Noble 10-Q7 May 152015 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	NE
Entity Registrant Name	NOBLE CORP PLC
Entity Central Index Key	1458891
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		241,963,110
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		261,245,693

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$82,203	$68,510
Accounts receivable	594,720	569,096
Taxes receivable	59,743	107,490
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	125,697	183,466
Total current assets	862,363	928,562
Property and equipment, at cost	14,529,740	14,442,922
Accumulated depreciation	-2,483,057	-2,330,413
Property and equipment, net	12,046,683	12,112,509
Other assets	248,927	245,751
Total assets	13,157,973	13,286,822
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	246,539	265,389
Accrued payroll and related costs	71,451	102,520
Taxes payable	126,582	94,230
Interest payable	19,681	61,964
Other current liabilities	121,170	144,571
Total current liabilities	585,423	668,674
Long-term debt	4,862,361	4,869,020
Deferred income taxes	111,122	120,589
Other liabilities	326,669	341,505
Total liabilities	5,885,575	5,999,788
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
Shares	2,420	2,475
Additional paid-in capital	600,194	695,638
Retained earnings	6,021,583	5,936,035
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-74,781	-69,418
Total shareholders' equity	6,549,416	6,564,730
Noncontrolling interests	722,982	722,304
Total equity	7,272,398	7,287,034
Total liabilities and equity	13,157,973	13,286,822
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	78,976	65,780
Accounts receivable	594,720	569,096
Taxes receivable	59,507	107,289
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	107,506	139,669
Total current assets	840,709	881,834
Property and equipment, at cost	14,491,189	14,404,371
Accumulated depreciation	-2,470,591	-2,318,220
Property and equipment, net	12,020,598	12,086,151
Other assets	225,431	222,254
Total assets	13,086,738	13,190,239
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	242,770	261,012
Accrued payroll and related costs	61,605	91,487
Taxes payable	124,200	91,471
Interest payable	19,681	61,964
Other current liabilities	116,593	139,950
Total current liabilities	564,849	645,884
Long-term debt	4,862,361	4,869,020
Deferred income taxes	111,122	120,589
Other liabilities	321,127	335,964
Total liabilities	5,859,459	5,971,457
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
Shares	26,125	26,125
Additional paid-in capital	538,005	530,657
Retained earnings	6,014,948	6,009,114
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-74,781	-69,418
Total shareholders' equity	6,504,297	6,496,478
Noncontrolling interests	722,982	722,304
Total equity	7,227,279	7,218,782
Total liabilities and equity	$13,086,738	$13,190,239

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	241,962	247,501
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	261,246	261,246

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$779,361	$770,637
Reimbursables	24,981	24,550
Total operating revenues	804,342	795,187
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	321,750	352,880
Reimbursables	20,157	21,504
Depreciation and amortization	154,138	146,198
General and administrative	23,938	25,637
Total operating costs and expenses	519,983	546,219
Operating income	284,359	248,968
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-49,044	-40,392
Interest income and other, net	6,582	-1,268
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	241,897	207,308
Income tax provision	-43,447	-35,578
Net income from continuing operations	198,450	171,730
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		101,512
Net income	198,450	273,242
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,047	-16,916
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	178,403	256,326
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation plc
Income from continuing operations	178,403	154,814
Income from discontinued operations		101,512
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	178,403	256,326
Basic:
Income from continuing operations	$0.72	$0.60
Income from discontinued operations		$0.39
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$0.72	$0.99
Diluted:
Income from continuing operations	$0.72	$0.60
Income from discontinued operations		$0.39
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$0.72	$0.99
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	779,361	770,637
Reimbursables	24,981	24,550
Total operating revenues	804,342	795,187
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	319,479	350,577
Reimbursables	20,157	21,504
Depreciation and amortization	153,866	145,603
General and administrative	12,208	11,932
Total operating costs and expenses	505,710	529,616
Operating income	298,632	265,571
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-49,044	-40,392
Interest income and other, net	6,448	-1,395
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	256,036	223,784
Income tax provision	-43,558	-35,470
Net income from continuing operations	212,478	188,314
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		113,917
Net income	212,478	302,231
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,047	-16,916
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	192,431	285,315
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation plc
Income from discontinued operations		113,917
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$192,431	$285,315

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net income	$198,450	$273,242
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,299	1,009
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $566 in 2015 and $252 in 2014)	1,081	763
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-5,363	7,718
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,047	-16,916
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	173,040	264,044
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated	-3,145	5,946
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Net income	212,478	302,231
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,299	1,009
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $566 in 2015 and $252 in 2014)	1,081	763
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-5,363	7,718
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,047	-16,916
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	187,068	293,033
Noble-Cayman [Member] \| Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated	($3,145)	$5,946

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	$566	$252
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	$566	$252

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$198,450	$273,242
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	154,138	245,905
Deferred income taxes	-10,164	-3,255
Amortization of share-based compensation	11,400	13,022
Net change in other assets and liabilities	14,758	-23,118
Net cash from operating activities	368,582	505,796
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	-89,307	-517,283
Change in accrued capital expenditures	-29,010	-43,505
Net cash from investing activities	-118,317	-560,788
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-1,099,497	422,402
Repayment of long-term debt		-250,000
Issuance of senior notes	1,092,728
Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facilities	-14,775	-381
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,369	-19,695
Repurchases of shares	-100,630
Dividend payments	-92,855	-96,840
Employee stock transactions	-2,174	-217
Net cash from financing activities	-236,572	55,269
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	13,693	277
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	68,510	114,458
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	82,203	114,735
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	212,478	302,231
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	153,866	245,310
Deferred income taxes	-10,164	-3,255
Capital contribution by parent-share-based compensation	7,348	9,053
Net change in other assets and liabilities	-4,505	-21,684
Net cash from operating activities	359,023	531,655
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	-89,307	-517,283
Change in accrued capital expenditures	-29,010	-43,505
Net cash from investing activities	-118,317	-560,788
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-1,099,497	422,402
Repayment of long-term debt		-250,000
Issuance of senior notes	1,092,728
Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facilities	-14,775	-381
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,369	-19,695
Distributions to parent company, net	-186,597	-121,780
Net cash from financing activities	-227,510	30,546
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	13,196	1,413
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	65,780	110,382
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$78,976	$111,795

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Shares [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Noble-Cayman [Member]	Noble-Cayman [Member]	Noble-Cayman [Member]	Noble-Cayman [Member]	Noble-Cayman [Member]	Noble-Cayman [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Shares [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Noble-Cayman [Member]	Shares [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$9,050,028	$2,534	$810,286	$7,591,927	($82,164)	$727,445	$9,155,484	$26,125	$497,316	$7,986,762	($82,164)	$727,445
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013		253,448						261,246
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation	13,022		13,022
Issuance of share-based compensation shares	-8,209	6	-8,215
Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares		675
Exercise of stock options	1,398	2	1,396
Exercise of stock options, Shares		71
Tax benefit of equity transactions	-1,621		-1,621
Net income	273,242			256,326		16,916	302,231			285,315		16,916
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,695					-19,695	-19,695					-19,695
Distributions to parent	-33,171			-33,171			-121,780			-121,780
Capital contributions by parent -share-based compensation							9,053		9,053
Other comprehensive income, net	7,718				7,718		7,718				7,718
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	9,282,712	2,542	814,868	7,815,082	-74,446	724,666	9,333,011	26,125	506,369	8,150,297	-74,446	724,666
Ending Balance, Shares at Mar. 31, 2014		254,194						261,246
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	7,287,034	2,475	695,638	5,936,035	-69,418	722,304	7,218,782	26,125	530,657	6,009,114	-69,418	722,304
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014	247,501	247,501					261,246	261,246
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation	11,400		11,400
Issuance of share-based compensation shares	-4,088	7	-4,095
Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares		670
Tax benefit of equity transactions	-2,181		-2,181
Repurchases of shares	-100,630	-62	-100,568
Repurchases of shares, Shares	-6,209	-6,209
Net income	198,450			178,403		20,047	212,478			192,431		20,047
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,369					-19,369	-19,369					-19,369
Distributions to parent	-92,855			-92,855			-186,597			-186,597
Capital contributions by parent -share-based compensation							7,348		7,348
Other comprehensive income, net	-5,363				-5,363		-5,363				-5,363
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$7,272,398	$2,420	$600,194	$6,021,583	($74,781)	$722,982	$7,227,279	$26,125	$538,005	$6,014,948	($74,781)	$722,982
Ending Balance, Shares at Mar. 31, 2015		241,962						261,246

Organization_and_Basis_of_Pres

Organization and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Organization and Basis of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	Note 1 — Organization and Basis of Presentation

	Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We perform contract drilling services with our global fleet of mobile offshore drilling units. As of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our fleet consisted of 15 jackups, nine drillships and eight semisubmersibles, including one high-specification, harsh environment jackup under construction.

	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 and gas industry. The mobile offshore drilling units comprising our offshore rig fleet operate in a global market for contract drilling services and are often redeployed to different regions due to changing demands of our customers, which consist largely of major independent and government owned/controlled oil and gas companies throughout the world. As of March 31, 2015, our contract drilling services segment conducts operations in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, the North Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.

	Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”), is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-UK, our publicly-traded parent company. 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.

	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Noble-UK and Noble-Cayman have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as they pertain to Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited consolidated financial statements. All such adjustments are of a recurring nature. The December 31, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheets presented herein are derived from the December 31, 2014 audited consolidated financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed by both Noble-UK and Noble-Cayman. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

	Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Spinoff_of_Paragon_Offshore_pl

Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore")	3 Months Ended
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore")	Mar. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore")	Note 2 – Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc (“Paragon Offshore”)

	On August 1, 2014, Noble-UK completed the separation and spin-off of a majority of its standard specification offshore drilling business (the “Spin-off”) through a pro rata distribution of all of the ordinary shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Paragon Offshore, to the holders of Noble’s ordinary shares. Our shareholders received one share of Paragon Offshore for every three shares of Noble owned as of July 23, 2014, the record date for the distribution. Through the Spin-off, we disposed of most of our standard specification drilling units and related assets, liabilities and business. Prior to the Spin-off, Paragon Offshore issued approximately $1.7 billion of long-term debt. We used the proceeds from this debt to repay certain amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program.



	Prior to the completion of the Spin-off, Noble and Paragon Offshore entered into a series of agreements to effect the separation and Spin-off and govern the relationship between the parties after the Spin-off.

	Master Separation Agreement (“MSA”)

	The general terms and conditions relating to the separation and Spin-off are set forth in the MSA. The MSA identifies the assets transferred, liabilities assumed and contracts assigned either to Paragon Offshore by us or by Paragon Offshore to us in the separation and describes when and how these transfers, assumptions and assignments would occur. The MSA provides for, among other things, Paragon Offshore’s responsibility for liabilities relating to its business and the responsibility of Noble for liabilities related to our, and in certain limited cases, Paragon Offshore’s business, in each case irrespective of when the liability arose. The MSA also contains indemnification obligations and ongoing commitments by us and Paragon Offshore.

	Employee Matters Agreement (“EMA”)

	The EMA allocates liabilities and responsibilities between us and Paragon Offshore relating to employment, compensation and benefits and other employment related matters.

	Tax Sharing Agreement (“TSA”)

	The TSA provides for the allocation of tax liabilities and benefits between us and Paragon Offshore and governs the parties’ assistance with tax-related claims.

	Transition Services Agreements

	Under two transition services agreements, we agreed to continue, for a limited period of time, to provide various interim support services to Paragon Offshore, and Paragon Offshore agreed to provide various interim support services to us, including providing operational and administrative support for our remaining Brazilian operations.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Note 3 — Discontinued Operations

	Paragon Offshore, which had been reflected as continuing operations in our consolidated financial statements prior to the Spin-Off, meets the criteria for being reported as discontinued operations and has been reclassified as such in our results of operations. The results of discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 include the historical results of Paragon Offshore, including $12 million of non-recurring costs incurred by Noble related to the Spin-Off.

	The following table provides the components of net income from discontinued operations, net of tax for Noble-UK for the three months ended March 31, 2014:



		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2014
	Operating revenues
	Contract drilling services	$	435,667
	Reimbursables		12,103
	Labor contract drilling services		8,212
	Other		1

	Operating revenues from discontinued operations	$	455,983

	Income from discontinued operations
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	120,370
	Income tax provision		(18,858	)

	Net income from discontinued operations	$	101,512

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures

Consolidated Joint Ventures	3 Months Ended
Consolidated Joint Ventures	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Consolidated Joint Ventures	Note 4 — 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 of the joint ventures. 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.

	During each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bully joint ventures approved and paid dividends totaling $39 million. Of these amounts, 50 percent were paid to our joint venture partner.

	The combined carrying amount of the Bully-class drillships at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 totaled $1.4 billion. These assets were primarily funded through partner equity contributions. Cash held by the Bully joint ventures was approximately $58 million at March 31, 2015 as compared to approximately $47 million at December 31, 2014.

Share_Data

Share Data	3 Months Ended
Share Data	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Share Data	Note 5 — Share Data

	Earnings per share

	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for Noble-UK:



			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015				2014
	Numerator:
	Basic
	Income from continuing operations		$	178,403			$	154,814
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards			(3,931	)			(2,512	)

	Income from continuing operations to common shareholders			174,472				152,302

	Income from discontinued operations			—				101,512
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards			—				(1,762	)

	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders			—				99,750

	Net income attributable to Noble-UK			178,403				256,326
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards			(3,931	)			(4,274	)

	Net income to common shareholders - basic		$	174,472			$	252,052

	Diluted
	Income from continuing operations			178,403				154,814
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards			(3,931	)			(2,510	)

	Income from continuing operations to common shareholders			174,472				152,304

	Income from discontinued operations			—				101,512
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards			—				(1,762	)

	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders			—				99,750

	Net income attributable to Noble-UK			178,403				256,326
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards			(3,931	)			(4,272	)

	Net income to common shareholders - diluted		$	174,472			$	252,054

	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic			242,685				253,940
	Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options			—				135

	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted			242,685				254,075

	Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards			5,468				4,188

	Earnings per share
	Basic
	Continuing operations		$	0.72			$	0.6
	Discontinued operations			—				0.39

	Net income attributable to Noble-UK		$	0.72			$	0.99

	Diluted
	Continuing operations		$	0.72			$	0.6
	Discontinued operations			—				0.39

	Net income attributable to Noble-UK		$	0.72			$	0.99

Dividends per share		$	0.375			$	0.375

Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic earnings per share are included in diluted earnings per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately 2 million and 1 million shares underlying stock options, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share as such stock options were not dilutive.



Share capital

As of March 31, 2015, Noble-UK had approximately 242.0 million shares outstanding and trading as compared to approximately 247.5 million shares outstanding and trading at December 31, 2014. The decrease in shares outstanding is primarily related to the repurchase of 6.2 million shares pursuant to our approved share repurchase program, discussed below. Our Board of Directors may increase our share capital through the issuance of up to 53 million authorized shares (at current nominal value of $0.01 per share) without obtaining shareholder approval.

Our most recent quarterly dividend payment to shareholders, totaling approximately $93 million (or $0.375 per share), was declared on January 30, 2015 and paid on February 20, 2015 to holders of record on February 10, 2015.

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. In December 2014, we received shareholder approval to repurchase up to 37,000,000 ordinary shares, or approximately 15 percent of our outstanding ordinary shares at the time of the shareholder approval. Any repurchases are expected to be funded using cash on hand, cash from operations or short-term borrowings under our Credit Facilities. The authority to make such repurchases will expire on the later of April 2016 or the end of the Company’s 2016 annual general meeting of shareholders, at which time we could seek shareholder approval for further repurchases. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we repurchased 6.2 million of our ordinary shares covered by this authorization for a total cost of approximately $101 million.

Receivables_from_Customers

Receivables from Customers	3 Months Ended
Receivables from Customers	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables from Customers	Note 6 — Receivables from Customers

	At March 31, 2015, we had receivables of approximately $14 million related to the Noble Max Smith that are being disputed by our former 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 a 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	3 Months Ended
Property and Equipment	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Note 7 — Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment, at cost, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 for Noble-UK consisted of the following:


		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Drilling equipment and facilities	$	13,348,942	$	13,254,240
	Construction in progress		948,905		969,985
	Other		231,893		218,697

	Property and equipment, at cost	$	14,529,740	$	14,442,922

	Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $89 million and $517 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Capitalized interest was $5 million and $14 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

	Capital expenditures related to Paragon Offshore for the three months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $53 million. Depreciation expense for Paragon Offshore that was classified as discontinued operations totaled $100 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
Debt	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Note 8 — Debt

	Long-term debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
	Senior unsecured notes:
	3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015		$	350,000		$	350,000
	3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016			299,986			299,982
	2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017			299,929			299,920
	4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018			249,474			—
	7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019			201,695			201,695
	4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020			499,184			499,151
	4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021			399,640			399,627
	3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022			399,286			399,264
	5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025			448,744			—
	6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040			399,895			399,895
	6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041			397,691			397,681
	5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042			498,317			498,310
	6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045			394,522			—

	Total senior unsecured notes			4,838,363			3,745,525
	Credit facilities & commercial paper program			23,998			1,123,495

	Total long-term debt		$	4,862,361		$	4,869,020


	Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program

	We currently have two credit facilities with an aggregate maximum capacity of $2.7 billion, which are comprised of a five year $2.4 billion senior unsecured credit facility that matures in January 2020 and a $225 million 364-day senior unsecured credit facility that matures in January 2016 (together, the “Credit Facilities”).

	We have a commercial paper program that allows us to issue up to $2.4 billion in unsecured commercial paper notes. Amounts issued under the commercial paper program are supported by the unused capacity under our Credit Facilities and, therefore, are classified as long-term on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The outstanding amounts of commercial paper reduce availability under our Credit Facilities.

	The $2.4 billion facility provides us with the ability to issue up to $500 million in letters of credit. The issuance of letters of credit under the facility reduces the amount available for borrowing. At March 31, 2015, we had no letters of credit issued under the facility.

	Senior Unsecured Notes

	In March 2015, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”), issued $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in three separate tranches, comprised of $250 million of 4.00% Senior Notes due 2018, $450 million of 5.95% Senior Notes due 2025, and $400 million of 6.95% Senior Notes due 2045. The weighted average coupon of all three tranches is 5.87%. The interest rate on these senior notes may be increased if the credit rating applicable to the notes is downgraded below certain specified levels. The net proceeds of approximately $1.08 billion, after expenses, were used to repay indebtedness outstanding under our Credit Facilities and commercial paper program.



	Our $350 million 3.45% Senior Notes mature during the third quarter of 2015 and our $300 million 3.05% Senior Notes mature during the first quarter of 2016. We anticipate using availability under our Credit Facilities or commercial paper issuances to repay the outstanding balances; therefore, we continue to report these balances as long-term at March 31, 2015.

	Covenants

	The Credit Facilities are guaranteed by NHIL and Noble Holding Corporation (“NHC”). The covenants and events of default under the two 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 March 31, 2015, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was approximately 0.40. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facilities as of March 31, 2015.

	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 on entering into sale and lease-back transactions. At March 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the covenants under our notes and expect to remain in compliance during the remainder of 2015.

	Fair Value of Debt

	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). All remaining fair value disclosures are presented in Note 12.

	The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively:



			March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
			Carrying			Estimated			Carrying			Estimated
			Value			Fair Value			Value			Fair Value
	Senior unsecured notes:
	3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015		$	350,000		$	351,762		$	350,000		$	354,992
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016			299,986			302,086			299,982			302,515
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017			299,929			296,105			299,920			287,014
4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018			249,474			251,865			—			—
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019			201,695			222,709			201,695			212,068
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020			499,184			484,871			499,151			471,095
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021			399,640			375,376			399,627			363,837
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022			399,286			354,679			399,264			346,425
5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025			448,744			440,169			—			—
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040			399,895			343,607			399,895			350,351
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041			397,691			335,873			397,681			343,653
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042			498,317			385,725			498,310			385,181
6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045			394,522			380,219			—			—

Total senior unsecured notes			4,838,363			4,525,046			3,745,525			3,417,131
Credit facilities & commercial paper program			23,998			23,998			1,123,495			1,123,495

Total long-term debt		$	4,862,361		$	4,549,044		$	4,869,020		$	4,540,626

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 9 — Income Taxes
	At March 31, 2015, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $112 million (net of related tax benefits of $1 million). If the March 31, 2015 reserves are not realized, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by $112 million. At December 31, 2014, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $116 million (net of related tax benefits of $1 million).
	It is reasonably possible that our existing liabilities related to our reserve for uncertain tax positions may increase or decrease in the next 12 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.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Note 10 — Employee Benefit Plans

	Pension costs include the following components for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:



		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015						2014
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service cost	$	874		$	2,149		$	1,420		$	2,541
	Interest cost		642			2,300			1,456			2,714
	Return on plan assets		(926	)		(3,286	)		(1,835	)		(3,846	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		27			36			(5	)		56
	Recognized net actuarial loss		45			1,539			313			651

	Net pension expense	$	662		$	2,738		$	1,349		$	2,116


	Included in net pension expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 for our non-U.S. and U.S. plans was approximately $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to Paragon Offshore that was classified as discontinued operations.

	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we made contributions to our pension plans totaling $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Note 11 — 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 are we a party to leveraged derivatives.

	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. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings.

	Cash Flow Hedges

	Several of our regional shorebases, including our North Sea, Australian and Brazilian operations, have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we periodically enter into forward contracts, which settle monthly in the operations’ respective local currencies. All of these contracts have a maturity of less than 12 months. The forward contract settlements in the remainder of 2015 represent approximately 60 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. Dollars, was approximately $69 million at March 31, 2015. Total unrealized losses related to these forward contracts were approximately $3 million as of March 31, 2015 and were recorded as part of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”).



	Financial Statement Presentation

	The following table, together with Note 12, summarizes the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



				Estimated fair value
		Balance sheet		March 31,				December 31,
		classification		2015				2014
	Liability derivatives
	Cash flow hedges
	Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	Other current liabilities		$	3,145			$	—

	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 12, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “contract drilling services” expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:




		Gain/(loss) recognized								Gain/(loss) reclassified					Gain/(loss) recognized
		through AOCL								from AOCL to “contract					through “contract
										drilling services” expense					drilling services” expense
		2015				2014				2015			2014		2015		2014
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(3,111	)		$	4,752			$	(34	)	$	1,194	$	—	$	—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Note 12 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:

March 31, 2015

Estimated Fair Value Measurements

Carrying

Quoted

Significant

Amount

Prices in

Other

Unobservable

Active

Observable

Inputs

Markets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Assets -

Marketable securities

6,739

—

Liabilities -

Foreign currency forward contracts

3,145

—

3,145

—

December 31, 2014

Estimated Fair Value Measurements

Carrying

Quoted

Significant

Amount

Prices in

Other

Unobservable

Active

Observable

Inputs

Markets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Assets -

Marketable securities

6,175

—

The foreign currency forward contracts have been valued using actively quoted prices and quotes obtained from the counterparties to the contracts. 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.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Mar. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Note 13 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following tables set forth the components of, and changes in the accumulated balances for each component of, AOCL for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. All amounts within the tables are shown net of tax.


			Gains /			Defined			Foreign			Total
			(Losses) on			Benefit			Currency
			Cash Flow			Pension			Items
			Hedges(1)			Items(2)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	—		$	(58,598	)	$	(23,566	)	$	(82,164	)

	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			4,752			—			1,009			5,761
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			1,194			763			—			1,957

	Net other comprehensive income			5,946			763			1,009			7,718

	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	5,946		$	(57,835	)	$	(22,557	)	$	(74,446	)

	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	—		$	(58,440	)	$	(10,978	)	$	(69,418	)

	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(3,111	)		—			(3,299	)		(6,410	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			(34	)		1,081			—			1,047

	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(3,145	)		1,081			(3,299	)		(5,363	)

	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	(3,145	)	$	(57,359	)	$	(14,277	)	$	(74,781	)


	-1	Gains / (losses) on cash flow hedges are related to our foreign currency forward contracts. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized through “contract drilling services” expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 11 for additional information.
	-2	Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial changes, the amortization of prior service costs and curtailment and settlement expenses. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 10 for additional information.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 14 — Commitments and Contingencies

	The Noble Homer Ferrington was under contract with a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”), which entered into an assignment agreement with British Petroleum plc (“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. 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 December 2014, one of our subsidiaries reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) regarding our drillship, the Noble Discoverer, and the Kulluk in respect of violations of applicable law discovered in connection with a 2012 coast guard inspection in Alaska and our own subsequent internal investigation. Under the terms of the agreement, the subsidiary pled guilty to oil record book, ballast record and required hazardous condition reporting violations with respect to the Noble Discoverer and an oil record book violation with respect to the Kulluk. The subsidiary paid $8.2 million in fines and $4 million in community service payments, and was placed on probation for four years, provided that we may petition the court for early dismissal of probation after three years. If during the term of probation, the subsidiary fails to adhere to the terms of the plea agreement, the DOJ may withdraw from the plea agreement and would be free to prosecute the subsidiary on all charges arising out of its investigation, including any charges dismissed pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, as well as potentially other charges. We also implemented a comprehensive environmental compliance plan in connection with the settlement.

	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 March 31, 2015, there were 45 asbestos related 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 vigorously defend 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, 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. During the first quarter of 2014, the IRS began its examination of our tax reporting for the taxable years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011. We believe that we have accurately reported all amounts in our 2010 and 2011 tax returns. 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.

	Audit claims of approximately $65 million attributable to income, customs and other business taxes have been assessed against us. We have received tax assessments of approximately $148 million related to Paragon Offshore assets that operated through Noble-retained entities in Mexico, and Paragon Offshore has received tax assessments of approximately $145 million for Noble assets that operated through a Paragon Offshore-retained entity in Brazil. Of these tax assessments in Mexico and Brazil, approximately $21 million and $44 million, respectively, relate to Noble’s share of the tax liability. Under the TSA, Paragon Offshore has an obligation to indemnify us for all assessed amounts that are related to Paragon Offshore’s Mexico assets, approximately $127 million, and we have an obligation to indemnify Paragon Offshore for all assessed amounts that are related to Noble’s Brazil assets, approximately $44 million, in each case, if and when such payments become due. 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.



	On January 23, 2015, Noble received an official notification of a ruling from the Second Chamber of the Supreme Court in Mexico. The ruling settled an ongoing dispute in Mexico relating to the classification of a Noble subsidiary’s business activity and the applicable rate of depreciation under the Mexican law. The ruling did not result in any additional tax liability to Noble. Additionally, the ruling does not constitute mandatory jurisprudence in Mexico, and thus is only applicable to the Noble subsidiary named in the ruling. We will continue to contest future assessments received. Any claim by the tax authorities relating to this issue is subject to a full indemnification from Paragon Offshore under the TSA.

	We have been notified by Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) that it is currently challenging assessments by Brazilian tax authorities of withholding taxes associated with the provision of drilling rigs for its operations in Brazil during 2008 and 2009. Petrobras has also notified us that if Petrobras must ultimately pay such withholding taxes, it will seek reimbursement from us for the portion allocable to our drilling rigs. The amount of withholding tax that Petrobras indicates may be allocable to Noble drilling rigs is R$79 million (approximately $24 million). We believe that our contract with Petrobras requires Petrobras to indemnify us for these withholding taxes. We will, if necessary, vigorously defend our rights.

	We maintain certain insurance coverage against specified marine perils, which includes physical damage and loss of hire. The rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are self-insured for named windstorm perils. In addition, we maintain a physical damage deductible on our rigs of $25 million per occurrence. 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, strikes or cyber risks. 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 $676 million at March 31, 2015.

	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.

Accounting_Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
Accounting Pronouncements	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Accounting Pronouncements	Note 15 — Accounting Pronouncements

	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements” and ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” This ASU alters the definition of a discontinued operation to cover only asset disposals that are a strategic shift with a major effect on an entity’s operations and finances, and calls for more extensive disclosures about a discontinued operation’s assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The guidance is effective for all disposals, or classifications as held-for-sale, of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. This standard was not early adopted in connection with the Spin-Off. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which amends ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The amendments in this ASU are intended to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices and improve disclosure requirements. In April 2015, the FASB proposed a one-year deferral of the effective date of the new revenue standard. Under the proposal, the new guidance will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. 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 June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, which amends ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” The guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition and should not be reflected in the estimate of the grant-date fair value of the award. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The guidance can be applied prospectively for all awards granted or modified after the effective date or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. 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 August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, which amends ASC Subtopic 205-40, “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to continue as a Going Concern.” The amendments in this ASU provide guidance related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. 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 January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, which amends ASC Subtopic 225-20, “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items.” The amendment in this ASU eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. 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 February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 which amends ASC Subtopic 810, “Consolidations.” This amendment affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities; eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The standard may be applied retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. 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 April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 which amends ASC Subtopic 835-30, “Interest – Imputation of Interest.” The guidance requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the associated debt liability. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The new guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis. We are still evaluating what impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04 which amends ASC Topic 715, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits.” The guidance gives an employer whose fiscal year end does not coincide with a calendar month end the ability, as a practical expedient, to measure defined benefit retirement obligations and related plan assets as of the month end that is closest to its fiscal year end. The ASU also provides a similar practical expedient for interim remeasurements of significant events. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. 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.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa

Supplemental Financial Information	3 Months Ended
Supplemental Financial Information	Mar. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Supplemental Financial Information	Note 16 — Supplemental Financial Information

	Consolidated Balance Sheets Information

	Deferred revenues from drilling contracts totaled $243 million and $263 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Such amounts are included in either “Other current liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition. Related expenses deferred under drilling contracts totaled $91 million at March 31, 2015 as compared to $94 million at December 31, 2014, and are included in either “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” or “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition.

	Subsequent to March 31, 2015, we agreed to contract dayrate reductions for five rigs working for Saudi Arabian Oil Company (“Aramco”), which are effective from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. In accordance with accounting guidance, we are recognizing the reductions on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the existing Aramco contracts. At March 31, 2015, revenues recorded in excess of billings as a result of this recognition totaled $21 million, and are included in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Information

	The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:



		Noble-UK						Noble-Cayman
		Three months ended						Three months ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Accounts receivable	$	(24,890	)	$	91,226		$	(24,890	)	$	91,226
	Other current assets		102,206			(46,320	)		76,635			(46,997	)
	Other assets		13,827			19,801			13,825			19,805
	Accounts payable		676			(5,350	)		1,284			(12,696	)
	Other current liabilities		(58,682	)		(70,001	)		(52,979	)		(60,550	)
	Other liabilities		(18,379	)		(12,474	)		(18,380	)		(12,472	)

		$	14,758		$	(23,118	)	$	(4,505	)	$	(21,684	)

Information_about_NobleCayman

Information about Noble-Cayman	3 Months Ended
Information about Noble-Cayman	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantees [Abstract]
Information about Noble-Cayman	Note 17 — Information about Noble-Cayman

	Guarantees of Registered Securities

	In May 2014, as part of the separation of Paragon Offshore, NHC assumed all of the obligations of Noble Drilling Corporation (“NDC”) under the Senior Notes due 2019, and NDC was released from those obligations. As a result, we removed NDC from the guarantor financial statements and NHC is no longer combined with Noble Drilling Holding, LLC (“NDH”) because the two entities are now issuers and guarantors on separate debt instruments. We have recast prior periods to conform to the guarantor structure as it exists at March 31, 2015.



	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 March 31, 2015 as follows:



	Notes		Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))		Guarantor
	$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
	$250 million 4.00% Senior Notes due 2018		NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		NHC		Noble-Cayman
			NDH
			Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)
	$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
	$450 million 5.95% Senior Notes due 2025		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
	$400 million 6.95% Senior Notes due 2045		NHIL		Noble-Cayman

	The following condensed consolidating financial statements of Noble-Cayman, NHC, NDH, NHIL, NDS6 and all other subsidiaries present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.



	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

	March 31, 2015

	(in thousands)



			Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
			Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																				Subsidiaries of
																				Noble
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	5			$	—		$	271			$	—		$	—		$	78,700			$	—			$	78,976
	Accounts receivable			—				—			49,393				—			—			545,327				—				594,720
	Taxes receivable			—				3,054			1,026				—			—			55,427				—				59,507
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates			123,988				—			1,077,965				—			333,966			171,925				(1,707,844	)			—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates			740,367				446,083			192,379				1,156,277			120,032			4,238,483				(6,893,621	)			—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			8,163				—			4,831				—			—			94,512				—				107,506

	Total current assets			872,523				449,137			1,325,865				1,156,277			453,998			5,184,374				(8,601,465	)			840,709

	Property and equipment, at cost			—				—			2,060,898				—			—			12,430,291				—				14,491,189
	Accumulated depreciation			—				—			(294,885	)			—			—			(2,175,706	)			—				(2,470,591	)

	Property and equipment, net			—				—			1,766,013				—			—			10,254,585				—				12,020,598

	Notes receivable from affiliates			3,304,653				—			236,921				1,980,391			5,000			1,582,492				(7,109,457	)			—
Investments in affiliates			4,784,403				1,315,628			2,976,634				8,556,204			6,469,968			—				(24,102,837	)			—
Other assets			7,566				—			5,858				27,422			486			184,099				—				225,431

Total assets		$	8,969,145			$	1,764,765		$	6,311,291			$	11,720,294		$	6,929,452		$	17,205,550			$	(39,813,759	)		$	13,086,738

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates		$	—			$	171,925		$	—			$	—		$	371,720		$	1,164,199			$	(1,707,844	)		$	—
Accounts payable			600				—			6,930				—			—			235,240				—				242,770
Accrued payroll and related costs			—				—			7,010				—			—			54,595				—				61,605
Accounts payable to affiliates			646,710				64,621			3,500,077				70,264			19,635			2,592,314				(6,893,621	)			—
Taxes payable			—				—			752				—			—			123,448				—				124,200
Interest payable			1				—			—				19,050			630			—				—				19,681
Other current liabilities			4,546				—			10,293				—			—			101,754				—				116,593

Total current liabilities			651,857				236,546			3,525,062				89,314			391,985			4,271,550				(8,601,465	)			564,849

Long-term debt			23,998				—			—				4,636,668			201,695			—				—				4,862,361
Notes payable to affiliates			1,769,064				—			599,781				1,169,180			192,216			3,379,216				(7,109,457	)			—
Deferred income taxes			—				—			—				—			—			111,122				—				111,122
Other liabilities			19,929				—			28,159				1			—			273,038				—				321,127

Total liabilities			2,464,848				236,546			4,153,002				5,895,163			785,896			8,034,926				(15,710,922	)			5,859,459

Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity			6,504,297				1,528,219			2,158,289				5,825,131			6,143,556			8,034,005				(23,689,200	)			6,504,297
Noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			1,136,619				(413,637	)			722,982

Total equity			6,504,297				1,528,219			2,158,289				5,825,131			6,143,556			9,170,624				(24,102,837	)			7,227,279

Total liabilities and equity		$	8,969,145			$	1,764,765		$	6,311,291			$	11,720,294		$	6,929,452		$	17,205,550			$	(39,813,759	)		$	13,086,738




NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2014

(in thousands)



		Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
		Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																			Subsidiaries
																			of Noble
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	5			$	—		$	254			$	—		$	—		$	65,521			$	—			$	65,780
Accounts receivable			—				—			37,655				2,336			—			529,105				—				569,096
Taxes receivable			—				63,373			752				—			—			43,164				—				107,289
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates			123,449				—			1,077,965				—			333,966			171,925				(1,707,305	)			—
Accounts receivable from affiliates			2,019,319				374,012			192,771				157,164			125,834			4,191,406				(7,060,506	)			—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			14,274				—			1,764				—			—			123,631				—				139,669

Total current assets			2,157,047				437,385			1,311,161				159,500			459,800			5,124,752				(8,767,811	)			881,834

Property and equipment, at cost			—				—			2,040,168				—			—			12,364,203				—				14,404,371
Accumulated depreciation			—				—			(278,147	)			—			—			(2,040,073	)			—				(2,318,220	)

Property and equipment, net			—				—			1,762,021				—			—			10,324,130				—				12,086,151

Notes receivable from affiliates			3,304,654				—			236,921				1,980,391			5,000			1,581,429				(7,108,395	)			—
Investments in affiliates			4,567,335				1,318,239			2,921,452				8,266,444			6,290,918			—				(23,364,388	)			—
Other assets			2,908				—			6,212				19,826			517			192,791				—				222,254

Total assets		$	10,031,944			$	1,755,624		$	6,237,767			$	10,426,161		$	6,756,235		$	17,223,102			$	(39,240,594	)		$	13,190,239

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates		$	—			$	171,925		$	—			$	—		$	371,720		$	1,163,660			$	(1,707,305	)		$	—
Accounts payable			600				—			10,130				—			—			250,282				—				261,012
Accrued payroll and related costs			—				—			7,738				—			—			83,749				—				91,487
Accounts payable to affiliates			606,224				63,602			3,513,705				61,982			16,869			2,798,124				(7,060,506	)			—
Taxes payable			—				—			—				—			—			91,471				—				91,471
Interest payable			499				—			—				57,053			4,412			—				—				61,964
Other current liabilities			15,651				—			13,409				—			—			110,890				—				139,950

Total current liabilities			622,974				235,527			3,544,982				119,035			393,001			4,498,176				(8,767,811	)			645,884

Long-term debt			1,123,495				—			—				3,543,830			201,695			—				—				4,869,020
Notes payable to affiliates			1,769,068				—			598,715				1,169,180			192,216			3,379,216				(7,108,395	)			—
Deferred income taxes			—				—			—				—			—			120,589				—				120,589
Other liabilities			19,929				—			29,093				—			—			286,942				—				335,964

Total liabilities			3,535,466				235,527			4,172,790				4,832,045			786,912			8,284,923				(15,876,206	)			5,971,457

Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity			6,496,478				1,520,097			2,064,977				5,594,116			5,969,323			7,812,656				(22,961,169	)			6,496,478
Noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			1,125,523				(403,219	)			722,304

Total equity			6,496,478				1,520,097			2,064,977				5,594,116			5,969,323			8,938,179				(23,364,388	)			7,218,782

Total liabilities and equity		$	10,031,944			$	1,755,624		$	6,237,767			$	10,426,161		$	6,756,235		$	17,223,102			$	(39,240,594	)		$	13,190,239




NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

(in thousands)



		Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
		Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																			Subsidiaries
																			of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services		$	—			$	—		$	75,059			$	—		$	—		$	737,807			$	(33,505	)		$	779,361
Reimbursables			—				—			2,379				—			—			22,602				—				24,981

Total operating revenues			—				—			77,438				—			—			760,409				(33,505	)			804,342

Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services			1,815				8,291			29,378				22,839			—			290,661				(33,505	)			319,479
Reimbursables			—				—			1,482				—			—			18,675				—				20,157
Depreciation and amortization			—				—			17,368				—			—			136,498				—				153,866
General and administrative			457				3,388			—				8,349			—			14				—				12,208

Total operating costs and expenses			2,272				11,679			48,228				31,188			—			445,848				(33,505	)			505,710

Operating income (loss)			(2,272	)			(11,679	)		29,210				(31,188	)		—			314,561				—				298,632
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates			216,726				32,081			55,024				289,758			179,050			—				(772,639	)			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax			—				—			—				—			—			—				—				—

Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates			216,726				32,081			55,024				289,758			179,050			—				(772,639	)			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized			(24,753	)			(1,019	)		(3,255	)			(48,336	)		(6,216	)		(13,727	)			48,262				(49,044	)
Interest income and other, net			2,730				4,832			12,712				20,779			1,399			12,258				(48,262	)			6,448

Income from continuing operations before income taxes			192,431				24,215			93,691				231,013			174,233			313,092				(772,639	)			256,036
Income tax provision			—				(16,093	)		(379	)			—			—			(27,086	)			—				(43,558	)

Net income from continuing operations			192,431				8,122			93,312				231,013			174,233			286,006				(772,639	)			212,478
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax			—				—			—				—			—			—				—				—

Net Income			192,431				8,122			93,312				231,013			174,233			286,006				(772,639	)			212,478
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			(30,464	)			10,417				(20,047	)

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation			192,431				8,122			93,312				231,013			174,233			255,542				(762,222	)			192,431

Other comprehensive loss, net			(5,363	)			—			—				—			—			(5,363	)			5,363				(5,363	)

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation		$	187,068			$	8,122		$	93,312			$	231,013		$	174,233		$	250,179			$	(756,859	)		$	187,068




NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

(in thousands)



		Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
		Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																			Subsidiaries
																			of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services		$	—			$	—		$	76,953			$	—		$	—		$	735,942			$	(42,258	)		$	770,637
Reimbursables			—				—			678				—			—			23,872				—				24,550

Total operating revenues			—				—			77,631				—			—			759,814				(42,258	)			795,187

Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services			10,071				7,219			34,574				26,116			—			314,855				(42,258	)			350,577
Reimbursables			—				—			831				—			—			20,673				—				21,504
Depreciation and amortization			—				—			14,634				—			—			130,969				—				145,603
General and administrative			573				1,847			—				6,961			—			2,551				—				11,932

Total operating costs and expenses			10,644				9,066			50,039				33,077			—			469,048				(42,258	)			529,616

Operating income (loss)			(10,644	)			(9,066	)		27,592				(33,077	)		—			290,766				—				265,571
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates			206,296				45,755			98,114				255,558			170,149			—				(775,872	)			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax			113,917				24,978			11,040				63,201			2,042			—				(215,178	)			—

Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates			320,213				70,733			109,154				318,759			172,191			—				(991,050	)			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized			(25,884	)			(227	)		(5,823	)			(46,493	)		(7,949	)		(12,294	)			58,278				(40,392	)
Interest income and other, net			1,630				—			13,680				25,957			313			15,303				(58,278	)			(1,395	)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes			285,315				61,440			144,603				265,146			164,555			293,775				(991,050	)			223,784
Income tax provision			—				(30,194	)		(684	)			—			—			(4,592	)			—				(35,470	)

Net income from continuing operations			285,315				31,246			143,919				265,146			164,555			289,183				(991,050	)			188,314
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax			—				—			6,689				—			—			107,228				—				113,917

Net Income			285,315				31,246			150,608				265,146			164,555			396,411				(991,050	)			302,231
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			(29,986	)			13,070				(16,916	)

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation			285,315				31,246			150,608				265,146			164,555			366,425				(977,980	)			285,315

Other comprehensive income, net			7,718				—			—				—			—			7,718				(7,718	)			7,718

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation		$	293,033			$	31,246		$	150,608			$	265,146		$	164,555		$	374,143			$	(985,698	)		$	293,033




NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

(in thousands)



		Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
		Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																			Subsidiaries of
																			Noble
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities		$	(27,097	)		$	36,360		$	33,705			$	(102,007	)	$	(8,568	)	$	426,630			$	—			$	359,023

Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures			—				—			(27,344	)			—			—			(90,973	)			—				(118,317	)

Net cash from investing activities			—				—			(27,344	)			—			—			(90,973	)			—				(118,317	)

Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities			(1,099,497	)			—			—				—			—			—				—				(1,099,497	)
Issuance of senior notes			—				—			—				1,092,728			—			—				—				1,092,728
Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facilities			(6,392	)			—			—				(8,383	)		—			—				—				(14,775	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			(19,369	)			—				(19,369	)
Distributions to parent company, net			(186,597	)			—			—				—			—			—				—				(186,597	)
Advances (to) from affiliates			1,319,583				(36,360	)		(6,344	)			(982,338	)		8,568			(303,109	)			—				—

Net cash from financing activities			27,097				(36,360	)		(6,344	)			102,007			8,568			(322,478	)			—				(227,510	)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents			—				—			17				—			—			13,179				—				13,196
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			5				—			254				—			—			65,521				—				65,780

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	5			$	—		$	271			$	—		$	—		$	78,700			$	—			$	78,976




NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

(in thousands)



		Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
		Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																			Subsidiaries of
																			Noble
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities		$	(23,676	)		$	(7,842	)	$	45,140			$	(98,984	)	$	(11,386	)	$	628,403			$	—			$	531,655

Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures			—				—			(331,096	)			—			—			(229,692	)			—				(560,788	)
Notes receivable from affiliates			—				—			—				273,744			—			—				(273,744	)			—

Net cash from investing activities			—				—			(331,096	)			273,744			—			(229,692	)			(273,744	)			(560,788	)

Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities			422,402				—			—				—			—			—				—				422,402
Repayment of long-term debt			—				—			—				(250,000	)		—			—				—				(250,000	)
Debt issuance costs on credit facilities			(381	)			—			—				—			—			—				—				(381	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			(19,695	)			—				(19,695	)
Distributions to parent company, net			(121,780	)			—			—				—			—			—				—				(121,780	)
Advances (to) from affiliates			(2,817	)			7,842			285,678				75,241			11,386			(377,330	)			—				—
Notes payable to affiliates			(273,744	)			—			—				—			—			—				273,744				—

Net cash from financing activities			23,680				7,842			285,678				(174,759	)		11,386			(397,025	)			273,744				30,546

Net change in cash and cash equivalents			4				—			(278	)			1			—			1,686				—				1,413
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			1				—			402				4			—			109,975				—				110,382

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	5			$	—		$	124			$	5		$	—		$	111,661			$	—			$	111,795

Accounting_Pronouncements_Poli

Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Accounting Pronouncements	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements” and ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” This ASU alters the definition of a discontinued operation to cover only asset disposals that are a strategic shift with a major effect on an entity’s operations and finances, and calls for more extensive disclosures about a discontinued operation’s assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The guidance is effective for all disposals, or classifications as held-for-sale, of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. This standard was not early adopted in connection with the Spin-Off. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which amends ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The amendments in this ASU are intended to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices and improve disclosure requirements. In April 2015, the FASB proposed a one-year deferral of the effective date of the new revenue standard. Under the proposal, the new guidance will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. 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 June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, which amends ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” The guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition and should not be reflected in the estimate of the grant-date fair value of the award. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The guidance can be applied prospectively for all awards granted or modified after the effective date or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. 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 August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, which amends ASC Subtopic 205-40, “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to continue as a Going Concern.” The amendments in this ASU provide guidance related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. 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 January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, which amends ASC Subtopic 225-20, “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items.” The amendment in this ASU eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. 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 February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 which amends ASC Subtopic 810, “Consolidations.” This amendment affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities; eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The standard may be applied retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. 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 April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 which amends ASC Subtopic 835-30, “Interest – Imputation of Interest.” The guidance requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the associated debt liability. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The new guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis. We are still evaluating what impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04 which amends ASC Topic 715, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits.” The guidance gives an employer whose fiscal year end does not coincide with a calendar month end the ability, as a practical expedient, to measure defined benefit retirement obligations and related plan assets as of the month end that is closest to its fiscal year end. The ASU also provides a similar practical expedient for interim remeasurements of significant events. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. 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.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Net Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	The following table provides the components of net income from discontinued operations, net of tax for Noble-UK for the three months ended March 31, 2014:



		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2014
	Operating revenues
	Contract drilling services	$	435,667
	Reimbursables		12,103
	Labor contract drilling services		8,212
	Other		1

	Operating revenues from discontinued operations	$	455,983

	Income from discontinued operations
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	120,370
	Income tax provision		(18,858	)

	Net income from discontinued operations	$	101,512

Share_Data_Tables

Share Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Share Data (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for Noble-UK	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for Noble-UK:



		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator:
	Basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	178,403		$	154,814
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(3,931	)		(2,512	)

	Income from continuing operations to common shareholders		174,472			152,302

	Income from discontinued operations		—			101,512
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(1,762	)

	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		—			99,750

	Net income attributable to Noble-UK		178,403			256,326
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(3,931	)		(4,274	)

	Net income to common shareholders - basic	$	174,472		$	252,052

	Diluted
	Income from continuing operations		178,403			154,814
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(3,931	)		(2,510	)

	Income from continuing operations to common shareholders		174,472			152,304

	Income from discontinued operations		—			101,512
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(1,762	)

	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		—			99,750

	Net income attributable to Noble-UK		178,403			256,326
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(3,931	)		(4,272	)

	Net income to common shareholders - diluted	$	174,472		$	252,054

	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		242,685			253,940
	Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		—			135

	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		242,685			254,075

	Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		5,468			4,188

	Earnings per share
	Basic
	Continuing operations	$	0.72		$	0.6
	Discontinued operations		—			0.39

	Net income attributable to Noble-UK	$	0.72		$	0.99

	Diluted
	Continuing operations	$	0.72		$	0.6
	Discontinued operations		—			0.39

	Net income attributable to Noble-UK	$	0.72		$	0.99

	Dividends per share	$	0.375		$	0.375

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, at Cost	Property and equipment, at cost, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 for Noble-UK consisted of the following:


		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Drilling equipment and facilities	$	13,348,942	$	13,254,240
	Construction in progress		948,905		969,985
	Other		231,893		218,697

	Property and equipment, at cost	$	14,529,740	$	14,442,922

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Debt (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Senior unsecured notes:
	3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015	$	350,000	$	350,000
	3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016		299,986		299,982
	2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017		299,929		299,920
	4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018		249,474		—
	7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019		201,695		201,695
	4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020		499,184		499,151
	4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021		399,640		399,627
	3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022		399,286		399,264
	5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025		448,744		—
	6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040		399,895		399,895
	6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041		397,691		397,681
	5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042		498,317		498,310
	6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045		394,522		—

	Total senior unsecured notes		4,838,363		3,745,525
	Credit facilities & commercial paper program		23,998		1,123,495

	Total long-term debt	$	4,862,361	$	4,869,020

Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt	The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively:



		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
		Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
		Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
	Senior unsecured notes:
	3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015	$	350,000	$	351,762	$	350,000	$	354,992
	3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016		299,986		302,086		299,982		302,515
	2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017		299,929		296,105		299,920		287,014
	4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018		249,474		251,865		—		—
	7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019		201,695		222,709		201,695		212,068
	4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020		499,184		484,871		499,151		471,095
	4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021		399,640		375,376		399,627		363,837
	3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022		399,286		354,679		399,264		346,425
	5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025		448,744		440,169		—		—
	6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040		399,895		343,607		399,895		350,351
	6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041		397,691		335,873		397,681		343,653
	5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042		498,317		385,725		498,310		385,181
	6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045		394,522		380,219		—		—

	Total senior unsecured notes		4,838,363		4,525,046		3,745,525		3,417,131
	Credit facilities & commercial paper program		23,998		23,998		1,123,495		1,123,495

	Total long-term debt	$	4,862,361	$	4,549,044	$	4,869,020	$	4,540,626

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension Costs	Pension costs include the following components for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:



		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015						2014
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service cost	$	874		$	2,149		$	1,420		$	2,541
	Interest cost		642			2,300			1,456			2,714
	Return on plan assets		(926	)		(3,286	)		(1,835	)		(3,846	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		27			36			(5	)		56
	Recognized net actuarial loss		45			1,539			313			651

	Net pension expense	$	662		$	2,738		$	1,349		$	2,116

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Statement Presentation and Fair Value of Derivative Positions	The following table, together with Note 12, summarizes the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



				Estimated fair value
		Balance sheet		March 31,				December 31,
		classification		2015				2014
	Liability derivatives
	Cash flow hedges
	Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	Other current liabilities		$	3,145			$	—
Summarization of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 12, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “contract drilling services” expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:



		Gain/(loss) recognized								Gain/(loss) reclassified					Gain/(loss) recognized
		through AOCL								from AOCL to “contract					through “contract
										drilling services” expense					drilling services” expense
		2015				2014				2015			2014		2015		2014
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(3,111	)		$	4,752			$	(34	)	$	1,194	$	—	$	—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:

March 31, 2015

Estimated Fair Value Measurements

Carrying

Quoted

Significant

Amount

Prices in

Other

Unobservable

Active

Observable

Inputs

Markets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Assets -

Marketable securities

6,739

—

Liabilities -

Foreign currency forward contracts

3,145

—

3,145

—

December 31, 2014

Estimated Fair Value Measurements

Carrying

Quoted

Significant

Amount

Prices in

Other

Unobservable

Active

Observable

Inputs

Markets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Assets -

Marketable securities

6,175

—

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Changes in AOCL by Component	The following tables set forth the components of, and changes in the accumulated balances for each component of, AOCL for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. All amounts within the tables are shown net of tax.


			Gains /			Defined			Foreign			Total
			(Losses) on			Benefit			Currency
			Cash Flow			Pension			Items
			Hedges(1)			Items(2)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	—		$	(58,598	)	$	(23,566	)	$	(82,164	)

	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			4,752			—			1,009			5,761
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			1,194			763			—			1,957

	Net other comprehensive income			5,946			763			1,009			7,718

	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	5,946		$	(57,835	)	$	(22,557	)	$	(74,446	)

	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	—		$	(58,440	)	$	(10,978	)	$	(69,418	)

	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(3,111	)		—			(3,299	)		(6,410	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			(34	)		1,081			—			1,047

	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(3,145	)		1,081			(3,299	)		(5,363	)

	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	(3,145	)	$	(57,359	)	$	(14,277	)	$	(74,781	)


	-1	Gains / (losses) on cash flow hedges are related to our foreign currency forward contracts. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized through “contract drilling services” expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 11 for additional information.
	-2	Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial changes, the amortization of prior service costs and curtailment and settlement expenses. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 10 for additional information.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa1

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
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:


		Noble-UK						Noble-Cayman
		Three months ended						Three months ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Accounts receivable	$	(24,890	)	$	91,226		$	(24,890	)	$	91,226
	Other current assets		102,206			(46,320	)		76,635			(46,997	)
	Other assets		13,827			19,801			13,825			19,805
	Accounts payable		676			(5,350	)		1,284			(12,696	)
	Other current liabilities		(58,682	)		(70,001	)		(52,979	)		(60,550	)
	Other liabilities		(18,379	)		(12,474	)		(18,380	)		(12,472	)

		$	14,758		$	(23,118	)	$	(4,505	)	$	(21,684	)

Information_about_NobleCayman_

Information about Noble-Cayman (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Information about Noble-Cayman (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantor Obligations	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 March 31, 2015 as follows:



	Notes		Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))		Guarantor
	$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
	$250 million 4.00% Senior Notes due 2018		NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		NHC		Noble-Cayman
			NDH
			Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)
	$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
	$450 million 5.95% Senior Notes due 2025		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
	$400 million 6.95% Senior Notes due 2045		NHIL		Noble-Cayman
Condensed Financial Statements	The following condensed consolidating financial statements of Noble-Cayman, NHC, NDH, NHIL, NDS6 and all other subsidiaries present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.



	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

	March 31, 2015

	(in thousands)



			Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
			Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																				Subsidiaries of
																				Noble
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	5			$	—		$	271			$	—		$	—		$	78,700			$	—			$	78,976
	Accounts receivable			—				—			49,393				—			—			545,327				—				594,720
	Taxes receivable			—				3,054			1,026				—			—			55,427				—				59,507
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates			123,988				—			1,077,965				—			333,966			171,925				(1,707,844	)			—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates			740,367				446,083			192,379				1,156,277			120,032			4,238,483				(6,893,621	)			—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			8,163				—			4,831				—			—			94,512				—				107,506

	Total current assets			872,523				449,137			1,325,865				1,156,277			453,998			5,184,374				(8,601,465	)			840,709

	Property and equipment, at cost			—				—			2,060,898				—			—			12,430,291				—				14,491,189
	Accumulated depreciation			—				—			(294,885	)			—			—			(2,175,706	)			—				(2,470,591	)

	Property and equipment, net			—				—			1,766,013				—			—			10,254,585				—				12,020,598

	Notes receivable from affiliates			3,304,653				—			236,921				1,980,391			5,000			1,582,492				(7,109,457	)			—
	Investments in affiliates			4,784,403				1,315,628			2,976,634				8,556,204			6,469,968			—				(24,102,837	)			—
	Other assets			7,566				—			5,858				27,422			486			184,099				—				225,431

	Total assets		$	8,969,145			$	1,764,765		$	6,311,291			$	11,720,294		$	6,929,452		$	17,205,550			$	(39,813,759	)		$	13,086,738

	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities
	Short-term notes payables from affiliates		$	—			$	171,925		$	—			$	—		$	371,720		$	1,164,199			$	(1,707,844	)		$	—
	Accounts payable			600				—			6,930				—			—			235,240				—				242,770
	Accrued payroll and related costs			—				—			7,010				—			—			54,595				—				61,605
	Accounts payable to affiliates			646,710				64,621			3,500,077				70,264			19,635			2,592,314				(6,893,621	)			—
	Taxes payable			—				—			752				—			—			123,448				—				124,200
	Interest payable			1				—			—				19,050			630			—				—				19,681
	Other current liabilities			4,546				—			10,293				—			—			101,754				—				116,593

	Total current liabilities			651,857				236,546			3,525,062				89,314			391,985			4,271,550				(8,601,465	)			564,849

	Long-term debt			23,998				—			—				4,636,668			201,695			—				—				4,862,361
	Notes payable to affiliates			1,769,064				—			599,781				1,169,180			192,216			3,379,216				(7,109,457	)			—
	Deferred income taxes			—				—			—				—			—			111,122				—				111,122
	Other liabilities			19,929				—			28,159				1			—			273,038				—				321,127

	Total liabilities			2,464,848				236,546			4,153,002				5,895,163			785,896			8,034,926				(15,710,922	)			5,859,459

	Commitments and contingencies
	Total shareholder equity			6,504,297				1,528,219			2,158,289				5,825,131			6,143,556			8,034,005				(23,689,200	)			6,504,297
	Noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			1,136,619				(413,637	)			722,982

	Total equity			6,504,297				1,528,219			2,158,289				5,825,131			6,143,556			9,170,624				(24,102,837	)			7,227,279

Total liabilities and equity		$	8,969,145			$	1,764,765		$	6,311,291			$	11,720,294		$	6,929,452		$	17,205,550			$	(39,813,759	)		$	13,086,738




NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2014

(in thousands)



		Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
		Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																			Subsidiaries
																			of Noble
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	5			$	—		$	254			$	—		$	—		$	65,521			$	—			$	65,780
Accounts receivable			—				—			37,655				2,336			—			529,105				—				569,096
Taxes receivable			—				63,373			752				—			—			43,164				—				107,289
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates			123,449				—			1,077,965				—			333,966			171,925				(1,707,305	)			—
Accounts receivable from affiliates			2,019,319				374,012			192,771				157,164			125,834			4,191,406				(7,060,506	)			—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			14,274				—			1,764				—			—			123,631				—				139,669

Total current assets			2,157,047				437,385			1,311,161				159,500			459,800			5,124,752				(8,767,811	)			881,834

Property and equipment, at cost			—				—			2,040,168				—			—			12,364,203				—				14,404,371
Accumulated depreciation			—				—			(278,147	)			—			—			(2,040,073	)			—				(2,318,220	)

Property and equipment, net			—				—			1,762,021				—			—			10,324,130				—				12,086,151

Notes receivable from affiliates			3,304,654				—			236,921				1,980,391			5,000			1,581,429				(7,108,395	)			—
Investments in affiliates			4,567,335				1,318,239			2,921,452				8,266,444			6,290,918			—				(23,364,388	)			—
Other assets			2,908				—			6,212				19,826			517			192,791				—				222,254

Total assets		$	10,031,944			$	1,755,624		$	6,237,767			$	10,426,161		$	6,756,235		$	17,223,102			$	(39,240,594	)		$	13,190,239

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates		$	—			$	171,925		$	—			$	—		$	371,720		$	1,163,660			$	(1,707,305	)		$	—
Accounts payable			600				—			10,130				—			—			250,282				—				261,012
Accrued payroll and related costs			—				—			7,738				—			—			83,749				—				91,487
Accounts payable to affiliates			606,224				63,602			3,513,705				61,982			16,869			2,798,124				(7,060,506	)			—
Taxes payable			—				—			—				—			—			91,471				—				91,471
Interest payable			499				—			—				57,053			4,412			—				—				61,964
Other current liabilities			15,651				—			13,409				—			—			110,890				—				139,950

Total current liabilities			622,974				235,527			3,544,982				119,035			393,001			4,498,176				(8,767,811	)			645,884

Long-term debt			1,123,495				—			—				3,543,830			201,695			—				—				4,869,020
Notes payable to affiliates			1,769,068				—			598,715				1,169,180			192,216			3,379,216				(7,108,395	)			—
Deferred income taxes			—				—			—				—			—			120,589				—				120,589
Other liabilities			19,929				—			29,093				—			—			286,942				—				335,964

Total liabilities			3,535,466				235,527			4,172,790				4,832,045			786,912			8,284,923				(15,876,206	)			5,971,457

Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity			6,496,478				1,520,097			2,064,977				5,594,116			5,969,323			7,812,656				(22,961,169	)			6,496,478
Noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			1,125,523				(403,219	)			722,304

Total equity			6,496,478				1,520,097			2,064,977				5,594,116			5,969,323			8,938,179				(23,364,388	)			7,218,782

Total liabilities and equity		$	10,031,944			$	1,755,624		$	6,237,767			$	10,426,161		$	6,756,235		$	17,223,102			$	(39,240,594	)		$	13,190,239




NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

(in thousands)



		Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
		Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																			Subsidiaries
																			of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services		$	—			$	—		$	75,059			$	—		$	—		$	737,807			$	(33,505	)		$	779,361
Reimbursables			—				—			2,379				—			—			22,602				—				24,981

Total operating revenues			—				—			77,438				—			—			760,409				(33,505	)			804,342

Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services			1,815				8,291			29,378				22,839			—			290,661				(33,505	)			319,479
Reimbursables			—				—			1,482				—			—			18,675				—				20,157
Depreciation and amortization			—				—			17,368				—			—			136,498				—				153,866
General and administrative			457				3,388			—				8,349			—			14				—				12,208

Total operating costs and expenses			2,272				11,679			48,228				31,188			—			445,848				(33,505	)			505,710

Operating income (loss)			(2,272	)			(11,679	)		29,210				(31,188	)		—			314,561				—				298,632
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates			216,726				32,081			55,024				289,758			179,050			—				(772,639	)			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax			—				—			—				—			—			—				—				—

Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates			216,726				32,081			55,024				289,758			179,050			—				(772,639	)			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized			(24,753	)			(1,019	)		(3,255	)			(48,336	)		(6,216	)		(13,727	)			48,262				(49,044	)
Interest income and other, net			2,730				4,832			12,712				20,779			1,399			12,258				(48,262	)			6,448

Income from continuing operations before income taxes			192,431				24,215			93,691				231,013			174,233			313,092				(772,639	)			256,036
Income tax provision			—				(16,093	)		(379	)			—			—			(27,086	)			—				(43,558	)

Net income from continuing operations			192,431				8,122			93,312				231,013			174,233			286,006				(772,639	)			212,478
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax			—				—			—				—			—			—				—				—

Net Income			192,431				8,122			93,312				231,013			174,233			286,006				(772,639	)			212,478
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			(30,464	)			10,417				(20,047	)

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation			192,431				8,122			93,312				231,013			174,233			255,542				(762,222	)			192,431

Other comprehensive loss, net			(5,363	)			—			—				—			—			(5,363	)			5,363				(5,363	)

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation		$	187,068			$	8,122		$	93,312			$	231,013		$	174,233		$	250,179			$	(756,859	)		$	187,068




NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

(in thousands)



		Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
		Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																			Subsidiaries
																			of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services		$	—			$	—		$	76,953			$	—		$	—		$	735,942			$	(42,258	)		$	770,637
Reimbursables			—				—			678				—			—			23,872				—				24,550

Total operating revenues			—				—			77,631				—			—			759,814				(42,258	)			795,187

Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services			10,071				7,219			34,574				26,116			—			314,855				(42,258	)			350,577
Reimbursables			—				—			831				—			—			20,673				—				21,504
Depreciation and amortization			—				—			14,634				—			—			130,969				—				145,603
General and administrative			573				1,847			—				6,961			—			2,551				—				11,932

Total operating costs and expenses			10,644				9,066			50,039				33,077			—			469,048				(42,258	)			529,616

Operating income (loss)			(10,644	)			(9,066	)		27,592				(33,077	)		—			290,766				—				265,571
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates			206,296				45,755			98,114				255,558			170,149			—				(775,872	)			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax			113,917				24,978			11,040				63,201			2,042			—				(215,178	)			—

Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates			320,213				70,733			109,154				318,759			172,191			—				(991,050	)			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized			(25,884	)			(227	)		(5,823	)			(46,493	)		(7,949	)		(12,294	)			58,278				(40,392	)
Interest income and other, net			1,630				—			13,680				25,957			313			15,303				(58,278	)			(1,395	)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes			285,315				61,440			144,603				265,146			164,555			293,775				(991,050	)			223,784
Income tax provision			—				(30,194	)		(684	)			—			—			(4,592	)			—				(35,470	)

Net income from continuing operations			285,315				31,246			143,919				265,146			164,555			289,183				(991,050	)			188,314
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax			—				—			6,689				—			—			107,228				—				113,917

Net Income			285,315				31,246			150,608				265,146			164,555			396,411				(991,050	)			302,231
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			(29,986	)			13,070				(16,916	)

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation			285,315				31,246			150,608				265,146			164,555			366,425				(977,980	)			285,315

Other comprehensive income, net			7,718				—			—				—			—			7,718				(7,718	)			7,718

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation		$	293,033			$	31,246		$	150,608			$	265,146		$	164,555		$	374,143			$	(985,698	)		$	293,033




NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

(in thousands)



		Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
		Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																			Subsidiaries of
																			Noble
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities		$	(27,097	)		$	36,360		$	33,705			$	(102,007	)	$	(8,568	)	$	426,630			$	—			$	359,023

Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures			—				—			(27,344	)			—			—			(90,973	)			—				(118,317	)

Net cash from investing activities			—				—			(27,344	)			—			—			(90,973	)			—				(118,317	)

Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities			(1,099,497	)			—			—				—			—			—				—				(1,099,497	)
Issuance of senior notes			—				—			—				1,092,728			—			—				—				1,092,728
Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facilities			(6,392	)			—			—				(8,383	)		—			—				—				(14,775	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			(19,369	)			—				(19,369	)
Distributions to parent company, net			(186,597	)			—			—				—			—			—				—				(186,597	)
Advances (to) from affiliates			1,319,583				(36,360	)		(6,344	)			(982,338	)		8,568			(303,109	)			—				—

Net cash from financing activities			27,097				(36,360	)		(6,344	)			102,007			8,568			(322,478	)			—				(227,510	)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents			—				—			17				—			—			13,179				—				13,196
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			5				—			254				—			—			65,521				—				65,780

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	5			$	—		$	271			$	—		$	—		$	78,700			$	—			$	78,976




NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

(in thousands)



		Noble-				NHC			NDH				NHIL			NDS6			Other				Consolidating				Total
		Cayman																	Non-guarantor				Adjustments
																			Subsidiaries of
																			Noble
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities		$	(23,676	)		$	(7,842	)	$	45,140			$	(98,984	)	$	(11,386	)	$	628,403			$	—			$	531,655

Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures			—				—			(331,096	)			—			—			(229,692	)			—				(560,788	)
Notes receivable from affiliates			—				—			—				273,744			—			—				(273,744	)			—

Net cash from investing activities			—				—			(331,096	)			273,744			—			(229,692	)			(273,744	)			(560,788	)

Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities			422,402				—			—				—			—			—				—				422,402
Repayment of long-term debt			—				—			—				(250,000	)		—			—				—				(250,000	)
Debt issuance costs on credit facilities			(381	)			—			—				—			—			—				—				(381	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests			—				—			—				—			—			(19,695	)			—				(19,695	)
Distributions to parent company, net			(121,780	)			—			—				—			—			—				—				(121,780	)
Advances (to) from affiliates			(2,817	)			7,842			285,678				75,241			11,386			(377,330	)			—				—
Notes payable to affiliates			(273,744	)			—			—				—			—			—				273,744				—

Net cash from financing activities			23,680				7,842			285,678				(174,759	)		11,386			(397,025	)			273,744				30,546

Net change in cash and cash equivalents			4				—			(278	)			1			—			1,686				—				1,413
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			1				—			402				4			—			109,975				—				110,382

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	5			$	—		$	124			$	5		$	—		$	111,661			$	—			$	111,795

Organization_and_Basis_of_Pres1

Organization and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2015
	Rigs
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of semisubmersibles	8
Number of drillships	9
Number of jackups	15
Number of harsh environment jackup rigs under construction	1

Spinoff_of_Paragon_Offshore_pl1

Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore") - Additional Information (Detail) (Paragon Offshore [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 01, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
Paragon Offshore [Member]
Schedule Of Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Long-term debt issued		$1.70
Pro rata distribution	Our shareholders received one share of Paragon Offshore for every three shares of Noble owned as of July 23, 2014, the record date for the distribution.
Minimum shares eligible for prorata allotment under spin off transaction	3
Shares received under spin off transaction	1

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Spin-Off related costs totaled	$12

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Components of Net Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating revenues
Operating revenues from discontinued operations	$455,983
Income from discontinued operations
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	120,370
Income tax provision	-18,858
Net income from discontinued operations	101,512
Contract Drilling Services [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues from discontinued operations	435,667
Reimbursables [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues from discontinued operations	12,103
Labor Contract Drilling Services [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues from discontinued operations	8,212
Other [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues from discontinued operations	$1

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Ad

Consolidated Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Rigs
	JointVenture
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
Percentage of dividend paid to joint venture partner	50.00%
Carrying amount of the drillships	$1,400,000,000		$1,400,000,000
Cash held by Bully joint venture	82,203,000	114,735,000	68,510,000	114,458,000
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash held by Bully joint venture	58,000,000		47,000,000
Bully Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Dividend paid by Bully Joint Venture Partners	$39,000,000	$39,000,000

Share_Data_Computation_of_Basi

Share Data - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for Noble-UK (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Basic
Income from continuing operations	$178,403	$154,814
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	-3,931	-2,512
Income from continuing operations to common shareholders	174,472	152,302
Income from discontinued operations		101,512
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		-1,762
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		99,750
Net income attributable to Noble-UK	178,403	256,326
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	-3,931	-4,274
Net income to common shareholders - basic	174,472	252,052
Diluted
Income from continuing operations	178,403	154,814
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	-3,931	-2,510
Income from continuing operations to common shareholders	174,472	152,304
Income from discontinued operations		101,512
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		-1,762
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		99,750
Net income attributable to Noble-UK	178,403	256,326
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	-3,931	-4,272
Net income to common shareholders - diluted	$174,472	$252,054
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	242,685	253,940
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		135
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	242,685	254,075
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards	5,468	4,188
Basic
Continuing operations	$0.72	$0.60
Discontinued operations		$0.39
Net income attributable to Noble-UK	$0.72	$0.99
Diluted
Continuing operations	$0.72	$0.60
Discontinued operations		$0.39
Net income attributable to Noble-UK	$0.72	$0.99
Dividends per share	$0.38	$0.38

Share_Data_Additional_Informat

Share Data - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
Share Data - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares outstanding and trading		242,000,000	247,500,000
Repurchase of shares related to share repurchase program		-6,209,000
Additional conditionally authorized shares without additional shareholder approval		53,000,000
Current nominal value per share		$0.01
Dividend to be paid, per share	$0.38
Dividends payable outstanding	$93,000,000
Dividend declaration, Date	30-Jan-15
Dividend paid, Date	20-Feb-15
Dividend record, Date	10-Feb-15
Repurchased shares			37,000,000
Shares outstanding repurchased percentage			15.00%
Stock repurchase expiration period			12 months
Payments under share repurchase program		$101,000,000
Equity Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from the diluted net income per share		2,000,000		1,000,000

Receivables_from_Customers_Add

Receivables from Customers - Additional Information (Detail) (Petroleos Mexicanos [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Petroleos Mexicanos [Member]
Receivables From Major Customers [Line Items]
Approximate receivable	$14

Property_and_Equipment_Propert

Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment, at Cost (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$14,529,740	$14,442,922
Drilling Equipment and Facilities [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	13,348,942	13,254,240
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	948,905	969,985
Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$231,893	$218,697

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$89	$517
Capitalized interest on construction-in-progress	5	14
Paragon Offshore [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital expenditures		53
Depreciation expense		$100

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Detail

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$4,862,361	$4,869,020
Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	23,998	1,123,495
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	350,000	350,000
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	299,986	299,982
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	299,929	299,920
4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	249,474
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	201,695	201,695
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	499,184	499,151
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	399,640	399,627
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	399,286	399,264
5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	448,744
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	399,895	399,895
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	397,691	397,681
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	498,317	498,310
6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	394,522
Total Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	$4,838,363	$3,745,525

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Parenthe

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended
Debt - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2015
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2017
4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.00%
Senior notes, maturity date	2018
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2019
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	2020
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	2021
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2022
5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	5.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2025
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	2040
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	2042
6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2045

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	CreditFacility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of credit facilities	2
Maximum available letter of credit under credit facilities	$500,000,000
Face value of senior notes	1,100,000,000
Weighted average coupon of all three tranches	5.87%
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs	1,092,728,000
Maximum debt to tangible capitalization covenant	0.6
Line of credit facility debt to tangible capitalization ratio	0.4
Commercial Paper Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount to be issued under commercial paper	2,400,000,000
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturity period	5 years
Maximum available letter of credit under credit facilities	2,400,000,000
Senior unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturity date	2020-01
Revolving Credit Facility Which Matures in 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturity period	364 days
Maximum available letter of credit under credit facilities	225,000,000
Senior unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturity date	2016-01
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum available letter of credit under credit facilities	2,700,000,000
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value of senior notes	350,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value of senior notes	300,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value of senior notes	250,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	4.00%
Senior notes, maturity date	2018
5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value of senior notes	450,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	5.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2025
6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value of senior notes	$400,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	6.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2045

Debt_Estimated_Fair_Value_of_O

Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	$4,549,044	$4,540,626
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	4,862,361	4,869,020
Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	23,998	1,123,495
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	23,998	1,123,495
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	350,000	350,000
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	351,762	354,992
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,986	299,982
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	302,086	302,515
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,929	299,920
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	296,105	287,014
4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	249,474
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	251,865
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	201,695	201,695
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	222,709	212,068
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	499,184	499,151
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	484,871	471,095
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,640	399,627
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	375,376	363,837
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,286	399,264
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	354,679	346,425
5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	448,744
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	440,169
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,895	399,895
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	343,607	350,351
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	397,691	397,681
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	335,873	343,653
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	498,317	498,310
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	385,725	385,181
6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	394,522
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	380,219
Total Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	4,838,363	3,745,525
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	$4,525,046	$3,417,131

Debt_Estimated_Fair_Value_of_O1

Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2017
4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.00%
Senior notes, maturity date	2018
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2019
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	2020
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	2021
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2022
5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	5.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2025
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	2040
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	2042
6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2045

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reserves for uncertain tax positions net	$112	$116
Related tax benefits	1	1
Reduction in the provision for income taxes, if reserves not utilized	$112
Operational period	12 months

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Pension

Employee Benefit Plans - Pension Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$874	$1,420
Interest cost	642	1,456
Return on plan assets	-926	-1,835
Amortization of prior service cost	27	-5
Recognized net actuarial loss	45	313
Net pension expense	662	1,349
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	2,149	2,541
Interest cost	2,300	2,714
Return on plan assets	-3,286	-3,846
Amortization of prior service cost	36	56
Recognized net actuarial loss	1,539	651
Net pension expense	$2,738	$2,116

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	$200,000	$700,000
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net pension expense	662,000	1,349,000
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net pension expense	2,738,000	2,116,000
Paragon Offshore [Member] \| Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net pension expense		800,000
Paragon Offshore [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net pension expense		$400,000

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of forecasted local currency requirements of forward contract	60.00%
Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total unrealized loss related to forward contracts and recorded as part of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"	3
Price Risk Derivative [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of forward contracts outstanding	69

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summarization of Financial Statement Presentation and Fair Value of Derivative Positions (Detail) (Short-Term Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member], Other Current Liabilities [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Short-Term Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] \| Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Liability derivatives
Cash flow hedges Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	$3,145

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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL	($3,111)	$4,752
Contract Drilling Services [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to "contract drilling services" expense	-34	1,194
Gain/(loss) recognized through "contract drilling services" expense	$0	$0

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets -
Marketable securities	$6,739	$6,175
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Liabilities -
Foreign currency forward contracts	3,145
Carrying Amount [Member]
Assets -
Marketable securities	6,739	6,175
Liabilities -
Foreign currency forward contracts	$3,145

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in AOCL by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	($69,418)	($82,164)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-6,410	5,761
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,047	1,957
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-5,363	7,718
Ending balance	-74,781	-74,446
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-3,111	4,752
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	-34	1,194
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-3,145	5,946
Ending balance	-3,145	5,946
Defined Benefit Pension Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-58,440	-58,598
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,081	763
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	1,081	763
Ending balance	-57,359	-57,835
Foreign Currency Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-10,978	-23,566
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-3,299	1,009
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-3,299	1,009
Ending balance	($14,277)	($22,557)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

USD ($)

BRL

Customs and Other Business Taxes [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Noble Discoverer And Kulluk [Member]

Asbestos Cases [Member]

Libya [Member]

Mexico [Member]

Brazil [Member]

USD ($)

Community Service Payment [Member]

Lawsuits

USD ($)

Aforementioned tax assessments[Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

USD ($)

Aforementioned tax assessments[Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

USD ($)

Rigs

USD ($)

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Number of wells

Operating dayrate (per day)

$538,000

Community service payments

8,200,000

4,000,000

Environmental Compliance Plan, probationary period

4 years

Number of Lawsuits filed

Percentage of uncertain tax positions likelihood of being sustained

50.00%

Audit claims, additional attributable to other business tax returns

65,000,000

Aforementioned tax assessments

148,000,000

127,000,000

21,000,000

145,000,000

44,000,000

Amount of withholding after spin-off

24,000,000

79,000,000

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

$676,000,000

Years of effectiveness of employment agreements after the termination of employment

3 years

Supplemental_Financial_Informa2

Supplemental Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 01, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Rigs
Schedule of Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
Deferred revenues under drilling contracts	$243	$263
Deferred expenses under drilling contracts	91	94
Aramco [Member] \| Other Assets [Member]
Schedule of Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
Revenues recorded in excess of billings	$21
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Aramco [Member]
Schedule of Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
Number of rigs			5

Supplemental_Financial_Informa3

Supplemental Financial Information - Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Capital [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	($24,890)	$91,226
Other current assets	102,206	-46,320
Other assets	13,827	19,801
Accounts payable	676	-5,350
Other current liabilities	-58,682	-70,001
Other liabilities	-18,379	-12,474
Net change in other assets and liabilities	14,758	-23,118
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating Capital [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	-24,890	91,226
Other current assets	76,635	-46,997
Other assets	13,825	19,805
Accounts payable	1,284	-12,696
Other current liabilities	-52,979	-60,550
Other liabilities	-18,380	-12,472
Net change in other assets and liabilities	($4,505)	($21,684)

Information_about_NobleCayman_1

Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Detail) (Noble-Cayman [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHC
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman
6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor	Noble-Cayman

Information_about_NobleCayman_2

Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	1,100
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	350
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2017
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on senior notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2017
4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	250
Interest rate on senior notes	4.00%
Senior notes, maturity date	2018
4.00% Senior Notes due March 2018 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	250
Interest rate on senior notes	4.00%
Senior notes, maturity date	2018
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2019
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	202
Interest rate on senior notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2019
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	2020
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	500
Interest rate on senior notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	2020
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	2021
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on senior notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	2021
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2022
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on senior notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2022
5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	450
Interest rate on senior notes	5.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2025
5.95% Senior Notes due April 2025 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	450
Interest rate on senior notes	5.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2025
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	2040
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	2040
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on senior notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	2042
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	500
Interest rate on senior notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	2042
6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on senior notes	6.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2045
6.95% Senior Notes due April 2045 [Member] \| Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on senior notes	6.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2045

Information_about_NobleCayman_3

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$82,203	$68,510	$114,735	$114,458
Accounts receivable	594,720	569,096
Taxes receivable	59,743	107,490
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	125,697	183,466
Total current assets	862,363	928,562
Property and equipment, at cost	14,529,740	14,442,922
Accumulated depreciation	-2,483,057	-2,330,413
Property and equipment, net	12,046,683	12,112,509
Other assets	248,927	245,751
Total assets	13,157,973	13,286,822
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	246,539	265,389
Accrued payroll and related costs	71,451	102,520
Taxes payable	126,582	94,230
Interest payable	19,681	61,964
Other current liabilities	121,170	144,571
Total current liabilities	585,423	668,674
Long-term debt	4,862,361	4,869,020
Deferred income taxes	111,122	120,589
Other liabilities	326,669	341,505
Total liabilities	5,885,575	5,999,788
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	6,549,416	6,564,730
Noncontrolling interests	722,982	722,304
Total equity	7,272,398	7,287,034	9,282,712	9,050,028
Total liabilities and equity	13,157,973	13,286,822
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Current assets
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	-1,707,844	-1,707,305
Accounts receivable from affiliates	-6,893,621	-7,060,506
Total current assets	-8,601,465	-8,767,811
Notes receivable from affiliates	-7,109,457	-7,108,395
Investments in affiliates	-24,102,837	-23,364,388
Total assets	-39,813,759	-39,240,594
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	-1,707,844	-1,707,305
Accounts payable to affiliates	-6,893,621	-7,060,506
Total current liabilities	-8,601,465	-8,767,811
Notes payable to affiliates	-7,109,457	-7,108,395
Total liabilities	-15,710,922	-15,876,206
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	-23,689,200	-22,961,169
Noncontrolling interests	-413,637	-403,219
Total equity	-24,102,837	-23,364,388
Total liabilities and equity	-39,813,759	-39,240,594
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	5	5	5	1
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	123,988	123,449
Accounts receivable from affiliates	740,367	2,019,319
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,163	14,274
Total current assets	872,523	2,157,047
Notes receivable from affiliates	3,304,653	3,304,654
Investments in affiliates	4,784,403	4,567,335
Other assets	7,566	2,908
Total assets	8,969,145	10,031,944
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	600	600
Accounts payable to affiliates	646,710	606,224
Interest payable	1	499
Other current liabilities	4,546	15,651
Total current liabilities	651,857	622,974
Long-term debt	23,998	1,123,495
Notes payable to affiliates	1,769,064	1,769,068
Other liabilities	19,929	19,929
Total liabilities	2,464,848	3,535,466
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	6,504,297	6,496,478
Total equity	6,504,297	6,496,478
Total liabilities and equity	8,969,145	10,031,944
NHC [Member]
Current assets
Taxes receivable	3,054	63,373
Accounts receivable from affiliates	446,083	374,012
Total current assets	449,137	437,385
Investments in affiliates	1,315,628	1,318,239
Total assets	1,764,765	1,755,624
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	171,925	171,925
Accounts payable to affiliates	64,621	63,602
Total current liabilities	236,546	235,527
Total liabilities	236,546	235,527
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	1,528,219	1,520,097
Total equity	1,528,219	1,520,097
Total liabilities and equity	1,764,765	1,755,624
NDH [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	271	254	124	402
Accounts receivable	49,393	37,655
Taxes receivable	1,026	752
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	1,077,965	1,077,965
Accounts receivable from affiliates	192,379	192,771
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,831	1,764
Total current assets	1,325,865	1,311,161
Property and equipment, at cost	2,060,898	2,040,168
Accumulated depreciation	-294,885	-278,147
Property and equipment, net	1,766,013	1,762,021
Notes receivable from affiliates	236,921	236,921
Investments in affiliates	2,976,634	2,921,452
Other assets	5,858	6,212
Total assets	6,311,291	6,237,767
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	6,930	10,130
Accrued payroll and related costs	7,010	7,738
Accounts payable to affiliates	3,500,077	3,513,705
Taxes payable	752
Other current liabilities	10,293	13,409
Total current liabilities	3,525,062	3,544,982
Notes payable to affiliates	599,781	598,715
Other liabilities	28,159	29,093
Total liabilities	4,153,002	4,172,790
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	2,158,289	2,064,977
Total equity	2,158,289	2,064,977
Total liabilities and equity	6,311,291	6,237,767
NHIL [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents			5	4
Accounts receivable		2,336
Accounts receivable from affiliates	1,156,277	157,164
Total current assets	1,156,277	159,500
Notes receivable from affiliates	1,980,391	1,980,391
Investments in affiliates	8,556,204	8,266,444
Other assets	27,422	19,826
Total assets	11,720,294	10,426,161
Current liabilities
Accounts payable to affiliates	70,264	61,982
Interest payable	19,050	57,053
Total current liabilities	89,314	119,035
Long-term debt	4,636,668	3,543,830
Notes payable to affiliates	1,169,180	1,169,180
Other liabilities	1
Total liabilities	5,895,163	4,832,045
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	5,825,131	5,594,116
Total equity	5,825,131	5,594,116
Total liabilities and equity	11,720,294	10,426,161
NDS6 [Member]
Current assets
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	333,966	333,966
Accounts receivable from affiliates	120,032	125,834
Total current assets	453,998	459,800
Notes receivable from affiliates	5,000	5,000
Investments in affiliates	6,469,968	6,290,918
Other assets	486	517
Total assets	6,929,452	6,756,235
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	371,720	371,720
Accounts payable to affiliates	19,635	16,869
Interest payable	630	4,412
Total current liabilities	391,985	393,001
Long-term debt	201,695	201,695
Notes payable to affiliates	192,216	192,216
Total liabilities	785,896	786,912
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	6,143,556	5,969,323
Total equity	6,143,556	5,969,323
Total liabilities and equity	6,929,452	6,756,235
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	78,700	65,521	111,661	109,975
Accounts receivable	545,327	529,105
Taxes receivable	55,427	43,164
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	171,925	171,925
Accounts receivable from affiliates	4,238,483	4,191,406
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	94,512	123,631
Total current assets	5,184,374	5,124,752
Property and equipment, at cost	12,430,291	12,364,203
Accumulated depreciation	-2,175,706	-2,040,073
Property and equipment, net	10,254,585	10,324,130
Notes receivable from affiliates	1,582,492	1,581,429
Other assets	184,099	192,791
Total assets	17,205,550	17,223,102
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	1,164,199	1,163,660
Accounts payable	235,240	250,282
Accrued payroll and related costs	54,595	83,749
Accounts payable to affiliates	2,592,314	2,798,124
Taxes payable	123,448	91,471
Other current liabilities	101,754	110,890
Total current liabilities	4,271,550	4,498,176
Notes payable to affiliates	3,379,216	3,379,216
Deferred income taxes	111,122	120,589
Other liabilities	273,038	286,942
Total liabilities	8,034,926	8,284,923
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	8,034,005	7,812,656
Noncontrolling interests	1,136,619	1,125,523
Total equity	9,170,624	8,938,179
Total liabilities and equity	17,205,550	17,223,102
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	78,976	65,780	111,795	110,382
Accounts receivable	594,720	569,096
Taxes receivable	59,507	107,289
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	107,506	139,669
Total current assets	840,709	881,834
Property and equipment, at cost	14,491,189	14,404,371
Accumulated depreciation	-2,470,591	-2,318,220
Property and equipment, net	12,020,598	12,086,151
Other assets	225,431	222,254
Total assets	13,086,738	13,190,239
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	242,770	261,012
Accrued payroll and related costs	61,605	91,487
Taxes payable	124,200	91,471
Interest payable	19,681	61,964
Other current liabilities	116,593	139,950
Total current liabilities	564,849	645,884
Long-term debt	4,862,361	4,869,020
Deferred income taxes	111,122	120,589
Other liabilities	321,127	335,964
Total liabilities	5,859,459	5,971,457
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	6,504,297	6,496,478
Noncontrolling interests	722,982	722,304
Total equity	7,227,279	7,218,782	9,333,011	9,155,484
Total liabilities and equity	$13,086,738	$13,190,239

Information_about_NobleCayman_4

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$779,361	$770,637
Reimbursables	24,981	24,550
Total operating revenues	804,342	795,187
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	321,750	352,880
Reimbursables	20,157	21,504
Depreciation and amortization	154,138	146,198
General and administrative	23,938	25,637
Total operating costs and expenses	519,983	546,219
Operating income (loss)	284,359	248,968
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-49,044	-40,392
Interest income and other, net	6,582	-1,268
Income tax provision	-43,447	-35,578
Net income from continuing operations	198,450	171,730
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		101,512
Net income	198,450	273,242
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,047	-16,916
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	178,403	256,326
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-5,363	7,718
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	173,040	264,044
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	-33,505	-42,258
Total operating revenues	-33,505	-42,258
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	-33,505	-42,258
Total operating costs and expenses	-33,505	-42,258
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	-772,639	-775,872
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		-215,178
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	-772,639	-991,050
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	48,262	58,278
Interest income and other, net	-48,262	-58,278
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	-772,639	-991,050
Net income from continuing operations	-772,639	-991,050
Net income	-772,639	-991,050
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10,417	13,070
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	-762,222	-977,980
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	5,363	-7,718
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	-756,859	-985,698
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	1,815	10,071
General and administrative	457	573
Total operating costs and expenses	2,272	10,644
Operating income (loss)	-2,272	-10,644
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	216,726	206,296
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		113,917
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	216,726	320,213
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-24,753	-25,884
Interest income and other, net	2,730	1,630
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	192,431	285,315
Net income from continuing operations	192,431	285,315
Net income	192,431	285,315
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	192,431	285,315
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-5,363	7,718
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	187,068	293,033
NHC [Member]
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	8,291	7,219
General and administrative	3,388	1,847
Total operating costs and expenses	11,679	9,066
Operating income (loss)	-11,679	-9,066
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	32,081	45,755
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		24,978
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	32,081	70,733
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-1,019	-227
Interest income and other, net	4,832
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	24,215	61,440
Income tax provision	-16,093	-30,194
Net income from continuing operations	8,122	31,246
Net income	8,122	31,246
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	8,122	31,246
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	8,122	31,246
NDH [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	75,059	76,953
Reimbursables	2,379	678
Total operating revenues	77,438	77,631
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	29,378	34,574
Reimbursables	1,482	831
Depreciation and amortization	17,368	14,634
Total operating costs and expenses	48,228	50,039
Operating income (loss)	29,210	27,592
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	55,024	98,114
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		11,040
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	55,024	109,154
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-3,255	-5,823
Interest income and other, net	12,712	13,680
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	93,691	144,603
Income tax provision	-379	-684
Net income from continuing operations	93,312	143,919
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		6,689
Net income	93,312	150,608
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	93,312	150,608
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	93,312	150,608
NHIL [Member]
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	22,839	26,116
General and administrative	8,349	6,961
Total operating costs and expenses	31,188	33,077
Operating income (loss)	-31,188	-33,077
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	289,758	255,558
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		63,201
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	289,758	318,759
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-48,336	-46,493
Interest income and other, net	20,779	25,957
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	231,013	265,146
Net income from continuing operations	231,013	265,146
Net income	231,013	265,146
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	231,013	265,146
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	231,013	265,146
NDS6 [Member]
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	179,050	170,149
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		2,042
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	179,050	172,191
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-6,216	-7,949
Interest income and other, net	1,399	313
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	174,233	164,555
Net income from continuing operations	174,233	164,555
Net income	174,233	164,555
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	174,233	164,555
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	174,233	164,555
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	737,807	735,942
Reimbursables	22,602	23,872
Total operating revenues	760,409	759,814
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	290,661	314,855
Reimbursables	18,675	20,673
Depreciation and amortization	136,498	130,969
General and administrative	14	2,551
Total operating costs and expenses	445,848	469,048
Operating income (loss)	314,561	290,766
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-13,727	-12,294
Interest income and other, net	12,258	15,303
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	313,092	293,775
Income tax provision	-27,086	-4,592
Net income from continuing operations	286,006	289,183
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		107,228
Net income	286,006	396,411
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-30,464	-29,986
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	255,542	366,425
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-5,363	7,718
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	250,179	374,143
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	779,361	770,637
Reimbursables	24,981	24,550
Total operating revenues	804,342	795,187
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	319,479	350,577
Reimbursables	20,157	21,504
Depreciation and amortization	153,866	145,603
General and administrative	12,208	11,932
Total operating costs and expenses	505,710	529,616
Operating income (loss)	298,632	265,571
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-49,044	-40,392
Interest income and other, net	6,448	-1,395
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	256,036	223,784
Income tax provision	-43,558	-35,470
Net income from continuing operations	212,478	188,314
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		113,917
Net income	212,478	302,231
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,047	-16,916
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	192,431	285,315
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-5,363	7,718
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$187,068	$293,033

Information_about_NobleCayman_5

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$368,582	$505,796
Cash flows from investing activities
Net cash from investing activities	-118,317	-560,788
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-1,099,497	422,402
Repayment of long-term debt		-250,000
Issuance of senior notes	1,092,728
Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facilities	-14,775	-381
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,369	-19,695
Net cash from financing activities	-236,572	55,269
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	13,693	277
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	68,510	114,458
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	82,203	114,735
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities
Notes receivable from affiliates		-273,744
Net cash from investing activities		-273,744
Cash flows from financing activities
Notes payable to affiliates		273,744
Net cash from financing activities		273,744
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	-27,097	-23,676
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-1,099,497	422,402
Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facilities	-6,392	-381
Distributions to parent company, net	-186,597	-121,780
Advances (to) from affiliates	1,319,583	-2,817
Notes payable to affiliates		-273,744
Net cash from financing activities	27,097	23,680
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		4
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	5	1
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	5	5
NHC [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	36,360	-7,842
Cash flows from financing activities
Advances (to) from affiliates	-36,360	7,842
Net cash from financing activities	-36,360	7,842
NDH [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	33,705	45,140
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	-27,344	-331,096
Net cash from investing activities	-27,344	-331,096
Cash flows from financing activities
Advances (to) from affiliates	-6,344	285,678
Net cash from financing activities	-6,344	285,678
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	17	-278
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	254	402
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	271	124
NHIL [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	-102,007	-98,984
Cash flows from investing activities
Notes receivable from affiliates		273,744
Net cash from investing activities		273,744
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of long-term debt		-250,000
Issuance of senior notes	1,092,728
Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facilities	-8,383
Advances (to) from affiliates	-982,338	75,241
Net cash from financing activities	102,007	-174,759
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		1
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		4
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		5
NDS6 [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	-8,568	-11,386
Cash flows from financing activities
Advances (to) from affiliates	8,568	11,386
Net cash from financing activities	8,568
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	426,630	628,403
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	-90,973	-229,692
Net cash from investing activities	-90,973	-229,692
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,369	-19,695
Advances (to) from affiliates	-303,109	-377,330
Net cash from financing activities	-322,478	-397,025
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	13,179	1,686
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	65,521	109,975
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	78,700	111,661
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	359,023	531,655
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	-118,317	-560,788
Net cash from investing activities	-118,317	-560,788
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-1,099,497	422,402
Repayment of long-term debt		-250,000
Issuance of senior notes	1,092,728
Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facilities	-14,775	-381
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,369	-19,695
Distributions to parent company, net	-186,597	-121,780
Net cash from financing activities	-227,510	30,546
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	13,196	1,413
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	65,780	110,382
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$78,976	$111,795