior Notes Due 2042 [Member]

7.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]

Credit Facilities [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Commercial Paper Program [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of credit facilities

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum amount available under credit facility

'

'

'

'

$2,900,000,000

$375,000,000

$1,500,000,000

'

$800,000,000

$600,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short term Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturity Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'364 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in commercial paper program, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding notes value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,700,000,000

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility decrease in borrowing capacity during extension period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility amended maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11-Feb-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility maturity date extension period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowings outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.88%

'

2.50%

3.95%

5.25%

7.38%

Senior notes maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2013

'

'2017

'2022

'2042

'2014

Face value of senior notes

1,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

400,000,000

500,000,000

250,000,000

Weighted average coupon of all three tranches

4.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs

1,190,000,000

'

1,186,636,000

1,087,833,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum debt to tangible capitalization covenant

'

'

'

'

0.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility debt to tangible capitalization ratio

'

'

'

'

0.38

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

693,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity contribution by joint venture partner

'

361,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit

'

'

'

'

314,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Performance and temporary import bonds

'

'

'

'

$131,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Repayments_of_Total_Debt_

Debt - Repayments of Total Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$1,811,105
2015	350,000
2016	299,967
2017	299,886
2018	'
Thereafter	2,795,293
Total	$5,556,251

Debt_Repayments_of_Total_Debt_1

Debt - Repayments of Total Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (7.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
7.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument maturity date	'March 2014
Interest rate on senior notes	7.38%

Debt_Estimated_Fair_Value_of_O

Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	$5,672,292	$5,065,245
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	5,556,251	4,634,375
5.875% Senior Notes Due 2013 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	'	305,594
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	'	299,985
7.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	253,634	269,008
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	249,964	249,799
3.45% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	363,019	368,824
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	350,000	350,000
3.05% Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	309,878	316,268
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,967	299,952
2.50% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	302,891	309,846
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,886	299,852
7.50% Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	232,839	249,358
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	201,695	201,695
4.90% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	528,597	562,530
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	499,022	498,900
4.625% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	413,868	442,776
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,576	399,527
3.95% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	390,520	422,227
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,178	399,095
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	421,720	477,327
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,893	399,891
6.05% Senior Notes Due 2041 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	417,312	468,256
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	397,646	397,613
5.25% Senior Notes Due 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	476,873	533,422
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	498,283	498,257
Total Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	4,111,151	4,725,436
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	3,995,110	4,294,566
Commercial Paper Program [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	1,561,141	339,809
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	$1,561,141	$339,809

Debt_Estimated_Fair_Value_of_O1

Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013
5.875% Senior Notes Due 2013 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	5.88%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2013
7.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	7.38%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2014
3.45% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2015
3.05% Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2016
2.50% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2017
7.50% Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2019
4.90% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2020
4.625% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2021
3.95% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2022
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2040
6.05% Senior Notes Due 2041 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2041
5.25% Senior Notes Due 2042 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2042

Equity_NobleSwiss_Share_Capita

Equity - Noble-Swiss' Share Capital (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Shares outstanding and trading	253,448	252,759
Treasury shares	'	589
Total shares outstanding	253,448	253,348
Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans	'	12,802
Total shares authorized for issuance	253,448	266,150

Equity_Additional_Information_

Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Nov. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 30, 2014

Last Quarter Financial Year Two Thousand Thirteen [Member]

Dividend Third Tranche [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Equity Option [Member]

Equity Option [Member]

Equity Option [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

1991 [Member]

1992 [Member]

Time-Vested Restricted Shares Outstanding [Member]

Time-Vested Restricted Shares Outstanding [Member]

Performance-Vested Restricted Shares Outstanding [Member]

Performance-Vested Restricted Shares Outstanding [Member]

Performance-vested shares for the 2010-2012 performance period [Member]

Performance Vested Shares for Two Thousand Eleven to Two Thousand Thirteen Performance Period [Member]

Dividend [Member]

Dividend [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Installment

Last Quarter Financial Year Two Thousand Thirteen [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchased shares cancelled

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares held by wholly-owned subsidiary

'

12,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional conditionally authorized shares without additional shareholder approval

'

53,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current nominal value per share

'

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of installments by which the installments of dividends paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

Dividend to be paid, per share

'

'

'

'

$1.50

$0.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1

'

$0.38

Dividends payable outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$128

'

Dividends payable outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

97

Dividend declaration, Date

'

'

'

'

30-Jan-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend paid, Date

'

'

'

'

20-Feb-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend record, Date

'

'

'

'

10-Feb-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend paid, per share

'

'

'

'

$0.13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share repurchase

'

6,769,891

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redomiciliation period

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total number of shares issuable under stock option plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,100,000

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining number of shares available for grants

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,400,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized cost related to stock option

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period for recognizing unrecognized compensation cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'9 months 26 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 7 months 6 days

'

'1 year 7 months 6 days

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation cost recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

44

36

32

3

4

3

2

2

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrestricted shares awarded

'

57,095

65,329

69,711

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unrecognized compensation cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total fair value of time-vested restricted shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unrecognized compensation cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12

'

'

'

'

'

'

Performance shares forfeited in period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

126,527

'

319,851

'

285,656

218,195

'

'

'

Compensation cost recognized net of tax

'

36

31

28

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capitalized compensation costs

'

$1

$1

$1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity_Share_Repurchases_Detai

Equity - Share Repurchases (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total Number of Shares Purchased	190,187,000	302,150,000	261,721,000
Total Cost	$7,653	$10,516	$10,233
Average Price Paid per Share	$40.24	$34.80	$39.10

Equity_Summary_of_Stock_Option

Equity - Summary of Stock Options Granted (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	2,027,089	2,498,662	2,767,486
Granted, Number of Shares Underlying Options	'	358,772	322,567
Exercised, Number of Shares Underlying Options	-212,017	-645,731	-506,149
Forfeited, Number of Shares Underlying Options	-6,085	-184,614	-85,242
Outstanding at end of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	1,808,987	2,027,089	2,498,662
Exercisable at end of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	1,510,929	1,453,945	2,004,370
Outstanding at beginning of year, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.44	$29.22	$26.22
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$36.04	$37.71
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.66	$20.97	$17.89
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$31.35	$35.92	$31.33
Outstanding at end of year, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$33.13	$32.44	$29.22
Exercisable at end of year, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.47	$30.70	$27.55

Equity_Summary_of_Stock_Option1

Equity - Summary of Stock Options Granted (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$6
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable	$9

Equity_Additional_Information_1

Equity - Additional Information About Stock Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number of Shares Underlying Options, Options Outstanding	1,808,987
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	'4 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$33.13
Number Exercisable, Options Exercisable	1,510,929
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$32.47
$16.06 to $26.46 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, lower range limit	$16.06
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, upper range limit	$26.46
Number of Shares Underlying Options, Options Outstanding	579,471
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	'2 years 6 months 15 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$24.30
Number Exercisable, Options Exercisable	579,471
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$24.30
$26.47 to $35.79 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, lower range limit	$26.47
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, upper range limit	$35.79
Number of Shares Underlying Options, Options Outstanding	269,300
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	'3 years 7 months 28 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$32.63
Number Exercisable, Options Exercisable	239,431
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$32.88
$35.80 to $43.01 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, lower range limit	$35.80
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, upper range limit	$43.01
Number of Shares Underlying Options, Options Outstanding	960,216
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	'6 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$38.59
Number Exercisable, Options Exercisable	692,027
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$39.18

Equity_Valuation_Assumptions_f

Equity - Valuation Assumptions for Stock Options Granted (Detail) (Stock options granted [Member], Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock options granted [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted average fair value per option granted	$13.41	$13.20
Valuation assumptions:	'	'
Expected option term (years)	'6 years	'6 years
Expected volatility	43.00%	38.60%
Historical dividend yield	1.40%	1.50%
Risk-free interest rate	1.10%	2.60%

Equity_Summary_of_Status_of_No

Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Stock Options (Detail) (Non-Vested Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Non-Vested Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding at beginning of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	573,144
Shares Under Outstanding Options, Vested	-275,086
Outstanding at end of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	298,058
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$13.44
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Vested	$13.78
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$13.13

Equity_Assumptions_used_to_Val

Equity - Assumptions used to Value the Performance - Vested Restricted Stock Awards (Detail) (Restricted Stock Awards [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation assumptions:	'	'	'
Expected volatility	34.80%	41.40%	57.70%
Expected dividend yield	0.50%	0.60%	0.60%
Risk-free interest rate	0.40%	0.30%	1.30%

Equity_Summary_of_Restricted_S

Equity - Summary of Restricted Share Awards (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Time-Vested Restricted Shares [Member]	'	'	'
PVRSU	'	'	'
Units awarded (maximum available)	1,033,009	932,274	660,124
Weighted-average share price at award date	$41.32	$36.53	$37.68
Weighted-average vesting period (years)	'3 years	'3 years	'3 years
Performance-Vested Restricted Shares [Member]	'	'	'
PVRSU	'	'	'
Units awarded (maximum available)	565,650	481,206	508,206
Weighted-average share price at award date	$41.42	$36.90	$37.60
Three-year performance period ended December 31	'2015	'2014	'2013
Weighted-average award-date fair value	$24.97	$20.05	$16.77

Equity_Summary_of_Status_of_No1

Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Restricted Shares (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Time-Vested Restricted Shares Outstanding [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Non-vested restricted shares, Restricted Shares Outstanding, Beginning balance	1,355,721
Awarded, Restricted Shares Outstanding	1,033,009
Vested, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-609,843
Forfeited, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-126,527
Non-vested restricted shares, Restricted Shares Outstanding, Ending balance	1,652,360
Non-vested restricted shares, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$37.13
Awarded, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$41.32
Vested, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$37.58
Forfeited, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$39.45
Non-vested restricted shares, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$39.40
Performance-Vested Restricted Shares Outstanding [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Non-vested restricted shares, Restricted Shares Outstanding, Beginning balance	1,151,338
Awarded, Restricted Shares Outstanding	565,650
Forfeited, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-319,851
Non-vested restricted shares, Restricted Shares Outstanding, Ending balance	1,397,137
Non-vested restricted shares, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$18.32
Awarded, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$24.97
Forfeited, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$18.12
Non-vested restricted shares, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$21.06

Equity_Summary_of_Status_of_No2

Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Restricted Shares (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Minimum number of performance vested shares	0
Target level of performance	67.00%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in AOCL by Component (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Balance at beginning of period	($95,071)	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Activity during period:	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Amounts reclassified from AOCL	6,612	5,545	2,047
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)	36,473	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Balance at end of period	-58,598	-95,071	'
Foreign Currency Items, Balance at beginning of period	-20,378	'	'
Foreign Currency Items, Activity during period:	'	'	'
Foreign Currency Items, Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-3,188	'	'
Foreign Currency Items, Amounts reclassified from AOCL	'	'	'
Foreign Currency Items, Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)	-3,188	-8,076	-2,566
Foreign Currency Items, Balance at end of period	-23,566	-20,378	'
Balance at beginning of period	-115,449	'	'
Activity during period:	'	'	'
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-3,188	'	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	36,473	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	33,285	-41,128	-24,101
Balance at end of period	($82,164)	($115,449)	'

Loss_on_Impairment_Additional_

Loss on Impairment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
	Submersible Rig Feet [Member]	Submersible Rig Feet [Member]	Submersible Rig Feet [Member]	Submersible Rig Feet [Member]	Corporate Assets [Member]	Fpso [Member]
		Rigs	Subsequent Event [Member]	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment related charges	$4	'	'	$13	$7	$40
Number of cold stack rigs	'	2	'	'	'	'
Sales value of Rigs	'	'	$7	'	'	'

Recovered_Sheet1

Gain on Disposal of Assets, net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life And Values [Abstract]	'
Sale of the Noble Lewis Dugger	$61
Gain on sale of assets	$36

Gain_on_Contract_SettlementsEx1

Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
								Noble Phoenix [Member]	Fdr Holdings Ltd [Member]	Noble David Tinsley [Member]
Additional Expenditures by Other Contractual Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net gain recognized on settlement included in other income	'	$28,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	$45,000,000	$5,000,000
Incident charge	'	'	'	'	'	'	17,000,000	'	'	'
Non-cash gain on contract extinguishment	'	'	'	46,800,000	33,255,000	21,202,000	'	52,500,000	'	'
Non-cash charge related to contract termination	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	32,600,000	'	'
Repayment of Bully credit facilities	693,000,000	'	'	300,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain recognized on settlement and termination of interest rate swaps	'	'	$1,300,000	'	'	$1,000,000	'	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Net

Income Taxes - Components of Net Deferred Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets	'	'
Deferred tax assets	$90,621	$85,849
Less: valuation allowance	-16,847	'
Net deferred tax assets	73,774	85,849
Deferred tax liabilities	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	-284,561	-295,552
Net deferred tax liabilities	-210,787	-209,703
United States [Member]	'	'
Deferred tax assets	'	'
Deferred pension plan amounts	8,859	14,382
Accrued expenses not currently deductible	31,769	20,431
Other	14,542	259
Deferred tax liabilities	'	'
Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis	-275,073	-254,724
Other	-6,002	-2,102
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	'	'
Deferred tax assets	'	'
Net operating loss carry forwards	33,021	43,314
Deferred pension plan amounts	2,130	3,832
Other	300	3,631
Deferred tax liabilities	'	'
Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis	-1,034	-38,726
Other	($2,452)	'

Income_Taxes_Income_Before_Inc

Income Taxes - Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
United States	$253,770	$209,662	$142,922
Non-U.S.	764,242	493,563	293,328
Income before income taxes	$1,018,012	$703,225	$436,250

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Provis

Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current- United States	$88,956	$88,183	$68,254
Current- Non-U.S.	94,605	79,024	86,696
Deferred- United States	-11,531	-21,228	-39,167
Deferred- Non-U.S.	-4,424	1,109	-43,158
Total	$167,606	$147,088	$72,625

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Gross balance at January 1	$115,009	$108,036	$128,581
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	2,318	3,704	5,130
Additions for tax positions of prior years	18,906	16,432	5,718
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-7,910	-7,917	-2,354
Expiration of statutes	-2,633	-1,903	-28,846
Tax settlements	-9,721	-3,343	-193
Gross balance at December 31	115,969	115,009	108,036
Related tax benefits	-2,038	-9,981	-8,127
Net reserve at December 31	$113,931	$105,028	$99,909

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of1

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Additional tax based on tax positions related to equity	$0	$0	($15.70)

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Liabil

Income Taxes - Summary of Liabilities Related to Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties	$113,931	$105,028	$99,909
Interest and penalties included in "Other liabilities"	13,190	19,944	'
Reserve for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties	$127,121	$124,972	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reserves for uncertain tax positions net	$127,121,000	$124,972,000	'
Reduction in the provision for income taxes, if reserves not realized	127,000,000	'	'
Interest and penalties resulted in an income tax benefit	7,000,000	-5,000,000	5,000,000
Operational period	'12 months	'	'
Federal statutory income tax rate	23.25%	'	'
Foreign tax credits	15,000,000	22,000,000	21,000,000
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	80,000,000	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected additional Income tax liability on undistributed earning from subsidiary	20,000,000	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected additional Income tax liability on undistributed earning from subsidiary	$25,000,000	'	'

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of2

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Statutory and Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Tax rates which are different than the UK and Cayman Island rates	17.10%	20.70%	18.90%
Reserve for (resolution of) tax authority audits	-0.60%	0.20%	-2.20%
Total	16.50%	20.90%	16.70%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Reconci

Employee Benefit Plans - Reconciliation of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations for our Non - U.S. and U.S. Plan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$151,781	$111,164	'
Service cost	5,496	4,461	4,545
Interest Cost	5,085	5,372	5,586
Actuarial loss (gain)	-4,584	28,442	'
Plan amendments	-227	'	'
Benefits paid	-2,558	-2,442	'
Plan participants' contributions	956	747	'
Foreign exchange rate changes	5,642	4,037	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	161,591	151,781	111,164
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	225,885	192,042	'
Service cost	10,724	9,612	8,608
Interest Cost	9,049	8,719	8,570
Actuarial loss (gain)	-17,652	19,115	'
Plan amendments	'	'	'
Benefits paid	-4,068	-3,603	'
Plan participants' contributions	'	'	'
Foreign exchange rate changes	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	$223,938	$225,885	$192,042

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Reconci1

Employee Benefit Plans - Reconciliation of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$76,912	'	'
Foreign exchange rate changes	3,478	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	77,561	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	151,819	143,110	'
Actual return on plan assets	8,470	935	'
Employer contributions	9,365	5,647	6
Benefits and expenses paid	-2,558	-2,442	'
Plan participants' contributions	956	747	'
Foreign exchange rate changes	6,205	3,822	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	174,257	151,819	143,110
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	167,170	140,828	'
Actual return on plan assets	31,518	19,251	'
Employer contributions	6,391	10,694	5
Benefits and expenses paid	-4,068	-3,603	'
Plan participants' contributions	'	'	'
Foreign exchange rate changes	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$201,011	$167,170	$140,828

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Funded_

Employee Benefit Plans - Funded Status of Plans (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Funded status	$12,666	$38
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Funded status	($22,927)	($58,715)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Amounts

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Other assets (noncurrent)	$13,586	$3,486
Other liabilities (current)	'	'
Other liabilities (noncurrent)	-920	-3,448
Net amount recognized	12,666	38
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Other assets (noncurrent)	6,132	'
Other liabilities (current)	-2,120	-1,988
Other liabilities (noncurrent)	-26,939	-56,727
Net amount recognized	($22,927)	($58,715)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Amounts1

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($58,598)	($95,071)
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net actuarial loss	30,902	40,288
Prior service cost	-232	'
Deferred income tax asset	-2,130	-3,832
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	28,540	36,456
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net actuarial loss	45,338	89,046
Prior service cost	905	1,131
Deferred income tax asset	-16,185	-31,562
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$30,058	$58,615

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Pension

Employee Benefit Plans - Pension Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	$5,496	$4,461	$4,545
Interest Cost	5,085	5,372	5,586
Return on plan assets	-5,836	-5,344	-5,647
Amortization of prior service cost	'	'	483
Amortization of transition obligation	'	'	74
Recognized net actuarial loss	1,670	803	'
Net pension expense	6,415	5,292	5,041
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	10,724	9,612	8,608
Interest Cost	9,049	8,719	8,570
Return on plan assets	-13,102	-11,171	-11,072
Amortization of prior service cost	227	227	227
Amortization of transition obligation	'	'	'
Recognized net actuarial loss	7,639	7,356	3,374
Net pension expense	$14,537	$14,743	$9,707

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Investment Manager 1 [Member]

Investment manager 2 [Member]

International Countries [Member]

International Countries [Member]

Country One [Member]

Equity Securities [Member]

Debt Securities [Member]

401(K) Savings Plan, a Medical Plan and Other Plans [Member]

401(K) Savings Plan, a Medical Plan and Other Plans [Member]

401(K) Savings Plan, a Medical Plan and Other Plans [Member]

Cash Holdings [Member]

Noble Drilling (Land Support) [Member]

Noble Drilling (Land Support) [Member]

Restoration Plan [Member]

Restoration Plan [Member]

Noble Drilling Corporation Profit Sharing Plan [Member]

Noble Drilling Corporation Profit Sharing Plan [Member]

Noble Drilling Corporation Profit Sharing Plan [Member]

Non-U.S. Plans [Member]

Non-U.S. Plans [Member]

Non-U.S. Plans [Member]

U.S. Plans [Member]

U.S. Plans [Member]

U.S. Plans [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Equity Securities [Member]

Debt Securities [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated prior service cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

$200,000

'

'

Estimated transition obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

0

'

'

Estimated net actuarial loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

2,600,000

'

'

PBO for the unfunded excess benefit plan

13,000,000

13,000,000

14,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ABO for the unfunded excess benefit plan

12,000,000

12,000,000

13,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,493,000

6,481,000

'

11,997,000

185,961,000

'

Percentage of targeted asset allocation

'

10000.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7000.00%

3000.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Performance objective communicated to investment managers

'

'

'

'to exceed a blend of FTSE A Over 15 Year Gilts index and iBoxx Sterling Non Gilts index by 1.25 percent per annum

'to exceed a blend of FTSE's All Share index, North America index, Europe index and Pacific Basin index by 1.00 to 2.00 percent per annum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate range maximum

'

'

'

1.25%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate range minimum

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of company's overall investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

67.00%

32.00%

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Market cycle minimum period in which objective should be met over

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Market cycle maximum period in which objective should be met over

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Duration of Treasury bills

'

'90 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash equivalent and short-term investments should achieve relative performance

'

'better than the 90-day Treasury bills

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Target equities of plant equities in percentage

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

23.00%

30.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of total fixed income exposure from any single non-government or government agency issuer

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total fixed income exposure from any single non-government or government agency issuer

'

'Shall not exceed 10 percent of the Trust's fixed income holdings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average duration of the portfolio

'

'1 year 6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment equity securities

4,000,000

4,000,000

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment equity securities, percentage of U.S. plan assets

'

2.10%

2.30%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of no single security made up of total assets

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of no single security made up of total assets of either the U.S. or the Non-U.S. plans

'More than 10 percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employer contributions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,365,000

5,647,000

6,000

6,391,000

10,694,000

5,000

Expected contribution to non-U.S. and U.S pension plans during 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,000,000

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

Liability under the restoration plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,000,000

7,000,000

'

'

'

161,591,000

151,781,000

111,164,000

223,938,000

225,885,000

192,042,000

Number of years of service for the participants in the plan to become fully vested

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee matching contributions

'

'Three years beginning in 2007

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contribution recorded related to Noble Drilling Corporation profit sharing plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$94,000,000

$84,000,000

$61,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$5,000,000

$4,000,000

$2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Disaggr

Employee Benefit Plans - Disaggregated Plan Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$77,561	$76,912	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	161,591	151,781	111,164
Fair value of plan assets	174,257	151,819	143,110
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	223,938	225,885	192,042
Fair value of plan assets	201,011	167,170	140,828
Defined Benefit Plans - Disaggregated Plan [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	161,591	151,781	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	154,140	146,612	'
Fair value of plan assets	174,257	151,819	'
Defined Benefit Plans - Disaggregated Plan [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	223,938	225,885	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	185,383	185,961	'
Fair value of plan assets	$201,011	$167,170	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Plans_i

Employee Benefit Plans - Plans in which PBO Exceeded Fair Value (Detail) (Projected benefit obligation [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	$6,740	$87,455
Fair value of plan assets	5,820	84,007
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	200,472	225,885
Fair value of plan assets	$171,413	$167,170

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Plans_i1

Employee Benefit Plans - Plans in which Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeded Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	$12,000	$13,000
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	6,493	6,481
Fair value of plan assets	5,820	5,074
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	11,997	185,961
Fair value of plan assets	'	$167,170

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Defined

Employee Benefit Plans - Defined Benefit Plans Key Assumptions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Discount Rate	3.90%	3.60%	'
Rate of compensation increase	3.60%	3.60%	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'
Discount Rate	2.50%	4.70%	5.30%
Expected long-term return on assets	2.30%	3.90%	2.20%
Rate of compensation increase	3.60%	2.30%	3.90%
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Discount Rate	4.70%	4.50%	'
Rate of compensation increase	4.50%	4.10%	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'
Discount Rate	4.50%	5.00%	5.40%
Expected long-term return on assets	5.70%	5.40%	6.30%
Rate of compensation increase	4.10%	4.40%	4.60%
U.S. Plans [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Discount Rate	3.90%	3.10%	'
Rate of compensation increase	5.00%	5.00%	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'
Discount Rate	3.10%	4.30%	5.00%
Expected long-term return on assets	7.80%	7.80%	7.80%
Rate of compensation increase	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
U.S. Plans [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Discount Rate	5.10%	4.20%	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'
Discount Rate	4.20%	4.70%	5.80%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Actual_

Employee Benefit Plans - Actual Fair Values of Non-U.S. Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	$77,561	$76,912	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	174,257	151,819	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	174,257	151,819	143,110
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	207	7,158	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	54,722	45,560	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	41,767	22,189	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	77,561	76,912	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	54,929	52,718	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	207	7,158	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	54,722	45,560	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	41,767	22,189	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	41,767	22,189	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	77,561	76,912	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	$77,561	$76,912	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Activity Related to Investments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$76,912
Assets sold/benefits paid	-776
Gain on exchange rate	3,478
Loss on investment	-2,053
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$77,561

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Actual_1

Employee Benefit Plans - Actual Fair Values of U.S. Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	$77,561	$76,912	'
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	201,011	167,170	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	201,011	167,170	140,828
U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	2,184	1,609	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	60,916	51,831	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | United States [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	104,899	79,264	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | International Countries [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	33,012	34,466	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	176,826	148,018	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	2,184	1,609	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	60,916	51,831	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | United States [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	80,714	60,112	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | International Countries [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	33,012	34,466	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	24,185	19,152	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | United States [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	24,185	19,152	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | International Countries [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | United States [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | International Countries [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Estimat

Employee Benefit Plans - Estimated Benefit Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Total	$148,141
2014	9,671
2015	8,995
2016	11,269
2017	11,309
2018	12,439
Thereafter	94,458
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Total	40,007
2014	2,585
2015	2,792
2016	2,997
2017	3,308
2018	3,327
Thereafter	24,998
U.S. Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Total	108,134
2014	7,086
2015	6,203
2016	8,272
2017	8,001
2018	9,112
Thereafter	$69,460

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
		JointVenture
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	'	$0	$0	'
Aggregate notional amount of forward contracts outstanding	'	0	0	500,000
Number of joint ventures acquired	'	2	'	'
Gain recognized on settlement and termination of interest rate swaps	1,300,000	'	'	1,000,000
Number of Bully-class dynamically positioned joint venture-owned drillships under construction	'	2	'	'
Reclassification of interest rate swaps from AOCL to gain on contract extinguishments, net	'	'	'	1,000,000
Cash outflows recognized through the financing section of the cash flow presentation related to interest rate swaps	'	'	'	29,000,000
Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instrument Settled	'	128,000,000	'	'
Notional amount of forward contracts outstanding	'	0	0	'
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	'	'	'	$1,200,000

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Net Unrealized Loss Related to Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Net unrealized gain (loss) at beginning of period	($3,061)	$1,970
Activity during period:	'	'
Net unrealized loss on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts	'	-3,061
Net unrealized loss at end of period	'	-3,061
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Activity during period:	'	'
Cash flow hedges, settlement, during the period	3,061	-1,604
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Activity during period:	'	'
Cash flow hedges, settlement, during the period	'	($366)

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summarization of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) (Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member], Cash Flow Hedges [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL	($2,526)	'
Gain/(loss) recognized through "other income"	'	'
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to "other income"	$2,526	$3,061

Financial_Instruments_and_Cred2

Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Assets-	'	'
Marketable securities	$7,230	$5,816
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Assets-	'	'
Marketable securities	'	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Assets-	'	'
Marketable securities	'	'
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Assets-	'	'
Marketable securities	$7,230	$5,816

Financial_Instruments_and_Cred3

Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Royal Dutch Shell Plc [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percent of operating revenues contributed by major customers	41.00%	32.00%	24.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Petroleo Brasileiro Sa [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percent of operating revenues contributed by major customers	12.00%	14.00%	18.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Pemex [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percent of operating revenues contributed by major customers	'	'	15.00%
Maximum percent of operating revenue accounted by other customers	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Operating Revenue [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk benchmark description	'Consolidated operating revenues	'Consolidated operating revenues	'Consolidated operating revenues

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2013
	Lawsuits		Employees
	Rigs		Rigs
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of semisubmersibles	14	'	14
Number of Lawsuits filed	34	'	'
Physical damage deductible per occurrence on rigs range minimum	'	'	$15,000,000
Physical damage deductible per occurrence on rigs range maximum	'	'	25,000,000
Loss of hire coverage applies only to rigs operating under dayrate	'	'	200,000
Number of days waiting period	'	'	'45 days
Protection and indemnity policy, standard deductible (per occurrence)	'	'	10,000,000
Maximum liability coverage under protection and indemnity policy	'	'	750,000,000
Outstanding commitments including shipyard and purchase commitments	2,000,000,000	'	2,000,000,000
Years of effectiveness of employment agreements after the termination of employment	'	'	'3 years
NIMASA surcharge on contracts performed by "vessels" in Nigerian coastal shipping trade; overturned and dismissed by Federal High Court of Nigeria	'	2.00%	'
Percentage of employees contribution to Industrial Training Fund	'	'	1.00%
Minimum number of employees In Entity To employer liable for contribution to Industrial Training Fund	'	'	5
Customs and Other Business Taxes [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Audit claims, additional attributable to other business tax returns	'	'	320,000,000
Contingent Tax Assessment Year from Two Thousand Two to Two Thousand Five [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Removed potential contingent tax exposure settlement	'	'	348,000,000
Contingent Tax Assessment Year Prior to Two Thousand Seven [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Removed potential contingent tax exposure settlement	'	'	502,000,000
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of uncertain tax positions likelihood of being sustained	'	'	50.00%
Marathon Oil Company [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Drilling contract term	'	'	'4 years
Libya [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of semisubmersibles	2	'	2
Operating dayrate (per day)	'	'	$538,000

Segment_and_Related_Informatio2

Segment and Related Information - Summarized Financial Information of Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	$1,167,049	$1,078,881	$1,017,385	$970,975	$966,367	$884,032	$898,923	$797,690	$4,234,290	$3,547,012	$2,695,832
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	879,422	758,621	658,640
Segment operating income	259,526	378,381	253,860	229,791	216,738	178,924	244,495	143,643	1,121,558	783,800	490,493
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-106,300	-85,763	-55,727
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-167,606	-147,088	-72,625
Segment profit/ (loss)	174,060	281,957	176,620	150,060	127,577	114,774	159,818	120,175	782,697	522,344	370,898
Total assets (at end of period)	16,217,957	'	'	'	14,607,774	'	'	'	16,217,957	14,607,774	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55,044	84,429	60,921
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,296	13,594	11,498
Segment operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	232	11,793	12,573
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-105,605	-85,369	-53,768
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16,339	16,258	7,692
Segment profit/ (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-82,113	-58,124	-35,214
Total assets (at end of period)	722,886	'	'	'	636,585	'	'	'	722,886	636,585	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Contract Drilling Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,179,246	3,462,583	2,634,911
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	865,126	745,027	647,142
Segment operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,121,326	772,007	477,920
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-695	-394	-1,959
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-183,945	-163,346	-80,317
Segment profit/ (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	864,810	580,468	406,112
Total assets (at end of period)	$15,495,071	'	'	'	$13,971,189	'	'	'	$15,495,071	$13,971,189	'

Segment_and_Related_Informatio3

Segment and Related Information - Revenues and Identifiable Assets by Country Based on Location of Service Provided (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$1,167,049	$1,078,881	$1,017,385	$970,975	$966,367	$884,032	$898,923	$797,690	$4,234,290	$3,547,012	$2,695,832
Identifiable Assets	16,217,957	'	'	'	14,607,774	'	'	'	16,217,957	14,607,774	'
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,338,634	1,061,255	524,750
Identifiable Assets	5,525,839	'	'	'	5,259,294	'	'	'	5,525,839	5,259,294	'
Australia [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	133,214	42,353	'
Identifiable Assets	624,238	'	'	'	635,171	'	'	'	624,238	635,171	'
Benin [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50,821	'	'
Identifiable Assets	803,788	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	803,788	'	'
Brazil [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	839,993	714,798	572,015
Identifiable Assets	3,921,306	'	'	'	3,851,387	'	'	'	3,921,306	3,851,387	'
Cameroon [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55,803	'	17,029
Identifiable Assets	48,973	'	'	'	9,220	'	'	'	48,973	9,220	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,965	38,709	39,186
Identifiable Assets	13,672	'	'	'	13,952	'	'	'	13,672	13,952	'
China [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Identifiable Assets	'	'	'	'	552,721	'	'	'	'	552,721	'
Denmark [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,850	14,119	'
Identifiable Assets	'	'	'	'	21,999	'	'	'	'	21,999	'
Egypt [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,685	103,380	11,261
India [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	103,282	58,355	102,432
Identifiable Assets	188,609	'	'	'	216,686	'	'	'	188,609	216,686	'
Israel [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,109	118,485	25,566
Identifiable Assets	'	'	'	'	203,442	'	'	'	'	203,442	'
Malaysia [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,841	'	'
Identifiable Assets	23,002	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	23,002	'	'
Malta [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,453	35,776	44,713
Identifiable Assets	454,951	'	'	'	165,297	'	'	'	454,951	165,297	'
Mexico [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	367,734	329,896	402,129
Identifiable Assets	439,098	'	'	'	537,931	'	'	'	439,098	537,931	'
New Zealand [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,995	9,563	68,153
Identifiable Assets	663,165	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	663,165	'	'
Nigeria [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	107,739	149,082	58,501
Identifiable Assets	31,701	'	'	'	65,340	'	'	'	31,701	65,340	'
Oman [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,051	35,400	4,607
Identifiable Assets	47,664	'	'	'	72,637	'	'	'	47,664	72,637	'
Qatar [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	139,891	78,047	132,917
Identifiable Assets	119,156	'	'	'	94,151	'	'	'	119,156	94,151	'
Saudi Arabia [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	246,083	220,657	96,655
Identifiable Assets	584,230	'	'	'	654,551	'	'	'	584,230	654,551	'
Singapore [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Identifiable Assets	618,341	'	'	'	586,510	'	'	'	618,341	586,510	'
South Korea [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Identifiable Assets	894,347	'	'	'	858,909	'	'	'	894,347	858,909	'
Switzerland [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Identifiable Assets	32,162	'	'	'	37,432	'	'	'	32,162	37,432	'
The Netherlands [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	179,718	210,598	220,489
Identifiable Assets	339,560	'	'	'	95,465	'	'	'	339,560	95,465	'
United Arab Emirates [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	118,290	79,945	84,253
Identifiable Assets	443,166	'	'	'	190,440	'	'	'	443,166	190,440	'
United Kingdom [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	333,697	207,667	164,559
Identifiable Assets	400,989	'	'	'	350,333	'	'	'	400,989	350,333	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	39,442	38,927	126,617
Identifiable Assets	'	'	'	'	$134,906	'	'	'	'	$134,906	'

Segment_and_Related_Informatio4

Segment and Related Information - Revenues and Identifiable Assets by Country Based on Location of Service Provided (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Revenue earned by jackup rigs	$0

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Capital [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	($165,233)	($143,010)	($283,268)
Other current assets	-47,848	-43,246	-51,409
Other assets	34,757	-385	-23,821
Accounts payable	50,731	28,565	-12,502
Other current liabilities	61,644	108,385	72,861
Other liabilities	2,731	80,431	87,737
Net change in other assets and liabilities	-63,218	30,740	-210,402
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Capital [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-165,233	-143,010	-283,268
Other current assets	-48,186	-44,632	-49,044
Other assets	35,103	-385	-26,800
Accounts payable	49,980	28,289	-12,524
Other current liabilities	62,516	108,425	67,238
Other liabilities	2,728	80,432	87,711
Net change in other assets and liabilities	($63,092)	$29,119	($216,687)

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'	'
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$81,897	$56,144	$46,180
Income taxes (net of refunds)	219,088	148,612	128,162
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'	'
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	81,897	56,144	46,180
Income taxes (net of refunds)	$216,391	$148,612	$128,162

Information_about_NobleCayman_1

Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Detail) (Noble-Cayman [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
7.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
3.45% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
3.05% Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
2.50% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
7.50% Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NDC; Noble Drilling Services 6 llc ("NDS6")
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman; Noble Holding (U.S) Corporation ("NHC"); Noble Drilling Holding LLC ("NDH")
4.90% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
4.625% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
3.95% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
6.05% Senior Notes Due 2041 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
5.25% Senior Notes Due 2042 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman

Information_about_NobleCayman_2

Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
7.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	7.38%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2014
3.45% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2015
3.05% Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2016
2.50% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2017
7.50% Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2019
4.90% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2020
4.625% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2021
3.95% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2022
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2040
6.05% Senior Notes Due 2041 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2041
5.25% Senior Notes Due 2042 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2042
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 7.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	250
Interest rate on the notes	7.38%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2014
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 3.45% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	350
Interest rate on the notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2015
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 3.05% Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on the notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2016
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 2.50% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on the notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2017
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 7.50% Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	202
Interest rate on the notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2019
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 4.90% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	500
Interest rate on the notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2020
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 4.625% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2021
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 3.95% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2022
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2040
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 6.05% Senior Notes Due 2041 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2041
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 5.25% Senior Notes Due 2042 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	500
Interest rate on the notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2042

Information_about_NobleCayman_3

Information about Noble-Cayman - Summary of Impact of Change in Presentation on Historical Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]

Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]

Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]

Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]

Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]

Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]

Consolidating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating Adjustments [Member]

As Reported [Member]

As Reported [Member]

As Reported [Member]

As Adjusted [Member]

As Adjusted [Member]

As Adjusted [Member]

As Reported [Member]

As Reported [Member]

As Reported [Member]

As Adjusted [Member]

As Adjusted [Member]

As Adjusted [Member]

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$850,406

$556,137

$363,625

'

$280,763

$634,128

$1,023,782

$280,763

$634,128

$1,023,782

($1,446,284)

($1,891,202)

($1,758,285)

($1,891,202)

($1,758,285)

($2,963,512)

($1,891,202)

($1,758,285)

($2,963,512)

Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-67,709

-33,793

7,273

'

-33,793

7,273

-3

-68,969

-15,808

-41,889

46,605

35,176

23,081

'

'

'

35,176

23,081

41,886

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

174,060

281,957

176,620

150,060

127,577

114,774

159,818

120,175

782,697

522,344

370,898

'

246,970

641,401

1,023,779

211,794

618,320

981,893

-1,399,679

-1,856,026

-1,735,204

-1,891,202

-1,758,285

-2,963,512

-1,856,026

-1,735,204

-2,921,626

Total shareholder equity

8,322,583

'

'

'

7,723,166

'

'

'

8,322,583

7,723,166

'

'

9,913,839

9,853,129

'

9,509,343

9,483,809

'

-35,014,432

-29,314,639

'

-29,719,135

-28,268,572

'

-29,314,639

-27,899,252

'

Noncontrolling interests

727,445

'

'

'

765,124

'

'

'

727,445

765,124

'

'

765,124

691,331

'

1,169,620

1,060,651

'

-510,797

-404,496

'

'

'

'

-404,496

-369,320

'

Total equity

$9,050,028

'

'

'

$8,488,290

'

'

'

$9,050,028

$8,488,290

$8,097,852

$7,287,634

$10,678,963

$10,544,460

'

$10,678,963

$10,544,460

'

($35,525,229)

($29,719,135)

'

($29,719,135)

($28,268,572)

'

($29,719,135)

($28,268,572)

'

Information_about_NobleCayman_4

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$114,458	$282,092	$239,196	$337,871
Accounts receivable	949,069	743,673	'	'
Taxes receivable	140,269	112,423	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	187,139	167,137	'	'
Total current assets	1,390,935	1,305,325	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	19,198,767	16,971,666	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,640,677	-3,945,694	'	'
Property and equipment, net	14,558,090	13,025,972	'	'
Other assets	268,932	276,477	'	'
Total assets	16,217,957	14,607,774	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	347,214	350,147	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	151,161	132,728	'	'
Taxes payable	125,119	135,257	'	'
Other current liabilities	300,172	226,948	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,051,915	911,449	'	'
Long-term debt	5,556,251	4,634,375	'	'
Deferred income taxes	225,455	226,045	'	'
Other liabilities	334,308	347,615	'	'
Total liabilities	7,167,929	6,119,484	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	8,322,583	7,723,166	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	727,445	765,124	'	'
Total equity	9,050,028	8,488,290	8,097,852	7,287,634
Total liabilities and equity	16,217,957	14,607,774	'	'
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	'
Taxes receivable	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	-1,781,700	-958,383	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	-9,030,553	-8,240,037	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	-10,812,253	-9,198,420	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	'	'	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	'	'	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	-7,192,024	-11,198,259	'	'
Investments in affiliates	-35,525,229	-29,719,135	'	'
Other assets	'	'	'	'
Total assets	-53,529,506	-50,115,814	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	-1,781,700	-958,383	'	'
Accounts payable	'	'	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	-9,030,553	-8,240,037	'	'
Taxes payable	'	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	-10,812,253	-9,198,420	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	-7,192,024	-11,198,259	'	'
Deferred income taxes	'	'	'	'
Other liabilities	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	-18,004,277	-20,396,679	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	-35,014,432	-29,314,639	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	-510,797	-404,496	'	'
Total equity	-35,525,229	-29,719,135	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	-53,529,506	-50,115,814	'	'
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1	1,003	146	42
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	'
Taxes receivable	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	1,244,019	664,375	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	235	'	'
Total current assets	1,244,020	665,613	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	'	'	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	'	'	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	3,304,753	3,816,463	'	'
Investments in affiliates	8,601,712	7,770,066	'	'
Other assets	6,256	5,798	'	'
Total assets	13,156,741	12,257,940	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	'	90,314	'	'
Accounts payable	'	'	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	1,104,410	900,063	'	'
Taxes payable	'	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	412	1,594	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,104,822	991,971	'	'
Long-term debt	1,561,141	639,794	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	2,042,808	2,840,287	'	'
Deferred income taxes	'	'	'	'
Other liabilities	19,931	19,930	'	'
Total liabilities	4,728,702	4,491,982	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	8,428,039	7,765,958	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'
Total equity	8,428,039	7,765,958	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	13,156,741	12,257,940	'	'
NHC and NDH Combined [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	402	904	385	146
Accounts receivable	34,038	14,885	'	'
Taxes receivable	52,307	8,341	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	1,456,245	119,476	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	108,208	140,014	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,336	1,035	'	'
Total current assets	1,657,536	284,655	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	2,340,216	2,735,223	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-310,171	-283,028	'	'
Property and equipment, net	2,030,045	2,452,195	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	124,216	1,206,000	'	'
Investments in affiliates	9,502,970	9,170,923	'	'
Other assets	6,332	320	'	'
Total assets	13,321,099	13,114,093	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	191,806	51,054	'	'
Accounts payable	5,310	6,522	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	8,582	6,176	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	4,685,825	4,806,235	'	'
Taxes payable	827	9,152	'	'
Other current liabilities	22,106	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	4,914,456	4,879,139	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	534,683	648,475	'	'
Deferred income taxes	'	'	'	'
Other liabilities	24,502	17,815	'	'
Total liabilities	5,473,641	5,545,429	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	7,847,458	7,568,664	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'
Total equity	7,847,458	7,568,664	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	13,321,099	13,114,093	'	'
NDC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	3,325	3,335	'	'
Taxes receivable	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	1,137,137	1,015,204	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	204	205	'	'
Total current assets	1,140,666	1,018,744	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	75,856	76,428	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-60,950	-58,411	'	'
Property and equipment, net	14,906	18,017	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	'	'	'	'
Investments in affiliates	2,523,808	3,386,879	'	'
Other assets	173	543	'	'
Total assets	3,679,553	4,424,183	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	114,149	110,770	'	'
Accounts payable	452	1,183	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	9,141	7,611	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	292,354	5,444	'	'
Taxes payable	9	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	240	240	'	'
Total current liabilities	416,345	125,248	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	'	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	3,275	15,731	'	'
Other liabilities	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	419,620	140,979	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	3,259,933	4,283,204	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'
Total equity	3,259,933	4,283,204	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	3,679,553	4,424,183	'	'
NHIL [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	4	2	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	'
Taxes receivable	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	139,195	'	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	210,868	526,483	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	350,067	526,485	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	'	'	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	'	'	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	2,367,555	3,524,814	'	'
Investments in affiliates	9,456,735	7,413,361	'	'
Other assets	22,681	25,895	'	'
Total assets	12,197,038	11,490,555	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	'	'	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	216,866	165,065	'	'
Taxes payable	'	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	62,431	62,430	'	'
Total current liabilities	279,297	227,495	'	'
Long-term debt	3,793,414	3,792,886	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	975,000	975,000	'	'
Deferred income taxes	'	'	'	'
Other liabilities	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	5,047,711	4,995,381	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	7,149,327	6,495,174	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'
Total equity	7,149,327	6,495,174	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	12,197,038	11,490,555	'	'
NDS6 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	'
Taxes receivable	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	19,500	586,769	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	27,537	38,895	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	47,037	625,664	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	'	'	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	'	'	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	5,000	479,107	'	'
Investments in affiliates	5,440,004	1,977,906	'	'
Other assets	639	759	'	'
Total assets	5,492,680	3,083,436	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	750,000	'	'	'
Accounts payable	'	'	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	21,173	77,075	'	'
Taxes payable	'	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	4,412	4,412	'	'
Total current liabilities	775,585	81,487	'	'
Long-term debt	201,696	201,695	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	260,216	1,342,000	'	'
Deferred income taxes	'	'	'	'
Other liabilities	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	1,237,497	1,625,182	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	4,255,183	1,458,254	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'
Total equity	4,255,183	1,458,254	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	5,492,680	3,083,436	'	'
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	109,975	275,466	234,525	333,211
Accounts receivable	911,706	725,453	'	'
Taxes receivable	87,722	103,969	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	166,760	252,138	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	6,302,784	5,855,066	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	177,808	162,406	'	'
Total current assets	7,756,755	7,374,498	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	16,744,278	14,123,496	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,260,557	-3,597,079	'	'
Property and equipment, net	12,483,721	10,526,417	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	1,390,500	2,171,875	'	'
Investments in affiliates	'	'	'	'
Other assets	232,933	243,243	'	'
Total assets	21,863,909	20,316,033	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	725,745	706,245	'	'
Accounts payable	340,148	341,889	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	125,623	110,149	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	2,709,925	2,286,155	'	'
Taxes payable	119,752	121,692	'	'
Other current liabilities	210,571	158,259	'	'
Total current liabilities	4,231,764	3,724,389	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	3,379,317	5,392,497	'	'
Deferred income taxes	222,180	210,314	'	'
Other liabilities	289,875	309,870	'	'
Total liabilities	8,123,136	9,637,070	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	12,502,531	9,509,343	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	1,238,242	1,169,620	'	'
Total equity	13,740,773	10,678,963	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	21,863,909	20,316,033	'	'
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	110,382	277,375	235,056	333,399
Accounts receivable	949,069	743,673	'	'
Taxes receivable	140,029	112,310	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	'	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	184,348	163,881	'	'
Total current assets	1,383,828	1,297,239	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	19,160,350	16,935,147	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,631,678	-3,938,518	'	'
Property and equipment, net	14,528,672	12,996,629	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	'	'	'	'
Investments in affiliates	'	'	'	'
Other assets	269,014	276,558	'	'
Total assets	16,181,514	14,570,426	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	345,910	349,594	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	143,346	123,936	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	'	'	'	'
Taxes payable	120,588	130,844	'	'
Other current liabilities	300,172	226,935	'	'
Total current liabilities	910,016	831,309	'	'
Long-term debt	5,556,251	4,634,375	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	'	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	225,455	226,045	'	'
Other liabilities	334,308	347,615	'	'
Total liabilities	7,026,030	6,039,344	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	8,428,039	7,765,958	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	727,445	765,124	'	'
Total equity	9,155,484	8,531,082	8,073,633	7,260,655
Total liabilities and equity	$16,181,514	$14,570,426	'	'

Information_about_NobleCayman_5

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4,070,070	$3,349,362	$2,556,758
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	111,874	115,495	79,195
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	52,241	81,890	59,004
Total operating revenues	1,167,049	1,078,881	1,017,385	970,975	966,367	884,032	898,923	797,690	4,234,290	3,547,012	2,695,832
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,014,217	1,769,428	1,384,200
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	85,548	94,096	58,439
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,604	46,752	33,885
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	879,422	758,621	658,640
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	117,997	99,990	91,377
Loss on impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,688	20,384	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-35,646	'	'
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-46,800	-33,255	-21,202
Total operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,112,732	2,763,212	2,205,339
Operating income (loss)	259,526	378,381	253,860	229,791	216,738	178,924	244,495	143,643	1,121,558	783,800	490,493
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-106,300	-85,763	-55,727
Interest income and other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,754	5,188	1,484
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,018,012	703,225	436,250
Income tax provision	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-167,606	-147,088	-72,625
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	850,406	556,137	363,625
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-67,709	-33,793	7,273
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	174,060	281,957	176,620	150,060	127,577	114,774	159,818	120,175	782,697	522,344	370,898
Other comprehensive income, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,285	-41,128	-24,101
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	183
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	815,982	481,216	346,980
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-77,361	-78,580	-64,458
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-931	'
Total operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-77,361	-79,511	-64,458
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-77,361	-79,511	-64,458
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss on impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-77,361	-79,511	-64,458
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,446,284	-1,891,202	-1,758,285
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,084,036	893,858	237,058
Interest income and other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,084,036	-893,858	-237,058
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,446,284	-1,891,202	-1,758,285
Income tax provision	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,446,284	-1,891,202	-1,758,285
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	46,605	35,176	23,081
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,399,679	-1,856,026	-1,735,204
Other comprehensive income, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-33,285	41,128	24,101
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-183
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,432,964	-1,814,898	-1,711,286
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,039	2,646	3,038
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,380	3,036	1,242
Loss on impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-45,000	'	'
Total operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-13,581	5,682	4,280
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,581	-5,682	-4,280
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	975,619	684,446	488,735
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-127,995	-105,147	-69,180
Interest income and other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,609	7,306	6,768
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	867,814	580,923	422,043
Income tax provision	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	867,814	580,923	422,043
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	867,814	580,923	422,043
Other comprehensive income, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,285	-41,128	-24,101
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	183
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	901,099	539,795	398,125
NHC and NDH Combined [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	240,631	161,577	134,602
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,498	6,637	4,351
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	249,129	168,214	138,957
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	92,554	63,025	46,305
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,850	5,886	4,125
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	62,778	60,738	50,462
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,396	7,786	5,025
Loss on impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,869	'
Total operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	169,578	132,566	105,917
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	79,551	35,648	33,040
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	365,919	472,509	296,751
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,237	-44,055	-61,271
Interest income and other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	262,717	40,845	26,291
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	683,950	504,947	294,811
Income tax provision	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-37,487	-46,644	-14,933
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	646,463	458,303	279,878
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	646,463	458,303	279,878
Other comprehensive income, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	646,463	458,303	279,878
NDC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,183	20,033	19,913
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,183	20,033	19,925
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,930	7,476	7,478
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,539	4,526	3,767
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	340	'	1
Loss on impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,809	12,002	11,246
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,374	8,031	8,679
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	106,038	110,820	64,626
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,346	-3,892	-6,110
Interest income and other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-99	8	-11
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	110,967	114,967	67,184
Income tax provision	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	110,967	114,967	67,184
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	110,967	114,967	67,184
Other comprehensive income, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	110,967	114,967	67,184
NHIL [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	110,138	82,736	59,865
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,050	35,606	33,355
Loss on impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	146,188	118,342	93,220
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-146,188	-118,342	-93,220
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,072,304	807,590	579,730
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-139,784	-120,361	-88,396
Interest income and other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	154,442	135,001	63,607
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	940,774	703,888	461,721
Income tax provision	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	940,774	703,888	461,721
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	940,774	703,888	461,721
Other comprehensive income, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	940,774	703,888	461,721
NDS6 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	1	1
Loss on impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	1	1
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1	-1	-1
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,073,596	-184,163	328,443
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-45,897	-43,090	-29,050
Interest income and other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,569,003	594,328	8,709
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	449,509	367,074	308,101
Income tax provision	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	449,509	367,074	308,101
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	449,509	367,074	308,101
Other comprehensive income, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	449,509	367,074	308,101
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,886,617	3,246,332	2,466,701
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	103,376	108,858	74,832
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	52,241	81,890	59,000
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	105	1,196	875
Total operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,042,339	3,438,276	2,601,408
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,847,324	1,684,593	1,319,187
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	78,698	88,210	54,314
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,604	46,895	33,885
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	809,933	691,425	602,976
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,692	12,937	17,163
Loss on impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,688	20,384	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-35,646	'	'
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,800	-28,386	-21,202
Total operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,792,493	2,516,058	2,006,323
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,249,846	922,218	595,085
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,850,077	-663,076	-38,778
Interest income and other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	93,490	121,065	134,174
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-506,741	380,207	690,481
Income tax provision	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-126,979	-99,444	-56,353
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-633,720	280,763	634,128
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-114,314	-68,969	-15,808
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-748,034	211,794	618,320
Other comprehensive income, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,285	-41,128	-24,101
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	183
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-714,749	170,666	594,402
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,070,070	3,349,362	2,556,758
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	111,874	115,495	79,195
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	52,241	81,890	59,004
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	105	265	875
Total operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,234,290	3,547,012	2,695,832
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,004,624	1,760,965	1,371,415
Reimbursables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	85,548	94,096	58,439
Labor contract drilling services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,604	46,895	33,885
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	877,250	756,689	657,205
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	64,859	59,366	56,787
Loss on impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,688	20,384	'
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-35,646	'	'
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-46,800	-33,255	-21,202
Total operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,030,127	2,705,140	2,156,529
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,204,163	841,872	539,303
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-106,300	-85,763	-55,727
Interest income and other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,126	4,695	2,480
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,099,989	760,804	486,056
Income tax provision	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-164,466	-146,088	-71,286
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	935,523	614,716	414,770
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-67,709	-33,793	7,273
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	867,814	580,923	422,043
Other comprehensive income, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,285	-41,128	-24,101
Noncontrolling portion of gain on interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	183
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$901,099	$539,795	$398,125

Information_about_NobleCayman_6

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	$1,702,317	$1,381,693	$740,240
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from disposal of assets	61,000	'	'
Refund from contract extinguishments	'	'	18,642
Net cash from investing activities	-2,485,107	-1,790,888	-2,521,546
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	1,221,333	-635,192	935,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	'	1,186,636	1,087,833
Repayment of long-term debt	-300,000	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	40,000	536,000
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-105,388	'	'
Payments of joint venture debt	'	'	-693,494
Settlement of interest rate swaps	'	'	-29,032
Financing cost on credit facilities	-2,484	-5,221	-2,835
Net cash from financing activities	615,156	452,091	1,682,631
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-167,634	42,896	-98,675
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	282,092	239,196	337,871
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	114,458	282,092	239,196
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	'	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	'	'	'
Proceeds from disposal of assets	'	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	-294,798	1,188,287	904,625
Refund from contract extinguishments	'	'	'
Net cash from investing activities	-294,798	1,188,287	904,625
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	'	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	'	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Payments of joint venture debt	'	'	'
Settlement of interest rate swaps	'	'	'
Financing cost on credit facilities	'	'	'
Distributions to parent company, net	'	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	'	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	294,798	-1,188,287	-904,625
Net cash from financing activities	294,798	-1,188,287	-904,625
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	'	'	'
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	-117,993	-86,784	-48,906
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	'	'	'
Proceeds from disposal of assets	'	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	'	'	20,000
Refund from contract extinguishments	'	'	'
Net cash from investing activities	'	'	20,000
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	1,221,333	-635,192	935,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	'	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	-300,000	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Payments of joint venture debt	'	'	'
Settlement of interest rate swaps	'	'	'
Financing cost on credit facilities	-2,484	-5,221	-2,835
Distributions to parent company, net	-265,880	-175,977	-186,048
Advances (to) from affiliates	-241,180	-284,256	-597,305
Notes payable to affiliates	-294,798	1,188,287	-119,802
Net cash from financing activities	116,991	87,641	29,010
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-1,002	857	104
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,003	146	42
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1	1,003	146
NHC and NDH Combined [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	290,552	35,177	17,107
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	-1,594,449	-682,477	-1,495,056
Proceeds from disposal of assets	'	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	'	'	'
Refund from contract extinguishments	'	'	'
Net cash from investing activities	-1,594,449	-682,477	-1,495,056
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	'	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	'	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Payments of joint venture debt	'	'	'
Settlement of interest rate swaps	'	'	'
Financing cost on credit facilities	'	'	'
Distributions to parent company, net	'	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	1,303,395	647,819	1,495,688
Notes payable to affiliates	'	'	-17,500
Net cash from financing activities	1,303,395	647,819	1,478,188
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-502	519	239
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	904	385	146
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	402	904	385
NDC [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	-1,799	9,950	-5,616
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	-751	-2,106	-1,380
Proceeds from disposal of assets	'	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	'	'	'
Refund from contract extinguishments	'	'	'
Net cash from investing activities	-751	-2,106	-1,380
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	'	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	'	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Payments of joint venture debt	'	'	'
Settlement of interest rate swaps	'	'	'
Financing cost on credit facilities	'	'	'
Distributions to parent company, net	'	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	2,550	-7,844	41,996
Notes payable to affiliates	'	'	-35,000
Net cash from financing activities	2,550	-7,844	6,996
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	'	'	'
NHIL [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	-128,315	-96,642	-109,171
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	'	'	'
Proceeds from disposal of assets	'	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	'	-1,188,287	-1,096,927
Refund from contract extinguishments	'	'	'
Net cash from investing activities	'	-1,188,287	-1,096,927
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	'	1,186,636	1,087,833
Repayment of long-term debt	'	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Payments of joint venture debt	'	'	'
Settlement of interest rate swaps	'	'	'
Financing cost on credit facilities	'	'	'
Distributions to parent company, net	'	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	128,317	98,295	118,265
Notes payable to affiliates	'	'	'
Net cash from financing activities	128,317	1,284,931	1,206,098
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	2	2	'
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	4	2	'
NDS6 [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	1,523,225	551,358	-20,222
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	'	'	'
Proceeds from disposal of assets	'	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	'	'	'
Refund from contract extinguishments	'	'	'
Net cash from investing activities	'	'	'
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	'	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	'	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Payments of joint venture debt	'	'	'
Settlement of interest rate swaps	'	'	'
Financing cost on credit facilities	'	'	'
Distributions to parent company, net	'	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	-1,523,225	-551,358	20,222
Notes payable to affiliates	'	'	'
Net cash from financing activities	-1,523,225	-551,358	20,222
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	'	'	'
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	202,960	1,007,568	937,295
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	-949,004	-1,103,971	-1,038,460
Proceeds from disposal of assets	61,000	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	294,798	'	172,302
Refund from contract extinguishments	'	'	18,642
Net cash from investing activities	-593,206	-1,103,971	-847,516
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	'	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	'	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	40,000	536,000
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-105,388	'	'
Payments of joint venture debt	'	'	-693,494
Settlement of interest rate swaps	'	'	-29,032
Financing cost on credit facilities	'	'	'
Distributions to parent company, net	'	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	330,143	97,344	-1,078,866
Notes payable to affiliates	'	'	1,076,927
Net cash from financing activities	224,755	137,344	-188,465
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-165,491	40,941	-98,686
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	275,466	234,525	333,211
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	109,975	275,466	234,525
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	1,768,630	1,420,627	770,487
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	-2,544,204	-1,788,554	-2,534,896
Proceeds from disposal of assets	61,000	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	'	'	'
Refund from contract extinguishments	'	'	18,642
Net cash from investing activities	-2,483,204	-1,788,554	-2,516,254
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	1,221,333	-635,192	935,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	'	1,186,636	1,087,833
Repayment of long-term debt	-300,000	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	40,000	536,000
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-105,388	'	'
Payments of joint venture debt	'	'	-693,494
Settlement of interest rate swaps	'	'	-29,032
Financing cost on credit facilities	-2,484	-5,221	-2,835
Distributions to parent company, net	-265,880	-175,977	-186,048
Advances (to) from affiliates	'	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	'	'	'
Net cash from financing activities	547,581	410,246	1,647,424
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-166,993	42,319	-98,343
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	277,375	235,056	333,399
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$110,382	$277,375	$235,056

Unaudited_Interim_Financial_Da2

Unaudited Interim Financial Data - Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$1,167,049	$1,078,881	$1,017,385	$970,975	$966,367	$884,032	$898,923	$797,690	$4,234,290	$3,547,012	$2,695,832
Operating income	259,526	378,381	253,860	229,791	216,738	178,924	244,495	143,643	1,121,558	783,800	490,493
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$174,060	$281,957	$176,620	$150,060	$127,577	$114,774	$159,818	$120,175	$782,697	$522,344	$370,898
Net income per share attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.68	$1.10	$0.69	$0.59	$0.50	$0.45	$0.63	$0.47	$3.05	$2.05	$1.46
Diluted	$0.68	$1.10	$0.69	$0.59	$0.50	$0.45	$0.63	$0.47	$3.05	$2.05	$1.46