Noble (NE) 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'NE	'
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	'	252,258,871
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	261,245,693

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$68,354	$114,458
Accounts receivable	610,134	949,069
Taxes receivable	126,295	140,269
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	226,262	187,139
Total current assets	1,031,045	1,390,935
Property and equipment, at cost	15,304,758	19,198,767
Accumulated depreciation	-2,671,092	-4,640,677
Property and equipment, net	12,633,666	14,558,090
Other assets	285,486	268,932
Total assets	13,950,197	16,217,957
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	267,811	347,214
Accrued payroll and related costs	102,533	151,161
Taxes payable	115,192	125,119
Dividends payable	'	128,249
Other current liabilities	170,474	300,172
Total current liabilities	656,010	1,051,915
Long-term debt	4,737,081	5,556,251
Deferred income taxes	165,750	225,455
Other liabilities	289,637	334,308
Total liabilities	5,848,478	7,167,929
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' equity	'	'
Shares	2,523	2,534
Additional paid-in capital	787,374	810,286
Retained earnings	6,634,194	7,591,927
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-45,768	-82,164
Total shareholders' equity	7,378,323	8,322,583
Noncontrolling interests	723,396	727,445
Total equity	8,101,719	9,050,028
Total liabilities and equity	13,950,197	16,217,957
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	65,948	110,382
Accounts receivable	610,134	949,069
Taxes receivable	126,161	140,029
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	179,638	184,348
Total current assets	981,881	1,383,828
Property and equipment, at cost	15,266,206	19,160,350
Accumulated depreciation	-2,659,887	-4,631,678
Property and equipment, net	12,606,319	14,528,672
Other assets	261,989	269,014
Total assets	13,850,189	16,181,514
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	235,823	345,910
Accrued payroll and related costs	94,385	143,346
Taxes payable	112,332	120,588
Other current liabilities	166,305	300,172
Total current liabilities	608,845	910,016
Long-term debt	4,737,081	5,556,251
Deferred income taxes	165,750	225,455
Other liabilities	289,637	334,308
Total liabilities	5,801,313	7,026,030
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' equity	'	'
Shares	26,125	26,125
Additional paid-in capital	524,031	497,316
Retained earnings	6,821,092	7,986,762
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-45,768	-82,164
Total shareholders' equity	7,325,480	8,428,039
Noncontrolling interests	723,396	727,445
Total equity	8,048,876	9,155,484
Total liabilities and equity	$13,850,189	$16,181,514

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	252,258	253,448
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	261,246	261,246

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	$810,200	$623,168	$2,360,205	$1,750,627
Reimbursables	18,595	17,319	67,558	45,416
Labor contract drilling services	'	26	'	17,000
Other	1	'	1	11
Total operating revenues	828,796	640,513	2,427,764	1,813,054
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	385,674	283,429	1,109,456	836,825
Reimbursables	13,641	14,812	52,877	36,686
Labor contract drilling services	'	2,084	'	10,966
Depreciation and amortization	161,246	129,843	460,306	370,402
General and administrative	24,602	33,776	77,319	86,196
Loss on impairment	'	3,585	'	3,585
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	-35,646	'	-35,646
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	-30,618	'	-30,618
Total operating costs and expenses	585,163	401,265	1,699,958	1,278,396
Operating income	243,633	239,248	727,806	534,658
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-37,751	-23,149	-114,494	-75,115
Interest income and other, net	2,760	1,522	131	2,231
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	208,642	217,621	613,443	461,774
Income tax provision	-40,782	-33,852	-110,625	-74,341
Net income from continuing operations	167,860	183,769	502,818	387,433
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-20,214	116,690	175,532	274,065
Net income	147,646	300,459	678,350	661,498
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,471	-18,502	-60,290	-52,861
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	127,175	281,957	618,060	608,637
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	147,389	165,267	442,528	334,572
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	-20,214	116,690	175,532	274,065
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	127,175	281,957	618,060	608,637
Basic:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.57	$0.64	$1.71	$1.30
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	($0.08)	$0.46	$0.68	$1.07
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$0.49	$1.10	$2.39	$2.37
Diluted:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.57	$0.64	$1.71	$1.30
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	($0.08)	$0.46	$0.68	$1.07
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$0.49	$1.10	$2.39	$2.37
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	810,200	623,170	2,360,205	1,750,627
Reimbursables	18,595	17,318	67,558	45,416
Labor contract drilling services	'	27	'	17,000
Other	1	'	1	11
Total operating revenues	828,796	640,515	2,427,764	1,813,054
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	383,911	283,707	1,097,694	831,065
Reimbursables	13,641	14,812	52,877	36,686
Labor contract drilling services	'	2,084	'	10,966
Depreciation and amortization	160,255	129,309	458,100	369,105
General and administrative	13,057	7,251	36,478	37,682
Loss on impairment	'	3,585	'	3,585
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	-35,646	'	-35,646
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	-30,618	'	-30,618
Total operating costs and expenses	570,864	374,484	1,645,149	1,222,825
Operating income	257,932	266,031	782,615	590,229
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-37,751	-23,149	-114,494	-75,115
Interest income and other, net	3,785	880	1,142	1,827
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	223,966	243,762	669,263	516,941
Income tax provision	-40,674	-33,508	-110,207	-72,567
Net income from continuing operations	183,292	210,254	559,056	444,374
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	10,413	119,102	225,022	284,506
Net income	193,705	329,356	784,078	728,880
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,471	-18,502	-60,290	-52,861
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	173,234	310,854	723,788	676,019
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	'	'	'	'
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	10,413	119,102	225,022	284,506
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$173,234	$310,854	$723,788	$676,019

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income	$147,646	$300,459	$678,350	$661,498
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-1,577	-1,135	1,143	-658
Net pension plan loss (net of tax benefit of $386 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014)	-1,409	'	-1,409	'
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense (net of tax provision of $193 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014)	358	'	358	'
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $253 and $732 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $758 and $2,192 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	571	1,661	2,099	4,935
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-8,982	5,846	1,918	4,866
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	34,478	'	34,478	'
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,471	-18,502	-60,290	-52,861
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	152,671	287,803	654,456	613,503
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income	193,705	329,356	784,078	728,880
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-1,577	-1,135	1,143	-658
Net pension plan loss (net of tax benefit of $386 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014)	-1,409	'	-1,409	'
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense (net of tax provision of $193 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014)	358	'	358	'
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $253 and $732 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $758 and $2,192 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	571	1,661	2,099	4,935
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-8,982	5,846	1,918	4,866
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	34,478	'	34,478	'
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,471	-18,502	-60,290	-52,861
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	198,730	316,700	760,184	680,885
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	-6,925	5,320	-273	589
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	($6,925)	$5,320	($273)	$589

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net pension plan gain (loss), tax provision (benefit)	$386	'	$386	'
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense, tax provision	193	'	193	'
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	253	732	758	2,192
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net pension plan gain (loss), tax provision (benefit)	386	'	386	'
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense, tax provision	193	'	193	'
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	$253	$732	$758	$2,192

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net income	$678,350	$661,498
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	696,380	642,456
Loss on impairment	'	3,585
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	-35,646
Deferred income taxes	23,380	-41,400
Amortization of share-based compensation	37,432	33,471
Net change in other assets and liabilities	-47,244	-102,310
Net cash from operating activities	1,388,298	1,161,654
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-1,747,495	-1,724,727
Change in accrued capital expenditures	-52,466	-66,946
Proceeds from disposal of assets	'	61,000
Net cash from investing activities	-1,799,961	-1,730,673
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-569,489	973,055
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	-300,000
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	1,726,750	'
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	-30,876	'
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-Off	-104,152	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-64,339	-69,728
Repurchases of shares	-52,701	'
Financing costs on credit facilities	-386	-2,432
Dividend payments	-290,643	-130,787
Employee stock transactions	1,395	2,747
Repurchases of employee shares surrendered for taxes	'	-7,558
Net cash from financing activities	365,559	465,297
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-46,104	-103,722
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	114,458	282,092
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	68,354	178,370
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net income	784,078	728,880
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	694,175	641,159
Loss on impairment	'	3,585
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	-35,646
Deferred income taxes	23,380	-41,400
Capital contribution by parent - share-based compensation	26,715	18,604
Net change in other assets and liabilities	-58,662	-102,238
Net cash from operating activities	1,469,686	1,212,944
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-1,747,361	-1,723,941
Change in accrued capital expenditures	-52,466	-66,946
Proceeds from disposal of assets	'	61,000
Net cash from investing activities	-1,799,827	-1,729,887
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-569,489	973,055
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	-300,000
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	1,726,750	'
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	-30,876	'
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-Off	-104,152	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-64,339	-69,728
Financing costs on credit facilities	-386	-2,432
Distributions to parent company, net	-421,801	-187,610
Net cash from financing activities	285,707	413,285
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-44,434	-103,658
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	110,382	277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$65,948	$173,717

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (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

33,471

'

'

'

33,471

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares

17

'

1,851

'

-1,834

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares

'

'

659

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options

4,200

'

440

'

3,760

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options, Shares

'

'

158

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

-1,470

'

'

'

-1,470

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes

-7,558

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,558

'

'

'

'

Net income

661,498

728,880

'

'

'

'

608,637

676,019

'

'

'

52,861

52,861

Capital contributions by parent - share-based compensation

'

18,604

'

'

'

18,604

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends

-256,770

-187,610

'

'

'

'

-256,770

-187,610

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

-69,728

-69,728

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-69,728

-69,728

Other comprehensive income (loss), net

4,866

4,866

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,866

4,866

'

'

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013

8,856,816

9,026,094

712,421

26,125

117,458

489,058

7,417,890

7,873,237

-28,627

-110,583

-110,583

748,257

748,257

Ending Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2013

'

'

254,165

261,246

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2013

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee related equity activity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

300,459

329,356

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income (loss), net

5,846

5,846

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013

8,856,816

9,026,094

'

26,125

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2013

'

'

'

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

37,432

'

'

'

37,432

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares

-9,043

'

6

'

-9,049

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares

'

'

689

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options

2,647

'

3

'

2,644

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options, Shares

131,706

'

131

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

-1,258

'

'

'

-1,258

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchases of shares

-52,701

'

-20

'

-52,681

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchases of shares, Shares

'

'

-2,010

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

678,350

784,078

'

'

'

'

618,060

723,788

'

'

'

60,290

60,290

Capital contributions by parent - share-based compensation

'

26,715

'

'

'

26,715

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends

-162,294

-421,801

'

'

'

'

-162,294

-421,801

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

-64,339

-64,339

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-64,339

-64,339

Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore

-1,379,021

-1,433,179

'

'

'

'

-1,413,499

-1,467,657

'

34,478

34,478

'

'

Other comprehensive income (loss), net

1,918

1,918

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,918

1,918

'

'

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014

8,101,719

8,048,876

2,523

26,125

787,374

524,031

6,634,194

6,821,092

'

-45,768

-45,768

723,396

723,396

Ending Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2014

252,258

261,246

252,258

261,246

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee related equity activity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

147,646

193,705

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income (loss), net

-8,982

-8,982

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014

$8,101,719

$8,048,876

'

$26,125

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2014

252,258

261,246

'

261,246

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Organization_and_Basis_of_Pres

Organization and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1 — Organization and Basis of Presentation
	Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We perform contract drilling services with our fleet of 35 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide. Our fleet consists of 15 jackups, 11 semisubmersibles and nine drillships. At September 30, 2014, we had two high-specification, harsh environment jackups under construction.
	At September 30, 2014, our fleet was located in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.
	Paragon Offshore plc Spin-Off Transaction
	On August 1, 2014, Noble-UK completed the separation and spin-off of a majority of its standard specification offshore drilling business (the “Spin-Off”) through a pro rata distribution of all of the ordinary shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Paragon Offshore plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Paragon Offshore”), to the holders of Noble’s ordinary shares. The results of operations for Paragon Offshore have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 2 for additional information. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in our consolidated financial statements relates to our continuing operations after such classification.
	Migration to the United Kingdom
	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-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.
	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 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited consolidated financial statements. All such adjustments are of a recurring nature. The December 31, 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.

SpinOff_of_Paragon_Offshore_pl

Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore plc	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore plc	'
	Note 2 — Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore plc
	On August 1, 2014, we completed the Spin-Off through a pro rata distribution by us of all of the ordinary shares of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Paragon Offshore, to the holders of Noble’s ordinary shares. Our shareholders received one share of Paragon Offshore for every three shares of Noble owned as of July 23, 2014, the record date for the distribution. At the time of the Spin-Off, Paragon Offshore’s assets and liabilities consisted of most of our standard specification drilling units and related assets, liabilities and business, including five drillships, three semisubmersibles, 34 jackups and one floating production storage and offloading unit (“FPSO”). At the Spin-Off, Paragon Offshore also became responsible for the Hibernia platform operations offshore Canada. Prior to the Spin-Off, Paragon Offshore issued approximately $1.7 billion of long-term debt. We used the proceeds from this debt to repay certain amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program.
	Prior to the completion of the Spin-Off, Noble and Paragon Offshore entered into a series of agreements to effect the separation and Spin-Off and govern the relationship between the parties after the Spin-Off.
	Master Separation Agreement (“MSA”)
	The general terms and conditions relating to the separation and Spin-Off are set forth in the MSA. The MSA identifies the assets transferred, liabilities assumed and contracts assigned either to Paragon Offshore by us or by Paragon Offshore to us in the separation and describes when and how these transfers, assumptions and assignments would occur. The MSA provides for, among other things, Paragon Offshore’s responsibility for liabilities relating to its business and the responsibility of Noble for liabilities related to our, and in certain limited cases, Paragon Offshore’s business, in each case irrespective of when the liability arose. The MSA also contains indemnification obligations and ongoing commitments by us and Paragon Offshore.
	Employee Matters Agreement (“EMA”)
	The EMA allocates liabilities and responsibilities between us and Paragon Offshore relating to employment, compensation and benefits and other employment related matters.
	Tax Sharing Agreement
	The tax sharing agreement provides for the allocation of tax liabilities and benefits between us and Paragon Offshore and governs the parties’ assistance with tax-related claims.
	Transition Services Agreements
	Under two transition services agreements, we agreed to continue, for a limited period of time, to provide various interim support services to Paragon Offshore, and Paragon Offshore agreed to provide various interim support services to us, including providing operational and administrative support for our remaining Brazilian operations.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Note 3 — Discontinued Operations
	Paragon Offshore, which had been reflected as continuing operations in our consolidated financial statements prior to the Spin-Off, meets the criteria for being reported as discontinued operations and has been reclassified as such in our results of operations. The results of discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 include the historical results of Paragon Offshore through the Spin-Off date, including costs incurred by Noble to complete the Spin-Off. Non-recurring Spin-Off related costs totaled $31 million and $49 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $2 million and $10 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	Prior to the Spin-Off, Paragon Offshore issued approximately $1.7 billion of debt consisting of:
		•		$1.08 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in two separate tranches, comprising $500 million of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2022 and $580 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2024; and
		•		$650 million of a senior secured term credit agreement, at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1%, which has an initial term of seven years.
	We allocated interest expense on this debt, which is directly related to Paragon Offshore, to discontinued operations. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we allocated approximately $4 million of interest expense related to such debt. No interest was allocated to discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	The following table provides the components of net income from discontinued operations, net of tax:
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Contract drilling services		$	136,548		$	417,948		$	993,253		$	1,194,684
	Reimbursables			2,398			11,923			21,899			33,260
	Labor contract drilling services			2,946			8,467			19,304			26,150
	Other			1			28			2			94
	Revenues from discontinued operations		$	141,893		$	438,366		$	1,034,458		$	1,254,188
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations:
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes		$	(3,292	)	$	138,669		$	229,482		$	326,731
	Income tax expense			(16,922	)		(21,979	)		(53,950	)		(52,666	)
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(20,214	)	$	116,690		$	175,532		$	274,065
	The carrying value of the major categories of assets and liabilities of Paragon Offshore immediately preceding the Spin-Off on August 1, 2014, which are excluded from our Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2014, were as follows:
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	104,152
	Accounts receivable			362,100
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			90,089
	Total current assets of discontinued operations			556,341
	Property and equipment, at cost			5,615,831
	Accumulated depreciation			(2,640,943	)
	Property and equipment, net			2,974,888
	Other assets			84,894
	Total assets of discontinued operations		$	3,616,123
	LIABILITIES
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable		$	132,446
	Accrued payroll and related costs			64,580
	Other current liabilities			103,769
	Total current liabilities of discontinued operations			300,795
	Long-term debt			1,726,750
	Other liabilities			171,718
	Total liabilities of discontinued operations		$	2,199,263
	The above amounts do not include the impact of the agreements entered into as a result of the Spin-Off, which are discussed further in Note 2.

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures

Consolidated Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Consolidated Joint Ventures	'
	Note 4 — Consolidated Joint Ventures
	We maintain a 50 percent interest in two joint ventures, each with a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc (“Shell”), that own and operate the two Bully-class drillships. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of the joint ventures. Accordingly, we consolidate the entities in our consolidated financial statements after eliminating intercompany transactions. Shell’s equity interests are presented as noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Bully joint ventures approved and paid dividends totaling $129 million, of which approximately $64 million was paid to our joint venture partner. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Bully joint ventures approved and paid dividends totaling $139 million, of which approximately $70 million was paid to our joint venture partner.
	The combined carrying amount of the Bully-class drillships at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 totaled $1.4 billion. These assets were primarily funded through partner equity contributions. Cash held by the Bully joint ventures totaled approximately $49 million at September 30, 2014 as compared to approximately $50 million at December 31, 2013. Operational results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Operating revenues	$	97,182	$	94,847	$	282,585	$	272,620
	Net income	$	43,911	$	40,214	$	128,587	$	113,627

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share	'
	Note 5 — Earnings per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for Noble-UK:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	147,389		$	165,267		$	442,528		$	334,572
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(2,286	)		(1,989	)		(7,053	)		(3,953	)
	Income from continuing operations to common shareholders		145,103			163,278			435,475			330,619
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations		(20,214	)		116,690			175,532			274,065
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		314			(1,404	)		(2,798	)		(3,238	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		(19,900	)		115,286			172,734			270,827
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		127,175			281,957			618,060			608,637
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(1,972	)		(3,393	)		(9,851	)		(7,191	)
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation to common shareholders	$	125,203		$	278,564		$	608,209		$	601,446
	Diluted
	Income from continuing operations		147,389			165,267			442,528			334,572
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(2,285	)		(1,987	)		(7,050	)		(3,949	)
	Income from continuing operations to common shareholders		145,104			163,280			435,478			330,623
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations		(20,214	)		116,690			175,532			274,065
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		313			(1,403	)		(2,796	)		(3,235	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		(19,901	)		115,287			172,736			270,830
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		127,175			281,957			618,060			608,637
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(1,972	)		(3,390	)		(9,846	)		(7,184	)
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation to common shareholders	$	125,203		$	278,567		$	608,214		$	601,453
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		253,842			253,357			254,006			253,242
	Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		107			261			114			265
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		253,949			253,618			254,120			253,507
	Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		3,999			3,086			4,114			3,028
	Earnings per share
	Basic
	Continuing operations	$	0.57		$	0.64		$	1.71		$	1.3
	Discontinued operations		(0.08	)		0.46			0.68			1.07
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	0.49		$	1.1		$	2.39		$	2.37
	Diluted
	Continuing operations	$	0.57		$	0.64		$	1.71		$	1.3
	Discontinued operations		(0.08	)		0.46			0.68			1.07
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	0.49		$	1.1		$	2.39		$	2.37
	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 September 30, 2014 and 2013, approximately 1.3 million and 0.9 million shares underlying stock options, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share as such stock options were not dilutive.

Receivables_from_Customers

Receivables from Customers	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables from Customers	'
	Note 6 — Receivables from Customers
	At September 30, 2014, we had a receivable of approximately $14 million related to the Noble Max Smith, which is being disputed by our customer, Petróleos Mexicanos (“Pemex”). This receivable has been classified as long-term and is included in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The disputed amount relates 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 this amount. 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 amount.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Note 7 — Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment, at cost, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for Noble-UK consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Drilling equipment and facilities	$	13,606,398	$	17,130,986
	Construction in progress		1,479,263		1,854,434
	Other		219,097		213,347
	Property and equipment, at cost	$	15,304,758	$	19,198,767
	Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $1.7 billion for both the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. Capitalized interest was $11 million and $39 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to $31 million and $92 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	Capital expenditures related to Paragon Offshore for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $15 million and $150 million, respectively. Additionally, a portion of our property and equipment at December 31, 2013 was related to Paragon Offshore.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Note 8 — Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due March 2014	$	—	$	249,964
	3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015		350,000		350,000
	3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016		299,978		299,967
	2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017		299,912		299,886
	7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019		201,695		201,695
	4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020		499,118		499,022
	4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021		399,614		399,576
	3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022		399,242		399,178
	6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040		399,894		399,893
	6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041		397,672		397,646
	5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042		498,303		498,283
	Total senior unsecured notes		3,745,428		3,995,110
	Commercial paper program		991,653		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt	$	4,737,081	$	5,556,251
	Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program
	We currently have three credit facilities with an aggregate maximum available capacity of $2.9 billion (together, the “Credit Facilities”). In August 2014, we extended the maturity date of our $600 million senior unsecured 364-day revolving credit facility for a six-month period to February 2015. In addition, we continue to maintain a $1.5 billion credit facility that matures in 2017 and an $800 million credit facility that matures in 2016. In February 2015, availability under the $800 million credit facility will be reduced by $36 million.
	We have 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 September 30, 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.
	Our $350 million 3.45% Senior Notes mature during the third quarter of 2015. We anticipate using availability under our Credit Facilities or commercial paper issuances to repay the outstanding balance; therefore, we continue to report the balance as long-term at September 30, 2014.
	Covenants
	The Credit Facilities are guaranteed by our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”) and Noble Holding Corporation (“NHC”). 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 September 30, 2014, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was approximately 0.37. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facilities as of September 30, 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 September 30, 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). All remaining fair value disclosures are presented in Note 13.
	The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively:
		September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
		Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due March 2014	$	—	$	—	$	249,964	$	253,634
	3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015		350,000		357,087		350,000		363,019
	3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016		299,978		306,752		299,967		309,878
	2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017		299,912		303,855		299,886		302,891
	7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019		201,695		232,264		201,695		232,839
	4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020		499,118		530,788		499,022		528,597
	4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021		399,614		413,996		399,576		413,868
	3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022		399,242		391,616		399,178		390,520
	6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040		399,894		416,991		399,893		421,720
	6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041		397,672		408,334		397,646		417,312
	5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042		498,303		458,360		498,283		476,873
	Total senior unsecured notes		3,745,428		3,820,043		3,995,110		4,111,151
	Commercial paper program		991,653		991,653		1,561,141		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt	$	4,737,081	$	4,811,696	$	5,556,251	$	5,672,292

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity	'
	Note 9 — Equity
	Share capital
	As of September 30, 2014, Noble-UK had approximately 252.3 million shares outstanding and trading as compared to approximately 253.4 million shares outstanding and trading at December 31, 2013. Repurchased shares are recorded at cost, and include shares repurchased pursuant to our approved share repurchase program discussed below. Our Board of Directors may increase our share capital through the issuance of up to 53 million authorized shares (at current nominal value of $0.01 per share) without obtaining shareholder approval.
	In July 2014, our Board of Directors approved the payment of a quarterly dividend to shareholders of $0.375 per share. The aggregate dividend paid in August 2014 was approximately $97 million.
	Share repurchases
	Under UK law, a company is only permitted to purchase its own shares by way of an “off-market purchase” in a plan approved by shareholders. Prior to our redomiciliation to the UK, a resolution was adopted by Noble-UK’s sole shareholder authorizing the repurchase of 6,769,891 shares during the five-year period commencing on the date of the redomiciliation. This number of shares corresponds to the number of shares that Noble-Swiss had authority to repurchase at the time of the redomiciliation. The company may only fund the purchase of its own shares out of distributable reserves or the proceeds of a new issue of shares made expressly for that purpose. The company currently has adequate distributable reserves to fund its currently approved repurchase plan. If any premium above the nominal value of the purchased shares is paid, it must be paid out of distributable reserves. Any shares purchased by the company out of distributable reserves may be held as treasury shares or cancelled at the company’s election. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we repurchased and immediately cancelled approximately 2.0 million shares under this plan. At September 30, 2014, approximately 4.8 million shares remained available under this authorization.
	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	Stock Plans
	The Noble Corporation 1991 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan, as amended (the “1991 Plan”), provides for the granting of options to purchase our shares, with or without stock appreciation rights, and the awarding of restricted shares or units to selected employees. In connection with the Spin-Off, the total number of shares subject to issue under existing awards under the 1991 Plan was increased from 50.1 million to 60.3 million. As of September 30, 2014, we had 6.5 million shares remaining available for grants to employees under the 1991 Plan.
	Prior to October 25, 2007, the Noble Corporation 1992 Nonqualified Stock Option and Share Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “1992 Plan”) provided for the granting of nonqualified stock options to our non-employee directors. On October 25, 2007, the 1992 Plan was amended and restated to, among other things, eliminate grants of stock options to non-employee directors and modify the annual award of restricted shares from a fixed number of restricted shares to an annually-determined variable number of restricted or unrestricted shares. In connection with the Spin-Off, the total number of shares subject to issue under existing awards under the 1992 Plan was increased from 2.0 million to 2.3 million. As of September 30, 2014, we had 0.6 million shares remaining available for award to non-employee directors under the 1992 Plan.
	Stock Options
	Pursuant to the EMA (see Note 2), we modified the outstanding stock options for our employees in connection with the Spin-Off. We made certain adjustments to the exercise price and number of our stock options to preserve the economic value of the grants immediately prior to the Spin-Off. Each outstanding stock option of Noble, whether or not exercisable, that was held by a current or former Noble employee was adjusted such that the holder received an additional number of stock options of Noble based on a price ratio. The exercise price was adjusted by a factor equal to exercise price of the option prior to the Spin-Off divided by the price ratio. The price ratio was calculated by dividing the average closing price of our stock during the 10 trading-day period prior to the Spin-Off by the average closing price of our stock during the 10 trading-day period subsequent to the Spin-Off. Each outstanding stock option of Noble, whether or not exercisable, that was held by an employee transferring to Paragon Offshore was vested at the Spin-Off date and the exercise price and number of awards were adjusted in the same manner as explained above for Noble employees. At the Spin-Off, we recognized the remaining expense for the accelerated vesting of stock options held by Paragon Offshore employees.
	As a result of the Spin-Off, an additional 339,223 stock options were issued to preserve the economic value of the grants immediately prior to the Spin-Off, as discussed above. As no incremental fair value was awarded as a result of the issuance of these additional awards, the modification did not result in additional compensation expense.
	The following table presenting a summary of stock option award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 reflects the adjustments discussed above.
		Number of
		Shares
		Underlying
		Options
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,808,987
	Exercised		(131,706	)
	Forfeited		(17,175	)
	Spin-Off adjustment		339,223
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014		1,999,329
	Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)
	Pursuant to the EMA (see Note 2), we modified the outstanding RSU awards, both time-vested restricted stock units (“TVRSUs”) and market-based performance-vested restricted stock units (“PVRSUs”), for our employees in connection with the Spin-Off. We made certain adjustments to the number of our share-based compensation awards to preserve the economic value of the grants immediately prior to the Spin-Off. Each outstanding and unvested RSU of Noble that was held by a current or former Noble employee was adjusted such that the holder received an additional number of RSUs of Noble based on a price ratio, which was calculated as noted above in “Stock Options”. Each outstanding and unvested TVRSU of Noble that was held by an employee transferring to Paragon Offshore was cancelled and an equivalent award was granted by Paragon Offshore. Each outstanding and unvested PVRSU of Noble that was held by an employee transferring to Paragon Offshore was continued pro-rata at the time of Spin-Off, subject to the achievement of the performance condition at the end of the performance period. The remaining unvested PVRSUs were cancelled and an equivalent award was granted by Paragon Offshore, except for the 2012 PVRSU grants. For the 2012 PVRSU grants, a bonus will be paid by Paragon Offshore for the cancelled portion of the award should the performance factor be achieved.
	As a result of the Spin-Off, an additional 326,853 TVRSUs and 329,937 PVRSUs were issued to preserve the economic value of the grants immediately prior to the Spin-Off, as discussed above. As no incremental fair value was awarded as a result of the issuance of these additional awards, the modification did not result in additional compensation expense.
	The following table presenting a summary of RSU award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 reflects the adjustments discussed above.
		TVRSUs			PVRSUs
		Outstanding			Outstanding
	Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2013		1,652,360			1,397,137
	Awarded		1,608,613			740,364
	Vested		(746,162	)		(180,975	)
	Forfeited		(124,740	)		(253,882	)
	Surrendered in connection with Spin-Off		(816,627	)		(89,612	)
	Spin-Off adjustment		326,853			329,937
	Non-vested RSUs at September 30, 2014		1,900,297			1,942,969

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 10 — Income Taxes
	At September 30, 2014, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $101 million (net of related tax benefits of $1 million). If the September 30, 2014 reserves are not realized, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by $101 million. At December 31, 2013, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $127 million (net of related tax benefits of $2 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. As a result, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	Note 11 — Employee Benefit Plans
	Pension costs include the following components for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service cost	$	1,016		$	2,541		$	1,361		$	2,681
	Interest cost		1,022			2,714			1,259			2,263
	Return on plan assets		(1,397	)		(3,846	)		(1,443	)		(3,275	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		(2	)		56			—			57
	Recognized net actuarial loss		119			651			426			1,910
	Curtailment expense		—			241			—			—
	Settlement expense		—			310			—			—
	Net pension expense	$	758		$	2,667		$	1,603		$	3,636
	Included in net pension expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $1 million and $2 million, respectively, related to Paragon Offshore that was classified as discontinued operations.
	Pension costs include the following components for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service cost	$	3,869		$	7,623		$	4,089		$	8,043
	Interest cost		3,950			8,142			3,793			6,787
	Return on plan assets		(5,088	)		(11,538	)		(4,351	)		(9,827	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		(12	)		168			—			171
	Recognized net actuarial loss		748			1,953			1,226			5,730
	Curtailment expense		—			241			—			—
	Settlement expense		—			310			—			—
	Net pension expense	$	3,467		$	6,899		$	4,757		$	10,904
	Included in net pension expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $4 million and $6 million, respectively, related to Paragon Offshore that was classified as discontinued operations.
	As a result of the Spin-Off, employees of Paragon Offshore no longer participated in benefit plans sponsored or maintained by Noble. At the time of the Spin-Off, Noble Enterprises Limited and Noble Drilling (Nederland) B.V. transferred all assets and obligations to Paragon Offshore.
	Employees participating in the US Salaried and Hourly defined benefit pension plans that transferred to Paragon Offshore at the time of the Spin-Off terminated under these plans as of July 31, 2014. In connection with the termination of these employees, we recognized a curtailment expense of $0.2 million. These terminated employees may elect to receive their accumulated benefits as a lump sum distribution, which will trigger a settlement expense upon election. Terminated employees must make this election by December 15, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, we have not received any elections from these employees.
	Additionally, we recognized a settlement expense of $0.3 million in respect of the US Restoration Plan related to the Spin-Off as of September 30, 2014.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we made contributions to our pension plans totaling $0.1 million and $7 million, respectively.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Note 12 — 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 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, 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 60 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. Dollars, was approximately $13 million at September 30, 2014. Total unrealized losses related to these forward contracts were approximately $0.3 million as of September 30, 2014 and were recorded as part of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”).
	Financial Statement Presentation
	The following table, together with Note 13, summarizes the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
					Estimated fair value
		Balance sheet			September 30,		December 31,
		classification			2014		2013
	Asset derivatives
	Cash flow hedges
	Short-term foreign currency forward contracts		Other current assets		$	60	$	—
	Liability derivatives
	Cash flow hedges
	Short-term foreign currency forward contracts		Other current liabilities		$	333	$	—
	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 13, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “contract drilling services” expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Gain/(loss) recognized					Gain/(loss) reclassified					Gain/(loss) recognized
		through AOCL					from AOCL to “contract					through “contract
							drilling services”					drilling services” expense
							expense
		2014			2013		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(2,125	)	$	2,022	$	1,852	$	(1,433	)	$	—	$	—
	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 13, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “contract drilling services” expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Gain/(loss) recognized					Gain/(loss) reclassified					Gain/(loss) recognized
		through AOCL					from AOCL to “contract					through “contract
							drilling services”					drilling services” expense
							expense
		2014			2013		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(4,904	)	$	2,207	$	4,631	$	(1,618	)	$	—	$	—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Note 13 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
		September 30, 2014
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
		Carrying		Quoted		Significant		Significant
		Amount		Prices in		Other		Unobservable
				Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets -
	Marketable securities	$	3,332	$	3,332	$	—	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts		60		—		60		—
	Liabilities -
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	333	$	—	$	333	$	—
		December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
		Carrying		Quoted		Significant		Significant
		Amount		Prices in		Other		Unobservable
				Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Note 14 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following tables set forth the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of AOCL, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
			Gains /			Defined			Foreign			Total
			(Losses) on			Benefit			Currency
			Cash Flow			Pension			Items
			Hedges(1)			Items(2)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	—		$	(95,071	)	$	(20,378	)	$	(115,449	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(1,029	)		—			(658	)		(1,687	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			1,618			4,935			—			6,553
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			589			4,935			(658	)		4,866
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	589		$	(90,136	)	$	(21,036	)	$	(110,583	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	—		$	(58,598	)	$	(23,566	)	$	(82,164	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			4,358			—			1,143			5,501
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			(4,631	)		1,048			—			(3,583	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(273	)		1,048			1,143			1,918
	Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore(3)			—			21,772			12,706			34,478
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	(273	)	$	(35,778	)	$	(9,717	)	$	(45,768	)
	-1	Gains on cash flow hedges are related to our foreign currency forward contracts. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized through “contract drilling services” expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 12 for additional information.
	-2	Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial losses, the amortization of prior service costs and curtailment and settlement expenses. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 11 for additional information.
	-3	Reclassifications for the Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore represent accumulated balances in AOCL that were transferred as part of the Spin-Off.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 15 — Commitments and Contingencies
	The Noble Homer Ferrington was under contract with a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”), which entered into an assignment agreement with British Petroleum plc (“BP”) for a two-well farmout of the rig in Libya after successfully drilling two wells with the rig for ExxonMobil. In August 2010, BP attempted to terminate the assignment agreement claiming that the rig was not in the required condition, and ExxonMobil informed us that we must look to BP for payment of the dayrate during the assignment period. In August 2010, we initiated arbitration proceedings under the drilling contract against both BP and ExxonMobil. We do not believe BP had the right to terminate the assignment agreement and believe the rig was ready to operate under the drilling contract. The rig operated under farmout arrangements from March 2011 to the conclusion of the contract in the second quarter of 2012. We believe we are owed dayrate by either or both of these clients. The operating dayrate was approximately $538,000 per day for the work in Libya. The arbitration process is proceeding, and we intend to vigorously pursue these claims. As a result of the uncertainties noted above, we have not recognized any revenue during the assignment period and the matter could have a material positive effect on our results of operations or cash flows in the period the matter is resolved should the arbitration panel ultimately rule in our favor.
	In 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 also conducted an internal investigation in conjunction with the Coast Guard inspection, and the Coast Guard conducted 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. 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 in settlement discussions with the DOJ. We believe it is probable that we will have to pay fines and penalties to resolve this matter and have reserved $12 million. We cannot provide any assurances regarding when the DOJ will conclude the investigation or what the final outcome will be.
	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 September 30, 2014, there were 42 asbestos related lawsuits in which we are one of many defendants. These lawsuits have been filed in the United States in the states of Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We intend to vigorously defend against the litigation. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	We are a defendant in certain claims and litigation arising out of operations in the ordinary course of business, the resolution of which, in the opinion of management, will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. There is inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these claims.
	We operate in a number of countries throughout the world and our tax returns filed in those jurisdictions are subject to review and examination by tax authorities within those jurisdictions. During 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 $73 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 have been notified by Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) that it is currently challenging assessments by Brazilian tax authorities of withholding taxes associated with the provision of drilling rigs for its operations in Brazil during 2008 and 2009. Petrobras has also notified us that if Petrobras must ultimately pay such withholding taxes, it will seek reimbursement from us for the portion allocable to our drilling rigs. The amount of withholding tax that Petrobras indicates may be allocable to Noble drilling rigs is R$79 million (approximately $32 million). We believe that our contract with Petrobras requires Petrobras to indemnify us for these withholding taxes. We will, if necessary, vigorously defend our rights.
	We maintain certain insurance coverage against specified marine perils, which includes physical damage and loss of hire. 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. 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 $940 million at September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment and Related Information	'
	Note 16 — 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. As of September 30, 2014, our contract drilling services segment conducts contract drilling operations in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, 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 continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is shown in the following tables. The “Other” column includes results of labor contract drilling services in Alaska for 2013, as well as corporate related items for all periods. 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 September 30,
		2014									2013
		Contract			Other			Total			Contract			Other			Total
		Drilling									Drilling
		Services									Services
	Revenues from external customers	$	828,715		$	81		$	828,796		$	640,487		$	26		$	640,513
	Depreciation and amortization		156,213			5,033			161,246			125,855			3,988			129,843
	Segment operating income/ (loss)		249,297			(5,664	)		243,633			245,726			(6,478	)		239,248
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(5	)		(37,746	)		(37,751	)		(318	)		(22,831	)		(23,149	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit		(49,437	)		8,655			(40,782	)		(33,957	)		105			(33,852	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)		202,324			(75,149	)		127,175			284,883			(2,926	)		281,957
	Total assets (at end of period)		12,231,090			1,719,107			13,950,197			15,058,076			671,255			15,729,331
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014									2013
		Contract			Other			Total			Contract			Other			Total
		Drilling									Drilling
		Services									Services
	Revenues from external customers	$	2,425,513		$	2,251		$	2,427,764		$	1,796,054		$	17,000		$	1,813,054
	Depreciation and amortization		446,425			13,881			460,306			359,405			10,997			370,402
	Segment operating income/ (loss)		741,227			(13,421	)		727,806			541,146			(6,488	)		534,658
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(162	)		(114,332	)		(114,494	)		(539	)		(74,576	)		(75,115	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit		(134,310	)		23,685			(110,625	)		(69,581	)		(4,760	)		(74,341	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)		775,479			(157,419	)		618,060			665,250			(56,613	)		608,637
	Total assets (at end of period)		12,231,090			1,719,107			13,950,197			15,058,076			671,255			15,729,331

Accounting_Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Note 17 — Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements” and ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” This ASU alters the definition of a discontinued operation to cover only asset disposals that are a strategic shift with a major effect on an entity’s operations and finances, and calls for more extensive disclosures about a discontinued operation’s assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The guidance is effective for all disposals, or classifications as held-for-sale, of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. This standard was not early adopted in connection with the Spin-Off. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which amends ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The amendments in this ASU are intended to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices and improve disclosure requirements. The amendments in this accounting standard update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, which amends ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” The guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition and should not be reflected in the estimate of the grant-date fair value of the award. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The guidance can be applied prospectively for all awards granted or modified after the effective date or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, which amends ASC Subtopic 205-40, “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to continue as a Going Concern.” The amendments in this ASU provide guidance related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

Net_Change_in_Other_Assets_and

Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities	'
	Note 18 — 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. Amounts for 2014 are shown net of Paragon Offshore, which was distributed to shareholders.
		Noble-UK						Noble-Cayman
		Nine months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Accounts receivable	$	(15,968	)	$	(92,073	)	$	(15,968	)	$	(92,073	)
	Other current assets		(65,075	)		(50,738	)		(71,784	)		(49,791	)
	Other assets		(51,887	)		(8,129	)		(51,871	)		(8,133	)
	Accounts payable		74,349			9,357			33,909			7,830
	Other current liabilities		(23,882	)		4,042			(4,294	)		4,702
	Other liabilities		35,219			35,231			51,346			35,227
		$	(47,244	)	$	(102,310	)	$	(58,662	)	$	(102,238	)

Information_about_NobleCayman

Information about Noble-Cayman	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Information about Noble-Cayman	'
	Note 19 — Information about Noble-Cayman
	Guarantees of Registered Securities
	In May 2014, as part of the separation of Paragon Offshore, NHC assumed all of the obligations of Noble Drilling Corporation (“NDC”) under the Senior Notes due 2019, and NDC was released from all obligations under the Senior Notes due 2019. As such, we are removing NDC from the guarantor financial statements and NHC will no longer be combined with Noble Drilling Holding, LLC (“NDH”), as they are now issuers and guarantors on separate debt instruments. We have recast prior periods presented to conform to the guarantor structure as it exists at September 30, 2014.
	Noble-Cayman or one or more subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman are a co-issuer, guarantor or otherwise obligated as of September 30, 2014 with respect to the following securities as follows:
	Notes	Issuer		Guarantor(s)
		(Co-Issuer(s))
	$350 million 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019	NHC		Noble-Cayman;
		NDH
		Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)
	$500 million 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$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, NDH, NHIL, NDS6 and all other subsidiaries present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
		Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																	Subsidiaries
																	of Noble
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5		$	—		$	358		$	—		$	—		$	65,585		$	—		$	65,948
	Accounts receivable		—			—			46,320			—			—			563,814			—			610,134
	Taxes receivable		—			72,332			513			—			—			53,316			—			126,161
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		124,418			—			1,077,965			—			333,966			171,925			(1,708,274	)		—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates		2,092,898			364,033			189,512			169,979			123,742			4,017,720			(6,957,884	)		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		18,187			—			2,064			19			—			159,368			—			179,638
	Total current assets		2,235,508			436,365			1,316,732			169,998			457,708			5,031,728			(8,666,158	)		981,881
	Property and equipment, at cost		—			—			2,519,562			—			—			12,746,644			—			15,266,206
	Accumulated depreciation		—			—			(263,035	)		—			—			(2,396,852	)		—			(2,659,887	)
	Property and equipment, net		—			—			2,256,527			—			—			10,349,792			—			12,606,319
	Notes receivable from affiliates		3,304,653			—			879,154			1,980,391			5,000			2,096,075			(8,265,273	)		—
	Investments in affiliates		5,129,070			1,282,802			3,426,000			8,378,227			5,672,872			—			(23,888,971	)		—
	Other assets		3,312			—			6,664			20,539			546			230,928			—			261,989
	Total assets	$	10,672,543		$	1,719,167		$	7,885,077		$	10,549,155		$	6,136,126		$	17,708,523		$	(40,820,402	)	$	13,850,189
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities
	Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	171,925		$	—		$	—		$	371,720		$	1,164,629		$	(1,708,274	)	$	—
	Accounts payable		3,202			—			6,639			—			—			225,982			—			235,823
	Accrued payroll and related costs		2			—			8,525			—			—			85,858			—			94,385
	Accounts payable to affiliates		543,326			62,561			3,421,407			53,516			18,833			2,858,241			(6,957,884	)		—
	Taxes payable		—			—			—			—			—			112,332			—			112,332
	Other current liabilities		14,346			—			21,625			16,359			630			113,345			—			166,305
	Total current liabilities		560,876			234,486			3,458,196			69,875			391,183			4,560,387			(8,666,158	)		608,845
	Long-term debt		991,652			—			—			3,543,734			201,695			—			—			4,737,081
	Notes payable to affiliates		1,769,064			—			1,113,363			1,169,180			834,449			3,379,217			(8,265,273	)		—
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			—			—			—			165,750			—			165,750
	Other liabilities		25,471			—			30,045			—			—			234,121			—			289,637
	Total liabilities		3,347,063			234,486			4,601,604			4,782,789			1,427,327			8,339,475			(16,931,431	)		5,801,313
	Commitments and contingencies
	Total shareholder equity		7,325,480			1,484,681			3,283,473			5,766,366			4,708,799			8,231,247			(23,474,566	)		7,325,480
	Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,137,801			(414,405	)		723,396
	Total equity		7,325,480			1,484,681			3,283,473			5,766,366			4,708,799			9,369,048			(23,888,971	)		8,048,876
	Total liabilities and equity	$	10,672,543		$	1,719,167		$	7,885,077		$	10,549,155		$	6,136,126		$	17,708,523		$	(40,820,402	)	$	13,850,189
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1		$	—		$	402		$	4		$	—		$	109,975		$	—		$	110,382
Accounts receivable		—			—			34,038			—			—			915,031			—			949,069
Taxes receivable		—			52,307			—			—			—			87,722			—			140,029
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			1,456,245			139,195			19,500			52,611			(1,667,551	)		—
Accounts receivable from affiliates		1,244,019			—			108,208			210,868			27,537			6,010,430			(7,601,062	)		—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			—			6,336			—			—			178,012			—			184,348
Total current assets		1,244,020			52,307			1,605,229			350,067			47,037			7,353,781			(9,268,613	)		1,383,828
Property and equipment, at cost		—			—			2,340,216			—			—			16,820,134			—			19,160,350
Accumulated depreciation		—			—			(310,171	)		—			—			(4,321,507	)		—			(4,631,678	)
Property and equipment, net		—			—			2,030,045			—			—			12,498,627			—			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			2,907,379			6,595,591			9,456,735			5,440,004			—			(33,001,421	)		—
Other assets		6,256			—			6,332			22,681			639			233,106			—			269,014
Total assets	$	13,156,741		$	2,959,686		$	10,361,413		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,476,014		$	(49,462,058	)	$	16,181,514
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	52,611		$	139,195		$	—		$	750,000		$	725,745		$	(1,667,551	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—			—			5,310			—			—			340,600			—			345,910
Accrued payroll and related costs		—			—			8,582			—			—			134,764			—			143,346
Accounts payable to affiliates		1,104,410			653,049			4,032,776			216,866			21,173			1,572,788			(7,601,062	)		—
Taxes payable		—			—			827			—			—			119,761			—			120,588
Other current liabilities		412			—			22,106			62,431			4,412			210,811			—			300,172
Total current liabilities		1,104,822			705,660			4,208,796			279,297			775,585			3,104,469			(9,268,613	)		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		—			—			—			—			—			225,455			—			225,455
Other liabilities		19,931			—			24,502			—			—			289,875			—			334,308
Total liabilities		4,728,702			705,660			4,767,981			5,047,711			1,237,497			6,999,116			(16,460,637	)		7,026,030
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		8,428,039			2,254,026			5,593,432			7,149,327			4,255,183			13,238,656			(32,490,624	)		8,428,039
Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,238,242			(510,797	)		727,445
Total equity		8,428,039			2,254,026			5,593,432			7,149,327			4,255,183			14,476,898			(33,001,421	)		9,155,484
Total liabilities and equity	$	13,156,741		$	2,959,686		$	10,361,413		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,476,014		$	(49,462,058	)	$	16,181,514
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	81,834		$	—		$	—		$	866,699		$	(138,333	)	$	810,200
Reimbursables		—			—			1,495			—			—			17,100			—			18,595
Other		—			—			—			—			—			1			—			1
Total operating revenues		—			—			83,329			—			—			883,800			(138,333	)		828,796
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		3,571			9,239			27,593			25,489			—			456,352			(138,333	)		383,911
Reimbursables		—			—			1,112			—			—			12,529			—			13,641
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			16,922			—			—			143,333			—			160,255
General and administrative		397			2,348			—			6,530			—			3,782			—			13,057
Total operating costs and expenses		3,968			11,587			45,627			32,019			—			615,996			(138,333	)		570,864
Operating income (loss)		(3,968	)		(11,587	)		37,702			(32,019	)		—			267,804			—			257,932
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		(2,716,832	)		(20,299	)		(130,556	)		283,190			182,350			—			2,402,147			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		10,413			(3,921	)		(10,045	)		2,021			124			—			1,408			—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		(2,706,419	)		(24,220	)		(140,601	)		285,211			182,474			—			2,403,555			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(22,352	)		(1,042	)		(8,729	)		(40,423	)		(10,573	)		(3,109,995	)		3,155,363			(37,751	)
Interest income and other, net		2,905,973			—			208,241			21,240			1,249			22,445			(3,155,363	)		3,785
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		173,234			(36,849	)		96,613			234,009			173,150			(2,819,746	)		2,403,555			223,966
Income tax provision		—			(11,352	)		(766	)		—			—			(28,556	)		—			(40,674	)
Net income from continuing operations		173,234			(48,201	)		95,847			234,009			173,150			(2,848,302	)		2,403,555			183,292
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			—			—			—			10,413			—			10,413
Net Income		173,234			(48,201	)		95,847			234,009			173,150			(2,837,889	)		2,403,555			193,705
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(31,612	)		11,141			(20,471	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		173,234			(48,201	)		95,847			234,009			173,150			(2,869,501	)		2,414,696			173,234
Other comprehensive loss, net		(8,982	)		—			—			—			—			(8,982	)		8,982			(8,982	)
Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore		34,478			—			—			—			—			34,478			(34,478	)		34,478
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	198,730		$	(48,201	)	$	95,847		$	234,009		$	173,150		$	(2,844,005	)	$	2,389,200		$	198,730
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	244,451		$	—		$	—		$	2,328,611		$	(212,857	)	$	2,360,205
Reimbursables		—			—			4,748			—			—			62,810			—			67,558
Other		—			—			—			—			—			1			—			1
Total operating revenues		—			—			249,199			—			—			2,391,422			(212,857	)		2,427,764
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		16,257			29,725			88,683			86,819			—			1,089,067			(212,857	)		1,097,694
Reimbursables		—			—			3,605			—			—			49,272			—			52,877
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			47,267			—			—			410,833			—			458,100
General and administrative		1,304			7,351			—			21,754			1			6,068			—			36,478
Total operating costs and expenses		17,561			37,076			139,555			108,573			1			1,555,240			(212,857	)		1,645,149
Operating income (loss)		(17,561	)		(37,076	)		109,644			(108,573	)		(1	)		836,182			—			782,615
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		(2,325,832	)		90,411			(9,789	)		703,700			466,521			—			1,074,989			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		225,022			49,146			94,515			183,347			6,249			—			(558,279	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		(2,100,810	)		139,557			84,726			887,047			472,770			—			516,710			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(70,702	)		(2,005	)		(21,703	)		(126,914	)		(26,477	)		(3,134,741	)		3,268,048			(114,494	)
Interest income and other, net		2,912,861			—			234,990			68,208			1,879			51,252			(3,268,048	)		1,142
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		723,788			100,476			407,657			719,768			448,171			(2,247,307	)		516,710			669,263
Income tax provision		—			(49,945	)		(2,972	)		—			(1,547	)		(55,743	)		—			(110,207	)
Net income from continuing operations		723,788			50,531			404,685			719,768			446,624			(2,303,050	)		516,710			559,056
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			(18,655	)		6,634			—			—			237,043			—			225,022
Net Income		723,788			31,876			411,319			719,768			446,624			(2,066,007	)		516,710			784,078
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(95,253	)		34,963			(60,290	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		723,788			31,876			411,319			719,768			446,624			(2,161,260	)		551,673			723,788
Other comprehensive income, net		1,918			—			—			—			—			1,918			(1,918	)		1,918
Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore		34,478			—			—			—			—			34,478			(34,478	)		34,478
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	760,184		$	31,876		$	411,319		$	719,768		$	446,624		$	(2,124,864	)	$	515,277		$	760,184
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	49,887		$	—		$	—		$	596,343		$	(23,060	)	$	623,170
Reimbursables		—			—			1,662			—			—			15,656			—			17,318
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			27			—			27
Total operating revenues		—			—			51,549			—			—			612,026			(23,060	)		640,515
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		1,623			6,091			16,300			27,802			—			254,951			(23,060	)		283,707
Reimbursables		—			—			1,437			—			—			13,375			—			14,812
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			2,084			—			2,084
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			11,009			—			—			118,300			—			129,309
General and administrative		252			831			—			2,672			—			3,496			—			7,251
General and administrative		—			—			—			—			—			3,585			—			3,585
Gain on disposal of assets, net		—			—			—			—			—			(35,646	)		—			(35,646	)
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		(45,000	)		—			—			—			—			14,382			—			(30,618	)
Total operating costs and expenses		(43,125	)		6,922			28,746			30,474			—			374,527			(23,060	)		374,484
Operating income (loss)		43,125			(6,922	)		22,803			(30,474	)		—			237,499			—			266,031
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		181,946			34,079			55,577			197,443			(1,405,910	)		—			936,865			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		119,102			7,752			92,278			132,659			24,500			—			(376,291	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		301,048			41,831			147,855			330,102			(1,381,410	)		—			560,574			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(34,941	)		(232	)		(5,372	)		(32,646	)		(14,998	)		(1,548,978	)		1,614,018			(23,149	)
Interest income and other, net		1,664			—			20,354			44,809			1,524,744			23,327			(1,614,018	)		880
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		310,896			34,677			185,640			311,791			128,336			(1,288,152	)		560,574			243,762
Income tax provision		—			(43,401	)		(131	)		—			—			10,024			—			(33,508	)
Net income from continuing operations		310,896			(8,724	)		185,509			311,791			128,336			(1,278,128	)		560,574			210,254
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		(42	)		(7,669	)		10,873			(1,537	)		—			117,477			—			119,102
Net Income		310,854			(16,393	)		196,382			310,254			128,336			(1,160,651	)		560,574			329,356
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(34,004	)		15,502			(18,502	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		310,854			(16,393	)		196,382			310,254			128,336			(1,194,655	)		576,076			310,854
Other comprehensive income, net		5,846			—			—			—			—			5,846			(5,846	)		5,846
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	316,700		$	(16,393	)	$	196,382		$	310,254		$	128,336		$	(1,188,809	)	$	570,230		$	316,700
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	154,486		$	—		$	—		$	1,662,572		$	(66,431	)	$	1,750,627
Reimbursables		—			—			4,493			—			—			40,923			—			45,416
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			17,000			—			17,000
Other		—			—			—			—			—			11			—			11
Total operating revenues		—			—			158,979			—			—			1,720,506			(66,431	)		1,813,054
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		3,351			16,272			36,956			72,830			—			768,087			(66,431	)		831,065
Reimbursables		—			—			3,832			—			—			32,854			—			36,686
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			10,966			—			10,966
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			32,260			—			—			336,845			—			369,105
General and administrative		1,544			4,845			—			20,788			1			10,504			—			37,682
Loss on impairment		—			—			—			—			—			3,585			—			3,585
Gain on disposal of assets, net		—			—			—			—			—			(35,646	)		—			(35,646	)
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		(45,000	)		—			—			—			—			14,382			—			(30,618	)
Total operating costs and expenses		(40,105	)		21,117			73,048			93,618			1			1,141,577			(66,431	)		1,222,825
Operating income (loss)		40,105			(21,117	)		85,931			(93,618	)		(1	)		578,929			—			590,229
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		452,436			40,210			95,697			444,206			(1,245,962	)		—			213,413			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		284,506			17,642			238,552			352,011			68,005			—			(960,716	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		736,942			57,852			334,249			796,217			(1,177,957	)		—			(747,303	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(105,720	)		(849	)		(17,755	)		(99,911	)		(38,388	)		(1,595,902	)		1,783,410			(75,115	)
Interest income and other, net		4,941			—			42,205			129,601			1,537,410			71,080			(1,783,410	)		1,827
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		676,268			35,886			444,630			732,289			321,064			(945,893	)		(747,303	)		516,941
Income tax provision		—			(19,723	)		(1,219	)		—			—			(51,625	)		—			(72,567	)
Net income from continuing operations		676,268			16,163			443,411			732,289			321,064			(997,518	)		(747,303	)		444,374
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		(249	)		(20,558	)		25,250			(6,358	)		—			286,421			—			284,506
Net Income		676,019			(4,395	)		468,661			725,931			321,064			(711,097	)		(747,303	)		728,880
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(88,725	)		35,864			(52,861	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		676,019			(4,395	)		468,661			725,931			321,064			(799,822	)		(711,439	)		676,019
Other comprehensive income, net		4,866			—			—			—			—			4,866			(4,866	)		4,866
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	680,885		$	(4,395	)	$	468,661		$	725,931		$	321,064		$	(794,956	)	$	(716,305	)	$	680,885
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	2,858,748		$	(127,706	)	$	370,512		$	(211,228	)	$	(29,835	)	$	(1,390,805	)	$	—		$	1,469,686
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			—			(1,245,121	)		—			—			(554,706	)		—			(1,799,827	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		50			—			—			273,744			—			—			(273,794	)		—
Net cash from investing activities		50			—			(1,245,121	)		273,744			—			(554,706	)		(273,794	)		(1,799,827	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		(569,489	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(569,489	)
Repayment of long-term debt		—			—			—			(250,000	)		—			—			—			(250,000	)
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore		—			—			—			—			—			1,726,750			—			1,726,750
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore		—			—			—			—			—			(30,876	)		—			(30,876	)
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-Off		—			—			—			—			—			(104,152	)		—			(104,152	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(64,339	)		—			(64,339	)
Financing costs on credit facilities		(386	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(386	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(421,801	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(421,801	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(1,593,374	)		127,706			874,565			187,480			29,835			373,788			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(273,744	)		—			—			—			—			(50	)		273,794			—
Net cash from financing activities		(2,858,794	)		127,706			874,565			(62,520	)		29,835			1,901,121			273,794			285,707
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		4			—			(44	)		(4	)		—			(44,390	)		—			(44,434	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1			—			402			4			—			109,975			—			110,382
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5		$	—		$	358		$	—		$	—		$	65,585		$	—		$	65,948
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(79,174	)	$	(107,694	)	$	154,038		$	(113,088	)	$	1,495,330		$	(136,468	)	$	—		$	1,212,944
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			—			(1,070,669	)		—			—			(720,218	)		—			(1,790,887	)
Proceeds from disposal of assets		—			—			—			—			—			61,000			—			61,000
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			(294,798	)		—
Net cash from investing activities		—			—			(1,070,669	)		—			—			(364,420	)		(294,798	)		(1,729,887	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		973,055			—			—			—			—			—			—			973,055
Repayment of long-term debt		(300,000	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(300,000	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			—			—			(69,728	)		—			(69,728	)
Financing costs on credit facilities		(2,432	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(2,432	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(187,610	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(187,610	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(110,039	)		107,694			915,850			113,094			(1,495,330	)		468,731			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(294,798	)		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			—
Net cash from financing activities		78,176			107,694			915,850			113,094			(1,495,330	)		399,003			294,798			413,285
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(998	)		—			(781	)		6			—			(101,885	)		—			(103,658	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,003			—			904			2			—			275,466			—			277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5		$	—		$	123		$	8		$	—		$	173,581		$	—		$	173,717

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Net Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	'
	The following table provides the components of net income from discontinued operations, net of tax:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Contract drilling services	$	136,548		$	417,948		$	993,253		$	1,194,684
	Reimbursables		2,398			11,923			21,899			33,260
	Labor contract drilling services		2,946			8,467			19,304			26,150
	Other		1			28			2			94
	Revenues from discontinued operations	$	141,893		$	438,366		$	1,034,458		$	1,254,188
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations:
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	(3,292	)	$	138,669		$	229,482		$	326,731
	Income tax expense		(16,922	)		(21,979	)		(53,950	)		(52,666	)
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(20,214	)	$	116,690		$	175,532		$	274,065
Schedule of Carrying Value of Major Categories of Assets and Liabilities	'
	The carrying value of the major categories of assets and liabilities of Paragon Offshore immediately preceding the Spin-Off on August 1, 2014, which are excluded from our Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2014, were as follows:
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	104,152
	Accounts receivable		362,100
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		90,089
	Total current assets of discontinued operations		556,341
	Property and equipment, at cost		5,615,831
	Accumulated depreciation		(2,640,943	)
	Property and equipment, net		2,974,888
	Other assets		84,894
	Total assets of discontinued operations	$	3,616,123
	LIABILITIES
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	132,446
	Accrued payroll and related costs		64,580
	Other current liabilities		103,769
	Total current liabilities of discontinued operations		300,795
	Long-term debt		1,726,750
	Other liabilities		171,718
	Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	2,199,263

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Ta

Consolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Operational Results	'
	Operational results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Operating revenues	$	97,182	$	94,847	$	282,585	$	272,620
	Net income	$	43,911	$	40,214	$	128,587	$	113,627

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	147,389		$	165,267		$	442,528		$	334,572
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(2,286	)		(1,989	)		(7,053	)		(3,953	)
	Income from continuing operations to common shareholders		145,103			163,278			435,475			330,619
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations		(20,214	)		116,690			175,532			274,065
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		314			(1,404	)		(2,798	)		(3,238	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		(19,900	)		115,286			172,734			270,827
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		127,175			281,957			618,060			608,637
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(1,972	)		(3,393	)		(9,851	)		(7,191	)
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation to common shareholders	$	125,203		$	278,564		$	608,209		$	601,446
	Diluted
	Income from continuing operations		147,389			165,267			442,528			334,572
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(2,285	)		(1,987	)		(7,050	)		(3,949	)
	Income from continuing operations to common shareholders		145,104			163,280			435,478			330,623
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations		(20,214	)		116,690			175,532			274,065
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		313			(1,403	)		(2,796	)		(3,235	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		(19,901	)		115,287			172,736			270,830
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		127,175			281,957			618,060			608,637
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(1,972	)		(3,390	)		(9,846	)		(7,184	)
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation to common shareholders	$	125,203		$	278,567		$	608,214		$	601,453
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		253,842			253,357			254,006			253,242
	Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		107			261			114			265
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		253,949			253,618			254,120			253,507
	Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		3,999			3,086			4,114			3,028
	Earnings per share
	Basic
	Continuing operations	$	0.57		$	0.64		$	1.71		$	1.3
	Discontinued operations		(0.08	)		0.46			0.68			1.07
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	0.49		$	1.1		$	2.39		$	2.37
	Diluted
	Continuing operations	$	0.57		$	0.64		$	1.71		$	1.3
	Discontinued operations		(0.08	)		0.46			0.68			1.07
	Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	0.49		$	1.1		$	2.39		$	2.37

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment, at Cost	'
	Property and equipment, at cost, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for Noble-UK consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Drilling equipment and facilities	$	13,606,398	$	17,130,986
	Construction in progress		1,479,263		1,854,434
	Other		219,097		213,347
	Property and equipment, at cost	$	15,304,758	$	19,198,767

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due March 2014	$	—	$	249,964
	3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015		350,000		350,000
	3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016		299,978		299,967
	2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017		299,912		299,886
	7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019		201,695		201,695
	4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020		499,118		499,022
	4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021		399,614		399,576
	3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022		399,242		399,178
	6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040		399,894		399,893
	6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041		397,672		397,646
	5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042		498,303		498,283
	Total senior unsecured notes		3,745,428		3,995,110
	Commercial paper program		991,653		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt	$	4,737,081	$	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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively:
		September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
		Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due March 2014	$	—	$	—	$	249,964	$	253,634
	3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015		350,000		357,087		350,000		363,019
	3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016		299,978		306,752		299,967		309,878
	2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017		299,912		303,855		299,886		302,891
	7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019		201,695		232,264		201,695		232,839
	4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020		499,118		530,788		499,022		528,597
	4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021		399,614		413,996		399,576		413,868
	3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022		399,242		391,616		399,178		390,520
	6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040		399,894		416,991		399,893		421,720
	6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041		397,672		408,334		397,646		417,312
	5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042		498,303		458,360		498,283		476,873
	Total senior unsecured notes		3,745,428		3,820,043		3,995,110		4,111,151
	Commercial paper program		991,653		991,653		1,561,141		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt	$	4,737,081	$	4,811,696	$	5,556,251	$	5,672,292

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Stock Option Award Activity	'
	The following table presenting a summary of stock option award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 reflects the adjustments discussed above.
		Number of
		Shares
		Underlying
		Options
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,808,987
	Exercised		(131,706	)
	Forfeited		(17,175	)
	Spin-Off adjustment		339,223
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014		1,999,329
Summary of RSU Award Activity	'
	The following table presenting a summary of RSU award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 reflects the adjustments discussed above.
		TVRSUs			PVRSUs
		Outstanding			Outstanding
	Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2013		1,652,360			1,397,137
	Awarded		1,608,613			740,364
	Vested		(746,162	)		(180,975	)
	Forfeited		(124,740	)		(253,882	)
	Surrendered in connection with Spin-Off		(816,627	)		(89,612	)
	Spin-Off adjustment		326,853			329,937
	Non-vested RSUs at September 30, 2014		1,900,297			1,942,969

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension Costs	'
	Pension costs include the following components for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service cost	$	1,016		$	2,541		$	1,361		$	2,681
	Interest cost		1,022			2,714			1,259			2,263
	Return on plan assets		(1,397	)		(3,846	)		(1,443	)		(3,275	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		(2	)		56			—			57
	Recognized net actuarial loss		119			651			426			1,910
	Curtailment expense		—			241			—			—
	Settlement expense		—			310			—			—
	Net pension expense	$	758		$	2,667		$	1,603		$	3,636
	Included in net pension expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $1 million and $2 million, respectively, related to Paragon Offshore that was classified as discontinued operations.
	Pension costs include the following components for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service cost	$	3,869		$	7,623		$	4,089		$	8,043
	Interest cost		3,950			8,142			3,793			6,787
	Return on plan assets		(5,088	)		(11,538	)		(4,351	)		(9,827	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		(12	)		168			—			171
	Recognized net actuarial loss		748			1,953			1,226			5,730
	Curtailment expense		—			241			—			—
	Settlement expense		—			310			—			—
	Net pension expense	$	3,467		$	6,899		$	4,757		$	10,904

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Financial Statement Presentation and Fair Value of Derivative Positions	'
	The following table, together with Note 13, summarizes the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
					Estimated fair value
		Balance sheet			September 30,		December 31,
		classification			2014		2013
	Asset derivatives
	Cash flow hedges
	Short-term foreign currency forward contracts		Other current assets		$	60	$	—
	Liability derivatives
	Cash flow hedges
	Short-term foreign currency forward contracts		Other current liabilities		$	333	$	—
Summary of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges	'
	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 13, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “contract drilling services” expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Gain/(loss) recognized					Gain/(loss) reclassified					Gain/(loss) recognized
		through AOCL					from AOCL to “contract					through “contract
							drilling services”					drilling services” expense
							expense
		2014			2013		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(2,125	)	$	2,022	$	1,852	$	(1,433	)	$	—	$	—
	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 13, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “contract drilling services” expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Gain/(loss) recognized					Gain/(loss) reclassified					Gain/(loss) recognized
		through AOCL					from AOCL to “contract					through “contract
							drilling services”					drilling services” expense
							expense
		2014			2013		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(4,904	)	$	2,207	$	4,631	$	(1,618	)	$	—	$	—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
		September 30, 2014
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
		Carrying		Quoted		Significant		Significant
		Amount		Prices in		Other		Unobservable
				Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets -
	Marketable securities	$	3,332	$	3,332	$	—	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts		60		—		60		—
	Liabilities -
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	333	$	—	$	333	$	—
		December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
		Carrying		Quoted		Significant		Significant
		Amount		Prices in		Other		Unobservable
				Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets -
	Marketable securities	$	7,230	$	7,230	$	—	$	—

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Changes in AOCL by Component	'
	The following tables set forth the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of AOCL, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
			Gains /			Defined			Foreign			Total
			(Losses) on			Benefit			Currency
			Cash Flow			Pension			Items
			Hedges(1)			Items(2)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	—		$	(95,071	)	$	(20,378	)	$	(115,449	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(1,029	)		—			(658	)		(1,687	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			1,618			4,935			—			6,553
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			589			4,935			(658	)		4,866
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	589		$	(90,136	)	$	(21,036	)	$	(110,583	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	—		$	(58,598	)	$	(23,566	)	$	(82,164	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			4,358			—			1,143			5,501
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			(4,631	)		1,048			—			(3,583	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(273	)		1,048			1,143			1,918
	Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore(3)			—			21,772			12,706			34,478
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	(273	)	$	(35,778	)	$	(9,717	)	$	(45,768	)
	-1	Gains on cash flow hedges are related to our foreign currency forward contracts. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized through “contract drilling services” expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 12 for additional information.
	-2	Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial losses, the amortization of prior service costs and curtailment and settlement expenses. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 11 for additional information.
	-3	Reclassifications for the Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore represent accumulated balances in AOCL that were transferred as part of the Spin-Off.

Segment_and_Related_Informatio1

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30,
		2014									2013
		Contract			Other			Total			Contract			Other			Total
		Drilling									Drilling
		Services									Services
	Revenues from external customers	$	828,715		$	81		$	828,796		$	640,487		$	26		$	640,513
	Depreciation and amortization		156,213			5,033			161,246			125,855			3,988			129,843
	Segment operating income/ (loss)		249,297			(5,664	)		243,633			245,726			(6,478	)		239,248
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(5	)		(37,746	)		(37,751	)		(318	)		(22,831	)		(23,149	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit		(49,437	)		8,655			(40,782	)		(33,957	)		105			(33,852	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)		202,324			(75,149	)		127,175			284,883			(2,926	)		281,957
	Total assets (at end of period)		12,231,090			1,719,107			13,950,197			15,058,076			671,255			15,729,331
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014									2013
		Contract			Other			Total			Contract			Other			Total
		Drilling									Drilling
		Services									Services
	Revenues from external customers	$	2,425,513		$	2,251		$	2,427,764		$	1,796,054		$	17,000		$	1,813,054
	Depreciation and amortization		446,425			13,881			460,306			359,405			10,997			370,402
	Segment operating income/ (loss)		741,227			(13,421	)		727,806			541,146			(6,488	)		534,658
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(162	)		(114,332	)		(114,494	)		(539	)		(74,576	)		(75,115	)
	Income tax (provision)/ benefit		(134,310	)		23,685			(110,625	)		(69,581	)		(4,760	)		(74,341	)
	Segment profit/ (loss)		775,479			(157,419	)		618,060			665,250			(56,613	)		608,637
	Total assets (at end of period)		12,231,090			1,719,107			13,950,197			15,058,076			671,255			15,729,331

Net_Change_in_Other_Assets_and1

Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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. Amounts for 2014 are shown net of Paragon Offshore, which was distributed to shareholders.
		Noble-UK						Noble-Cayman
		Nine months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Accounts receivable	$	(15,968	)	$	(92,073	)	$	(15,968	)	$	(92,073	)
	Other current assets		(65,075	)		(50,738	)		(71,784	)		(49,791	)
	Other assets		(51,887	)		(8,129	)		(51,871	)		(8,133	)
	Accounts payable		74,349			9,357			33,909			7,830
	Other current liabilities		(23,882	)		4,042			(4,294	)		4,702
	Other liabilities		35,219			35,231			51,346			35,227
		$	(47,244	)	$	(102,310	)	$	(58,662	)	$	(102,238	)

Information_about_NobleCayman_

Information about Noble-Cayman (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Guarantor Obligations	'
	Noble-Cayman or one or more subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman are a co-issuer, guarantor or otherwise obligated as of September 30, 2014 with respect to the following securities as follows:
	Notes	Issuer		Guarantor(s)
		(Co-Issuer(s))
	$350 million 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$300 million 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019	NHC		Noble-Cayman;
		NDH
		Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)
	$500 million 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$400 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022	NHIL		Noble-Cayman
	$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
	September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
		Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																	Subsidiaries
																	of Noble
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5		$	—		$	358		$	—		$	—		$	65,585		$	—		$	65,948
	Accounts receivable		—			—			46,320			—			—			563,814			—			610,134
	Taxes receivable		—			72,332			513			—			—			53,316			—			126,161
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		124,418			—			1,077,965			—			333,966			171,925			(1,708,274	)		—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates		2,092,898			364,033			189,512			169,979			123,742			4,017,720			(6,957,884	)		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		18,187			—			2,064			19			—			159,368			—			179,638
	Total current assets		2,235,508			436,365			1,316,732			169,998			457,708			5,031,728			(8,666,158	)		981,881
	Property and equipment, at cost		—			—			2,519,562			—			—			12,746,644			—			15,266,206
	Accumulated depreciation		—			—			(263,035	)		—			—			(2,396,852	)		—			(2,659,887	)
	Property and equipment, net		—			—			2,256,527			—			—			10,349,792			—			12,606,319
	Notes receivable from affiliates		3,304,653			—			879,154			1,980,391			5,000			2,096,075			(8,265,273	)		—
	Investments in affiliates		5,129,070			1,282,802			3,426,000			8,378,227			5,672,872			—			(23,888,971	)		—
	Other assets		3,312			—			6,664			20,539			546			230,928			—			261,989
	Total assets	$	10,672,543		$	1,719,167		$	7,885,077		$	10,549,155		$	6,136,126		$	17,708,523		$	(40,820,402	)	$	13,850,189
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities
	Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	171,925		$	—		$	—		$	371,720		$	1,164,629		$	(1,708,274	)	$	—
	Accounts payable		3,202			—			6,639			—			—			225,982			—			235,823
	Accrued payroll and related costs		2			—			8,525			—			—			85,858			—			94,385
	Accounts payable to affiliates		543,326			62,561			3,421,407			53,516			18,833			2,858,241			(6,957,884	)		—
	Taxes payable		—			—			—			—			—			112,332			—			112,332
	Other current liabilities		14,346			—			21,625			16,359			630			113,345			—			166,305
	Total current liabilities		560,876			234,486			3,458,196			69,875			391,183			4,560,387			(8,666,158	)		608,845
	Long-term debt		991,652			—			—			3,543,734			201,695			—			—			4,737,081
	Notes payable to affiliates		1,769,064			—			1,113,363			1,169,180			834,449			3,379,217			(8,265,273	)		—
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			—			—			—			165,750			—			165,750
	Other liabilities		25,471			—			30,045			—			—			234,121			—			289,637
	Total liabilities		3,347,063			234,486			4,601,604			4,782,789			1,427,327			8,339,475			(16,931,431	)		5,801,313
	Commitments and contingencies
	Total shareholder equity		7,325,480			1,484,681			3,283,473			5,766,366			4,708,799			8,231,247			(23,474,566	)		7,325,480
	Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,137,801			(414,405	)		723,396
	Total equity		7,325,480			1,484,681			3,283,473			5,766,366			4,708,799			9,369,048			(23,888,971	)		8,048,876
	Total liabilities and equity	$	10,672,543		$	1,719,167		$	7,885,077		$	10,549,155		$	6,136,126		$	17,708,523		$	(40,820,402	)	$	13,850,189
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
		Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																	Subsidiaries
																	of Noble
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1		$	—		$	402		$	4		$	—		$	109,975		$	—		$	110,382
	Accounts receivable		—			—			34,038			—			—			915,031			—			949,069
	Taxes receivable		—			52,307			—			—			—			87,722			—			140,029
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			1,456,245			139,195			19,500			52,611			(1,667,551	)		—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates		1,244,019			—			108,208			210,868			27,537			6,010,430			(7,601,062	)		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			—			6,336			—			—			178,012			—			184,348
	Total current assets		1,244,020			52,307			1,605,229			350,067			47,037			7,353,781			(9,268,613	)		1,383,828
	Property and equipment, at cost		—			—			2,340,216			—			—			16,820,134			—			19,160,350
	Accumulated depreciation		—			—			(310,171	)		—			—			(4,321,507	)		—			(4,631,678	)
	Property and equipment, net		—			—			2,030,045			—			—			12,498,627			—			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			2,907,379			6,595,591			9,456,735			5,440,004			—			(33,001,421	)		—
Other assets		6,256			—			6,332			22,681			639			233,106			—			269,014
Total assets	$	13,156,741		$	2,959,686		$	10,361,413		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,476,014		$	(49,462,058	)	$	16,181,514
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	52,611		$	139,195		$	—		$	750,000		$	725,745		$	(1,667,551	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—			—			5,310			—			—			340,600			—			345,910
Accrued payroll and related costs		—			—			8,582			—			—			134,764			—			143,346
Accounts payable to affiliates		1,104,410			653,049			4,032,776			216,866			21,173			1,572,788			(7,601,062	)		—
Taxes payable		—			—			827			—			—			119,761			—			120,588
Other current liabilities		412			—			22,106			62,431			4,412			210,811			—			300,172
Total current liabilities		1,104,822			705,660			4,208,796			279,297			775,585			3,104,469			(9,268,613	)		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		—			—			—			—			—			225,455			—			225,455
Other liabilities		19,931			—			24,502			—			—			289,875			—			334,308
Total liabilities		4,728,702			705,660			4,767,981			5,047,711			1,237,497			6,999,116			(16,460,637	)		7,026,030
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		8,428,039			2,254,026			5,593,432			7,149,327			4,255,183			13,238,656			(32,490,624	)		8,428,039
Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,238,242			(510,797	)		727,445
Total equity		8,428,039			2,254,026			5,593,432			7,149,327			4,255,183			14,476,898			(33,001,421	)		9,155,484
Total liabilities and equity	$	13,156,741		$	2,959,686		$	10,361,413		$	12,197,038		$	5,492,680		$	21,476,014		$	(49,462,058	)	$	16,181,514
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	81,834		$	—		$	—		$	866,699		$	(138,333	)	$	810,200
Reimbursables		—			—			1,495			—			—			17,100			—			18,595
Other		—			—			—			—			—			1			—			1
Total operating revenues		—			—			83,329			—			—			883,800			(138,333	)		828,796
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		3,571			9,239			27,593			25,489			—			456,352			(138,333	)		383,911
Reimbursables		—			—			1,112			—			—			12,529			—			13,641
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			16,922			—			—			143,333			—			160,255
General and administrative		397			2,348			—			6,530			—			3,782			—			13,057
Total operating costs and expenses		3,968			11,587			45,627			32,019			—			615,996			(138,333	)		570,864
Operating income (loss)		(3,968	)		(11,587	)		37,702			(32,019	)		—			267,804			—			257,932
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		(2,716,832	)		(20,299	)		(130,556	)		283,190			182,350			—			2,402,147			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		10,413			(3,921	)		(10,045	)		2,021			124			—			1,408			—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		(2,706,419	)		(24,220	)		(140,601	)		285,211			182,474			—			2,403,555			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(22,352	)		(1,042	)		(8,729	)		(40,423	)		(10,573	)		(3,109,995	)		3,155,363			(37,751	)
Interest income and other, net		2,905,973			—			208,241			21,240			1,249			22,445			(3,155,363	)		3,785
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		173,234			(36,849	)		96,613			234,009			173,150			(2,819,746	)		2,403,555			223,966
Income tax provision		—			(11,352	)		(766	)		—			—			(28,556	)		—			(40,674	)
Net income from continuing operations		173,234			(48,201	)		95,847			234,009			173,150			(2,848,302	)		2,403,555			183,292
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			—			—			—			10,413			—			10,413
Net Income		173,234			(48,201	)		95,847			234,009			173,150			(2,837,889	)		2,403,555			193,705
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(31,612	)		11,141			(20,471	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		173,234			(48,201	)		95,847			234,009			173,150			(2,869,501	)		2,414,696			173,234
Other comprehensive loss, net		(8,982	)		—			—			—			—			(8,982	)		8,982			(8,982	)
Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore		34,478			—			—			—			—			34,478			(34,478	)		34,478
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	198,730		$	(48,201	)	$	95,847		$	234,009		$	173,150		$	(2,844,005	)	$	2,389,200		$	198,730
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	244,451		$	—		$	—		$	2,328,611		$	(212,857	)	$	2,360,205
Reimbursables		—			—			4,748			—			—			62,810			—			67,558
Other		—			—			—			—			—			1			—			1
Total operating revenues		—			—			249,199			—			—			2,391,422			(212,857	)		2,427,764
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		16,257			29,725			88,683			86,819			—			1,089,067			(212,857	)		1,097,694
Reimbursables		—			—			3,605			—			—			49,272			—			52,877
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			47,267			—			—			410,833			—			458,100
General and administrative		1,304			7,351			—			21,754			1			6,068			—			36,478
Total operating costs and expenses		17,561			37,076			139,555			108,573			1			1,555,240			(212,857	)		1,645,149
Operating income (loss)		(17,561	)		(37,076	)		109,644			(108,573	)		(1	)		836,182			—			782,615
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		(2,325,832	)		90,411			(9,789	)		703,700			466,521			—			1,074,989			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		225,022			49,146			94,515			183,347			6,249			—			(558,279	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		(2,100,810	)		139,557			84,726			887,047			472,770			—			516,710			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(70,702	)		(2,005	)		(21,703	)		(126,914	)		(26,477	)		(3,134,741	)		3,268,048			(114,494	)
Interest income and other, net		2,912,861			—			234,990			68,208			1,879			51,252			(3,268,048	)		1,142
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		723,788			100,476			407,657			719,768			448,171			(2,247,307	)		516,710			669,263
Income tax provision		—			(49,945	)		(2,972	)		—			(1,547	)		(55,743	)		—			(110,207	)
Net income from continuing operations		723,788			50,531			404,685			719,768			446,624			(2,303,050	)		516,710			559,056
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			(18,655	)		6,634			—			—			237,043			—			225,022
Net Income		723,788			31,876			411,319			719,768			446,624			(2,066,007	)		516,710			784,078
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(95,253	)		34,963			(60,290	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		723,788			31,876			411,319			719,768			446,624			(2,161,260	)		551,673			723,788
Other comprehensive income, net		1,918			—			—			—			—			1,918			(1,918	)		1,918
Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore		34,478			—			—			—			—			34,478			(34,478	)		34,478
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	760,184		$	31,876		$	411,319		$	719,768		$	446,624		$	(2,124,864	)	$	515,277		$	760,184
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	49,887		$	—		$	—		$	596,343		$	(23,060	)	$	623,170
Reimbursables		—			—			1,662			—			—			15,656			—			17,318
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			27			—			27
Total operating revenues		—			—			51,549			—			—			612,026			(23,060	)		640,515
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		1,623			6,091			16,300			27,802			—			254,951			(23,060	)		283,707
Reimbursables		—			—			1,437			—			—			13,375			—			14,812
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			2,084			—			2,084
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			11,009			—			—			118,300			—			129,309
General and administrative		252			831			—			2,672			—			3,496			—			7,251
General and administrative		—			—			—			—			—			3,585			—			3,585
Gain on disposal of assets, net		—			—			—			—			—			(35,646	)		—			(35,646	)
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		(45,000	)		—			—			—			—			14,382			—			(30,618	)
Total operating costs and expenses		(43,125	)		6,922			28,746			30,474			—			374,527			(23,060	)		374,484
Operating income (loss)		43,125			(6,922	)		22,803			(30,474	)		—			237,499			—			266,031
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		181,946			34,079			55,577			197,443			(1,405,910	)		—			936,865			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		119,102			7,752			92,278			132,659			24,500			—			(376,291	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		301,048			41,831			147,855			330,102			(1,381,410	)		—			560,574			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(34,941	)		(232	)		(5,372	)		(32,646	)		(14,998	)		(1,548,978	)		1,614,018			(23,149	)
Interest income and other, net		1,664			—			20,354			44,809			1,524,744			23,327			(1,614,018	)		880
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		310,896			34,677			185,640			311,791			128,336			(1,288,152	)		560,574			243,762
Income tax provision		—			(43,401	)		(131	)		—			—			10,024			—			(33,508	)
Net income from continuing operations		310,896			(8,724	)		185,509			311,791			128,336			(1,278,128	)		560,574			210,254
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		(42	)		(7,669	)		10,873			(1,537	)		—			117,477			—			119,102
Net Income		310,854			(16,393	)		196,382			310,254			128,336			(1,160,651	)		560,574			329,356
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(34,004	)		15,502			(18,502	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		310,854			(16,393	)		196,382			310,254			128,336			(1,194,655	)		576,076			310,854
Other comprehensive income, net		5,846			—			—			—			—			5,846			(5,846	)		5,846
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	316,700		$	(16,393	)	$	196,382		$	310,254		$	128,336		$	(1,188,809	)	$	570,230		$	316,700
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	154,486		$	—		$	—		$	1,662,572		$	(66,431	)	$	1,750,627
Reimbursables		—			—			4,493			—			—			40,923			—			45,416
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			17,000			—			17,000
Other		—			—			—			—			—			11			—			11
Total operating revenues		—			—			158,979			—			—			1,720,506			(66,431	)		1,813,054
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		3,351			16,272			36,956			72,830			—			768,087			(66,431	)		831,065
Reimbursables		—			—			3,832			—			—			32,854			—			36,686
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			10,966			—			10,966
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			32,260			—			—			336,845			—			369,105
General and administrative		1,544			4,845			—			20,788			1			10,504			—			37,682
Loss on impairment		—			—			—			—			—			3,585			—			3,585
Gain on disposal of assets, net		—			—			—			—			—			(35,646	)		—			(35,646	)
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		(45,000	)		—			—			—			—			14,382			—			(30,618	)
Total operating costs and expenses		(40,105	)		21,117			73,048			93,618			1			1,141,577			(66,431	)		1,222,825
Operating income (loss)		40,105			(21,117	)		85,931			(93,618	)		(1	)		578,929			—			590,229
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		452,436			40,210			95,697			444,206			(1,245,962	)		—			213,413			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax		284,506			17,642			238,552			352,011			68,005			—			(960,716	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		736,942			57,852			334,249			796,217			(1,177,957	)		—			(747,303	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(105,720	)		(849	)		(17,755	)		(99,911	)		(38,388	)		(1,595,902	)		1,783,410			(75,115	)
Interest income and other, net		4,941			—			42,205			129,601			1,537,410			71,080			(1,783,410	)		1,827
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		676,268			35,886			444,630			732,289			321,064			(945,893	)		(747,303	)		516,941
Income tax provision		—			(19,723	)		(1,219	)		—			—			(51,625	)		—			(72,567	)
Net income from continuing operations		676,268			16,163			443,411			732,289			321,064			(997,518	)		(747,303	)		444,374
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		(249	)		(20,558	)		25,250			(6,358	)		—			286,421			—			284,506
Net Income		676,019			(4,395	)		468,661			725,931			321,064			(711,097	)		(747,303	)		728,880
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(88,725	)		35,864			(52,861	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		676,019			(4,395	)		468,661			725,931			321,064			(799,822	)		(711,439	)		676,019
Other comprehensive income, net		4,866			—			—			—			—			4,866			(4,866	)		4,866
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	680,885		$	(4,395	)	$	468,661		$	725,931		$	321,064		$	(794,956	)	$	(716,305	)	$	680,885
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	2,858,748		$	(127,706	)	$	370,512		$	(211,228	)	$	(29,835	)	$	(1,390,805	)	$	—		$	1,469,686
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			—			(1,245,121	)		—			—			(554,706	)		—			(1,799,827	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		50			—			—			273,744			—			—			(273,794	)		—
Net cash from investing activities		50			—			(1,245,121	)		273,744			—			(554,706	)		(273,794	)		(1,799,827	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		(569,489	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(569,489	)
Repayment of long-term debt		—			—			—			(250,000	)		—			—			—			(250,000	)
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore		—			—			—			—			—			1,726,750			—			1,726,750
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore		—			—			—			—			—			(30,876	)		—			(30,876	)
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-Off		—			—			—			—			—			(104,152	)		—			(104,152	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(64,339	)		—			(64,339	)
Financing costs on credit facilities		(386	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(386	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(421,801	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(421,801	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(1,593,374	)		127,706			874,565			187,480			29,835			373,788			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(273,744	)		—			—			—			—			(50	)		273,794			—
Net cash from financing activities		(2,858,794	)		127,706			874,565			(62,520	)		29,835			1,901,121			273,794			285,707
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		4			—			(44	)		(4	)		—			(44,390	)		—			(44,434	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1			—			402			4			—			109,975			—			110,382
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5		$	—		$	358		$	—		$	—		$	65,585		$	—		$	65,948
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Noble-			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			Other			Consolidating			Total
	Cayman															Non-guarantor			Adjustments
																Subsidiaries
																of Noble
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(79,174	)	$	(107,694	)	$	154,038		$	(113,088	)	$	1,495,330		$	(136,468	)	$	—		$	1,212,944
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			—			(1,070,669	)		—			—			(720,218	)		—			(1,790,887	)
Proceeds from disposal of assets		—			—			—			—			—			61,000			—			61,000
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			(294,798	)		—
Net cash from investing activities		—			—			(1,070,669	)		—			—			(364,420	)		(294,798	)		(1,729,887	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		973,055			—			—			—			—			—			—			973,055
Repayment of long-term debt		(300,000	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(300,000	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			—			—			(69,728	)		—			(69,728	)
Financing costs on credit facilities		(2,432	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(2,432	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(187,610	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(187,610	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(110,039	)		107,694			915,850			113,094			(1,495,330	)		468,731			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(294,798	)		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			—
Net cash from financing activities		78,176			107,694			915,850			113,094			(1,495,330	)		399,003			294,798			413,285
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(998	)		—			(781	)		6			—			(101,885	)		—			(103,658	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,003			—			904			2			—			275,466			—			277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5		$	—		$	123		$	8		$	—		$	173,581		$	—		$	173,717

Organization_and_Basis_of_Pres1

Organization and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
	Rigs
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Number of mobile offshore drilling units	35
Number of semisubmersibles	11
Number of drillships	9
Number of jackups	15
Number of harsh environment jackup rigs under construction	2
Share exchanged for each ordinary shares	$1

SpinOff_of_Paragon_Offshore_pl1

Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore plc - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 01, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014
			Rigs
Schedule Of Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of semisubmersibles	'	11	'
Number of drillships	'	9	'
Number of jackups	'	15	'
Paragon Offshore [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of floating production storage and offloading units ("FPSO")	'	'	1
Number of semisubmersibles	'	'	3
Number of drillships	'	'	5
Number of jackups	'	'	34
Long-term debt issued	'	$1.70	'
Pro rata distribution	'Our shareholders received one share of Paragon Offshore for every three shares of Noble owned as of July 23, 2014, the record date for the distribution.	'	'
Minimum shares eligible for prorata allotment under spin off transaction	3	'	'
Shares received under spin off transaction	1	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 01, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Paragon Offshore [Member]

Paragon Offshore [Member]

Paragon Offshore [Member]

Paragon Offshore [Member]

Paragon Offshore [Member]

Paragon Offshore [Member]

Non Recurring [Member]

Non Recurring [Member]

Non Recurring [Member]

Non Recurring [Member]

Tranches

6.75% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-recurring Spin-Off related costs totaled

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$31,000,000

$2,000,000

$49,000,000

$10,000,000

Long-term debt issued

1,726,750,000

1,700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount of senior notes

'

'

1,080,000,000

'

1,080,000,000

'

500,000,000

580,000,000

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes, Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.75%

7.25%

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes, Maturity year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2022

'2024

'

'

'

'

Number of tranches

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior secured term credit agreement, Description

'

'

650,000,000

'

650,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior secured term credit agreement, Description

'

'

'

'

'Interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1%, which has an initial term of seven years.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense related to commercial paper program to discontinued operations

'

'

$4,000,000

$0

$4,000,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Components of Net Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Revenues from discontinued operations	$141,893	$438,366	$1,034,458	$1,254,188
(Loss) income from discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes	-3,292	138,669	229,482	326,731
Income tax expense	-16,922	-21,979	-53,950	-52,666
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-20,214	116,690	175,532	274,065
Contract Drilling Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Revenues from discontinued operations	136,548	417,948	993,253	1,194,684
Reimbursables [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Revenues from discontinued operations	2,398	11,923	21,899	33,260
Labor Contract Drilling Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Revenues from discontinued operations	2,946	8,467	19,304	26,150
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Revenues from discontinued operations	$1	$28	$2	$94

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu1

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Carrying Value of Major Categories of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$104,152	'
Accounts receivable	362,100	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	90,089	'
Total current assets of discontinued operations	556,341	'
Property and equipment, at cost	5,615,831	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,640,943	'
Property and equipment, net	2,974,888	'
Other assets	84,894	'
Total assets of discontinued operations	3,616,123	'
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	132,446	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	64,580	'
Other current liabilities	103,769	'
Total current liabilities of discontinued operations	300,795	'
Long-term debt	1,726,750	1,700,000
Other liabilities	171,718	'
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$2,199,263	'

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Ad

Consolidated Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 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	$64,000,000	$70,000,000	'	'
Carrying amount of the drillships	1,400,000,000	'	1,400,000,000	'
Cash held by Bully joint venture	68,354,000	178,370,000	114,458,000	282,092,000
Bully Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dividend paid by Bully Joint Venture Partners	129,000,000	139,000,000	'	'
Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash held by Bully joint venture	$49,000,000	'	$50,000,000	'

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Sc

Consolidated Joint Ventures - Schedule of Operational Results (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$828,796	$640,513	$2,427,764	$1,813,054
Net income	147,646	300,459	678,350	661,498
Joint Ventures [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	97,182	94,847	282,585	272,620
Net income	$43,911	$40,214	$128,587	$113,627

Earnings_per_Share_Computation

Earnings per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share for Noble-UK (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Basic	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$147,389	$165,267	$442,528	$334,572
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	-2,286	-1,989	-7,053	-3,953
Income from continuing operations to common shareholders	145,103	163,278	435,475	330,619
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	-20,214	116,690	175,532	274,065
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	314	-1,404	-2,798	-3,238
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders	-19,900	115,286	172,734	270,827
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	127,175	281,957	618,060	608,637
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	-1,972	-3,393	-9,851	-7,191
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation to common shareholders	125,203	278,564	608,209	601,446
Diluted	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	147,389	165,267	442,528	334,572
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	-2,285	-1,987	-7,050	-3,949
Income from continuing operations to common shareholders	145,104	163,280	435,478	330,623
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	-20,214	116,690	175,532	274,065
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	313	-1,403	-2,796	-3,235
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders	-19,901	115,287	172,736	270,830
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	127,175	281,957	618,060	608,637
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	-1,972	-3,390	-9,846	-7,184
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation to common shareholders	$125,203	$278,567	$608,214	$601,453
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	253,842	253,357	254,006	253,242
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options	107	261	114	265
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	253,949	253,618	254,120	253,507
Weighted average unvested share - based payment awards	3,999	3,086	4,114	3,028
Basic	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.57	$0.64	$1.71	$1.30
Discontinued operations	($0.08)	$0.46	$0.68	$1.07
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$0.49	$1.10	$2.39	$2.37
Diluted	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.57	$0.64	$1.71	$1.30
Discontinued operations	($0.08)	$0.46	$0.68	$1.07
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$0.49	$1.10	$2.39	$2.37

Earnings_per_Share_Additional_

Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (Stock Options [Member])	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Stock options excluded from the diluted net income per share	1.3	0.9

Receivables_from_Customers_Add

Receivables from Customers - Additional Information (Detail) (Petroleos Mexicanos [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Petroleos Mexicanos [Member]	'
Receivables From Major Customers [Line Items]	'
Approximate receivable	$14

Property_and_Equipment_Propert

Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment, at Cost (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	$15,304,758	$19,198,767
Drilling Equipment and Facilities [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	13,606,398	17,130,986
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	1,479,263	1,854,434
Other [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	$219,097	$213,347

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	$1,700,000,000	$1,700,000,000	$1,700,000,000	$1,700,000,000
Capitalized interest on construction-in-progress	11,000,000	31,000,000	39,000,000	92,000,000
Paragon Offshore [Member] | Spinoff [Member]	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	$15,000,000	'	$150,000,000	'

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Detail

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	$4,737,081	$5,556,251
Commercial Paper Program [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	991,653	1,561,141
7.375% Senior Notes due March 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	'	249,964
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	350,000	350,000
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	299,978	299,967
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	299,912	299,886
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	201,695	201,695
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	499,118	499,022
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	399,614	399,576
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	399,242	399,178
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	399,894	399,893
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	397,672	397,646
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	498,303	498,283
Total Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes	$3,745,428	$3,995,110

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Parenthe

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
7.375% Senior Notes due March 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	7.38%	7.38%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2014-03	'
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2015-08	'
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2016-03	'
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	2.50%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2017-03	'
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	7.50%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2019-03	'
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	4.90%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2020-08	'
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	4.63%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2021-03	'
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.95%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2022-03	'
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2040-08	'
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	6.05%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2041-03	'
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	5.25%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2042-03	'

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	CreditFacility	Letter of Credit [Member]	Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility Which Matures in 2017 [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility Which Matures in 2016 [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility Which Matures in 2015 [Member]	3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]	7.375% Senior Notes due March 2014 [Member]	7.375% Senior Notes due March 2014 [Member]	Commercial Paper Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of credit facilities	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum amount available under credit facilities	$2,900,000,000	$375,000,000	$600,000,000	$1,500,000,000	$800,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturity period	'	'	'364 days	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturity date	'	'	'2015-02	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior notes maturity date	'2016	'	'	'2017	'	'	'2015	'2014	'	'
Line of credit facility decrease in borrowing capacity during extension period	'	'	'	'	'	36,000,000	'	'	'	'
Maximum amount to be issued under commercial paper	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,700,000,000
Borrowings outstanding	'	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	'	'	'	'	'	'	345.00%	7.38%	7.38%	'
Repayment of senior notes using proceeds from commercial paper	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	250,000,000	'	'
Face value of senior notes	'	'	'	'	'	'	$350,000,000	'	'	'
Maximum debt to tangible capitalization covenant	0.6	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility debt to tangible capitalization ratio	0.37	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Debt_Estimated_Fair_Value_of_O

Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	$4,811,696	$5,672,292
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	4,737,081	5,556,251
Commercial Paper Program [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	991,653	1,561,141
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	991,653	1,561,141
7.375% Senior Notes due March 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 August 2015 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	350,000	350,000
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	357,087	363,019
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,978	299,967
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	306,752	309,878
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,912	299,886
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	303,855	302,891
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	201,695	201,695
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	232,264	232,839
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	499,118	499,022
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	530,788	528,597
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,614	399,576
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	413,996	413,868
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,242	399,178
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	391,616	390,520
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,894	399,893
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	416,991	421,720
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	397,672	397,646
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	408,334	417,312
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	498,303	498,283
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	458,360	476,873
Total Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	3,745,428	3,995,110
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	$3,820,043	$4,111,151

Debt_Estimated_Fair_Value_of_O1

Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
7.375% Senior Notes due March 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	7.38%	7.38%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2014-03	'
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2015-08	'
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2016-03	'
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	2.50%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2017-03	'
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	7.50%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2019-03	'
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	4.90%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2020-08	'
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	4.63%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2021-03	'
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	3.95%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2022-03	'
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2040-08	'
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	6.05%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2041-03	'
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on senior notes	5.25%	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2042-03	'

Equity_Additional_Information_

Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Shares outstanding and trading	'	252,300,000	252,300,000	'	253,400,000
Additional conditionally authorized shares without additional shareholder approval	'	'	'	'	53,000,000
Current nominal value per share	'	'	'	'	$0.01
Dividend to be paid, per share	'	'	'	$0.38	'
Dividends payable outstanding	$97,000,000	'	'	'	'
Share repurchase	'	6,769,891	6,769,891	'	'
Redomiciliation period	'	'	'5 years	'	'
Repurchased shares cancelled	'	2,000,000	2,000,000	'	'
Stock repurchase program, remaining repurchase amount authorized	'	4,800,000	4,800,000	'	'
Outstanding stock option awards resulted in the issuance of an additional stock options	'	'	339,223	'	'
Incremental fair value awarded as a result of the issuance of awards	'	'	0	'	'
Incremental fair value awarded as a result of the issuance of awards	'	'	$0	'	'
1991 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Remaining number of shares available for grants	'	6,500,000	6,500,000	'	'
1992 Nonqualified Stock Option and Share Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Remaining number of shares available for grants	'	600,000	600,000	'	'
TVRSUs Outstanding [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding equity awards resulted in the issuance of an additional RSUs	'	'	326,853	'	'
PVRSUs Outstanding [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding equity awards resulted in the issuance of an additional RSUs	'	'	329,937	'	'
Minimum [Member] | 1991 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total number of shares issuable under stock option plan	'	50,100,000	50,100,000	'	'
Minimum [Member] | 1992 Nonqualified Stock Option and Share Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total number of shares issuable under stock option plan	'	2,000,000	2,000,000	'	'
Maximum [Member] | 1991 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total number of shares issuable under stock option plan	'	60,300,000	60,300,000	'	'
Maximum [Member] | 1992 Nonqualified Stock Option and Share Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total number of shares issuable under stock option plan	'	2,300,000	2,300,000	'	'

Equity_Summary_of_Stock_Option

Equity - Summary of Stock Option Award Activity (Detail)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Outstanding at beginning of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	1,808,987
Exercised, Number of Shares Underlying Options	-131,706
Forfeited, Number of Shares Underlying Options	-17,175
Spin-Off adjustment, Number of Shares Underlying Options	339,223
Outstanding at end of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	1,999,329

Equity_Summary_of_RSU_Award_Ac

Equity - Summary of RSU Award Activity (Detail)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
TVRSUs Outstanding [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Non-vested RSUs, Restricted Shares Outstanding, Beginning balance	1,652,360
Awarded, Restricted Shares Outstanding	1,608,613
Vested, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-746,162
Forfeited, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-124,740
Surrendered in connection with Spin-Off, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-816,627
Spin-Off adjustment, Restricted Shares Outstanding	326,853
Non-vested RSUs, Restricted Shares Outstanding, Ending balance	1,900,297
PVRSUs Outstanding [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Non-vested RSUs, Restricted Shares Outstanding, Beginning balance	1,397,137
Awarded, Restricted Shares Outstanding	740,364
Vested, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-180,975
Forfeited, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-253,882
Surrendered in connection with Spin-Off, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-89,612
Spin-Off adjustment, Restricted Shares Outstanding	329,937
Non-vested RSUs, Restricted Shares Outstanding, Ending balance	1,942,969

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Reserves for uncertain tax positions net	$101	$127
Related tax benefits	1	2
Reduction in the provision for income taxes, if reserves not utilized	$101	'
Operational period	'12 months	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Pension

Employee Benefit Plans - Pension Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Curtailment expense	'	'	$200	'
Settlement expense	'	'	-300	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1,016	1,361	3,869	4,089
Interest cost	1,022	1,259	3,950	3,793
Return on plan assets	-1,397	-1,443	-5,088	-4,351
Amortization of prior service cost	-2	'	-12	'
Recognized net actuarial loss	119	426	748	1,226
Curtailment expense	'	'	'	'
Settlement expense	'	'	'	'
Net pension expense	758	1,603	3,467	4,757
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	2,541	2,681	7,623	8,043
Interest cost	2,714	2,263	8,142	6,787
Return on plan assets	-3,846	-3,275	-11,538	-9,827
Amortization of prior service cost	56	57	168	171
Recognized net actuarial loss	651	1,910	1,953	5,730
Curtailment expense	241	'	241	'
Settlement expense	310	'	310	'
Net pension expense	$2,667	$3,636	$6,899	$10,904

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Curtailment expense recognized	'	'	$200,000	'
Settlement expense related to Spin-Off	'	'	300,000	'
Employer contributions	100,000	'	7,000,000	'
Paragon Offshore [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net pension expense	$1,000,000	$2,000,000	$4,000,000	$6,000,000

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Percentage of forecasted local currency requirements of forward contract	60.00%
Forward Contracts [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Total unrealized loss related to forward contracts and recorded as part of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"	0.3
Price Risk Derivative [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional amount of forward contracts outstanding	13

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summarization of Financial Statement Presentation and Fair Value of Derivative Positions (Detail) (Short-Term Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Current Assets [Member]	'
Asset derivatives	'
Cash flow hedges Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	$60
Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'
Liability derivatives	'
Cash flow hedges Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	$333

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summary of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) (Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member], Cash Flow Hedges [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL	($2,125)	$2,022	($4,904)	$2,207
Contract Drilling Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to "contract drilling services" expense	1,852	-1,433	4,631	-1,618
Gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL to "contract drilling services" expense	$0	$0	$0	$0

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Assets -	'	'
Marketable securities	$3,332	$7,230
Foreign currency forward contracts	60	'
Liabilities -	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	333	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Assets -	'	'
Marketable securities	3,332	7,230
Foreign currency forward contracts	0	'
Liabilities -	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	0	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Assets -	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts	60	'
Liabilities -	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	333	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Assets -	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts	0	'
Liabilities -	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	$0	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in AOCL by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	($82,164)	($115,449)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	5,501	-1,687
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	'	'	-3,583	6,553
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-8,982	5,846	1,918	4,866
Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore	'	'	34,478	'
Ending balance	-45,768	-110,583	-45,768	-110,583
Gains / (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	4,358	-1,029
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	'	'	-4,631	1,618
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	'	'	-273	589
Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore	'	'	'	'
Ending balance	-273	589	-273	589
Defined Benefit Pension Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-58,598	-95,071
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	'	'	1,048	4,935
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	'	'	1,048	4,935
Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore	'	'	21,772	'
Ending balance	-35,778	-90,136	-35,778	-90,136
Foreign Currency Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-23,566	-20,378
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	1,143	-658
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	'	'	1,143	-658
Spin-Off of Paragon Offshore	'	'	12,706	'
Ending balance	($9,717)	($21,036)	($9,717)	($21,036)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	BRL	Customs and Other Business Taxes [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Libya [Member]	Libya [Member]
	Lawsuits		USD ($)	USD ($)	Rigs	USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of wells	'	'	'	'	2	'
Operating dayrate (per day)	'	'	'	'	'	$538,000
Reserved for fines and penalties	12,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Lawsuits filed	42	42	'	'	'	'
Percentage of uncertain tax positions likelihood of being sustained	'	'	'	50.00%	'	'
Audit claims, additional attributable to other business tax returns	'	'	73,000,000	'	'	'
Amount of withholding after spin-off	32,000,000	79,000,000	'	'	'	'
Physical damage deductible per occurrence on rigs range maximum	25,000,000	25,000,000	'	'	'	'
Loss of hire coverage applies only to rigs operating under dayrate	'	'	'	200,000	'	'
Number of days waiting period	'45 days	'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	$940,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Years of effectiveness of employment agreements after the termination of employment	'3 years	'3 years	'	'	'	'

Segment_and_Related_Informatio2

Segment and Related Information - Summarized Financial Information of Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	$828,796	$640,513	$2,427,764	$1,813,054	'
Depreciation and amortization	161,246	129,843	460,306	370,402	'
Segment operating income/ (loss)	243,633	239,248	727,806	534,658	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-37,751	-23,149	-114,494	-75,115	'
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	-40,782	-33,852	-110,625	-74,341	'
Segment profit/ (loss)	127,175	281,957	618,060	608,637	'
Total assets (at end of period)	13,950,197	15,729,331	13,950,197	15,729,331	16,217,957
Contract Drilling Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	828,715	640,487	2,425,513	1,796,054	'
Depreciation and amortization	156,213	125,855	446,425	359,405	'
Segment operating income/ (loss)	249,297	245,726	741,227	541,146	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-5	-318	-162	-539	'
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	-49,437	-33,957	-134,310	-69,581	'
Segment profit/ (loss)	202,324	284,883	775,479	665,250	'
Total assets (at end of period)	12,231,090	15,058,076	12,231,090	15,058,076	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	81	26	2,251	17,000	'
Depreciation and amortization	5,033	3,988	13,881	10,997	'
Segment operating income/ (loss)	-5,664	-6,478	-13,421	-6,488	'
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-37,746	-22,831	-114,332	-74,576	'
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	8,655	105	23,685	-4,760	'
Segment profit/ (loss)	-75,149	-2,926	-157,419	-56,613	'
Total assets (at end of period)	$1,719,107	$671,255	$1,719,107	$671,255	'

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 $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Capital [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable	($15,968)	($92,073)
Other current assets	-65,075	-50,738
Other assets	-51,887	-8,129
Accounts payable	74,349	9,357
Other current liabilities	-23,882	4,042
Other liabilities	35,219	35,231
Net change in other assets and liabilities	-47,244	-102,310
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Operating Capital [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable	-15,968	-92,073
Other current assets	-71,784	-49,791
Other assets	-51,871	-8,133
Accounts payable	33,909	7,830
Other current liabilities	-4,294	4,702
Other liabilities	51,346	35,227
Net change in other assets and liabilities	($58,662)	($102,238)

Information_about_NobleCayman_1

Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Detail) (Noble-Cayman [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHC NDH Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (bNDS6b)
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	'NHIL
Guarantor(s)	'Noble-Cayman
5.25% Senior Notes due March 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 $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Senior notes, maturity date	'2016
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	3.45%
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	350
Interest rate on the notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2015
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	3.05%
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on the notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2016
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	2.50%
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on the notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2017
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	7.50%
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	202
Interest rate on the notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2019
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	4.90%
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	500
Interest rate on the notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2020
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	4.63%
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2021
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	3.95%
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2022
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	6.20%
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2040
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	6.05%
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	'2041
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on the notes	5.25%
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$68,354	$114,458	$178,370	$282,092
Accounts receivable	610,134	949,069	'	'
Taxes receivable	126,295	140,269	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	226,262	187,139	'	'
Total current assets	1,031,045	1,390,935	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	15,304,758	19,198,767	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,671,092	-4,640,677	'	'
Property and equipment, net	12,633,666	14,558,090	'	'
Other assets	285,486	268,932	'	'
Total assets	13,950,197	16,217,957	15,729,331	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	267,811	347,214	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	102,533	151,161	'	'
Taxes payable	115,192	125,119	'	'
Other current liabilities	170,474	300,172	'	'
Total current liabilities	656,010	1,051,915	'	'
Long-term debt	4,737,081	5,556,251	'	'
Deferred income taxes	165,750	225,455	'	'
Other liabilities	289,637	334,308	'	'
Total liabilities	5,848,478	7,167,929	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	7,378,323	8,322,583	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	723,396	727,445	'	'
Total equity	8,101,719	9,050,028	8,856,816	8,488,290
Total liabilities and equity	13,950,197	16,217,957	'	'
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	-1,708,274	-1,667,551	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	-6,957,884	-7,601,062	'	'
Total current assets	-8,666,158	-9,268,613	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	-8,265,273	-7,192,024	'	'
Investments in affiliates	-23,888,971	-33,001,421	'	'
Total assets	-40,820,402	-49,462,058	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	-1,708,274	-1,667,551	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	-6,957,884	-7,601,062	'	'
Total current liabilities	-8,666,158	-9,268,613	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	-8,265,273	-7,192,024	'	'
Total liabilities	-16,931,431	-16,460,637	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	-23,474,566	-32,490,624	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	-414,405	-510,797	'	'
Total equity	-23,888,971	-33,001,421	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	-40,820,402	-49,462,058	'	'
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	5	1	5	1,003
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	124,418	'	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	2,092,898	1,244,019	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	18,187	'	'	'
Total current assets	2,235,508	1,244,020	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	3,304,653	3,304,753	'	'
Investments in affiliates	5,129,070	8,601,712	'	'
Other assets	3,312	6,256	'	'
Total assets	10,672,543	13,156,741	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	3,202	'	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	2	'	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	543,326	1,104,410	'	'
Other current liabilities	14,346	412	'	'
Total current liabilities	560,876	1,104,822	'	'
Long-term debt	991,652	1,561,141	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	1,769,064	2,042,808	'	'
Other liabilities	25,471	19,931	'	'
Total liabilities	3,347,063	4,728,702	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	7,325,480	8,428,039	'	'
Total equity	7,325,480	8,428,039	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	10,672,543	13,156,741	'	'
NHC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Taxes receivable	72,332	52,307	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	364,033	'	'	'
Total current assets	436,365	52,307	'	'
Investments in affiliates	1,282,802	2,907,379	'	'
Total assets	1,719,167	2,959,686	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	171,925	52,611	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	62,561	653,049	'	'
Total current liabilities	234,486	705,660	'	'
Total liabilities	234,486	705,660	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	1,484,681	2,254,026	'	'
Total equity	1,484,681	2,254,026	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	1,719,167	2,959,686	'	'
NDH [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	358	402	123	904
Accounts receivable	46,320	34,038	'	'
Taxes receivable	513	'	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	1,077,965	1,456,245	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	189,512	108,208	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,064	6,336	'	'
Total current assets	1,316,732	1,605,229	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	2,519,562	2,340,216	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-263,035	-310,171	'	'
Property and equipment, net	2,256,527	2,030,045	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	879,154	124,216	'	'
Investments in affiliates	3,426,000	6,595,591	'	'
Other assets	6,664	6,332	'	'
Total assets	7,885,077	10,361,413	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	'	139,195	'	'
Accounts payable	6,639	5,310	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	8,525	8,582	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	3,421,407	4,032,776	'	'
Taxes payable	'	827	'	'
Other current liabilities	21,625	22,106	'	'
Total current liabilities	3,458,196	4,208,796	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	1,113,363	534,683	'	'
Other liabilities	30,045	24,502	'	'
Total liabilities	4,601,604	4,767,981	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	3,283,473	5,593,432	'	'
Total equity	3,283,473	5,593,432	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	7,885,077	10,361,413	'	'
NHIL [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	4	8	2
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	'	139,195	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	169,979	210,868	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19	'	'	'
Total current assets	169,998	350,067	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	1,980,391	2,367,555	'	'
Investments in affiliates	8,378,227	9,456,735	'	'
Other assets	20,539	22,681	'	'
Total assets	10,549,155	12,197,038	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	53,516	216,866	'	'
Other current liabilities	16,359	62,431	'	'
Total current liabilities	69,875	279,297	'	'
Long-term debt	3,543,734	3,793,414	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	1,169,180	975,000	'	'
Total liabilities	4,782,789	5,047,711	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	5,766,366	7,149,327	'	'
Total equity	5,766,366	7,149,327	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	10,549,155	12,197,038	'	'
NDS6 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	333,966	19,500	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	123,742	27,537	'	'
Total current assets	457,708	47,037	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	5,000	5,000	'	'
Investments in affiliates	5,672,872	5,440,004	'	'
Other assets	546	639	'	'
Total assets	6,136,126	5,492,680	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	371,720	750,000	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	18,833	21,173	'	'
Other current liabilities	630	4,412	'	'
Total current liabilities	391,183	775,585	'	'
Long-term debt	201,695	201,696	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	834,449	260,216	'	'
Total liabilities	1,427,327	1,237,497	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	4,708,799	4,255,183	'	'
Total equity	4,708,799	4,255,183	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	6,136,126	5,492,680	'	'
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	65,585	109,975	173,581	275,466
Accounts receivable	563,814	915,031	'	'
Taxes receivable	53,316	87,722	'	'
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	171,925	52,611	'	'
Accounts receivable from affiliates	4,017,720	6,010,430	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	159,368	178,012	'	'
Total current assets	5,031,728	7,353,781	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	12,746,644	16,820,134	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,396,852	-4,321,507	'	'
Property and equipment, net	10,349,792	12,498,627	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	2,096,075	1,390,500	'	'
Other assets	230,928	233,106	'	'
Total assets	17,708,523	21,476,014	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	1,164,629	725,745	'	'
Accounts payable	225,982	340,600	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	85,858	134,764	'	'
Accounts payable to affiliates	2,858,241	1,572,788	'	'
Taxes payable	112,332	119,761	'	'
Other current liabilities	113,345	210,811	'	'
Total current liabilities	4,560,387	3,104,469	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	3,379,217	3,379,317	'	'
Deferred income taxes	165,750	225,455	'	'
Other liabilities	234,121	289,875	'	'
Total liabilities	8,339,475	6,999,116	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	8,231,247	13,238,656	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	1,137,801	1,238,242	'	'
Total equity	9,369,048	14,476,898	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	17,708,523	21,476,014	'	'
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	65,948	110,382	173,717	277,375
Accounts receivable	610,134	949,069	'	'
Taxes receivable	126,161	140,029	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	179,638	184,348	'	'
Total current assets	981,881	1,383,828	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	15,266,206	19,160,350	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,659,887	-4,631,678	'	'
Property and equipment, net	12,606,319	14,528,672	'	'
Other assets	261,989	269,014	'	'
Total assets	13,850,189	16,181,514	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	235,823	345,910	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	94,385	143,346	'	'
Taxes payable	112,332	120,588	'	'
Other current liabilities	166,305	300,172	'	'
Total current liabilities	608,845	910,016	'	'
Long-term debt	4,737,081	5,556,251	'	'
Deferred income taxes	165,750	225,455	'	'
Other liabilities	289,637	334,308	'	'
Total liabilities	5,801,313	7,026,030	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'	'
Total shareholder equity	7,325,480	8,428,039	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	723,396	727,445	'	'
Total equity	8,048,876	9,155,484	9,026,094	8,531,082
Total liabilities and equity	$13,850,189	$16,181,514	'	'

Information_about_NobleCayman_4

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	$810,200	$623,168	$2,360,205	$1,750,627
Reimbursables	18,595	17,319	67,558	45,416
Labor contract drilling services	'	26	'	17,000
Total operating revenues	828,796	640,513	2,427,764	1,813,054
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	385,674	283,429	1,109,456	836,825
Reimbursables	13,641	14,812	52,877	36,686
Labor contract drilling services	'	2,084	'	10,966
Depreciation and amortization	161,246	129,843	460,306	370,402
General and administrative	24,602	33,776	77,319	86,196
Loss on impairment	'	3,585	'	3,585
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	-35,646	'	-35,646
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	-30,618	'	-30,618
Total operating costs and expenses	585,163	401,265	1,699,958	1,278,396
Operating income (loss)	243,633	239,248	727,806	534,658
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-37,751	-23,149	-114,494	-75,115
Interest income and other, net	2,760	1,522	131	2,231
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	208,642	217,621	613,443	461,774
Income tax provision	-40,782	-33,852	-110,625	-74,341
Net income from continuing operations	167,860	183,769	502,818	387,433
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-20,214	116,690	175,532	274,065
Net income	147,646	300,459	678,350	661,498
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,471	-18,502	-60,290	-52,861
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	127,175	281,957	618,060	608,637
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-8,982	5,846	1,918	4,866
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	34,478	'	34,478	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	152,671	287,803	654,456	613,503
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	-138,333	-23,060	-212,857	-66,431
Total operating revenues	-138,333	-23,060	-212,857	-66,431
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	-138,333	-23,060	-212,857	-66,431
Total operating costs and expenses	-138,333	-23,060	-212,857	-66,431
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	2,402,147	936,865	1,074,989	213,413
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax	1,408	-376,291	-558,279	-960,716
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	2,403,555	560,574	516,710	-747,303
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	3,155,363	1,614,018	3,268,048	1,783,410
Interest income and other, net	-3,155,363	-1,614,018	-3,268,048	-1,783,410
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	2,403,555	560,574	516,710	-747,303
Net income from continuing operations	2,403,555	560,574	516,710	-747,303
Net income	2,403,555	560,574	516,710	-747,303
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	11,141	15,502	34,963	35,864
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	2,414,696	576,076	551,673	-711,439
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	8,982	-5,846	-1,918	-4,866
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	-34,478	'	-34,478	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	2,389,200	570,230	515,277	-716,305
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	3,571	1,623	16,257	3,351
General and administrative	397	252	1,304	1,544
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	-45,000	'	-45,000
Total operating costs and expenses	3,968	-43,125	17,561	-40,105
Operating income (loss)	-3,968	43,125	-17,561	40,105
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	-2,716,832	181,946	-2,325,832	452,436
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax	10,413	119,102	225,022	284,506
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	-2,706,419	301,048	-2,100,810	736,942
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-22,352	-34,941	-70,702	-105,720
Interest income and other, net	2,905,973	1,664	2,912,861	4,941
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	173,234	310,896	723,788	676,268
Net income from continuing operations	173,234	310,896	723,788	676,268
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	-42	'	-249
Net income	173,234	310,854	723,788	676,019
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	173,234	310,854	723,788	676,019
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-8,982	5,846	1,918	4,866
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	34,478	'	34,478	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	198,730	316,700	760,184	680,885
NHC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	9,239	6,091	29,725	16,272
General and administrative	2,348	831	7,351	4,845
Total operating costs and expenses	11,587	6,922	37,076	21,117
Operating income (loss)	-11,587	-6,922	-37,076	-21,117
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	-20,299	34,079	90,411	40,210
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax	-3,921	7,752	49,146	17,642
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	-24,220	41,831	139,557	57,852
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-1,042	-232	-2,005	-849
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	-36,849	34,677	100,476	35,886
Income tax provision	-11,352	-43,401	-49,945	-19,723
Net income from continuing operations	-48,201	-8,724	50,531	-16,163
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	-7,669	-18,655	-20,558
Net income	-48,201	-16,393	31,876	-4,395
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	-48,201	-16,393	31,876	-4,395
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	-48,201	-16,393	31,876	-4,395
NDH [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	81,834	49,887	244,451	154,486
Reimbursables	1,495	1,662	4,748	4,493
Total operating revenues	83,329	51,549	249,199	158,979
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	27,593	16,300	88,683	36,956
Reimbursables	1,112	1,437	3,605	3,832
Depreciation and amortization	16,922	11,009	47,267	32,260
Total operating costs and expenses	45,627	28,746	139,555	73,048
Operating income (loss)	37,702	22,803	109,644	85,931
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	-130,556	55,577	-9,789	95,697
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax	-10,045	92,278	94,515	238,552
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	-140,601	147,855	84,726	334,249
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-8,729	-5,372	-21,703	-17,755
Interest income and other, net	208,241	20,354	234,990	42,205
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	96,613	185,640	407,657	444,630
Income tax provision	-766	-131	-2,972	-1,219
Net income from continuing operations	95,847	185,509	404,685	443,411
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	10,873	6,634	25,250
Net income	95,847	196,382	411,319	468,661
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	95,847	196,382	411,319	468,661
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	95,847	196,382	411,319	468,661
NHIL [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	25,489	27,802	86,819	72,830
General and administrative	6,530	2,672	21,754	20,788
Total operating costs and expenses	32,019	30,474	108,573	93,618
Operating income (loss)	-32,019	-30,474	-108,573	-93,618
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	283,190	197,443	703,700	444,206
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax	2,021	132,659	183,347	352,011
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	285,211	330,102	887,047	796,217
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-40,423	-32,646	-126,914	-99,911
Interest income and other, net	21,240	44,809	68,208	129,601
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	234,009	311,791	719,768	732,289
Net income from continuing operations	234,009	311,791	719,768	732,289
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	-1,537	'	-6,358
Net income	234,009	310,254	719,768	725,931
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	234,009	310,254	719,768	725,931
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	234,009	310,254	719,768	725,931
NDS6 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	'	'	1	1
Total operating costs and expenses	'	'	1	1
Operating income (loss)	'	'	-1	-1
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	182,350	-1,405,910	466,521	-1,245,962
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax	124	24,500	6,249	68,005
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	182,474	-1,381,410	472,770	-1,177,957
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-10,573	-14,998	-26,477	-38,388
Interest income and other, net	1,249	1,524,744	1,879	1,537,410
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	173,150	128,336	448,171	321,064
Income tax provision	'	'	-1,547	'
Net income from continuing operations	173,150	128,336	446,624	321,064
Net income	173,150	128,336	446,624	321,064
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	173,150	128,336	446,624	321,064
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	173,150	128,336	446,624	321,064
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	866,699	596,343	2,328,611	1,662,572
Reimbursables	17,100	15,656	62,810	40,923
Labor contract drilling services	'	27	'	17,000
Other	1	'	1	11
Total operating revenues	883,800	612,026	2,391,422	1,720,506
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	456,352	254,951	1,089,067	768,087
Reimbursables	12,529	13,375	49,272	32,854
Labor contract drilling services	'	2,084	'	10,966
Depreciation and amortization	143,333	118,300	410,833	336,845
General and administrative	3,782	3,496	6,068	10,504
Loss on impairment	'	3,585	'	3,585
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	-35,646	'	-35,646
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	14,382	'	14,382
Total operating costs and expenses	615,996	374,527	1,555,240	1,141,577
Operating income (loss)	267,804	237,499	836,182	578,929
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-3,109,995	-1,548,978	-3,134,741	-1,595,902
Interest income and other, net	22,445	23,327	51,252	71,080
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	-2,819,746	-1,288,152	-2,247,307	-945,893
Income tax provision	-28,556	10,024	-55,743	-51,625
Net income from continuing operations	-2,848,302	-1,278,128	-2,303,050	-997,518
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-10,413	117,477	237,043	286,421
Net income	-2,837,889	-1,160,651	-2,066,007	-711,097
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-31,612	-34,004	-95,253	-88,725
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	-2,869,501	-1,194,655	-2,161,260	-799,822
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-8,982	5,846	1,918	4,866
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	34,478	'	34,478	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	-2,844,005	-1,188,809	-2,124,864	-794,956
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	810,200	623,170	2,360,205	1,750,627
Reimbursables	18,595	17,318	67,558	45,416
Labor contract drilling services	'	27	'	17,000
Other	1	'	1	11
Total operating revenues	828,796	640,515	2,427,764	1,813,054
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	383,911	283,707	1,097,694	831,065
Reimbursables	13,641	14,812	52,877	36,686
Labor contract drilling services	'	2,084	'	10,966
Depreciation and amortization	160,255	129,309	458,100	369,105
General and administrative	13,057	7,251	36,478	37,682
Loss on impairment	'	3,585	'	3,585
Gain on disposal of assets, net	'	-35,646	'	-35,646
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net	'	-30,618	'	-30,618
Total operating costs and expenses	570,864	374,484	1,645,149	1,222,825
Operating income (loss)	257,932	266,031	782,615	590,229
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-37,751	-23,149	-114,494	-75,115
Interest income and other, net	3,785	880	1,142	1,827
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	223,966	243,762	669,263	516,941
Income tax provision	-40,674	-33,508	-110,207	-72,567
Net income from continuing operations	183,292	210,254	559,056	444,374
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	10,413	119,102	225,022	284,506
Net income	193,705	329,356	784,078	728,880
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-20,471	-18,502	-60,290	-52,861
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	173,234	310,854	723,788	676,019
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-8,982	5,846	1,918	4,866
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	34,478	'	34,478	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$198,730	$316,700	$760,184	$680,885

Information_about_NobleCayman_5

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	$1,388,298	$1,161,654
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Proceeds from disposal of assets	'	61,000
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-569,489	973,055
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	-300,000
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	1,726,750	'
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	-30,876	'
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-Off	-104,152	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-64,339	-69,728
Financing costs on credit facilities	-386	-2,432
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-46,104	-103,722
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	114,458	282,092
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	68,354	178,370
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	-273,794	-294,798
Net cash from investing activities	-273,794	-294,798
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Notes payable to affiliates	273,794	294,798
Net cash from financing activities	273,794	294,798
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	2,858,748	-79,174
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliates	50	'
Net cash from investing activities	50	'
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-569,489	973,055
Repayment of long-term debt	'	-300,000
Financing costs on credit facilities	-386	-2,432
Distributions to parent company, net	-421,801	-187,610
Advances (to) from affiliates	-1,593,374	-110,039
Notes payable to affiliates	-273,744	-294,798
Net cash from financing activities	-2,858,794	78,176
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 [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	-127,706	-107,694
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	127,706	107,694
Net cash from financing activities	127,706	107,694
NDH [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	370,512	154,038
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	-1,245,121	-1,070,669
Net cash from investing activities	-1,245,121	-1,070,669
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	874,565	915,850
Net cash from financing activities	874,565	915,850
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-44	-781
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	402	904
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	358	123
NHIL [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	-211,228	-113,088
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	187,480	113,094
Net cash from financing activities	-62,520	113,094
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-4	6
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	4	2
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	'	8
NDS6 [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	-29,835	1,495,330
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Advances (to) from affiliates	29,835	-1,495,330
Net cash from financing activities	29,835	-1,495,330
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	-1,390,805	-136,468
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	-554,706	-720,218
Proceeds from disposal of assets	'	61,000
Notes receivable from affiliates	'	294,798
Net cash from investing activities	-554,706	-364,420
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	1,726,750	'
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	-30,876	'
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-Off	-104,152	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-64,339	-69,728
Advances (to) from affiliates	373,788	468,731
Notes payable to affiliates	-50	'
Net cash from financing activities	1,901,121	399,003
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-44,390	-101,885
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	109,975	275,466
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	65,585	173,581
Noble-Cayman [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	1,469,686	1,212,944
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
New construction and capital expenditures	-1,799,827	-1,790,887
Proceeds from disposal of assets	'	61,000
Net cash from investing activities	-1,799,827	-1,729,887
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-569,489	973,055
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	-300,000
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	1,726,750	'
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	-30,876	'
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-Off	-104,152	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-64,339	-69,728
Financing costs on credit facilities	-386	-2,432
Distributions to parent company, net	-421,801	-187,610
Net cash from financing activities	285,707	413,285
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-44,434	-103,658
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	110,382	277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$65,948	$173,717