Noble (NE) 10-Q 12 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Noble Corp plc	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001458891	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	254,232,771
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	261,245,693

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$114,735	$114,458
Accounts receivable	877,127	949,069
Taxes receivable	135,733	140,269
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	243,941	187,139
Total current assets	1,371,536	1,390,935
Property and equipment, at cost	19,691,578	19,198,767
Accumulated depreciation	-4,866,009	-4,640,677
Property and equipment, net	14,825,569	14,558,090
Other assets	247,392	268,932
Total assets	16,444,497	16,217,957
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	323,593	347,214
Accrued payroll and related costs	117,153	151,161
Taxes payable	173,397	125,119
Dividends payable	64,580	128,249
Other current liabilities	215,792	300,172
Total current liabilities	894,515	1,051,915
Long-term debt	5,728,782	5,556,251
Deferred income taxes	221,380	225,455
Other liabilities	317,108	334,308
Total liabilities	7,161,785	7,167,929
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Equity	'	'
Shares	2,542	2,534
Additional paid-in capital	814,868	810,286
Retained earnings	7,815,082	7,591,927
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-74,446	-82,164
Total shareholders' equity	8,558,046	8,322,583
Noncontrolling interests	724,666	727,445
Total equity	9,282,712	9,050,028
Total liabilities and equity	16,444,497	16,217,957
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	111,795	110,382
Accounts receivable	877,127	949,069
Taxes receivable	135,457	140,029
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	241,863	184,348
Total current assets	1,366,242	1,383,828
Property and equipment, at cost	19,653,161	19,160,350
Accumulated depreciation	-4,856,414	-4,631,678
Property and equipment, net	14,796,747	14,528,672
Other assets	247,469	269,014
Total assets	16,410,458	16,181,514
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	314,943	345,910
Accrued payroll and related costs	110,637	143,346
Taxes payable	168,803	120,588
Other current liabilities	215,792	300,172
Total current liabilities	810,175	910,016
Long-term debt	5,728,782	5,556,251
Deferred income taxes	221,380	225,455
Other liabilities	317,110	334,308
Total liabilities	7,077,447	7,026,030
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Equity	'	'
Shares	26,125	26,125
Additional paid-in capital	506,369	497,316
Retained earnings	8,150,297	7,986,762
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-74,446	-82,164
Total shareholders' equity	8,608,345	8,428,039
Noncontrolling interests	724,666	727,445
Total equity	9,333,011	9,155,484
Total liabilities and equity	$16,410,458	$16,181,514

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	254,194	253,448
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	261,246	261,246

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating revenues	'	'
Contract drilling services	$1,206,304	$928,737
Reimbursables	36,653	21,174
Labor contract drilling services	8,212	21,054
Other	1	10
Total operating revenues	1,251,170	970,975
Operating costs and expenses	'	'
Contract drilling services	561,131	480,126
Reimbursables	30,606	14,922
Labor contract drilling services	6,226	12,249
Depreciation and amortization	245,905	206,156
General and administrative	25,637	25,569
Non-recurring spin-off related costs	12,405	3,962
Gain on contract extinguishment	'	-1,800
Total operating costs and expenses	881,910	741,184
Operating income	369,260	229,791
Other income (expense)	'	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-40,392	-27,301
Interest income and other, net	-1,190	-425
Income before income taxes	327,678	202,065
Income tax provision	-54,436	-34,352
Net income	273,242	167,713
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-16,916	-17,653
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	256,326	150,060
Net income per share	'	'
Basic	$0.99	$0.59
Diluted	$0.99	$0.59
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'
Contract drilling services	1,206,304	928,737
Reimbursables	36,653	21,174
Labor contract drilling services	8,212	21,054
Other	1	10
Total operating revenues	1,251,170	970,975
Operating costs and expenses	'	'
Contract drilling services	558,828	476,561
Reimbursables	30,606	14,922
Labor contract drilling services	6,226	12,249
Depreciation and amortization	245,310	205,751
General and administrative	11,932	14,843
Gain on contract extinguishment	'	-1,800
Total operating costs and expenses	852,902	722,526
Operating income	398,268	248,449
Other income (expense)	'	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-40,392	-27,301
Interest income and other, net	-1,317	63
Income before income taxes	356,559	221,211
Income tax provision	-54,328	-34,014
Net income	302,231	187,197
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-16,916	-17,653
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$285,315	$169,544

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$273,242	$167,713
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,009	2,657
Foreign currency forward contracts	5,946	-1,202
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $253 in 2014 and $730 in 2013)	763	1,642
Other comprehensive income, net	7,718	3,097
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-16,916	-17,653
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	264,044	153,157
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Net income	302,231	187,197
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,009	2,657
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $253 in 2014 and $730 in 2013)	763	1,642
Other comprehensive income, net	7,718	3,097
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-16,916	-17,653
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	293,033	172,641
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	5,946	-1,202
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	$5,946	($1,202)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	$252	$730
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	$252	$730

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net income	$273,242	$167,713
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	245,905	206,156
Deferred income taxes	-3,255	-2,735
Amortization of share-based compensation	13,022	10,155
Net change in other assets and liabilities	-23,118	-178,737
Net cash from operating activities	505,796	202,552
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-517,283	-371,990
Change in accrued capital expenditures	-43,505	-66,312
Net cash from investing activities	-560,788	-438,302
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	422,402	209,680
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,695	'
Financing costs on credit facilities	-381	-1,895
Dividend payments	-96,840	-33,335
Employee stock transactions	-217	473
Repurchases of employee shares surrendered for taxes	'	-6,737
Net cash from financing activities	55,269	168,186
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	277	-67,564
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	114,458	282,092
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	114,735	214,528
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net income	302,231	187,197
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	245,310	205,751
Deferred income taxes	-3,255	-2,735
Capital contribution by parent-share-based compensation	9,053	5,960
Net change in other assets and liabilities	-21,684	-181,915
Net cash from operating activities	531,655	214,258
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-517,283	-371,953
Change in accrued capital expenditures	-43,505	-66,312
Net cash from investing activities	-560,788	-438,265
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	422,402	209,680
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,695	'
Financing costs on credit facilities	-381	-1,895
Distributions to parent company, net	-121,780	-53,110
Net cash from financing activities	30,546	154,675
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	1,413	-69,332
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	110,382	277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$111,795	$208,043

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)

Total

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Shares [Member]

Shares [Member]

Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]

Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Treasury Shares [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]

Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012

$8,488,290

$8,531,082

$710,130

$26,125

$83,531

$470,454

$7,066,023

$7,384,828

($21,069)

($115,449)

($115,449)

$765,124

$765,124

Beginning Balance, (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012

'

'

253,348

261,246

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee related equity activity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of share-based compensation

10,155

'

'

'

10,155

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares

14

'

1,663

'

-1,649

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares

'

'

592

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options

1,909

'

207

'

1,702

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options, Shares

'

'

74

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

-1,450

'

'

'

-1,450

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes

-6,737

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-6,737

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

167,713

187,197

'

'

'

'

150,060

169,544

'

'

'

17,653

17,653

Capital contributions by parent- share-based compensation

'

5,960

'

'

'

5,960

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions to parent

-306

-53,110

'

'

'

'

-306

-53,110

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income, net

3,097

3,097

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,097

3,097

'

'

Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2013

8,662,685

8,674,226

712,000

26,125

92,289

476,414

7,215,777

7,501,262

-27,806

-112,352

-112,352

782,777

782,777

Ending Balance (Shares) at Mar. 31, 2013

'

'

254,014

261,246

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013

9,050,028

9,155,484

2,534

26,125

810,286

497,316

7,591,927

7,986,762

'

-82,164

-82,164

727,445

727,445

Beginning Balance, (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013

253,448

261,246

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 stock options exercised

-1,621

'

'

'

-1,621

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

273,242

302,231

'

'

'

'

256,326

285,315

'

'

'

16,916

16,916

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

-19,695

-19,695

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-19,695

-19,695

Capital contributions by parent- share-based compensation

'

9,053

'

'

'

9,053

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions to parent

-33,171

-121,780

'

'

'

'

-33,171

-121,780

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income, net

7,718

7,718

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,718

7,718

'

'

Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014

$9,282,712

$9,333,011

$2,542

$26,125

$814,868

$506,369

$7,815,082

$8,150,297

'

($74,446)

($74,446)

$724,666

$724,666

Ending Balance (Shares) at Mar. 31, 2014

254,194

261,246

254,194

261,246

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Organization_and_Basis_of_Pres

Organization and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1 — Organization and Basis of Presentation
	On November 20, 2013, pursuant to the Merger Agreement dated as of June 30, 2013 between Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), and Noble Corporation plc, a company registered under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), Noble-Swiss merged with and into Noble-UK, with Noble-UK as the surviving company (the “Transaction”). In the Transaction, all of the outstanding ordinary shares of Noble-Swiss were cancelled, and Noble-UK issued, through an exchange agent, one ordinary share of Noble-UK in exchange for each ordinary share of Noble-Swiss.
	The Transaction effectively changed the place of incorporation of our publicly traded parent holding company from Switzerland to the United Kingdom. As a result of the Transaction, Noble-UK owns and conducts the same businesses through the Noble group as Noble-Swiss conducted prior to the Transaction, except that Noble-UK is the parent company of the Noble group of companies.
	Noble-UK is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We perform contract drilling services with our fleet of mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide. We also own one floating production storage and offloading unit. Currently, our fleet consists of 14 semisubmersibles, 14 drillships and 49 jackups, including five units under construction as follows:
		•	two dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships; and
		•	three high-specification, heavy-duty, harsh environment jackups.
	Our fleet is located in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia and Australia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.
	Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”), is a direct, 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 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, 2013 Consolidated Balance Sheets presented herein are derived from the December 31, 2013 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, 2013, 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.

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures

Consolidated Joint Ventures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Consolidated Joint Ventures	'
	Note 2 — Consolidated Joint Ventures
	We maintain a 50 percent interest in two joint ventures, each with a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc (“Shell”) that own and operate the two Bully-class drillships. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, we consolidate the entities in our consolidated financial statements after eliminating intercompany transactions. Shell’s equity interests are presented as noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Bully joint ventures approved and paid dividends totaling $39 million, of which $20 million was paid to our joint venture partner. No dividends were approved or paid during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	The combined carrying amount of the Bully-class drillships at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 totaled $1.4 billion. These assets were primarily funded through partner equity contributions. During 2012, these rigs commenced the operating phases of their contracts. Cash held by the Bully joint ventures totaled approximately $32 million at March 31, 2014 as compared to approximately $50 million at December 31, 2013. Operational results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Operating revenues	$	87,186	$	90,295
	Net income	$	37,720	$	37,498

Share_Data

Share Data	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Share Data	'
	Note 3 — Share Data
	Share capital
	As of March 31, 2014, Noble-UK had approximately 254.2 million shares outstanding and trading as compared to approximately 253.4 million shares outstanding and trading at December 31, 2013. 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.
	In April 2013, our shareholders approved the payment of a dividend aggregating $1.00 per share to be paid in four equal installments. As of March 31, 2014, we had $65 million of dividends payable outstanding on this obligation. In April 2014, our Board of Directors declared an additional dividend of $0.125 per share in accordance with our current dividend policy. The total estimated payment related to the $0.375 per share dividend is approximately $97 million and is scheduled to be paid in May 2014.
	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,
		2014			2013
	Allocation of net income
	Basic
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	256,326		$	150,060
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(4,274	)		(1,667	)
	Net income to common shareholders - basic	$	252,052		$	148,393
	Diluted
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	256,326		$	150,060
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(4,272	)		(1,664	)
	Net income to common shareholders - diluted	$	252,054		$	148,396
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		253,940			253,073
	Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		135			268
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		254,075			253,341
	Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		4,188			2,844
	Earnings per share
	Basic	$	0.99		$	0.59
	Diluted	$	0.99		$	0.59
	Dividends per share	$	0.38		$	0.13
	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, 2014 and 2013, approximately 1 million shares underlying stock options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share as such stock options were not dilutive.

Receivables_from_Customers

Receivables from Customers	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables from Customers	'
	Note 4 — Receivables from Customers
	At March 31, 2014, we had receivables of approximately $14 million related to the Noble Max Smith, which are being disputed by our customer, Petróleos Mexicanos (“Pemex”). These receivables have been classified as long-term and are included in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The disputed amounts relate to lost revenues for downtime that occurred after our rig was damaged when one of Pemex’s supply boats collided with our rig in 2010. In January 2012, we filed a lawsuit against Pemex in Mexican court seeking recovery of these amounts. This matter is currently proceeding through the Mexican judicial system. 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
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Note 5 — Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment, at cost, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for Noble-UK consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Drilling equipment and facilities	$	17,765,708	$	17,130,986
	Construction in progress		1,703,940		1,854,434
	Other		221,930		213,347
	Property and equipment, at cost	$	19,691,578	$	19,198,767
	Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $517 million and $372 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Capitalized interest was $14 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to $30 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Note 6 — Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014	$	—	$	249,964
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015		350,000		350,000
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016		299,970		299,967
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017		299,895		299,886
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		201,695		201,695
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020		499,054		499,022
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021		399,588		399,576
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022		399,199		399,178
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040		399,894		399,893
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041		397,655		397,646
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042		498,289		498,283
	Total senior unsecured notes		3,745,239		3,995,110
	Commercial paper program		1,983,543		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt	$	5,728,782	$	5,556,251
	Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program
	We currently have three separate credit facilities with an aggregate maximum available capacity of $2.9 billion (together referred to as the “Credit Facilities”). We have established a commercial paper program, which allows us to issue up to $2.7 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 Credit Facilities provide us with the ability to issue up to $375 million in letters of credit in the aggregate. The issuance of letters of credit under the Credit Facilities reduces the amount available for borrowing. At March 31, 2014, we had no letters of credit issued under the Credit Facilities.
	Senior Unsecured Notes
	In March 2014, we repaid our $250 million 7.375% Senior Notes using issuances under our commercial paper program.
	Covenants
	The Credit Facilities are guaranteed by our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”) and Noble Drilling Corporation (“NDC”). The covenants and events of default under the Credit Facilities are substantially similar, and each facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the Credit Facilities, to 0.60. At March 31, 2014, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was approximately 0.38. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facilities as of March 31, 2014.
	In addition to the covenants from the Credit Facilities noted above, the indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes contain covenants that place restrictions on certain merger and consolidation transactions, unless we are the surviving entity or the other party assumes the obligations under the indenture, and on the ability to sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, there are restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and sale and lease-back transactions. At March 31, 2014, 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 2014.
	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).
	The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively:
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
		Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014	$	—	$	—	$	249,964	$	253,634
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015		350,000		361,307		350,000		363,019
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016		299,970		310,359		299,967		309,878
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017		299,895		306,056		299,886		302,891
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		201,695		236,566		201,695		232,839
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020		499,054		535,805		499,022		528,597
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021		399,588		419,976		399,576		413,868
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022		399,199		396,059		399,178		390,520
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040		399,894		435,821		399,893		421,720
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041		397,655		427,624		397,646		417,312
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042		498,289		488,115		498,283		476,873
	Total senior unsecured notes		3,745,239		3,917,688		3,995,110		4,111,151
	Commercial paper program		1,983,543		1,983,543		1,561,141		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt	$	5,728,782	$	5,901,231	$	5,556,251	$	5,672,292

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 7 — Income Taxes
	At December 31, 2013, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $127 million (net of related tax benefits of $2 million). At March 31, 2014, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $116 million (net of related tax benefits of $2 million). If the March 31, 2014 reserves are not realized, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by $116 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
	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	Note 8 — Employee Benefit Plans
	Pension costs include the following components:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service cost	$	1,420		$	2,541		$	1,379		$	2,681
	Interest cost		1,456			2,714			1,282			2,262
	Return on plan assets		(1,835	)		(3,846	)		(1,471	)		(3,276	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		(5	)		56			—			57
	Recognized net actuarial loss		313			651			405			1,910
	Net pension expense	$	1,349		$	2,116		$	1,595		$	3,634
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we made contributions to our pension plans totaling $0.7 million and $3 million, respectively.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Note 9 — 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
	Our North Sea, Mexico and Brazil operations have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we periodically enter into forward contracts during the first quarter of each year, 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 2014 represent approximately 52 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. Dollars, was approximately $284 million at March 31, 2014. Total unrealized gains related to these forward contracts were approximately $6 million as of March 31, 2014 and was recorded as part of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”).
	The balance of the net unrealized gain/(loss) related to our cash flow hedges included in AOCL and related activity is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Net unrealized gain/(loss) at beginning of period	$	—			$	—
	Activity during period:
	Net unrealized gain/(loss) on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts		5,946				(1,202	)
	Net unrealized gain/(loss) at end of period	$	5,946			$	(1,202	)
	Financial Statement Presentation
	The following table, together with Note 10, summarizes the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
				Estimated fair value
		Balance sheet		March 31,				December 31,
		classification		2014				2013
	Asset derivatives
	Cash flow hedges
	Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	Other current assets		$	5,946			$	—
	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 10, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Gain/(loss)								Gain/(loss)				Gain/(loss)
		recognized through								reclassified from				recognized
		AOCL								AOCL to “other				through
										income”				“other
														income”
		2014				2013				2014		2013		2014		2013
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	4,752			$	(1,316	)		$	1,194	$	114	$	—	$	—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Note 10 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
		March 31, 2014
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets -
	Marketable securities	$	8,110	$	8,110	$	—	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts		5,946		—		5,946		—
		December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets -
	Marketable securities	$	7,230	$	7,230	$	—	$	—
	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
	Mar. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Note 11 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table sets forth the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of AOCL, net of tax.
			Gains /			Defined
			(Losses) on			Benefit			Foreign
			Cash Flow			Pension			Currency
			Hedges(1)			Items(2)			Items			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	—		$	(95,071	)	$	(20,378	)	$	(115,449	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(1,316	)		—			2,657			1,341
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			114			1,642			—			1,756
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,202	)		1,642			2,657			3,097
	Balance at March 31, 2013		$	(1,202	)	$	(93,429	)	$	(17,721	)	$	(112,352	)
	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	)
	-1	Gains on cash flow hedges are related to our foreign currency forward contracts. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized through “other income” on our Consolidated Statement of Income. See Note 9 for additional information.
	-2	Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial losses and the amortization of prior service costs. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statement of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 8 for additional information.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies
	The Noble Homer Ferrington was under contract with a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”), which entered into an assignment agreement with BP for a two-well farmout of the rig in Libya after successfully drilling two wells with the rig for ExxonMobil. In August 2010, BP attempted to terminate the assignment agreement claiming that the rig was not in the required condition, and ExxonMobil informed us that we must look to BP for payment of the dayrate during the assignment period. In August 2010, we initiated arbitration proceedings under the drilling contract against both BP and ExxonMobil. We do not believe BP had the right to terminate the assignment agreement and believe the rig was ready to operate under the drilling contract. The rig operated under farmout arrangements from March 2011 to the conclusion of the contract in the second quarter of 2012. We believe we are owed dayrate by either or both of these clients. The operating dayrate was approximately $538,000 per day for the work in Libya. 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 November 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard in Alaska conducted an inspection of our drillship, the Noble Discoverer, and cited a number of deficiencies to be remediated, including issues relating to the main propulsion and safety management system. We initiated a comprehensive effort to address the deficiencies identified by the Coast Guard and worked with the agency to keep it apprised of our progress. We began an internal investigation in conjunction with the Coast Guard inspection, and the Coast Guard then began its own investigation. We reported certain potential violations of applicable law to the Coast Guard identified as a result of our internal investigation. These related to what we believe were certain unauthorized disposals of collected deck and sea water from the Noble Discoverer, collected, treated deck water from the Kulluk and potential record-keeping issues with the oil record books for the Noble Discoverer and Kulluk and other matters. The Coast Guard referred the Noble Discoverer and Kulluk matters to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) for further investigation. We are cooperating with the DOJ in connection with their investigation, which relates to the items described above, hazardous condition allegations with respect to the Noble Discoverer and other matters. We cannot predict when the DOJ will conclude the investigation and cannot provide any assurances with respect to the outcome. The DOJ is seeking criminal sanctions, including monetary penalties, against us, as well as some form of ongoing assurance of our operational compliance programs, and we are maintaining a dialogue with the DOJ. We believe it is probable that we will have to pay some amount in fines and penalties to resolve this matter and have reserved $7 million.
	During the fourth quarter of 2007, our Nigerian subsidiary received letters from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, or NIMASA, seeking to collect a 2 percent surcharge on contract amounts under contracts performed by “vessels,” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws, engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade. Although we do not believe that these laws apply to our ownership of drilling rigs, NIMASA is seeking to apply a provision of the Nigerian cabotage laws (which became effective on May 1, 2004) to our offshore drilling rigs by considering these rigs to be “vessels” within the meaning of those laws and therefore subject to the surcharge, which is imposed only upon “vessels.” Our offshore drilling rigs are not engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade and are not in our view “vessels” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws. In January 2008, we filed an originating summons against NIMASA and the Minister of Transportation in the Federal High Court of Lagos, Nigeria seeking, among other things, a declaration that our drilling operations do not constitute “coastal trade” or “cabotage” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws and that our offshore drilling rigs are not “vessels” within the meaning of those laws. In February 2009, NIMASA filed suit against us in the Federal High Court of Nigeria seeking collection of the cabotage surcharge with respect to one of our rigs. In August 2009, the court issued a favorable ruling in response to our originating summons stating that drilling operations do not fall within the cabotage laws and that drilling rigs are not vessels for purposes of those laws. The court also issued an injunction against the defendants prohibiting their interference with our drilling rigs or drilling operations. NIMASA appealed the court’s ruling on procedural grounds, and the court dismissed NIMASA’s lawsuit filed against us in February 2009. In December 2013, the court of appeals ruled in favor of NIMASA and quashed the High Court’s decision in our favor, although there is no adverse ruling against us with respect to the merits. We intend to appeal this latest decision and take further appropriate legal action to resist the application of Nigeria’s cabotage laws to our drilling rigs. The outcome of any such legal action and the extent to which we may ultimately be responsible for the surcharge is uncertain. If it is ultimately determined that offshore drilling rigs constitute vessels within the meaning of the Nigerian cabotage laws, we may be required to pay the surcharge and comply with other aspects of the Nigerian cabotage laws, which could adversely affect future operations in Nigerian waters and require us to incur additional costs of compliance.
	Under the Nigerian Industrial Training Fund Act of 2004, as amended (“the Act”), Nigerian companies with five or more employees must contribute annually 1 percent of their payroll to the Industrial Training Fund, or ITF, established under the Act to be used for the training of Nigerian nationals with a view towards generating a pool of indigenously trained manpower. We have not paid this amount on our expatriate workers employed by our non-Nigerian employment entity in the past as we did not believe the contribution obligation was applicable to them. In October 2012, we received a demand from the ITF for payments going back to 2004 and associated penalties in respect of these expatriate employees. In February 2013, the ITF filed suit seeking payment of these amounts. We do not believe that we owe the amount claimed. We have had discussions with the ITF to resolve the issue and do not believe the resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	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, 2014, there were 37 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, including a certain dispute with a customer over receivables discussed in Note 4, the resolution of which, in the opinion of management, will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. There is inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these claims.
	We operate in a number of countries throughout the world and our tax returns filed in those jurisdictions are subject to review and examination by tax authorities within those jurisdictions. During 2013, the IRS completed its examination of our tax reporting for the taxable year ended December 31, 2008 and concluded that we were entitled to a refund. The congressional Joint Committee on Taxation took no exception to the conclusions reached by the IRS, and the refund, plus interest, was received in March 2014. The IRS also completed its examination of our tax reporting for the taxable year ended December 31, 2009, and informed us that it made no changes to our reported tax. 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. Furthermore, we are currently contesting several non-U.S. tax assessments and may contest future assessments. We believe the ultimate resolution of the outstanding assessments, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. We recognize uncertain tax positions that we believe have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained. We cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any existing or future assessments.
	Audit claims of approximately $335 million attributable to income, customs and other business taxes have been assessed against us. We have contested, or intend to contest, these assessments, including through litigation if necessary, and we believe the ultimate resolution, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. Tax authorities may issue additional assessments or pursue legal actions as a result of tax audits and we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of such assessments and legal actions.
	We maintain certain insurance coverage against specified marine perils, which includes physical damage and loss of hire. Damage caused by hurricanes has negatively impacted the energy insurance market, resulting in more restrictive and expensive coverage for U.S. named windstorm perils. Accordingly, we have elected to significantly reduce the named windstorm insurance on our rigs operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Presently, we insure the Noble Jim Thompson, Noble Amos Runner and Noble Driller for “total loss only” when caused by a named windstorm. For the Noble Bully I, our customer assumes the risk of loss due to a named windstorm event, pursuant to the terms of the drilling contract, through the purchase of insurance coverage (provided that we are responsible for any deductible under such policy) or, at its option, the assumption of the risk of loss up to the insured value in lieu of the purchase of such insurance. The remaining rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are self-insured for named windstorm perils. Our rigs located in the Mexico portion of the Gulf of Mexico remain covered by commercial insurance for windstorm damage. In addition, we maintain 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 or strikes. If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance or contractual indemnity, it could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, there can be no assurance that those parties with contractual obligations to indemnify us will necessarily be financially able to indemnify us against all these risks.
	We carry protection and indemnity insurance covering marine third party liability exposures, which also includes coverage for employer’s liability resulting from personal injury to our offshore drilling crews. Our protection and indemnity policy currently has a standard deductible of $10 million per occurrence, with maximum liability coverage of $750 million.
	In connection with our capital expenditure program, we had outstanding commitments, including shipyard and purchase commitments of approximately $1.7 billion at March 31, 2014.
	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.

Segment_and_Related_Informatio

Segment and Related Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment and Related Information	'
	Note 13 — Segment and Related Information
	We report our contract drilling operations as a single reportable segment, Contract Drilling Services, which reflects how we manage our business, and the fact that all of our drilling fleet is dependent upon the worldwide oil industry. The mobile offshore drilling units comprising our offshore rig fleet operate in a single, global market for contract drilling services and are often redeployed globally due to changing demands of our customers, which consist largely of major non-U.S. and government owned/controlled oil and gas companies throughout the world. Our contract drilling services segment conducts contract drilling operations in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia and Australia.
	We evaluate the performance of our operating segment based on revenues from external customers and segment profit. Summarized financial information of our reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is shown in the following table. The “Other” column includes results of labor contract drilling services in Canada and Alaska, as well as corporate related items. The consolidated financial statements of Noble-UK include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-UK conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries. As a result, the summarized financial information for Noble-Cayman is substantially the same as Noble-UK.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014									2013
		Contract									Contract
		Drilling									Drilling
		Services			Other			Total			Services			Other			Total
	Revenues from external customers	$	1,242,438		$	8,732		$	1,251,170		$	949,458		$	21,517		$	970,975
	Depreciation and amortization		241,574			4,331			245,905			202,619			3,537			206,156
	Segment operating income/ (loss)		383,867			(14,607	)		369,260			228,987			804			229,791
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(73	)		(40,319	)		(40,392	)		(120	)		(27,181	)		(27,301	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit		(63,656	)		9,220			(54,436	)		(38,897	)		4,545			(34,352	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)		302,611			(46,285	)		256,326			172,248			(22,188	)		150,060
	Total assets (at end of period)		15,648,678			795,819			16,444,497			14,212,435			677,523			14,889,958

Accounting_Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Note 14 — 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. 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.

Net_Change_in_Other_Assets_and

Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities	'
	Note 15 — Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities
	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,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Accounts receivable	$	91,226		$	(125,192	)	$	91,226		$	(125,192	)
	Other current assets		(46,320	)		(47,920	)		(46,997	)		(49,017	)
	Other assets		19,801			1,101			19,805			1,099
	Accounts payable		(5,350	)		12,901			(12,696	)		12,970
	Other current liabilities		(70,001	)		(18,947	)		(60,550	)		(21,095	)
	Other liabilities		(12,474	)		(680	)		(12,472	)		(680	)
		$	(23,118	)	$	(178,737	)	$	(21,684	)	$	(181,915	)

Information_about_NobleCayman

Information about Noble-Cayman	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Information about Noble-Cayman	'
	Note 16 — Information about Noble-Cayman
	Guarantees of Registered Securities
	Noble-Cayman or one or more subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman are a co-issuer, guarantor or otherwise obligated as of March 31, 2014 with respect to the following securities as follows:
		Issuer
	Notes	(Co-Issuer(s))		Guarantor(s)
	$350 million 3.845% Senior Notes due 2015	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019	NDC;		Noble-Cayman;
		Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)		Noble Holding (U.S.) Corporation (“NHC”);
				Noble Drilling Holding LLC (“NDH”)
	$500 million 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$500 million 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	The following condensed consolidating financial statements of Noble-Cayman, NHC and NDH combined, NDC, NHIL, NDS6 and all other subsidiaries present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	March 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
																	Other
																	Non-guarantor
		Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
		Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5		$	124		$	—		$	5		$	—		$	111,661		$	—		$	111,795
	Accounts receivable		—			53,786			3,331			—			—			820,010			—			877,127
	Taxes receivable		—			37,956			—			—			—			97,501			—			135,457
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—			1,456,245			—			—			19,500			166,760			(1,642,505	)		—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates		1,163,230			122,759			791,922			82,362			22,967			6,153,853			(8,337,093	)		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			2,822			172			13			—			238,856			—			241,863
	Total current assets		1,163,235			1,673,692			795,425			82,380			42,467			7,588,641			(9,979,598	)		1,366,242
	Property and equipment, at cost		—			2,249,576			76,132			—			—			17,327,453			—			19,653,161
	Accumulated depreciation		—			(231,409	)		(62,039	)		—			—			(4,562,966	)		—			(4,856,414	)
	Property and equipment, net		—			2,018,167			14,093			—			—			12,764,487			—			14,796,747
	Notes receivable from affiliates		3,304,753			124,215			223,059			1,980,391			5,000			1,322,500			(6,959,918	)		—
	Investments in affiliates		8,977,664			9,645,314			2,061,305			10,107,669			5,612,195			—			(36,404,147	)		—
	Other assets		4,589			6,872			115			21,967			607			213,319			—			247,469
	Total assets	$	13,450,241		$	13,468,260		$	3,093,997		$	12,192,407		$	5,660,269		$	21,888,947		$	(53,343,663	)	$	16,410,458
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities
	Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	52,611		$	114,149		$	—		$	750,000		$	725,745		$	(1,642,505	)	$	—
	Accounts payable		—			4,704			677			—			—			309,562			—			314,943
	Accrued payroll and related costs		—			5,316			782			—			—			104,539			—			110,637
	Accounts payable to affiliates		1,068,444			4,848,721			4,904			243,031			20,596			2,151,397			(8,337,093	)		—
	Taxes payable		—			18,125			9			—			—			150,669			—			168,803
	Other current liabilities		915			22,833			200			16,359			630			174,855			—			215,792
	Total current liabilities		1,069,359			4,952,310			120,721			259,390			771,226			3,616,767			(9,979,598	)		810,175
	Long-term debt		1,983,543			—			—			3,543,544			201,695			—			—			5,728,782
	Notes payable to affiliates		1,769,064			421,263			—			975,000			192,216			3,602,375			(6,959,918	)		—
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			4,245			—			—			217,135			—			221,380
	Other liabilities		19,930			32,151			—			—			—			265,029			—			317,110
	Total liabilities		4,841,896			5,405,724			124,966			4,777,934			1,165,137			7,701,306			(16,939,516	)		7,077,447
	Commitments and contingencies
	Total shareholder equity		8,608,345			8,062,536			2,969,031			7,414,473			4,495,132			12,939,108			(35,880,280	)		8,608,345
	Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,248,533			(523,867	)		724,666
	Total equity		8,608,345			8,062,536			2,969,031			7,414,473			4,495,132			14,187,641			(36,404,147	)		9,333,011
	Total liabilities and equity	$	13,450,241		$	13,468,260		$	3,093,997		$	12,192,407		$	5,660,269		$	21,888,947		$	(53,343,663	)	$	16,410,458
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1		$	402		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	109,975		$	—		$	110,382
Accounts receivable		—			34,038			3,325			—			—			911,706			—			949,069
Taxes receivable		—			52,307			—			—			—			87,722			—			140,029
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—			1,456,245			—			139,195			19,500			166,760			(1,781,700	)		—
Accounts receivable from affiliates		1,244,019			108,208			1,137,137			210,868			27,537			6,302,784			(9,030,553	)		—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			6,336			204			—			—			177,808			—			184,348
Total current assets		1,244,020			1,657,536			1,140,666			350,067			47,037			7,756,755			(10,812,253	)		1,383,828
Property and equipment, at cost		—			2,340,216			75,856			—			—			16,744,278			—			19,160,350
Accumulated depreciation		—			(310,171	)		(60,950	)		—			—			(4,260,557	)		—			(4,631,678	)
Property and equipment, net		—			2,030,045			14,906			—			—			12,483,721			—			14,528,672
Notes receivable from affiliates		3,304,753			124,216			—			2,367,555			5,000			1,390,500			(7,192,024	)		—
Investments in affiliates		8,601,712			9,502,970			2,523,808			9,456,735			5,440,004			—			(35,525,229	)		—
Other assets		6,256			6,332			173			22,681			639			232,933			—			269,014
Total assets	$	13,156,741		$	13,321,099		$	3,679,553		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,863,909		$	(53,529,506	)	$	16,181,514
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	191,806		$	114,149		$	—		$	750,000		$	725,745		$	(1,781,700	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—			5,310			452			—			—			340,148			—			345,910
Accrued payroll and related costs		—			8,582			9,141			—			—			125,623			—			143,346
Accounts payable to affiliates		1,104,410			4,685,825			292,354			216,866			21,173			2,709,925			(9,030,553	)		—
Taxes payable		—			827			9			—			—			119,752			—			120,588
Other current liabilities		412			22,106			240			62,431			4,412			210,571			—			300,172
Total current liabilities		1,104,822			4,914,456			416,345			279,297			775,585			4,231,764			(10,812,253	)		910,016
Long-term debt		1,561,141			—			—			3,793,414			201,696			—			—			5,556,251
Notes payable to affiliates		2,042,808			534,683			—			975,000			260,216			3,379,317			(7,192,024	)		—
Deferred income taxes		—			—			3,275			—			—			222,180			—			225,455
Other liabilities		19,931			24,502			—			—			—			289,875			—			334,308
Total liabilities		4,728,702			5,473,641			419,620			5,047,711			1,237,497			8,123,136			(18,004,277	)		7,026,030
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		8,428,039			7,847,458			3,259,933			7,149,327			4,255,183			12,502,531			(35,014,432	)		8,428,039
Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,238,242			(510,797	)		727,445
Total equity		8,428,039			7,847,458			3,259,933			7,149,327			4,255,183			13,740,773			(35,525,229	)		9,155,484
Total liabilities and equity	$	13,156,741		$	13,321,099		$	3,679,553		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,863,909		$	(53,529,506	)	$	16,181,514
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	85,582		$	5,667		$	—		$	—		$	1,157,987		$	(42,932	)	$	1,206,304
Reimbursables		—			767			81			—			—			35,805			—			36,653
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			8,212			—			8,212
Other		—			—			—			—			—			1			—			1
Total operating revenues		—			86,349			5,748			—			—			1,202,005			(42,932	)		1,251,170
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		10,071			42,103			2,449			26,116			—			521,021			(42,932	)		558,828
Reimbursables		—			909			78			—			—			29,619			—			30,606
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			6,226			—			6,226
Depreciation and amortization		—			15,952			1,131			—			—			228,227			—			245,310
General and administrative		573			1,847			1			6,961			—			2,550			—			11,932
Total operating costs and expenses		10,644			60,811			3,659			33,077			—			787,643			(42,932	)		852,902
Operating income (loss)		(10,644	)		25,538			2,089			(33,077	)		—			414,362			—			398,268
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		320,213			179,887			69,071			318,759			172,191			—			(1,060,121	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(25,884	)		(6,050	)		(493	)		(46,493	)		(7,949	)		(12,360	)		58,837			(40,392	)
Interest income and other, net		1,630			13,680			66			25,957			313			15,874			(58,837	)		(1,317	)
Income before income taxes		285,315			213,055			70,733			265,146			164,555			417,876			(1,060,121	)		356,559
Income tax provision		—			(31,201	)		—			—			—			(23,127	)		—			(54,328	)
Net Income		285,315			181,854			70,733			265,146			164,555			394,749			(1,060,121	)		302,231
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(29,986	)		13,070			(16,916	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		285,315			181,854			70,733			265,146			164,555			364,763			(1,047,051	)		285,315
Other comprehensive income, net		7,718			—			—			—			—			7,718			(7,718	)		7,718
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	293,033		$	181,854		$	70,733		$	265,146		$	164,555		$	372,481		$	(1,054,769	)	$	293,033
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	46,957		$	4,991		$	—		$	—		$	897,239		$	(20,450	)	$	928,737
Reimbursables		—			586			—			—			—			20,588			—			21,174
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			21,054			—			21,054
Other		—			—			—			—			—			10			—			10
Total operating revenues		—			47,543			4,991			—			—			938,891			(20,450	)		970,975
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		919			16,425			1,785			24,213			—			453,669			(20,450	)		476,561
Reimbursables		—			334			—			—			—			14,588			—			14,922
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			12,249			—			12,249
Depreciation and amortization		—			14,862			1,101			—			—			189,788			—			205,751
General and administrative		625			1,892			1			8,713			—			3,612			—			14,843
Gain on contract extinguishment		—			—			—			—			—			(1,800	)		—			(1,800	)
Total operating costs and expenses		1,544			33,513			2,887			32,926			—			672,106			(20,450	)		722,526
Operating income (loss)		(1,544	)		14,030			2,104			(32,926	)		—			266,785			—			248,449
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		202,765			96,943			7,453			225,457			116,028			—			(648,646	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(33,307	)		(7,562	)		(833	)		(34,560	)		(11,721	)		(23,334	)		84,016			(27,301	)
Interest income and other, net		1,630			10,814			7			39,761			6,305			25,562			(84,016	)		63
Income before income taxes		169,544			114,225			8,731			197,732			110,612			269,013			(648,646	)		221,211
Income tax provision		—			(4,556	)		—			—			—			(29,458	)		—			(34,014	)
Net Income		169,544			109,669			8,731			197,732			110,612			239,555			(648,646	)		187,197
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(27,538	)		9,885			(17,653	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		169,544			109,669			8,731			197,732			110,612			212,017			(638,761	)		169,544
Other comprehensive income, net		3,097			—			—			—			—			3,097			(3,097	)		3,097
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	172,641		$	109,669		$	8,731		$	197,732		$	110,612		$	215,114		$	(641,858	)	$	172,641
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(23,676	)	$	37,298		$	(4,327	)	$	(98,984	)	$	(11,386	)	$	632,730		$	—		$	531,655
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(331,096	)		(173	)		—			—			(229,519	)		—			(560,788	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			273,744			—			—			(273,744	)		—
Net cash from investing activities		—			(331,096	)		(173	)		273,744			—			(229,519	)		(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	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(19,695	)		—			(19,695	)
Financing costs on credit facilities		(381	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(381	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(121,780	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(121,780	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(2,817	)		293,520			4,500			75,241			11,386			(381,830	)		—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(273,744	)		—			—			—			—			—			273,744			—
Net cash from financing activities		23,680			293,520			4,500			(174,759	)		11,386			(401,525	)		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
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(24,033	)	$	21,420		$	2,894		$	(72,200	)	$	(9,167	)	$	295,344		$	—		$	214,258
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(168,711	)		(18	)		—			—			(269,536	)		—			(438,265	)
Net cash from investing activities		—			(168,711	)		(18	)		—			—			(269,536	)		—			(438,265	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		209,680			—			—			—			—			—			—			209,680
Financing costs on credit facilities		(1,895	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(1,895	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(53,110	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(53,110	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(131,640	)		146,864			(2,876	)		72,200			9,167			(93,715	)		—			—
Net cash from financing activities		23,035			146,864			(2,876	)		72,200			9,167			(93,715	)		—			154,675
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(998	)		(427	)		—			—			—			(67,907	)		—			(69,332	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,003			904			—			2			—			275,466			—			277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5		$	477		$	—		$	2		$	—		$	207,559		$	—		$	208,043

Accounting_Pronouncements_Poli

Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Ta

Consolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Operational Results	'
	Operational results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Operating revenues	$	87,186	$	90,295
	Net income	$	37,720	$	37,498

Share_Data_Tables

Share Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share for Noble-UK	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for Noble-UK:
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Allocation of net income
	Basic
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	256,326		$	150,060
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(4,274	)		(1,667	)
	Net income to common shareholders - basic	$	252,052		$	148,393
	Diluted
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	256,326		$	150,060
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(4,272	)		(1,664	)
	Net income to common shareholders - diluted	$	252,054		$	148,396
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		253,940			253,073
	Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		135			268
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		254,075			253,341
	Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		4,188			2,844
	Earnings per share
	Basic	$	0.99		$	0.59
	Diluted	$	0.99		$	0.59
	Dividends per share	$	0.38		$	0.13

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment, at Cost	'
	Property and equipment, at cost, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for Noble-UK consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Drilling equipment and facilities	$	17,765,708	$	17,130,986
	Construction in progress		1,703,940		1,854,434
	Other		221,930		213,347
	Property and equipment, at cost	$	19,691,578	$	19,198,767

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014	$	—	$	249,964
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015		350,000		350,000
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016		299,970		299,967
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017		299,895		299,886
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		201,695		201,695
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020		499,054		499,022
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021		399,588		399,576
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022		399,199		399,178
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040		399,894		399,893
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041		397,655		397,646
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042		498,289		498,283
	Total senior unsecured notes		3,745,239		3,995,110
	Commercial paper program		1,983,543		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt	$	5,728,782	$	5,556,251
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively:
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
		Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014	$	—	$	—	$	249,964	$	253,634
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015		350,000		361,307		350,000		363,019
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016		299,970		310,359		299,967		309,878
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017		299,895		306,056		299,886		302,891
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		201,695		236,566		201,695		232,839
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020		499,054		535,805		499,022		528,597
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021		399,588		419,976		399,576		413,868
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022		399,199		396,059		399,178		390,520
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040		399,894		435,821		399,893		421,720
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041		397,655		427,624		397,646		417,312
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042		498,289		488,115		498,283		476,873
	Total senior unsecured notes		3,745,239		3,917,688		3,995,110		4,111,151
	Commercial paper program		1,983,543		1,983,543		1,561,141		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt	$	5,728,782	$	5,901,231	$	5,556,251	$	5,672,292

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension Costs	'
	Pension costs include the following components:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service cost	$	1,420		$	2,541		$	1,379		$	2,681
	Interest cost		1,456			2,714			1,282			2,262
	Return on plan assets		(1,835	)		(3,846	)		(1,471	)		(3,276	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		(5	)		56			—			57
	Recognized net actuarial loss		313			651			405			1,910
	Net pension expense	$	1,349		$	2,116		$	1,595		$	3,634

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Net Unrealized Loss Related to Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The balance of the net unrealized gain/(loss) related to our cash flow hedges included in AOCL and related activity is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Net unrealized gain/(loss) at beginning of period	$	—			$	—
	Activity during period:
	Net unrealized gain/(loss) on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts		5,946				(1,202	)
	Net unrealized gain/(loss) at end of period	$	5,946			$	(1,202	)
Summarize Financial Statement Presentation and Fair Value of Derivative Positions	'
	The following table, together with Note 10, summarizes the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
				Estimated fair value
		Balance sheet		March 31,				December 31,
		classification		2014				2013
	Asset derivatives
	Cash flow hedges
	Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	Other current assets		$	5,946			$	—
Summarization of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges	'
	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 10, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Gain/(loss)								Gain/(loss)				Gain/(loss)
		recognized through								reclassified from				recognized
		AOCL								AOCL to “other				through
										income”				“other
														income”
		2014				2013				2014		2013		2014		2013
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	4,752			$	(1,316	)		$	1,194	$	114	$	—	$	—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
		March 31, 2014
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets -
	Marketable securities	$	8,110	$	8,110	$	—	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts		5,946		—		5,946		—
		December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets -
	Marketable securities	$	7,230	$	7,230	$	—	$	—

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Changes in AOCL by Component	'
	The following table sets forth the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of AOCL, net of tax.
			Gains /			Defined
			(Losses) on			Benefit			Foreign
			Cash Flow			Pension			Currency
			Hedges(1)			Items(2)			Items			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	—		$	(95,071	)	$	(20,378	)	$	(115,449	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(1,316	)		—			2,657			1,341
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			114			1,642			—			1,756
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,202	)		1,642			2,657			3,097
	Balance at March 31, 2013		$	(1,202	)	$	(93,429	)	$	(17,721	)	$	(112,352	)
	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	)
	-1	Gains on cash flow hedges are related to our foreign currency forward contracts. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized through “other income” on our Consolidated Statement of Income. See Note 9 for additional information.
	-2	Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial losses and the amortization of prior service costs. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statement of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 8 for additional information.

Segment_and_Related_Informatio1

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summarized Financial Information of Reportable Segment	'
	As a result, the summarized financial information for Noble-Cayman is substantially the same as Noble-UK.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014									2013
		Contract									Contract
		Drilling									Drilling
		Services			Other			Total			Services			Other			Total
	Revenues from external customers	$	1,242,438		$	8,732		$	1,251,170		$	949,458		$	21,517		$	970,975
	Depreciation and amortization		241,574			4,331			245,905			202,619			3,537			206,156
	Segment operating income/ (loss)		383,867			(14,607	)		369,260			228,987			804			229,791
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(73	)		(40,319	)		(40,392	)		(120	)		(27,181	)		(27,301	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit		(63,656	)		9,220			(54,436	)		(38,897	)		4,545			(34,352	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)		302,611			(46,285	)		256,326			172,248			(22,188	)		150,060
	Total assets (at end of period)		15,648,678			795,819			16,444,497			14,212,435			677,523			14,889,958

Net_Change_in_Other_Assets_and1

Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [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,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Accounts receivable	$	91,226		$	(125,192	)	$	91,226		$	(125,192	)
	Other current assets		(46,320	)		(47,920	)		(46,997	)		(49,017	)
	Other assets		19,801			1,101			19,805			1,099
	Accounts payable		(5,350	)		12,901			(12,696	)		12,970
	Other current liabilities		(70,001	)		(18,947	)		(60,550	)		(21,095	)
	Other liabilities		(12,474	)		(680	)		(12,472	)		(680	)
		$	(23,118	)	$	(178,737	)	$	(21,684	)	$	(181,915	)

Information_about_NobleCayman_

Information about Noble-Cayman (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Guarantor Obligations	'
	Guarantees of Registered Securities
	Noble-Cayman or one or more subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman are a co-issuer, guarantor or otherwise obligated as of March 31, 2014 with respect to the following securities as follows:
		Issuer
	Notes	(Co-Issuer(s))		Guarantor(s)
	$350 million 3.845% Senior Notes due 2015	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019	NDC;		Noble-Cayman;
		Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)		Noble Holding (U.S.) Corporation (“NHC”);
				Noble Drilling Holding LLC (“NDH”)
	$500 million 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$500 million 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
Condensed Financial Statements	'
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	March 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
																	Other
																	Non-guarantor
		Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
		Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5		$	124		$	—		$	5		$	—		$	111,661		$	—		$	111,795
	Accounts receivable		—			53,786			3,331			—			—			820,010			—			877,127
	Taxes receivable		—			37,956			—			—			—			97,501			—			135,457
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—			1,456,245			—			—			19,500			166,760			(1,642,505	)		—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates		1,163,230			122,759			791,922			82,362			22,967			6,153,853			(8,337,093	)		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			2,822			172			13			—			238,856			—			241,863
	Total current assets		1,163,235			1,673,692			795,425			82,380			42,467			7,588,641			(9,979,598	)		1,366,242
	Property and equipment, at cost		—			2,249,576			76,132			—			—			17,327,453			—			19,653,161
	Accumulated depreciation		—			(231,409	)		(62,039	)		—			—			(4,562,966	)		—			(4,856,414	)
	Property and equipment, net		—			2,018,167			14,093			—			—			12,764,487			—			14,796,747
	Notes receivable from affiliates		3,304,753			124,215			223,059			1,980,391			5,000			1,322,500			(6,959,918	)		—
	Investments in affiliates		8,977,664			9,645,314			2,061,305			10,107,669			5,612,195			—			(36,404,147	)		—
	Other assets		4,589			6,872			115			21,967			607			213,319			—			247,469
	Total assets	$	13,450,241		$	13,468,260		$	3,093,997		$	12,192,407		$	5,660,269		$	21,888,947		$	(53,343,663	)	$	16,410,458
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities
	Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	52,611		$	114,149		$	—		$	750,000		$	725,745		$	(1,642,505	)	$	—
	Accounts payable		—			4,704			677			—			—			309,562			—			314,943
	Accrued payroll and related costs		—			5,316			782			—			—			104,539			—			110,637
	Accounts payable to affiliates		1,068,444			4,848,721			4,904			243,031			20,596			2,151,397			(8,337,093	)		—
	Taxes payable		—			18,125			9			—			—			150,669			—			168,803
	Other current liabilities		915			22,833			200			16,359			630			174,855			—			215,792
	Total current liabilities		1,069,359			4,952,310			120,721			259,390			771,226			3,616,767			(9,979,598	)		810,175
	Long-term debt		1,983,543			—			—			3,543,544			201,695			—			—			5,728,782
	Notes payable to affiliates		1,769,064			421,263			—			975,000			192,216			3,602,375			(6,959,918	)		—
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			4,245			—			—			217,135			—			221,380
	Other liabilities		19,930			32,151			—			—			—			265,029			—			317,110
	Total liabilities		4,841,896			5,405,724			124,966			4,777,934			1,165,137			7,701,306			(16,939,516	)		7,077,447
	Commitments and contingencies
	Total shareholder equity		8,608,345			8,062,536			2,969,031			7,414,473			4,495,132			12,939,108			(35,880,280	)		8,608,345
	Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,248,533			(523,867	)		724,666
	Total equity		8,608,345			8,062,536			2,969,031			7,414,473			4,495,132			14,187,641			(36,404,147	)		9,333,011
	Total liabilities and equity	$	13,450,241		$	13,468,260		$	3,093,997		$	12,192,407		$	5,660,269		$	21,888,947		$	(53,343,663	)	$	16,410,458
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
																	Other
																	Non-guarantor
		Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
		Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1		$	402		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	109,975		$	—		$	110,382
	Accounts receivable		—			34,038			3,325			—			—			911,706			—			949,069
	Taxes receivable		—			52,307			—			—			—			87,722			—			140,029
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—			1,456,245			—			139,195			19,500			166,760			(1,781,700	)		—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates		1,244,019			108,208			1,137,137			210,868			27,537			6,302,784			(9,030,553	)		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			6,336			204			—			—			177,808			—			184,348
	Total current assets		1,244,020			1,657,536			1,140,666			350,067			47,037			7,756,755			(10,812,253	)		1,383,828
	Property and equipment, at cost		—			2,340,216			75,856			—			—			16,744,278			—			19,160,350
	Accumulated depreciation		—			(310,171	)		(60,950	)		—			—			(4,260,557	)		—			(4,631,678	)
	Property and equipment, net		—			2,030,045			14,906			—			—			12,483,721			—			14,528,672
Notes receivable from affiliates		3,304,753			124,216			—			2,367,555			5,000			1,390,500			(7,192,024	)		—
Investments in affiliates		8,601,712			9,502,970			2,523,808			9,456,735			5,440,004			—			(35,525,229	)		—
Other assets		6,256			6,332			173			22,681			639			232,933			—			269,014
Total assets	$	13,156,741		$	13,321,099		$	3,679,553		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,863,909		$	(53,529,506	)	$	16,181,514
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	191,806		$	114,149		$	—		$	750,000		$	725,745		$	(1,781,700	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—			5,310			452			—			—			340,148			—			345,910
Accrued payroll and related costs		—			8,582			9,141			—			—			125,623			—			143,346
Accounts payable to affiliates		1,104,410			4,685,825			292,354			216,866			21,173			2,709,925			(9,030,553	)		—
Taxes payable		—			827			9			—			—			119,752			—			120,588
Other current liabilities		412			22,106			240			62,431			4,412			210,571			—			300,172
Total current liabilities		1,104,822			4,914,456			416,345			279,297			775,585			4,231,764			(10,812,253	)		910,016
Long-term debt		1,561,141			—			—			3,793,414			201,696			—			—			5,556,251
Notes payable to affiliates		2,042,808			534,683			—			975,000			260,216			3,379,317			(7,192,024	)		—
Deferred income taxes		—			—			3,275			—			—			222,180			—			225,455
Other liabilities		19,931			24,502			—			—			—			289,875			—			334,308
Total liabilities		4,728,702			5,473,641			419,620			5,047,711			1,237,497			8,123,136			(18,004,277	)		7,026,030
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		8,428,039			7,847,458			3,259,933			7,149,327			4,255,183			12,502,531			(35,014,432	)		8,428,039
Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,238,242			(510,797	)		727,445
Total equity		8,428,039			7,847,458			3,259,933			7,149,327			4,255,183			13,740,773			(35,525,229	)		9,155,484
Total liabilities and equity	$	13,156,741		$	13,321,099		$	3,679,553		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,863,909		$	(53,529,506	)	$	16,181,514
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	85,582		$	5,667		$	—		$	—		$	1,157,987		$	(42,932	)	$	1,206,304
Reimbursables		—			767			81			—			—			35,805			—			36,653
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			8,212			—			8,212
Other		—			—			—			—			—			1			—			1
Total operating revenues		—			86,349			5,748			—			—			1,202,005			(42,932	)		1,251,170
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		10,071			42,103			2,449			26,116			—			521,021			(42,932	)		558,828
Reimbursables		—			909			78			—			—			29,619			—			30,606
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			6,226			—			6,226
Depreciation and amortization		—			15,952			1,131			—			—			228,227			—			245,310
General and administrative		573			1,847			1			6,961			—			2,550			—			11,932
Total operating costs and expenses		10,644			60,811			3,659			33,077			—			787,643			(42,932	)		852,902
Operating income (loss)		(10,644	)		25,538			2,089			(33,077	)		—			414,362			—			398,268
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		320,213			179,887			69,071			318,759			172,191			—			(1,060,121	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(25,884	)		(6,050	)		(493	)		(46,493	)		(7,949	)		(12,360	)		58,837			(40,392	)
Interest income and other, net		1,630			13,680			66			25,957			313			15,874			(58,837	)		(1,317	)
Income before income taxes		285,315			213,055			70,733			265,146			164,555			417,876			(1,060,121	)		356,559
Income tax provision		—			(31,201	)		—			—			—			(23,127	)		—			(54,328	)
Net Income		285,315			181,854			70,733			265,146			164,555			394,749			(1,060,121	)		302,231
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(29,986	)		13,070			(16,916	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		285,315			181,854			70,733			265,146			164,555			364,763			(1,047,051	)		285,315
Other comprehensive income, net		7,718			—			—			—			—			7,718			(7,718	)		7,718
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	293,033		$	181,854		$	70,733		$	265,146		$	164,555		$	372,481		$	(1,054,769	)	$	293,033
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	46,957		$	4,991		$	—		$	—		$	897,239		$	(20,450	)	$	928,737
Reimbursables		—			586			—			—			—			20,588			—			21,174
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			21,054			—			21,054
Other		—			—			—			—			—			10			—			10
Total operating revenues		—			47,543			4,991			—			—			938,891			(20,450	)		970,975
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		919			16,425			1,785			24,213			—			453,669			(20,450	)		476,561
Reimbursables		—			334			—			—			—			14,588			—			14,922
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			12,249			—			12,249
Depreciation and amortization		—			14,862			1,101			—			—			189,788			—			205,751
General and administrative		625			1,892			1			8,713			—			3,612			—			14,843
Gain on contract extinguishment		—			—			—			—			—			(1,800	)		—			(1,800	)
Total operating costs and expenses		1,544			33,513			2,887			32,926			—			672,106			(20,450	)		722,526
Operating income (loss)		(1,544	)		14,030			2,104			(32,926	)		—			266,785			—			248,449
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		202,765			96,943			7,453			225,457			116,028			—			(648,646	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(33,307	)		(7,562	)		(833	)		(34,560	)		(11,721	)		(23,334	)		84,016			(27,301	)
Interest income and other, net		1,630			10,814			7			39,761			6,305			25,562			(84,016	)		63
Income before income taxes		169,544			114,225			8,731			197,732			110,612			269,013			(648,646	)		221,211
Income tax provision		—			(4,556	)		—			—			—			(29,458	)		—			(34,014	)
Net Income		169,544			109,669			8,731			197,732			110,612			239,555			(648,646	)		187,197
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(27,538	)		9,885			(17,653	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		169,544			109,669			8,731			197,732			110,612			212,017			(638,761	)		169,544
Other comprehensive income, net		3,097			—			—			—			—			3,097			(3,097	)		3,097
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	172,641		$	109,669		$	8,731		$	197,732		$	110,612		$	215,114		$	(641,858	)	$	172,641
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(23,676	)	$	37,298		$	(4,327	)	$	(98,984	)	$	(11,386	)	$	632,730		$	—		$	531,655
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(331,096	)		(173	)		—			—			(229,519	)		—			(560,788	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			273,744			—			—			(273,744	)		—
Net cash from investing activities		—			(331,096	)		(173	)		273,744			—			(229,519	)		(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	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(19,695	)		—			(19,695	)
Financing costs on credit facilities		(381	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(381	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(121,780	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(121,780	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(2,817	)		293,520			4,500			75,241			11,386			(381,830	)		—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(273,744	)		—			—			—			—			—			273,744			—
Net cash from financing activities		23,680			293,520			4,500			(174,759	)		11,386			(401,525	)		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
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-			NHC and NDH												Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(24,033	)	$	21,420		$	2,894		$	(72,200	)	$	(9,167	)	$	295,344		$	—		$	214,258
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(168,711	)		(18	)		—			—			(269,536	)		—			(438,265	)
Net cash from investing activities		—			(168,711	)		(18	)		—			—			(269,536	)		—			(438,265	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		209,680			—			—			—			—			—			—			209,680
Financing costs on credit facilities		(1,895	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(1,895	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(53,110	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(53,110	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(131,640	)		146,864			(2,876	)		72,200			9,167			(93,715	)		—			—
Net cash from financing activities		23,035			146,864			(2,876	)		72,200			9,167			(93,715	)		—			154,675
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(998	)		(427	)		—			—			—			(67,907	)		—			(69,332	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,003			904			—			2			—			275,466			—			277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5		$	477		$	—		$	2		$	—		$	207,559		$	—		$	208,043

Organization_and_Basis_of_Pres1

Organization and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2014
	Rigs
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Number of floating production storage and offloading units ("FPSO")	1
Number of semisubmersibles	14
Number of drillships	14
Number of jackups	49
Number of fleet units under construction	5
Number of ultra-deep water harsh environment drillships under construction	2
Number of harsh environment jackup Rigs under construction	3

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Ad

Consolidated Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	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	'	'	'
Dividend paid to joint venture partner	$20,000,000	$0	'	'
Carrying amount of the drillships	1,400,000,000	'	1,400,000,000	'
Cash held by Bully joint venture	114,735,000	214,528,000	114,458,000	282,092,000
Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash held by Bully joint venture	32,000,000	'	50,000,000	'
Bully Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dividend paid by Bully Joint Venture Partners	$39,000,000	$0	'	'

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Sc

Consolidated Joint Ventures - Schedule of Operational Results (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Operating revenues	$1,251,170	$970,975
Net income	273,242	167,713
Joint Ventures [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Operating revenues	87,186	90,295
Net income	$37,720	$37,498

Share_Data_Additional_Informat

Share Data - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified			Stock Options [Member]	Stock Options [Member]	Dividend [Member]	Dividend [Member]	Dividend [Member]
					Installment		Subsequent Event [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares outstanding and trading	254,194,000	253,448,000	'	'	'	'	'
Additional conditionally authorized shares without additional shareholder approval	53,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current nominal value per share	$0.01	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividend to be paid, per share	'	'	'	'	$1	'	$0.38
Number of installments to pay annual dividends	'	'	'	'	4	'	'
Additional dividend declared, per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.13
Dividends payable outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	$65	$97
Stock options excluded from the diluted net income per share	'	'	1,000,000	1,000,000	'	'	'

Share_Data_Computation_of_Basi

Share Data - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share for Noble-UK (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Basic	'	'
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$256,326	$150,060
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	-4,274	-1,667
Net income to common shareholders - basic	252,052	148,393
Diluted	'	'
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	256,326	150,060
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	-4,272	-1,664
Net income to common shareholders - diluted	$252,054	$148,396
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	253,940	253,073
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options	135	268
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	254,075	253,341
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards	4,188	2,844
Earnings per share	'	'
Basic	$0.99	$0.59
Diluted	$0.99	$0.59
Dividends per share	$0.38	$0.13

Receivables_from_Customers_Add

Receivables from Customers - Additional Information (Detail) (Petroleos Mexicanos [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Petroleos Mexicanos [Member]	'
Receivables From Major Customers [Line Items]	'
Approximate receivables	$14

Property_and_Equipment_Propert

Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment, at Cost (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	$19,691,578	$19,198,767
Drilling Equipment and Facilities [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	17,765,708	17,130,986
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	1,703,940	1,854,434
Other [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	$221,930	$213,347

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'	'
Capital expenditures	$517	$372
Capitalized interest on construction-in-progress	$14	$30

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Detail

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	$5,728,782	$5,556,251
Commercial Paper Program [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	1,983,543	1,561,141
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	'	249,964
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	350,000	350,000
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	299,970	299,967
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	299,895	299,886
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	201,695	201,695
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	499,054	499,022
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	399,588	399,576
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	399,199	399,178
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	399,894	399,893
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	397,655	397,646
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	498,289	498,283
Total Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	$3,745,239	$3,995,110

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Parenthe

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

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	CreditFacility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Number of credit facilities	3
Maximum amount available under our credit facilities	$2,900
Maximum debt to tangible capitalization covenant	0.6
Line of credit facility debt to tangible capitalization ratio	0.38
Credit Facilities [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Maximum amount available under our credit facilities	375
Borrowings outstanding	0
Commercial Paper Program [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Outstanding notes value	2,700
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on senior notes	7.38%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2014
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member] | Commercial Paper Program [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Outstanding notes value	$250

Debt_Estimated_Fair_Value_of_O

Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	$5,728,782	$5,556,251
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	5,901,231	5,672,292
Commercial Paper Program [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	1,983,543	1,561,141
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	1,983,543	1,561,141
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	'	249,964
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	'	253,634
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	350,000	350,000
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	361,307	363,019
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,970	299,967
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	310,359	309,878
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,895	299,886
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	306,056	302,891
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	201,695	201,695
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	236,566	232,839
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	499,054	499,022
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	535,805	528,597
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,588	399,576
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	419,976	413,868
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,199	399,178
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	396,059	390,520
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,894	399,893
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	435,821	421,720
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	397,655	397,646
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	427,624	417,312
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	498,289	498,283
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	488,115	476,873
Total Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	3,745,239	3,995,110
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	$3,917,688	$4,111,151

Debt_Estimated_Fair_Value_of_O1

Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	$5,901,231	$5,672,292
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	'	253,634
Interest rate on senior notes	7.38%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2014	'
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	361,307	363,019
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2015	'
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	310,359	309,878
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2016	'
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	306,056	302,891
Interest rate on senior notes	2.50%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2017	'
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	236,566	232,839
Interest rate on senior notes	7.50%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2019	'
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	535,805	528,597
Interest rate on senior notes	4.90%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2020	'
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	419,976	413,868
Interest rate on senior notes	4.63%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2021	'
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	396,059	390,520
Interest rate on senior notes	3.95%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2022	'
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	435,821	421,720
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2040	'
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	427,624	417,312
Interest rate on senior notes	6.05%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2041	'
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	$488,115	$476,873
Interest rate on senior notes	5.25%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2042	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Reserves for uncertain tax positions net	$116	$127
Related tax benefits	2	2
Reduction in the provision for income taxes, if reserves not utilized	$116	'
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, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$1,420	$1,379
Interest cost	1,456	1,282
Return on plan assets	-1,835	-1,471
Amortization of prior service cost	-5	'
Recognized net actuarial loss	313	405
Net pension expense	1,349	1,595
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	2,541	2,681
Interest cost	2,714	2,262
Return on plan assets	-3,846	-3,276
Amortization of prior service cost	56	57
Recognized net actuarial loss	651	1,910
Net pension expense	$2,116	$3,634

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Employer contributions	$0.70	$3

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of forecasted local currency requirements of forward contract	52.00%	'	'	'
Total unrealized gain related to forward contracts and recorded as part of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"	$5,946,000	'	($1,202,000)	'
Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total unrealized gain related to forward contracts and recorded as part of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"	6,000,000	'	'	'
Price Risk Derivative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Notional amount of forward contracts outstanding	$284,000,000	'	'	'

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Net Unrealized Loss Related to Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Gain/(Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Balance at beginning of period	'	'
Activity during period:	'	'
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts	5,946	-1,202
Gain/(Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Balance at end of period	$5,946	($1,202)

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed4

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 Assets [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Short-Term Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'
Asset derivatives	'
Cash flow hedges Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	$5,946

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed5

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summarization of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL	$4,752	($1,316)
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL	4,752	-1,316
Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to "other income"	1,194	114
Gain/(loss) recognized through "other income"	'	'

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Assets -	'	'
Marketable securities	$8,110	$7,230
Foreign currency forward contracts	5,946	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Assets -	'	'
Marketable securities	8,110	7,230
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Assets -	'	'
Marketable securities	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	5,946	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Assets -	'	'
Marketable securities	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	'	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in AOCL by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Gain/(Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Balance at beginning of period	'	'
Gain/(Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Activity during period:	'	'
Gain/(Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	4,752	-1,316
Gain/(Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,194	114
Gain/(Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)	5,946	-1,202
Gain/(Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, Balance at end of period	5,946	-1,202
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Balance at beginning of period	-58,598	-95,071
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Activity during period:	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Amounts reclassified from AOCL	763	1,642
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)	763	1,642
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Balance at end of period	-57,835	-93,429
Foreign Currency Items, Balance at beginning of period	-23,566	-20,378
Foreign Currency Items, Activity during period:	'	'
Foreign Currency Items, Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	1,009	2,657
Foreign Currency Items, Amounts reclassified from AOCL	'	'
Foreign Currency Items, Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,009	2,657
Foreign Currency Items, Balance at end of period	-22,557	-17,721
Balance at beginning of period	-82,164	-115,449
Activity during period:	'	'
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	5,761	1,341
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,957	1,756
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	7,718	3,097
Balance at end of period	($74,446)	($112,352)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2007	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Lawsuits		Customs and Other Business Taxes [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Libya [Member]	Libya [Member]
	Employees				Rigs
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of wells	'	'	'	'	2	'
Operating dayrate (per day)	'	'	'	'	'	$538,000
Reserved for fines and penalties	7,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
NIMASA surcharge on contracts performed by "vessels" in Nigerian coastal shipping trade; overturned and dismissed by Federal High Court of Nigeria	'	2.00%	'	'	'	'
Percentage of employees contribution to Industrial Training Fund	1.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum number of employees In Entity To employer liable for contribution to Industrial Training Fund	5	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Lawsuits filed	37	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of uncertain tax positions likelihood of being sustained	'	'	'	50.00%	'	'
Audit claims, additional attributable to other business tax returns	'	'	335,000,000	'	'	'
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	$1,700,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Years of effectiveness of employment agreements after the termination of employment	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'

Segment_and_Related_Informatio2

Segment and Related Information - Summarized Financial Information of Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	$1,251,170	$970,975	'
Depreciation and amortization	245,905	206,156	'
Segment operating income/ (loss)	369,260	229,791	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-40,392	-27,301	'
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	-54,436	-34,352	'
Segment profit/ (loss)	256,326	150,060	'
Total assets (at end of period)	16,444,497	14,889,958	16,217,957
Contract Drilling Services [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	1,242,438	949,458	'
Depreciation and amortization	241,574	202,619	'
Segment operating income/ (loss)	383,867	228,987	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-73	-120	'
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	-63,656	-38,897	'
Segment profit/ (loss)	302,611	172,248	'
Total assets (at end of period)	15,648,678	14,212,435	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	8,732	21,517	'
Depreciation and amortization	4,331	3,537	'
Segment operating income/ (loss)	-14,607	804	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-40,319	-27,181	'
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	9,220	4,545	'
Segment profit/ (loss)	-46,285	-22,188	'
Total assets (at end of period)	$795,819	$677,523	'

Net_Change_in_Other_Assets_and2

Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities - 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, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Capital [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable	$91,226	($125,192)
Other current assets	-46,320	-47,920
Other assets	19,801	1,101
Accounts payable	-5,350	12,901
Other current liabilities	-70,001	-18,947
Other liabilities	-12,474	-680
Net change in other assets and liabilities	-23,118	-178,737
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Operating Capital [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable	91,226	-125,192
Other current assets	-46,997	-49,017
Other assets	19,805	1,099
Accounts payable	-12,696	12,970
Other current liabilities	-60,550	-21,095
Other liabilities	-12,472	-680
Net change in other assets and liabilities	($21,684)	($181,915)

Information_about_NobleCayman_1

Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Detail) (Noble-Cayman [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NDC; Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC ("NDS6")
Guarantor(s)	'Noble Holding (U.S.) Corporation ("NHC"); Nolbe Drilling Holding LLC ("NDH")
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman

Information_about_NobleCayman_2

Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2015
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2016
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2017
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2019
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2020
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2021
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2022
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2040
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2041
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2042
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	350
Interest rate on the notes	3.85%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2015
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on the notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2016
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on the notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2017
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	202
Interest rate on the notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2019
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	500
Interest rate on the notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2020
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2021
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2022
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2040
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2041
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	500
Interest rate on the notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2042

Information_about_NobleCayman_3

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$114,735	$114,458	$214,528	$282,092
Accounts receivable	877,127	949,069	'	'
Taxes receivable	135,733	140,269	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	243,941	187,139	'	'
Total current assets	1,371,536	1,390,935	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	19,691,578	19,198,767	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,866,009	-4,640,677	'	'
Property and equipment, net	14,825,569	14,558,090	'	'
Other assets	247,392	268,932	'	'
Total assets	16,444,497	16,217,957	14,889,958	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	323,593	347,214	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	117,153	151,161	'	'
Taxes payable	173,397	125,119	'	'
Other current liabilities	215,792	300,172	'	'
Total current liabilities	894,515	1,051,915	'	'
Long-term debt	5,728,782	5,556,251	'	'
Deferred income taxes	221,380	225,455	'	'
Other liabilities	317,108	334,308	'	'
Total liabilities	7,161,785	7,167,929	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	8,558,046	8,322,583	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	724,666	727,445	'	'
Total equity	9,282,712	9,050,028	8,662,685	8,488,290
Total liabilities and equity	16,444,497	16,217,957	'	'
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	-1,642,505	-1,781,700	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	-8,337,093	-9,030,553	'	'
Total current assets	-9,979,598	-10,812,253	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	-6,959,918	-7,192,024	'	'
Investments in affiliates	-36,404,147	-35,525,229	'	'
Total assets	-53,343,663	-53,529,506	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	-1,642,505	-1,781,700	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	-8,337,093	-9,030,553	'	'
Total current liabilities	-9,979,598	-10,812,253	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	-6,959,918	-7,192,024	'	'
Total liabilities	-16,939,516	-18,004,277	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	-35,880,280	-35,014,432	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	-523,867	-510,797	'	'
Total equity	-36,404,147	-35,525,229	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	-53,343,663	-53,529,506	'	'
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	5	1	5	1,003
Accounts receivable from affiliates	1,163,230	1,244,019	'	'
Total current assets	1,163,235	1,244,020	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	3,304,753	3,304,753	'	'
Investments in affiliates	8,977,664	8,601,712	'	'
Other assets	4,589	6,256	'	'
Total assets	13,450,241	13,156,741	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	1,068,444	1,104,410	'	'
Other current liabilities	915	412	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,069,359	1,104,822	'	'
Long-term debt	1,983,543	1,561,141	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	1,769,064	2,042,808	'	'
Other liabilities	19,930	19,931	'	'
Total liabilities	4,841,896	4,728,702	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	8,608,345	8,428,039	'	'
Total equity	8,608,345	8,428,039	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	13,450,241	13,156,741	'	'
NHC and NDH Combined [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	124	402	477	904
Accounts receivable	53,786	34,038	'	'
Taxes receivable	37,956	52,307	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	1,456,245	1,456,245	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	122,759	108,208	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,822	6,336	'	'
Total current assets	1,673,692	1,657,536	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	2,249,576	2,340,216	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-231,409	-310,171	'	'
Property and equipment, net	2,018,167	2,030,045	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	124,215	124,216	'	'
Investments in affiliates	9,645,314	9,502,970	'	'
Other assets	6,872	6,332	'	'
Total assets	13,468,260	13,321,099	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	52,611	191,806	'	'
Accounts payable	4,704	5,310	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	5,316	8,582	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	4,848,721	4,685,825	'	'
Taxes payable	18,125	827	'	'
Other current liabilities	22,833	22,106	'	'
Total current liabilities	4,952,310	4,914,456	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	421,263	534,683	'	'
Other liabilities	32,151	24,502	'	'
Total liabilities	5,405,724	5,473,641	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	8,062,536	7,847,458	'	'
Total equity	8,062,536	7,847,458	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	13,468,260	13,321,099	'	'
NDC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	3,331	3,325	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	791,922	1,137,137	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	172	204	'	'
Total current assets	795,425	1,140,666	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	76,132	75,856	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-62,039	-60,950	'	'
Property and equipment, net	14,093	14,906	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	223,059	'	'	'
Investments in affiliates	2,061,305	2,523,808	'	'
Other assets	115	173	'	'
Total assets	3,093,997	3,679,553	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	114,149	114,149	'	'
Accounts payable	677	452	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	782	9,141	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	4,904	292,354	'	'
Taxes payable	9	9	'	'
Other current liabilities	200	240	'	'
Total current liabilities	120,721	416,345	'	'
Deferred income taxes	4,245	3,275	'	'
Total liabilities	124,966	419,620	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	2,969,031	3,259,933	'	'
Total equity	2,969,031	3,259,933	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	3,093,997	3,679,553	'	'
NHIL [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	5	4	2	2
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	'	139,195	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	82,362	210,868	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13	'	'	'
Total current assets	82,380	350,067	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	1,980,391	2,367,555	'	'
Investments in affiliates	10,107,669	9,456,735	'	'
Other assets	21,967	22,681	'	'
Total assets	12,192,407	12,197,038	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	243,031	216,866	'	'
Other current liabilities	16,359	62,431	'	'
Total current liabilities	259,390	279,297	'	'
Long-term debt	3,543,544	3,793,414	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	975,000	975,000	'	'
Total liabilities	4,777,934	5,047,711	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	7,414,473	7,149,327	'	'
Total equity	7,414,473	7,149,327	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	12,192,407	12,197,038	'	'
NDS6 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	19,500	19,500	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	22,967	27,537	'	'
Total current assets	42,467	47,037	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	5,000	5,000	'	'
Investments in affiliates	5,612,195	5,440,004	'	'
Other assets	607	639	'	'
Total assets	5,660,269	5,492,680	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	750,000	750,000	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	20,596	21,173	'	'
Other current liabilities	630	4,412	'	'
Total current liabilities	771,226	775,585	'	'
Long-term debt	201,695	201,696	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	192,216	260,216	'	'
Total liabilities	1,165,137	1,237,497	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	4,495,132	4,255,183	'	'
Total equity	4,495,132	4,255,183	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	5,660,269	5,492,680	'	'
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	111,661	109,975	207,559	275,466
Accounts receivable	820,010	911,706	'	'
Taxes receivable	97,501	87,722	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	166,760	166,760	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	6,153,853	6,302,784	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	238,856	177,808	'	'
Total current assets	7,588,641	7,756,755	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	17,327,453	16,744,278	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,562,966	-4,260,557	'	'
Property and equipment, net	12,764,487	12,483,721	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	1,322,500	1,390,500	'	'
Other assets	213,319	232,933	'	'
Total assets	21,888,947	21,863,909	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	725,745	725,745	'	'
Accounts payable	309,562	340,148	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	104,539	125,623	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	2,151,397	2,709,925	'	'
Taxes payable	150,669	119,752	'	'
Other current liabilities	174,855	210,571	'	'
Total current liabilities	3,616,767	4,231,764	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	3,602,375	3,379,317	'	'
Deferred income taxes	217,135	222,180	'	'
Other liabilities	265,029	289,875	'	'
Total liabilities	7,701,306	8,123,136	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	12,939,108	12,502,531	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	1,248,533	1,238,242	'	'
Total equity	14,187,641	13,740,773	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	21,888,947	21,863,909	'	'
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	111,795	110,382	208,043	277,375
Accounts receivable	877,127	949,069	'	'
Taxes receivable	135,457	140,029	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	241,863	184,348	'	'
Total current assets	1,366,242	1,383,828	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	19,653,161	19,160,350	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,856,414	-4,631,678	'	'
Property and equipment, net	14,796,747	14,528,672	'	'
Other assets	247,469	269,014	'	'
Total assets	16,410,458	16,181,514	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	314,943	345,910	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	110,637	143,346	'	'
Taxes payable	168,803	120,588	'	'
Other current liabilities	215,792	300,172	'	'
Total current liabilities	810,175	910,016	'	'
Long-term debt	5,728,782	5,556,251	'	'
Deferred income taxes	221,380	225,455	'	'
Other liabilities	317,110	334,308	'	'
Total liabilities	7,077,447	7,026,030	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	8,608,345	8,428,039	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	724,666	727,445	'	'
Total equity	9,333,011	9,155,484	8,674,226	8,531,082
Total liabilities and equity	$16,410,458	$16,181,514	'	'

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, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating revenues	'	'
Contract drilling services	$1,206,304	$928,737
Reimbursables	36,653	21,174
Labor contract drilling services	8,212	21,054
Total operating revenues	1,251,170	970,975
Operating costs and expenses	'	'
Contract drilling services	561,131	480,126
Reimbursables	30,606	14,922
Labor contract drilling services	6,226	12,249
Depreciation and amortization	245,905	206,156
General and administrative	25,637	25,569
Gain on contract extinguishment	'	-1,800
Total operating costs and expenses	881,910	741,184
Operating income (loss)	369,260	229,791
Other income (expense)	'	'
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-40,392	-27,301
Interest income and other, net	-1,190	-425
Income before income taxes	327,678	202,065
Income tax provision	-54,436	-34,352
Net income	273,242	167,713
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-16,916	-17,653
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	256,326	150,060
Other comprehensive income, net	7,718	3,097
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	264,044	153,157
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'
Contract drilling services	-42,932	-20,450
Total operating revenues	-42,932	-20,450
Operating costs and expenses	'	'
Contract drilling services	-42,932	-20,450
Total operating costs and expenses	-42,932	-20,450
Other income (expense)	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	-1,060,121	-648,646
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	58,837	84,016
Interest income and other, net	-58,837	-84,016
Income before income taxes	-1,060,121	-648,646
Net income	-1,060,121	-648,646
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	13,070	9,885
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	-1,047,051	-638,761
Other comprehensive income, net	-7,718	-3,097
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	-1,054,769	-641,858
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Operating costs and expenses	'	'
Contract drilling services	10,071	919
General and administrative	573	625
Total operating costs and expenses	10,644	1,544
Operating income (loss)	-10,644	-1,544
Other income (expense)	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	320,213	202,765
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-25,884	-33,307
Interest income and other, net	1,630	1,630
Income before income taxes	285,315	169,544
Net income	285,315	169,544
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	285,315	169,544
Other comprehensive income, net	7,718	3,097
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	293,033	172,641
NHC and NDH Combined [Member]	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'
Contract drilling services	85,582	46,957
Reimbursables	767	586
Total operating revenues	86,349	47,543
Operating costs and expenses	'	'
Contract drilling services	42,103	16,425
Reimbursables	909	334
Depreciation and amortization	15,952	14,862
General and administrative	1,847	1,892
Total operating costs and expenses	60,811	33,513
Operating income (loss)	25,538	14,030
Other income (expense)	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	179,887	96,943
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-6,050	-7,562
Interest income and other, net	13,680	10,814
Income before income taxes	213,055	114,225
Income tax provision	-31,201	-4,556
Net income	181,854	109,669
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	181,854	109,669
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	181,854	109,669
NDC [Member]	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'
Contract drilling services	5,667	4,991
Reimbursables	81	'
Total operating revenues	5,748	4,991
Operating costs and expenses	'	'
Contract drilling services	2,449	1,785
Reimbursables	78	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,131	1,101
General and administrative	1	1
Total operating costs and expenses	3,659	2,887
Operating income (loss)	2,089	2,104
Other income (expense)	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	69,071	7,453
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-493	-833
Interest income and other, net	66	7
Income before income taxes	70,733	8,731
Net income	70,733	8,731
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	70,733	8,731
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	70,733	8,731
NHIL [Member]	'	'
Operating costs and expenses	'	'
Contract drilling services	26,116	24,213
General and administrative	6,961	8,713
Total operating costs and expenses	33,077	32,926
Operating income (loss)	-33,077	-32,926
Other income (expense)	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	318,759	225,457
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-46,493	-34,560
Interest income and other, net	25,957	39,761
Income before income taxes	265,146	197,732
Net income	265,146	197,732
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	265,146	197,732
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	265,146	197,732
NDS6 [Member]	'	'
Other income (expense)	'	'
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	172,191	116,028
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-7,949	-11,721
Interest income and other, net	313	6,305
Income before income taxes	164,555	110,612
Net income	164,555	110,612
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	164,555	110,612
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	164,555	110,612
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'
Contract drilling services	1,157,987	897,239
Reimbursables	35,805	20,588
Labor contract drilling services	8,212	21,054
Other	1	10
Total operating revenues	1,202,005	938,891
Operating costs and expenses	'	'
Contract drilling services	521,021	453,669
Reimbursables	29,619	14,588
Labor contract drilling services	6,226	12,249
Depreciation and amortization	228,227	189,788
General and administrative	2,550	3,612
Gain on contract extinguishment	'	-1,800
Total operating costs and expenses	787,643	672,106
Operating income (loss)	414,362	266,785
Other income (expense)	'	'
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-12,360	-23,334
Interest income and other, net	15,874	25,562
Income before income taxes	417,876	269,013
Income tax provision	-23,127	-29,458
Net income	394,749	239,555
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-29,986	-27,538
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	364,763	212,017
Other comprehensive income, net	7,718	3,097
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	372,481	215,114
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'
Contract drilling services	1,206,304	928,737
Reimbursables	36,653	21,174
Labor contract drilling services	8,212	21,054
Other	1	10
Total operating revenues	1,251,170	970,975
Operating costs and expenses	'	'
Contract drilling services	558,828	476,561
Reimbursables	30,606	14,922
Labor contract drilling services	6,226	12,249
Depreciation and amortization	245,310	205,751
General and administrative	11,932	14,843
Gain on contract extinguishment	'	-1,800
Total operating costs and expenses	852,902	722,526
Operating income (loss)	398,268	248,449
Other income (expense)	'	'
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-40,392	-27,301
Interest income and other, net	-1,317	63
Income before income taxes	356,559	221,211
Income tax provision	-54,328	-34,014
Net income	302,231	187,197
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-16,916	-17,653
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	285,315	169,544
Other comprehensive income, net	7,718	3,097
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$293,033	$172,641

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, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	$505,796	$202,552
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	422,402	209,680
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,695	'
Financing costs on credit facilities	-381	-1,895
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	277	-67,564
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	114,458	282,092
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	114,735	214,528
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	-23,676	-24,033
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	422,402	209,680
Financing costs on credit facilities	-381	-1,895
Distributions to parent company, net	-121,780	-53,110
Advances (to) from affiliates	-2,817	-131,640
Notes payable to affiliates	-273,744	'
Net cash from financing activities	23,680	23,035
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	4	-998
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1	1,003
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	5	5
NHC and NDH Combined [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	37,298	21,420
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	-331,096	-168,711
Net cash from investing activities	-331,096	-168,711
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	293,520	146,864
Net cash from financing activities	293,520	146,864
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-278	-427
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	402	904
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	124	477
NDC [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	-4,327	2,894
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	-173	-18
Net cash from investing activities	-173	-18
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	4,500	-2,876
Net cash from financing activities	4,500	-2,876
NHIL [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	-98,984	-72,200
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	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	75,241	72,200
Net cash from financing activities	-174,759	72,200
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	1	'
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	4	2
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	5	2
NDS6 [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	-11,386	-9,167
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	11,386	9,167
Net cash from financing activities	11,386	9,167
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	632,730	295,344
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	-229,519	-269,536
Net cash from investing activities	-229,519	-269,536
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,695	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	-381,830	-93,715
Net cash from financing activities	-401,525	-93,715
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	1,686	-67,907
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	109,975	275,466
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	111,661	207,559
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	531,655	214,258
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	-560,788	-438,265
Net cash from investing activities	-560,788	-438,265
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	422,402	209,680
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-19,695	'
Financing costs on credit facilities	-381	-1,895
Distributions to parent company, net	-121,780	-53,110
Net cash from financing activities	30,546	154,675
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	1,413	-69,332
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	110,382	277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$111,795	$208,043