Noble (NE) 10-K 27 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 13, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	NE
Entity Registrant Name	NOBLE CORP PLC
Entity Central Index Key	1458891
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		241,954,168
Entity Public Float			$8.50
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		261,245,693

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$68,510	$114,458
Accounts receivable	569,096	949,069
Taxes receivable	107,490	140,269
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	183,466	187,139
Total current assets	928,562	1,390,935
Property and equipment, at cost	14,442,922	19,198,767
Accumulated depreciation	-2,330,413	-4,640,677
Property and equipment, net	12,112,509	14,558,090
Other assets	245,751	268,932
Total assets	13,286,822	16,217,957
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	265,389	347,214
Accrued payroll and related costs	102,520	151,161
Taxes payable	94,230	125,119
Dividends payable		128,249
Other current liabilities	206,535	300,172
Total current liabilities	668,674	1,051,915
Long-term debt	4,869,020	5,556,251
Deferred income taxes	120,589	225,455
Other liabilities	341,505	334,308
Total liabilities	5,999,788	7,167,929
Equity
Shares	2,475	2,534
Additional paid-in capital	695,638	810,286
Retained earnings	5,936,035	7,591,927
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-69,418	-82,164
Total shareholders' equity	6,564,730	8,322,583
Noncontrolling interests	722,304	727,445
Total equity	7,287,034	9,050,028
Total liabilities and equity	13,286,822	16,217,957
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	65,780	110,382
Accounts receivable	569,096	949,069
Taxes receivable	107,289	140,029
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	139,669	184,348
Total current assets	881,834	1,383,828
Property and equipment, at cost	14,404,371	19,160,350
Accumulated depreciation	-2,318,220	-4,631,678
Property and equipment, net	12,086,151	14,528,672
Other assets	222,254	269,014
Total assets	13,190,239	16,181,514
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	261,012	345,910
Accrued payroll and related costs	91,487	143,346
Taxes payable	91,471	120,588
Other current liabilities	201,914	300,172
Total current liabilities	645,884	910,016
Long-term debt	4,869,020	5,556,251
Deferred income taxes	120,589	225,455
Other liabilities	335,964	334,308
Total liabilities	5,971,457	7,026,030
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Shares	26,125	26,125
Capital in excess of par value	530,657	497,316
Retained earnings	6,009,114	7,986,762
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-69,418	-82,164
Total shareholders' equity	6,496,478	8,428,039
Noncontrolling interests	722,304	727,445
Total equity	7,218,782	9,155,484
Total liabilities and equity	$13,190,239	$16,181,514

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	247,501	253,448
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	261,246	261,246

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$3,147,859	$2,454,745	$2,089,621
Reimbursables	84,644	66,292	65,767
Labor contract drilling services		17,095	45,299
Other	1	11	12
Total operating revenues	3,232,504	2,538,143	2,200,699
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	1,500,512	1,168,764	969,310
Reimbursables	66,378	50,410	55,424
Labor contract drilling services		11,601	22,976
Depreciation and amortization	627,473	511,513	440,306
General and administrative	106,771	117,997	99,990
Loss on impairment	745,428	3,585	20,384
Gain on disposal of assets, net		-35,646
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		-30,618	-33,255
Total operating costs and expenses	3,046,562	1,797,606	1,575,135
Operating income	185,942	740,537	625,564
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-155,179	-106,300	-85,763
Interest income and other, net	-1,298	4,184	3,564
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	29,465	638,421	543,365
Income tax provision	-106,651	-92,117	-95,183
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	-77,186	546,304	448,182
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	160,502	304,102	107,955
Net income	83,316	850,406	556,137
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-74,825	-67,709	-33,793
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	8,491	782,697	522,344
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-152,011	478,595	414,389
Income from discontinued operations	160,502	304,102	107,955
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	8,491	782,697	522,344
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	($0.60)	$1.86	$1.63
Income from discontinued operations	$0.63	$1.19	$0.42
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$0.03	$3.05	$2.05
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	($0.60)	$1.86	$1.63
Income from discontinued operations	$0.63	$1.19	$0.42
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$0.03	$3.05	$2.05
Weighted- Average Shares Outstanding
Basic	252,909	253,288	252,435
Diluted	252,909	253,547	252,791
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	3,147,859	2,454,745	2,089,621
Reimbursables	84,644	66,292	65,767
Labor contract drilling services		17,095	45,299
Other	1	11	12
Total operating revenues	3,232,504	2,538,143	2,200,699
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	1,507,471	1,159,171	960,837
Reimbursables	66,378	50,410	55,424
Labor contract drilling services		11,601	23,129
Depreciation and amortization	624,278	509,341	438,374
General and administrative	52,994	64,859	59,366
Loss on impairment	745,428	3,585	20,384
Gain on disposal of assets, net		-35,646
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		-30,618	-33,255
Total operating costs and expenses	2,996,549	1,732,703	1,524,259
Operating income	235,955	805,440	676,440
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	-155,179	-106,300	-85,763
Interest income and other, net	1,124	3,556	3,071
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	81,900	702,696	593,748
Income tax provision	-105,930	-88,977	-94,183
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	-24,030	613,719	499,565
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	223,083	321,804	115,151
Net income	199,053	935,523	614,716
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-74,825	-67,709	-33,793
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	124,228	867,814	580,923
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc
Income from discontinued operations	223,083	321,804	115,151
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$124,228	$867,814	$580,923

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income	$83,316	$850,406	$556,137
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-118	-3,188	-8,076
Net pension plan gain (loss) (net of tax provision (benefit) of ($21,429) in 2014, $14,155 in 2013 and ($3,777) in 2012 )	-41,608	29,861	-41,658
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $1,102 in 2014, $2,924 in 2013 and $2,841 in 2012)	2,764	6,612	5,545
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense (net of tax provision of $9,902 in 2014)	18,389
Prior service cost arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $317 in 2014)	-1,159
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-21,732	33,285	-41,128
Total comprehensive income	61,584	883,691	515,009
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-74,825	-67,709	-33,793
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc	-13,241	815,982	481,216
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated			3,061
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Net income	199,053	935,523	614,716
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-118	-3,188	-8,076
Net pension plan gain (loss) (net of tax provision (benefit) of ($21,429) in 2014, $14,155 in 2013 and ($3,777) in 2012 )	-41,608	29,861	-41,658
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $1,102 in 2014, $2,924 in 2013 and $2,841 in 2012)	2,764	6,612	5,545
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense (net of tax provision of $9,902 in 2014)	18,389
Prior service cost arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $317 in 2014)	-1,159
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-21,732	33,285	-41,128
Total comprehensive income	177,321	968,808	573,588
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-74,825	-67,709	-33,793
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc	102,496	901,099	539,795
Noble-Cayman [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated			$3,061

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net pension plan gain (loss), tax provision (benefit)	($21,429)	$14,155	($3,777)
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	1,102	2,924	2,841
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense, tax provision	9,902
Prior service cost arising during the period, tax benefit	317
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Net pension plan gain (loss), tax provision (benefit)	-21,429	14,155	-3,777
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	1,102	2,924	2,841
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense, tax provision	9,902
Prior service cost arising during the period, tax benefit	$317

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$83,316	$850,406	$556,137
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	627,473	511,513	440,306
Loss on impairment	745,428	43,688	20,384
Gain on disposal of assets, net		-35,646
Deferred income taxes	-10,999	-15,955	-20,119
Amortization of share-based compensation	46,389	43,620	35,930
Net change in other assets and liabilities	50,527	-63,218	30,740
Net cash from operating activities	1,778,208	1,702,317	1,381,693
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	-2,072,885	-2,487,520	-1,669,811
Change in accrued capital expenditures	-36,383	-58,587	-121,077
Proceeds from disposal of assets		61,000
Net cash from investing activities	-2,109,268	-2,485,107	-1,790,888
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-437,647	1,221,333	-635,192
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	-300,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs			1,186,636
Financing costs on credit facilities	-398	-2,484	-5,221
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	1,710,550
Financing costs on long-term borrowing of Paragon Offshore	-14,676
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-off	-104,152
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-79,966	-105,388
Contributions from noncontrolling interests			40,000
Repurchases of shares	-154,145
Repurchases of employee shares surrendered for taxes		-7,653	-10,516
Employee stock transactions	2,125	4,261	14,677
Par value reduction/dividend payments	-386,579	-194,913	-138,293
Net cash from financing activities	285,112	615,156	452,091
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-45,948	-167,634	42,896
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	114,458	282,092	239,196
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	68,510	114,458	282,092
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	199,053	935,523	614,716
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	624,278	509,341	438,374
Loss on impairment	745,428	43,688	20,384
Gain on disposal of assets, net		-35,646
Deferred income taxes	-10,999	-15,955	-20,119
Capital contribution by parent-share-based compensation	33,341	26,862	19,838
Net change in other assets and liabilities	44,740	-63,092	29,119
Net cash from operating activities	1,871,916	1,768,630	1,420,627
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	-2,072,751	-2,485,617	-1,667,477
Change in accrued capital expenditures	-36,383	-58,587	-121,077
Proceeds from disposal of assets		61,000
Net cash from investing activities	-2,109,134	-2,483,204	-1,788,554
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-437,647	1,221,333	-635,192
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	-300,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs			1,186,636
Financing costs on credit facilities	-398	-2,484	-5,221
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	1,710,550
Financing costs on long-term borrowing of Paragon Offshore	-14,676
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-off	-104,152
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-79,966	-105,388
Contributions from noncontrolling interests			40,000
Distributions to parent company, net	-631,095	-265,880	-175,977
Net cash from financing activities	192,616	547,581	410,246
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-44,602	-166,993	42,319
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	110,382	277,375	235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$65,780	$110,382	$277,375

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Noble-Cayman [Member]	Shares [Member]	Shares [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Shares [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified				Noble-Cayman [Member]		Noble-Cayman [Member]		Noble-Cayman [Member]			Noble-Cayman [Member]		Noble-Cayman [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$8,097,852	$8,073,633	$766,595	$26,125	$48,356	$450,616	$6,676,444	$6,979,882	($10,553)	$691,331	$691,331	($74,321)	($74,321)
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011			252,639,000	261,246,000
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation	35,930				35,930
Issuance of share-based compensation shares	8		1,307		-1,299
Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares			437,000
Exercise of stock options	13,541		1,836		11,705
Exercise of stock options, Shares	645,731		646,000
Tax benefit of equity transactions	1,128				1,128
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes	-10,516		-1,138		1,138				-10,516
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes, Shares			374,000
Net income	556,137	614,716					522,344	580,923		33,793	33,793
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	40,000									40,000
Par value reduction/dividend payments	-71,897		-58,470		-13,427
Distributions to parent	-132,765	-175,977					-132,765	-175,977
Capital contributions by parent-Share-based compensation		19,838				19,838
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		40,000									40,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-41,128	-41,128										-41,128	-41,128
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	8,488,290	8,531,082	710,130	26,125	83,531	470,454	7,066,023	7,384,828	-21,069	765,124	765,124	-115,449	-115,449
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012			253,348,000	261,246,000
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation	43,620				43,620
Issuance of share-based compensation shares	17		1,872		-1,855
Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares			667,000
Exercise of stock options	5,651		496		5,155
Exercise of stock options, Shares	212,017		212,000
Tax benefit of equity transactions	-1,407				-1,407
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes	-7,653								-7,653
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes, Shares
Retirement of treasury shares					-28,722				28,722
Retirement of treasury shares, Shares
Redomiciliation to the United Kingdom			-709,964		709,964
Redomiciliation to the United Kingdom, Shares			-779,000
Net income	850,406	935,523					782,697	867,814		67,709	67,709
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-105,388	-105,388								-105,388	-105,388
Distributions to parent	-256,793	-265,880					-256,793	-265,880
Capital contributions by parent-Share-based compensation		26,862				26,862
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	33,285	33,285										33,285	33,285
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	9,050,028	9,155,484	2,534	26,125	810,286	497,316	7,591,927	7,986,762		727,445	727,445	-82,164	-82,164
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013			253,448,000	261,246,000
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	253,448,000	261,246,000
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation	46,389				46,389
Issuance of share-based compensation shares	-9,070		6		-9,076
Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares			692,000
Exercise of stock options	2,647		3		2,644
Exercise of stock options, Shares	131,706		131,000
Tax benefit of equity transactions	-528				-528
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes	-154,145
Repurchases of shares	-154,145		-68		-154,077
Repurchases of shares, Shares			-6,770,000
Net income	83,316	199,053					8,491	124,228		74,825	74,825
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-79,966	-79,966								-79,966	-79,966
Distributions to parent	-258,330	-631,095					-258,330	-631,095
Capital contributions by parent-Share-based compensation		33,341				33,341
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	-1,371,575	-1,436,303					-1,406,053	-1,470,781				34,478	34,478
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-21,732	-21,732										-21,732	-21,732
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$7,287,034	$7,218,782	$2,475	$26,125	$695,638	$530,657	$5,936,035	$6,009,114		$722,304	$722,304	($69,418)	($69,418)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014			247,501,000	261,246,000

Organization_and_Significant_A

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
	Organization and Business
	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 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide. As of the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our fleet consisted of 15 jackups, nine drillships and eight semisubmersibles, including one high-specification, harsh environment jackup under construction. This excludes the semisubmersibles, Noble Driller, Noble Jim Thompson and Noble Paul Wolff.
	At December 31, 2014, our fleet was located in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.
	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 an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-UK, our publicly-traded parent company. Noble-UK’s principal asset is all of the shares of Noble-Cayman. Noble-Cayman has no public equity outstanding. The consolidated financial statements of Noble-UK include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-UK conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts, those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of two joint ventures, in each of which we own a 50 percent interest. Our ownership interest meets the definition of variable interest under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) codification and we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Although we are a UK company, we define foreign currency as any non-U.S. denominated currency. In non-U.S. locations where the U.S. Dollar has been designated as the functional currency (based on an evaluation of factors including the markets in which the subsidiary operates, inflation, generation of cash flow, financing activities and intercompany arrangements), local currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income. In non-U.S. locations where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date, while income statement items are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. The resulting gains or losses arising from the translation of accounts from the functional currency to the U.S. Dollar are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We did not recognize any material gains or losses on foreign currency transactions or translations during the three years ended December 31, 2014.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits with banks and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are subject to potential credit risk, and certain of our cash accounts carry balances greater than the federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held by major banks or investment firms. Our cash management and investment policies restrict investments to lower risk, highly liquid securities and we perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of the financial institutions with which we conduct business.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost, reduced by provisions to recognize economic impairment in value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are sold, retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the gain or loss is recognized. Drilling equipment and facilities are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as of the date placed in service or date of major refurbishment. Estimated useful lives of our drilling equipment range from three to thirty years. Other property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over useful lives ranging from two to forty years. Included in accounts payable were $70 million and $88 million of capital accruals as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Interest is capitalized on construction-in-progress using the weighted average cost of debt outstanding during the period of construction.
	Scheduled maintenance of equipment is performed based on the number of hours operated in accordance with our preventative maintenance program. Routine repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred; however, the costs of the overhauls and asset replacement projects that benefit future periods and which typically occur every three to five years are capitalized when incurred and depreciated over an equivalent period. These overhauls and asset replacement projects are included in “Drilling equipment and facilities” in Note 7. Such amounts, net of accumulated depreciation, totaled $179 million and $400 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Depreciation expense from continuing operations related to overhauls and asset replacement totaled $77 million, $70 million and $53 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	We evaluate the impairment of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In addition, on an annual basis, we complete an impairment analysis on our rig fleet. An impairment loss on our property and equipment exists when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Any impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the estimated fair value. As part of this analysis, we make assumptions and estimates regarding future market conditions. To the extent actual results do not meet our estimated assumptions, for a given rig class, we may take an impairment loss in the future. For additional information, see Note 11.
	Goodwill
	We conduct impairment testing for our goodwill annually during the fourth quarter, and on an interim basis when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit or the indefinite-lived intangible asset may have declined below its carrying value.
	We test goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment that constitutes a business for which financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by management. Our goodwill is identified to one reporting unit Contract Drilling Services.
	Before testing goodwill, we consider whether or not to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount and whether the two-step impairment test is required.
	If, as the result of our qualitative assessment, we determine that the two-step impairment test is required, or, alternatively, if we elect to forgo the qualitative assessment, we test goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the reporting unit, to the fair value of the reporting unit utilizing both market and income evaluation methodologies. If this test suggests that the goodwill is not supportable, we proceed to the second step which compares the implied goodwill at the date of the test, to the book value of goodwill of the reporting unit. If the implied goodwill is lower than the book value of goodwill a write-down is taken to the implied value. For additional information, see Note 11.
	Deferred Costs
	Deferred debt issuance costs are being amortized through interest expense over the life of the debt securities.
	Insurance Reserves
	We maintain various levels of self-insured retention for certain losses including property damage, loss of hire, employment practices liability, employers’ liability, and general liability, among others. We accrue for property damage and loss of hire charges on a per event basis.
	Employment practices liability claims are accrued based on actual claims during the year. Maritime employer’s liability claims are generally estimated using actuarial determinations. General liability claims are estimated by our internal claims department by evaluating the facts and circumstances of each claim (including incurred but not reported claims) and making estimates based upon historical experience with similar claims. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, loss reserves for personal injury and protection claims totaled $21 million and $29 million, respectively, and such amounts are included in “Other current liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Revenue Recognition
	Our typical dayrate drilling contracts require our performance of a variety of services for a specified period of time. We determine progress towards completion of the contract by measuring efforts expended and the cost of services required to perform under a drilling contract, as the basis for our revenue recognition. Revenues generated from our dayrate-basis drilling contracts and labor contracts are recognized on a per day basis as services are performed and begin upon the contract commencement, as defined under the specified drilling or labor contract. Dayrate revenues are typically earned, and contract drilling expenses are typically incurred ratably over the term of our drilling contracts. We review and monitor our performance under our drilling contracts to confirm the basis for our revenue recognition. Revenues from bonuses are recognized when earned, and when collectability is reasonably assured.
	In our dayrate drilling contracts, we typically receive compensation and incur costs for mobilization, equipment modification or other activities prior to the commencement of a contract. Any such compensation may be paid through a lump-sum payment or other daily compensation. Pre-contract compensation and costs are deferred until the contract commences. The deferred pre-contract compensation and costs are amortized, using the straight-line method, into income over the term of the initial contract period, regardless of the activity taking place. This approach is consistent with the economics for which the parties have contracted. Once a contract commences, we may conduct various activities, including drilling and well bore related activities, rig maintenance and equipment installation, movement between well locations or other activities.
	Deferred revenues from drilling contracts totaled $263 million and $303 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such amounts are included in either “Other current liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition. Related expenses deferred under drilling contracts totaled $94 million at December 31, 2014 as compared to $157 million at December 31, 2013, and are included in either “Other current assets” or “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition.
	We record reimbursements from customers for “out-of-pocket” expenses as revenues and the related direct cost as operating expenses.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are based on the laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted or in which we or our subsidiaries are considered resident for income tax purposes. In certain circumstances, we expect that, due to changing demands of the offshore drilling markets and the ability to redeploy our offshore drilling units, certain of such units will not reside in a location long enough to give rise to future tax consequences. As a result, no deferred tax asset or liability has been recognized in these circumstances. Should our expectations change regarding the length of time an offshore drilling unit will be used in a given location, we will adjust deferred taxes accordingly.
	We operate through various subsidiaries in numerous countries throughout the world, including the United States. Consequently, we are subject to changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof in the U.S., UK or jurisdictions in which we or any of our subsidiaries operate or are resident. Our income tax expense is based upon our interpretation of the tax laws in effect in various countries at the time that the expense was incurred. If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or other taxing authorities do not agree with our assessment of the effects of such laws, treaties and regulations, this could have a material adverse effect on us including the imposition of a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings or a reclassification of the tax impact of our significant corporate restructuring transactions.
	Earnings per Share
	Our unvested share-based payment awards, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the “two-class” method. The “two-class” method allocates undistributed earnings between common shares and participating securities. The diluted earnings per share calculation under the “two-class” method also includes the dilutive effect of potential shares issued in connection with stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options is determined using the treasury stock method.
	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	We record the grant date fair value of share-based compensation arrangements as compensation cost using a straight-line method over the service period. Share-based compensation is expensed or capitalized based on the nature of the employee’s activities.
	Certain Significant Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain accounting policies involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could have been reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions had been used. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
	Accounting Pronouncements
	In 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 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.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, which amends ASC Subtopic 225-20, “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items.” The amendment in this ASU eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 which amends ASC Subtopic 810, “Consolidations.” This amendment affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities; eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The standard may be applied retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

Spinoff_of_Paragon_Offshore_pl

Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore")	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore")	Note 2 – Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc (“Paragon Offshore”)
	On August 1, 2014, Noble-UK completed the separation and spin-off of a majority of its standard specification offshore drilling business (the “Spin-off”) through a pro rata distribution of all of the ordinary shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Paragon Offshore, to the holders of Noble’s ordinary shares. Our shareholders received one share of Paragon Offshore for every three shares of Noble owned as of July 23, 2014, the record date for the distribution. Through the Spin-off, we disposed of most of our standard specification drilling units and related assets, liabilities and business. Prior to the Spin-off, Paragon Offshore issued approximately $1.7 billion of long-term debt. We used the proceeds from this debt to repay certain amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program.
	Prior to the completion of the Spin-off, Noble and Paragon Offshore entered into a series of agreements to effect the separation and Spin-off and govern the relationship between the parties after the Spin-off.
	Master Separation Agreement (“MSA”)
	The general terms and conditions relating to the separation and Spin-off are set forth in the MSA. The MSA identifies the assets transferred, liabilities assumed and contracts assigned either to Paragon Offshore by us or by Paragon Offshore to us in the separation and describes when and how these transfers, assumptions and assignments would occur. The MSA provides for, among other things, Paragon Offshore’s responsibility for liabilities relating to its business and the responsibility of Noble for liabilities related to our, and in certain limited cases, Paragon Offshore’s business, in each case irrespective of when the liability arose. The MSA also contains indemnification obligations and ongoing commitments by us and Paragon Offshore.
	Employee Matters Agreement (“EMA”)
	The EMA allocates liabilities and responsibilities between us and Paragon Offshore relating to employment, compensation and benefits and other employment related matters.
	Tax Sharing Agreement (“TSA”)
	The TSA provides for the allocation of tax liabilities and benefits between us and Paragon Offshore and governs the parties’ assistance with tax-related claims.
	Transition Services Agreements
	Under two transition services agreements, we agreed to continue, for a limited period of time, to provide various interim support services to Paragon Offshore, and Paragon Offshore agreed to provide various interim support services to us, including providing operational and administrative support for our remaining Brazilian operations.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2014 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 $63 million, $18 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 the year ended December 31, 2014, we allocated approximately $4 million of interest expense related to such debt. No interest was allocated to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The following table provides the results of operations from discontinued operations:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Operating revenues
	Contract drilling services		$	993,253		$	1,615,325		$	1,259,741
	Reimbursables			21,899			45,582			49,728
	Labor contract drilling services			19,304			35,146			36,591
	Other			2			94			253
	Operating revenues from discontinued operations		$	1,034,458		$	1,696,147		$	1,346,313
	Income from discontinued operations
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		$	216,391		$	379,591		$	159,860
	Income tax provision			(55,889	)		(75,489	)		(51,905	)
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	160,502		$	304,102		$	107,955
	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 December 31, 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			5,609,119
	Accumulated depreciation			(2,640,943	)
	Property and equipment, net			2,968,176
	Other assets			84,894
	Total assets of discontinued operations		$	3,609,411
	LIABILITIES
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable		$	132,446
	Accrued payroll and related costs			64,580
	Other current liabilities			103,768
	Total current liabilities of discontinued operations			300,794
	Long-term debt			1,726,750
	Other liabilities			172,467
	Total liabilities of discontinued operations		$	2,200,011
	Included in “Other assets” of Paragon Offshore at August 1, 2014 was approximately $15 million of goodwill from the acquisition of FDR Holdings Limited (“Frontier”) that was allocated to Paragon Offshore. 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Bully joint ventures approved and paid dividends totaling $160 million and $211 million, respectively. Of these amounts approximately $80 million and $105 million, respectively, were paid to our joint venture partner.
	The combined carrying amount of the Bully-class drillships at both December 31, 2014 and 2013 totaled $1.4 billion. These assets were primarily funded through partner equity contributions. Cash held by the Bully joint ventures totaled approximately $47 million at December 31, 2014 as compared to approximately $50 million at December 31, 2013. Operational results for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Operating revenues	$	372,313	$	355,115
	Net income	$	157,171	$	145,447

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Basic
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(152,011	)	$	478,595		$	414,389
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(5,669	)		(4,212	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations to common shareholders		(152,011	)		472,926			410,177
	Income from discontinued operations		160,502			304,102			107,955
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(3,602	)		(1,097	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		160,502			300,500			106,858
	Net income attributable to Noble-UK		8,491			782,697			522,344
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(9,271	)		(5,309	)
	Net income to common shareholders—basic	$	8,491		$	773,426		$	517,035
	Diluted
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(152,011	)	$	478,595		$	414,389
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(5,663	)		(4,206	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations to common shareholders		(152,011	)		472,932			410,183
	Income from discontinued operations		160,502			304,102			107,955
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(3,598	)		(1,096	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		160,502			300,504			106,859
	Net income attributable to Noble-UK		8,491			782,697			522,344
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(9,261	)		(5,302	)
	Net income to common shareholders—diluted	$	8,491		$	773,436		$	517,042
	Weighted average shares outstanding—basic		252,909			253,288			252,435
	Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		—			259			356
	Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted		252,909			253,547			252,791
	Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		—			3,036			2,592
	Earnings per share
	Basic
	Continuing operations	$	(0.60	)	$	1.86		$	1.63
	Discontinued operations		0.63			1.19			0.42
	Net income attributable to Noble-UK	$	0.03		$	3.05		$	2.05
	Diluted
	Continuing operations	$	(0.60	)	$	1.86		$	1.63
	Discontinued operations		0.63			1.19			0.42
	Net income attributable to Noble-UK	$	0.03		$	3.05		$	2.05
	Dividends per share	$	1.5		$	0.76		$	0.54
	Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic earnings per share are included in diluted earnings per share. The effect of stock options and unvested share-based payment awards is not included in the computation for periods in which a net loss from continuing operations occurs because to do so would be anti-dilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, approximately 2 million shares, 0.9 million shares and 1 million shares underlying stock options, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share as such stock options were not dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we experienced a net loss from continuing operations. As such, approximately 4 million unvested share-based payment awards were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation at December 31, 2014 as such awards were not dilutive.

Receivables_from_Customers

Receivables from Customers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables from Customers	Note 6- Receivables from Customers
	At December 31, 2014, we had receivables of approximately $14 million related to the Noble Max Smith, which are being disputed by our former customer, Petróleos Mexicanos (“Pemex”). These receivables have been classified as long-term and are included in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The disputed amounts relate to lost revenues for downtime that occurred after our rig was damaged when one of Pemex’s supply boats collided with our rig in 2010. In January 2012, we filed a lawsuit against Pemex in Mexican court seeking recovery of these amounts. While we can make no assurances as to the outcome of this dispute, we believe we are entitled to the disputed amounts.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Note 7- Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment, at cost, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 for Noble-UK consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Drilling equipment and facilities	$	13,254,240	$	17,130,986
	Construction in progress		969,985		1,854,434
	Other		218,697		213,347
	Property and equipment, at cost	$	14,442,922	$	19,198,767
	Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $2.1 billion, $2.5 billion and $1.7 billion for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Capitalized interest was $47 million, $115 million and $136 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Capital expenditures related to Paragon Offshore for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 totaled $150 million, $359 million and $525 million, respectively. Additionally, a portion of our property and equipment at December 31, 2013 was related to Paragon Offshore. Depreciation expense for Paragon Offshore that was classified as discontinued operations totaled $236 million, $368 million and $318 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Note 8- Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			December 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014		$	—	$	249,964
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015			350,000		350,000
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016			299,982		299,967
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017			299,920		299,886
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019			201,695		201,695
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020			499,151		499,022
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021			399,627		399,576
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022			399,264		399,178
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040			399,895		399,893
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041			397,681		397,646
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042			498,310		498,283
	Total senior unsecured notes			3,745,525		3,995,110
	Credit facilities & commercial paper program			1,123,495		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt		$	4,869,020	$	5,556,251
	Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program
	At December 31, 2014, we had three credit facilities with an aggregate maximum available capacity of $2.9 billion, and a commercial paper program, which allowed 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.
	In January 2015, we replaced the credit facilities discussed above with two new credit facilities, a five year $2.4 billion senior unsecured credit facility that matures in January 2020 and a $225 million 364-day senior unsecured credit facility that matures in January 2016 (together, the “Credit Facilities”). The $2.4 billion facility provides us with the ability to issue up to $500 million in letters of credit. The issuance of letters of credit under the facility reduces the amount available for borrowing. At December 31, 2014, we had no letters of credit issued under the credit facilities. Following the establishment of the new Credit Facilities, we reduced the size of our commercial paper program to $2.4 billion from $2.7 billion.
	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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was approximately 0.40. We were in compliance with all covenants under the credit facilities as of December 31, 2014.
	In addition to the covenants from the Credit Facilities noted above, the indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes contain covenants that place restrictions on certain merger and consolidation transactions, unless we are the surviving entity or the other party assumes the obligations under the indenture, and on the ability to sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, there are restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and sale and lease-back transactions. At December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants.
	Other
	Interest payable related to our long-term debt was $62 million and $67 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such amounts are included in “Other current liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	At December 31, 2014, we had letters of credit of $149 million, including bonds covering the temporary importation of equipment, performance bonds and expatriate visa guarantees.
	Aggregate principal repayments of total debt for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	2015(1)(2)		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	$1,473,495		$	299,982	$	299,920	$	—	$	201,695	$	2,593,928	$	4,869,020
	-1	In August 2015, our $350 million 3.45% Senior Notes mature. We anticipate using availability on our Credit Facilities or commercial paper issuances to repay the outstanding balance; therefore, we have shown the entire balance as long-term on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014.
	-2	Amounts outstanding under our credit facilities and commercial paper program mature during 2015. As amounts issued under the commercial paper program are supported by the unused committed capacity under our Credit Facilities, they are classified as long-term on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair value represents the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The estimated fair value of our senior notes was based on the quoted market prices for similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of similar remaining maturities (Level 2 measurement). All remaining fair value disclosures are presented in Note 15 and Note 17.
	The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
			Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014		$	—	$	—	$	249,964	$	253,634
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015			350,000		354,992		350,000		363,019
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016			299,982		302,515		299,967		309,878
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017			299,920		287,014		299,886		302,891
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019			201,695		212,068		201,695		232,839
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020			499,151		471,095		499,022		528,597
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021			399,627		363,837		399,576		413,868
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022			399,264		346,425		399,178		390,520
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040			399,895		350,351		399,893		421,720
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041			397,681		343,653		397,646		417,312
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042			498,310		385,181		498,283		476,873
	Total senior unsecured notes			3,745,525		3,417,131		3,995,110		4,111,151
	Credit facilities and commercial paper program			1,123,495		1,123,495		1,561,141		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt		$	4,869,020	$	4,540,626	$	5,556,251	$	5,672,292

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Note 9- Equity
	Share Capital
	As of December 31, 2014, Noble-UK had approximately 247.5 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.
	Our most recent quarterly dividend payment to shareholders, totaling approximately $93 million (or $0.375 per share), was declared on January 30, 2015 and paid on February 20, 2015 to holders of record on February 10, 2015.
	The declaration and payment of dividends require authorization of the Board of Directors of Noble-UK, provided that such dividends on issued share capital may be paid only out of Noble-UK’s “distributable reserves” on its statutory balance sheet. Noble-UK is not permitted to pay dividends out of share capital, which includes share premiums. The amount of any such dividends will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future business prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
	Share Repurchases
	Under UK law, the company is only permitted to purchase its own shares by way of an “off market purchase” in a plan approved by shareholders. Prior to our redomiciliation to the UK, a resolution was adopted 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. During 2014, we repurchased all shares covered by this authorization.
	Share repurchases for each of the three years ended December 31 are as follows:
			Total Number						Average
	Year Ended		of Shares						Price Paid
	December 31,		Purchased			Total Cost(1)			per Share(1)
	2014			6,769,891		$	154,145		$	22.77
	2013			190,187			7,653			40.24
	2012			302,150			10,516			34.8
	-1	The total cost and average price paid per share includes the impact of commissions and stamp tax for share repurchases made in the open market.
	In December 2014, we received shareholder approval to repurchase up to 37,000,000 additional ordinary shares, or approximately 15 percent of our outstanding ordinary shares at the time of the shareholder approval. Any repurchases are expected to be funded using cash on hand, cash from operations or short-term borrowings under our credit facilities. The authority to make such repurchases will expire on the later of April 2016 or the end of the Company’s 2016 annual general meeting of shareholders, at which time we could seek shareholder approval for further repurchases.
	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 December 31, 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 December 31, 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. As the awards contained an antidilution provision, 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.
	Options have a term of 10 years, an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share on the date of grant and generally vest over a three-year period. A summary of the status of stock options granted under both the 1991 Plan and 1992 Plan as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the changes during the year ended on those dates is presented below:
			2014						2013					2012
			Number of			Weighted			Number of			Weighted		Number of			Weighted
			Shares			Average			Shares			Average		Shares			Average
			Underlying			Exercise			Underlying			Exercise		Underlying			Exercise
			Options			Price			Options			Price		Options			Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year			1,808,987		$	33.13			2,027,089		$	32.44		2,498,662		$	29.22
	Granted			—			—			—			—		358,772			36.04
	Exercised (1)			(131,706	)		20.08			(212,017	)		26.66		(645,731	)		20.97
	Forfeited			(57,871	)		30.18			(6,085	)		31.35		(184,614	)		35.92
	Spin-off adjustment			339,223			N/A			—			—		—			—
	Outstanding at end of year (2)			1,958,633			28.43			1,808,987			33.13		2,027,089			32.44
	Exercisable at end of year (2)			1,846,465		$	28.35			1,510,929		$	32.47		1,453,945		$	30.7
	-1	The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $3 million.
	-2	The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 was $0.
	The following table summarizes additional information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:
			Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
			Number of			Weighted			Weighted					Weighted
			Shares			Average			Average					Average
			Underlying			Remaining			Exercise			Number		Exercise
			Options			Life (Years)			Price			Exercisable		Price
	$20.49 to $21.99			513,103			2.25		$	21.24			513,103	$	21.24
	$22.00 to $29.74			312,531			2.71			27.13			294,553		27.24
	$29.75 to $35.73			1,132,999			5.37			32.04			1,038,809		32.17
	Total			1,958,633			4.13		$	28.43			1,846,465	$	28.35
	No stock options were granted during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Fair value information and related valuation assumptions for stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2012 is as follows:
			2012
	Weighted average fair value per option granted		$	13.41
	Valuation assumptions:
	Expected option term (years)			6
	Expected volatility			43	%
	Historical dividend yield			1.4	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.1	%
	The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes pricing model. Assumptions used in the valuation are shown in the table above. The expected term of options granted represents the period of time that the options are expected to be outstanding and is derived from historical exercise behavior, current trends and values derived from lattice-based models. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities of traded options on our shares, historical volatility of our shares, and other factors. The expected dividend yield is based on historical yields on the date of grant. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
	A summary of the status of our non-vested stock options at December 31, 2014, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
			Shares			Weighted-Average
			Under Outstanding			Grant-Date
			Options			Fair Value
	Non-Vested Options at January 1, 2014			298,058		$	13.13
	Vested			(204,877	)		13.16
	Spin-off adjustment			18,987			N/A
Non-Vested Options at December 31, 2014			112,168		$	13.05
At December 31, 2014, there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost remaining for option grants awarded under the 1991 Plan. We attribute the service period to the vesting period and the unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.08 years. Compensation cost recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 related to stock options totaled $2 million, $3 million and $4 million, respectively. We issue new shares to meet the share requirements upon exercise of stock options.
Restricted Stock Units (“RSU’s)
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. As the awards contained an antidilution provision, 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.
We have awarded both TVRSU’s and PVRSU’s under the 1991 Plan. The TVRSU’s generally vest over a three year period. The number of PVRSU’s which vest will depend on the degree of achievement of specified corporate performance criteria over a three-year performance period. These criteria are strictly market based criteria as defined by FASB standards.
The TVRSU is valued on the date of award at our underlying share price. The total compensation for units that ultimately vest is recognized over the service period. The shares and related nominal value are recorded when the restricted stock unit vests and additional paid-in capital is adjusted as the share-based compensation cost is recognized for financial reporting purposes.
The market-based PVRSU is valued on the date of grant based on the estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined based on numerous assumptions, including an estimate of the likelihood that our stock price performance will achieve the targeted thresholds and the expected forfeiture rate. The fair value is calculated using a Monte Carlo Simulation Model. The assumptions used to value the PVRSU’s include historical volatility, risk-free interest rates, and expected dividends over a time period commensurate with the remaining term prior to vesting, as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
Valuation assumptions:
Expected volatility			33	%		34.8	%		41.4	%
Expected dividend yield			4.7	%		1.3	%		1.5	%
Risk-free interest rate			0.7	%		0.4	%		0.3	%
Additionally, similar assumptions were made for each of the companies included in the defined index and the peer group of companies in order to simulate the future outcome using the Monte Carlo Simulation Model.
A summary of the RSU awards for each of the years in the period ended December 31 is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
TVRSU
Units awarded (maximum available)			1,617,534			1,033,009			932,274
Weighted-average share price at award date		$	31.56		$	41.32		$	36.53
Weighted-average vesting period (years)			3			3			3
PVRSU
Units awarded (maximum available)			740,364			565,650			481,206
Weighted-average share price at award date		$	31.66		$	41.42		$	36.9
Three-year performance period ended December 31			2016			2015			2014
Weighted-average award-date fair value		$	19.66		$	24.97		$	20.05
In October 2014, our Board of Directors approved a modification of certain PVRSU awards. The modification related to the composition of our peer groups for a portion of the 2013 and 2014 grants currently in place. The value of the modification was determined by taking the fair value of the modified award as compared to the fair value of the previous award immediately prior to modification, using a Monte Carlo Simulation Model to value both grants. In connection with this modification, we expect to incur approximately $0.5 million of related compensation cost over the life of the grant.
We award shares under the 1992 Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we awarded 50,796, 57,095 and 65,329 shares to non-employee directors, resulting in related compensation cost of $2 million in each of the three years.
A summary of the status of non-vested RSU’s at December 31, 2014 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014 is presented below:
					Weighted						Weighted
					Average						Average
		TVRSU’s			Award-Date			PVRSU’s			Award-Date
		Outstanding			Fair Value			Outstanding (1)			Fair Value
Non-vested RSU’s at January 1, 2014			1,652,360		$	39.4			1,397,137		$	21.06
Awarded			1,617,534			31.56			740,364			19.66
Vested			(749,935	)		38.76			(180,975	)		16.77
Forfeited			(149,006	)		35.5			(253,882	)		17.66
Surrendered in connection with Spin-off			(816,627	)		34.22			(89,612	)		20.95
Spin-off adjustment			326,853			N/A			329,937			N/A
Non-vested RSU’s at December 31, 2014			1,881,179		$	34.66			1,942,969		$	21.44
-1	The number of PVRSU’s shown equals the units that would vest if the “maximum” level of performance is achieved. The minimum number of units is zero and the “target” level of performance is 50 percent of the amounts shown.
At December 31, 2014 there was $31 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the TVRSU’s which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.6 years. The total award-date fair value of TVRSU’s vested during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $29 million.
At December 31, 2014, there was $13 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the PVRSU’s which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.6 years. The total potential compensation for PVRSU’s is recognized over the service period regardless of whether the performance thresholds are ultimately achieved. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 218,195 PVRSU’s for the 2011-2013 performance period were forfeited. In January 2015, 517,223 PVRSU’s for the 2012-2014 performance period were forfeited.
Share-based amortization recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 related to all restricted stock totaled $46 million ($37 million net of income tax), $44 million ($36 million net of income tax) and $36 million ($31 million net of income tax), respectively. Included in share-based amortization for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $7 million, $10 million and $8 million, respectively, related to Paragon Offshore that was classified as discontinued operations. Capitalized share-based amortization totaled approximately $1 million per year in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Note 10- Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following tables set forth the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and changes in AOCL by component for the year ended December 31, 2014. All amounts within the tables are shown net of tax.
			Gains /			Defined
			(Losses) on			Benefit			Foreign
			Cash Flow			Pension			Currency
			Hedges(1)			Items(2)			Items			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	—		$	(95,071	)	$	(20,378	)	$	(115,449	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(1,200	)		29,861			(3,188	)		25,473
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			1,200			6,612			—			7,812
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			—			36,473			(3,188	)		33,285
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	—		$	(58,598	)	$	(23,566	)	$	(82,164	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(4,286	)		(30,952	)		(118	)		(35,356	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			4,286			9,338			—			13,624
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			—			(21,614	)		(118	)		(21,732	)
	Spin-off of Paragon Offshore(3)			—			21,772			12,706			34,478
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	—		$	(58,440	)	$	(10,978	)	$	(69,418	)
	-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 16 for additional information.
	-2	Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial changes, the amortization of prior service costs and curtailment and settlement expenses. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 15 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.

Loss_on_Impairment

Loss on Impairment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss on Impairment	Note 11- Loss on Impairment
	Asset impairments
	In connection with the preparation of the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report, consistent with our accounting policies discussed in Note 1, we evaluate our drilling fleet assets for impairment on an annual basis or whenever there are changes in facts which suggest that the value of the asset is not recoverable.
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, in connection with our annual impairment analysis, we reviewed assumptions on the future marketability of the Noble Driller, the Noble Jim Thompson and the Noble Paul Wolff (together the “impaired rigs”) with consideration given to their years in service, limited technical features and anticipated capital requirements in light of the current market conditions and decided to discontinue marketing these units. We evaluated these units for impairment and recorded an impairment of approximately $685 million on these rigs for the year ended December 31, 2014. The total remaining book value at of $47 million at December 31, 2014 represented the equipment present on the rigs, which will be redeployed within our fleet. The remaining book value is a level 3 fair value measurement under accounting literature as it contains significant estimation and non-observable inputs.
	In 2012, we determined that our submersible rig fleet, consisting of two cold stacked rigs, was partially impaired due to the declining market outlook for drilling services for that rig type. We estimated the fair value of the rigs based on the salvage value of the rigs and a then recent transaction involving a similar unit owned by a peer company (Level 2 fair value measurement). Based on these estimates, we recognized a charge of approximately $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. During 2013, we recorded an additional impairment charge of approximately $4 million on these rigs arising from the potential disposition of these assets to an unrelated third party. In January 2014, we completed the sale of the submersibles for a total sales price of $7 million.
	Also in 2012, we determined that certain corporate assets were partially impaired due to a declining market for, and the potential disposal of, the assets. We estimated the fair value of the assets based on a signed letter of intent to sell the assets (Level 2 fair value measurement). Based on these estimates, we recognized a charge of approximately $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Goodwill
	In connection with our acquisition of Frontier in 2010, we recognized goodwill in our Contract Drilling Services reporting unit. In connection with the preparation of the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report, as discussed in Note 1, we conduct goodwill impairment testing annually in the fourth quarter of each year and when events occur that would potentially reduce the fair value of our reporting unit below its carrying amount.
	As part of our annual test completed during the fourth quarter, we noted a significant decline in the market value of our stock, coupled with a decrease in oil and gas prices, significant reductions in the projected dayrates for new contracts and reduced utilization forecasts. These factors drove our fair value of the reporting unit below the book value, and we concluded that the goodwill in the Contract Drilling Services reporting unit was impaired. We deemed this to be a level 3 fair value measurement under accounting literature as it contains significant estimation and non-observable inputs. During the fourth quarter, we fully impaired the $60 million of goodwill on our books.

Gain_on_Disposal_of_Assets_net

Gain on Disposal of Assets, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Gain on Disposal of Assets, net	Note 12- Gain on Disposal of Assets, net
	During the third quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of the Noble Lewis Dugger for $61 million to an unrelated third party in Mexico. In connection with the sale, we recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $36 million.

Gain_on_Contract_SettlementsEx

Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contractors [Abstract]
Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, Net	Note 13- Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, Net
	In 2013, we received $45 million related to the settlement of all claims against the former shareholders of FDR Holdings, Ltd., which we acquired in July 2010, relating to alleged breaches of various representations and warranties contained in the purchase agreement. A portion of the settlement, totaling approximately $14 million, was allocated to discontinued operations as it related to certain standard specification rigs.
	In 2012, we received approximately $5 million from the settlement of a claim relating to the Noble David Tinsley, which had experienced a “punch-through” while being positioned on location in 2009. We had originally recorded a $17 million charge during 2009 related to this incident. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2012, we settled an action against certain vendors for damages sustained during Hurricane Ike. We recognized a net gain of approximately $28 million related to this settlement. We also resolved all outstanding matters with Anadarko Petroleum Company (“Anadarko”) related to the previously disclosed force majeure action, Hurricane Ike matters and receivables relating to the Noble Amos Runner.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 14- Income Taxes
	Noble-UK is a company which is tax resident in the UK and, as such, will be subject to UK corporation tax on its taxable profits and gains. A UK tax exemption is available in respect of qualifying dividends income and capital gains related to the sale of qualifying participations. We operate in various countries throughout the world, including the United States. The income of the non-UK subsidiaries is not expected to be subject to UK corporation tax. Prior to the redomiciliation, Noble-Swiss was the group holding company and was exempt from Swiss cantonal and communal income tax on its worldwide income, and was also granted participation relief from Swiss federal tax for qualifying dividend income and capital gains related to the sale of qualifying participations. It is expected that the participation relief will result in a full exemption of participation income from Swiss federal income tax. We do not expect the redomiciliation from Switzerland to the UK to have a material impact on our effective tax rate.
	Consequently, we have taken account of those tax exemptions and provided for income taxes based on the laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted, or in which we or our subsidiaries have a taxable presence for income tax purposes.
	The components of the net deferred taxes are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets
	United States
	Deferred pension plan amounts	$	23,497		$	8,859
	Accrued expenses not currently deductible		14,250			31,769
	Other		11,267			14,542
	Non-U.S.
	Net operating loss carry forwards		6,907			33,021
	Deferred pension plan amounts		3,096			2,130
	Other		—			300
	Deferred tax assets		59,017			90,621
	Less: valuation allowance		(6,907	)		(16,847	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	52,110		$	73,774
	Deferred tax liabilities
	United States
	Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis	$	(166,959	)	$	(275,073	)
	Other		(4,969	)		(6,002	)
	Non-U.S.
	Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis		(200	)		(1,034	)
	Other		(397	)		(2,452	)
	Deferred tax liabilities	$	(172,525	)	$	(284,561	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(120,415	)	$	(210,787	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes consists of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	38,206		$	178,090		$	135,618
	Non-U.S.		(8,741	)		460,331			407,747
	Total	$	29,465		$	638,421		$	543,365
	The income tax provision for continuing operations consists of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current- United States	$	50,829		$	83,302		$	65,244
	Current- Non-U.S.		74,288			23,836			45,593
	Deferred- United States		(18,655	)		(14,032	)		(16,256	)
	Deferred- Non-U.S.		189			(989	)		602
	Total	$	106,651		$	92,117		$	95,183
	The following is a reconciliation of our reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties:
		2014			2013			2012
	Gross balance at January 1,	$	115,969		$	115,009		$	108,036
	Additions based on tax positions related to current year		16,880			2,318			3,704
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		12,928			18,906			16,432
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(8	)		(7,910	)		(7,917	)
	Expiration of statutes		(2,852	)		(2,633	)		(1,903	)
	Reduction due to Spin-off		(26,870	)		—			—
	Tax settlements		(7,235	)		(9,721	)		(3,343	)
	Gross balance at December 31,		108,812			115,969			115,009
	Related tax benefits		(1,064	)		(2,038	)		(9,981	)
	Net reserve at December 31,	$	107,748		$	113,931		$	105,028
	The liabilities related to our reserve for uncertain tax positions are comprised of the following:
		2014			2013
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties	$	107,748		$	113,931
	Interest and penalties included in “Other liabilities”		8,039			13,190
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties	$	115,787		$	127,121
	If these reserves of $116 million are not realized, the provision for income taxes will be reduced by $116 million.
	We include, as a component of our “Income tax provision”, potential interest and penalties related to recognized tax contingencies within our global operations. Interest and penalties resulted in an income tax benefit of $1 million in 2014, an income tax benefit of $7 million in 2013 and an income tax expense of $5 million in 2012.
	It is reasonably possible that our existing liabilities related to our reserve for uncertain tax positions may increase or decrease in the next twelve months primarily due to the completion of open audits or the expiration of statutes of limitation. However, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of changes in our existing liabilities due to various uncertainties, such as the unresolved nature of various audits.
	We conduct business globally and, as a result, we file numerous income tax returns in the U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions. In the normal course of business we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including major jurisdictions such as Brazil, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
	Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. We are no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for years before 2010 and non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2000.
	Noble-UK conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries. The income of our non-UK subsidiaries is not subject to UK income tax. Earnings are taxable in the United Kingdom at the UK statutory rate of 21.5 percent. Ongoing consultative process in the United Kingdom and a possible change in law could materially impact our tax rate on operations in the United Kingdom continental shelf. A reconciliation of tax rates outside of the United Kingdom and the Cayman Islands to our Noble-UK effective rate for continuing operations is shown below:
		Year Ended
December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Effect of:
Tax rates which are different than the UK and Cayman Island rates		19.3	%		15.5	%		18.6	%
Tax impact of asset impairment		344	%		0	%		0	%
Resolution of tax authority audits		-1.3	%		-1.1	%		-1.1	%
Total		362	%		14.4	%		17.5	%
We generated and fully utilized U.S. foreign tax credits of $17 million, $15 million and $22 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, deferred income taxes were not provided on approximately $80 million of undistributed earnings of our subsidiaries. We considered such earnings to be permanently reinvested. If such earnings would have been distributed, we may have been subject to additional income taxes of approximately $20 to $25 million. All aforementioned earnings were held by subsidiaries which, as a result of the Spin-off, are now subsidiaries of Paragon Offshore. Therefore, at December 31, 2014, we have no undistributed earnings of our subsidiaries for which deferred income taxes have not been provided.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Note 15- Employee Benefit Plans
	Defined Benefit Plans
	Prior to the Spin-off, each of Noble Drilling (Land Support) Limited (“NDLS”), Noble Enterprises Limited (“NEL”) and Noble Drilling (Nederland) B.V. (“NDNBV”), all indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Noble-UK, maintained a pension plan that covered all of its salaried, non-union employees. Benefits were based on credited service and employees’ compensation near retirement, as defined by the respective plan.
	As a result of the Spin-off, employees of Paragon Offshore no longer participate in benefit plans sponsored or maintained by Noble. At the time of the Spin-off, NEL and NDNBV transferred all assets and obligations to Paragon Offshore. The benefits of retained Noble employees who participated in the NEL plan prior to the Spin-off were frozen in the NEL plan and their future benefits were replicated into a new plan maintained by an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-UK, Noble Resources Limited (“NRL”).
	Subsequent to the Spin-off, Noble maintains the NDLS and NRL plans. Benefits are based on credited service and employees’ compensation near retirement, as defined by the respective plan. Reference to our “non-U.S. plans” included throughout this report relates to the Noble-maintained NDLS and NRL plans, as well as activity for the NEL and NDNBV plans prior to the Spin-off.
	In addition to the non-U.S. plans discussed above, we have two U.S. noncontributory defined benefit pension plans: one which covers certain salaried employees and one which covers certain hourly employees, whose initial date of employment is prior to August 1, 2004 (collectively referred to as our “qualified U.S. plans”). These plans are governed by the Noble Drilling Employees’ Retirement Trust (the “Trust”). The benefits from these plans are based primarily on years of service and, for the salaried plan, employees’ compensation near retirement. These plans qualify under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), and our funding policy is consistent with funding requirements of ERISA and other applicable laws and regulations. We make cash contributions, or utilize credit balances available to us under the plan, for the qualified U.S. plans when required. The benefit amount that can be covered by the qualified U.S. plans is limited under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) of 1986. Therefore, we maintain an unfunded, nonqualified excess benefit plan designed to maintain benefits for specified employees at the formula level in the qualified salary U.S. plan. We refer to the qualified U.S. plans and the excess benefit plan collectively as the “U.S. plans”.
	Employees participating in the U.S. 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 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Additionally in 2014, we recognized a settlement expense of $10 million related to those terminated employees that elected to receive their accumulated benefits as a lump sum distribution.
	A reconciliation of the changes in projected benefit obligations (“PBO”) for our non-U.S. and U.S. plans is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	161,591		$	223,938		$	151,781		$	225,885
	Service cost		4,777			8,901			5,496			10,724
	Interest cost		4,650			10,546			5,085			9,049
	Actuarial loss (gain)		6,145			51,524			(4,584	)		(17,652	)
	Plan amendments		1,595			—			(227	)		—
	Benefits paid		(2,819	)		(4,262	)		(2,558	)		(4,068	)
	Settlement		—			(34,397	)		—			—
	Curtailment		—			(18,178	)		—			—
	Plan participants’ contributions		266			—			956			—
	Foreign exchange rate changes		(7,071	)		—			5,642			—
	Spin-off adjustment		(96,581	)		—			—			—
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	72,553		$	238,072		$	161,591		$	223,938
	A reconciliation of the changes in fair value of plan assets is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	174,257		$	201,011		$	151,819		$	167,170
	Actual return on plan assets		6,717			7,750			8,470			31,518
	Employer contributions		6,863			2,017			9,365			6,391
	Benefits and expenses paid		(2,819	)		(4,262	)		(2,558	)		(4,068	)
	Settlement		—			(34,397	)		—			—
	Plan participants’ contributions		266			—			956			—
	Foreign exchange rate changes		(11,068	)		—			6,205			—
	Spin-off adjustment		(96,502	)		—			—			—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	77,714		$	172,119		$	174,257		$	201,011
	The funded status of the plans is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Funded status	$	5,161		$	(65,953	)	$	12,666		$	(22,927	)
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Other assets (noncurrent)	$	7,725		$	—		$	13,586		$	6,132
	Other liabilities (current)		—			(3,037	)		—			(2,120	)
	Other liabilities (noncurrent)		(2,564	)		(62,916	)		(920	)		(26,939	)
	Net amount recognized	$	5,161		$	(65,953	)	$	12,666		$	(22,927	)
	Amounts recognized in AOCL consist of:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Net actuarial loss	$	11,793		$	73,705		$	30,902		$	45,338
	Prior service cost		1,531			468			(232	)		905
	Deferred income tax asset		(3,096	)		(25,961	)		(2,130	)		(16,185	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	10,228		$	48,212		$	28,540		$	30,058
	Pension cost includes the following components:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service Cost	$	4,777		$	8,901		$	5,496		$	10,724		$	4,461		$	9,612
	Interest Cost		4,650			10,546			5,085			9,049			5,372			8,719
	Return on plan assets		(6,117	)		(15,499	)		(5,836	)		(13,102	)		(5,344	)		(11,171	)
Amortization of prior service cost		46			196			—			227			—			227
Recognized net actuarial loss		769			2,857			1,670			7,639			803			7,356
Curtailment expense		—			241			—			—			—			—
Settlement expense		—			9,872			—			—			—			—
Net pension expense	$	4,125		$	17,114		$	6,415		$	14,537		$	5,292		$	14,743
Included in net pension expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 for non-U.S. plans was approximately $2 million, $4 million and $3 million, respectively, related to Paragon Offshore that was classified as discontinued operations. Included in net pension expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 for U.S. plans was approximately $11 million, $4 million and $4 million, respectively, related to Paragon Offshore that was classified as discontinued operations.
The estimated prior service cost and net actuarial loss that will be amortized from AOCL into net periodic pension cost in 2015 are $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for non-U.S. plans and $0.1 million and $6.2 million, respectively, for U.S. plans.
During 2014, we adopted the Retirement Plan (“RP”) 2014 mortality tables with the Mortality Projection (“MP”) scale as issued by the Society of Actuaries. The RP 2014 mortality tables represent the new standard for defined benefit mortality assumptions due to longer life expectancies. The adoption of the updated mortality tables and the mortality improvement scales increased our pension liability on our U.S. plans by approximately $14 million as of December 31, 2014.
Defined Benefit Plans—Disaggregated Plan Information
Disaggregated information regarding our non-U.S. and U.S. plans is summarized below:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014						2013
	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
Projected benefit obligation	$	72,553		$	238,072		$	161,591		$	223,938
Accumulated benefit obligation		68,902			202,716			154,140			185,383
Fair value of plan assets		77,714			172,119			174,257			201,011
The following table provides information related to those plans in which the PBO exceeded the fair value of the plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The PBO is the actuarially computed present value of earned benefits based on service to date and includes the estimated effect of any future salary increases.
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014						2013
	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
Projected benefit obligation	$	3,157		$	238,072		$	6,740		$	200,472
Fair value of plan assets		592			172,119			5,820			171,413
The PBO for the unfunded excess benefit plan was $20 million at December 31, 2014 as compared to $13 million in 2013, and is included under “U.S.” in the above tables.
The following table provides information related to those plans in which the accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) exceeded the fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The ABO is the actuarially computed present value of earned benefits based on service to date, but differs from the PBO in that it is based on current salary levels.
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014						2013
	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	1,355		$	202,716		$	6,493		$	11,997
Fair value of plan assets		592			172,119			5,820			—
The ABO for the unfunded excess benefit plan was $13 million at December 31, 2014 as compared to $12 million in 2013, and is included under “U.S.” in the above tables.
Defined Benefit Plans—Key Assumptions
The key assumptions for the plans are summarized below:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
	Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount Rate	2.6%-3.7%		3.0%-4.1%	3.9%-4.7%		3.9%-5.1%
Rate of compensation increase	3.6%-4.1%		5.00%	3.6%-4.5%		5.00%
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:
Discount Rate	2.7%-4.7%		3.9%-5.1%	2.5%-4.5%		3.1%-4.2%	4.7%-5.0%		4.3%-4.7%
Expected long-term return on assets	2.3%-6.0%		7.80%	2.3%-5.7%		7.80%	3.9%-5.4%		7.80%
Rate of compensation increase	3.6%-4.5%		5.00%	3.6%-4.1%		5.00%	2.3%-4.4%		5.00%
The discount rate used to calculate the net present value of future benefit obligations for our U.S. plan is based on the average of current rates earned on long-term bonds that receive a Moody’s rating of “Aa” or better. We have determined that the timing and amount of expected cash outflows on our plan reasonably match this index. For non-U.S. plans, the discount rates used to calculate the net present value of future benefit obligations are determined by using a yield curve of high quality bond portfolios with an average maturity approximating that of the liabilities.
We employ third-party consultants for our U.S. and non-U.S. plans that use a portfolio return model to assess the initial reasonableness of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets, we considered the current level of expected returns on risk free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets for the portfolio.
Defined Benefit Plans—Plan Assets
Non-U.S. Plans
Both the NEL and NDNBV pension plans assets and liabilities were transferred to Paragon Offshore as part of the Spin-off.
The NRL pension plan has a targeted asset allocation of 100 percent debt securities. The investment objective for the NRL Plan assets is to earn a favorable return against the Barclays Capital Euro-Treasury AAA index. We evaluate the performance of this plan on an annual basis.
The NDLS pension plan has a target asset allocation of 70 percent equity securities and 30 percent debt securities. The investment objective of the plan, as adopted by the plan’s trustees, is to achieve a favorable return against a benchmark of blended United Kingdom market indices. By achieving this objective, the trustees believe the plan will be able to avoid significant volatility in the contribution rate and provide sufficient plan assets to cover the plan’s benefit obligations were the plan to be liquidated. To achieve these objectives, the trustees have given the plan’s investment managers full discretion in the day-to-day management of the plan’s assets. The plan’s assets are invested with two investment managers. The performance objective communicated to one of these investment managers is to exceed a blend of FTSE A Over 15 Year Gilts index and iBoxx Sterling Non Gilts index by 1.25 percent per annum. The performance objective communicated to the other investment manager is to exceed a blend of FTSE’s All Share index, North America index, Europe index and Pacific Basin index by 1.00 to 2.00 percent per annum. This investment manager is prohibited by the trustees from investing in real estate. The trustees meet with the investment managers periodically to review and discuss their investment performance.
The actual fair values of Non-U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
				December 31, 2014
				Estimated Fair Value
				Measurements
				Quoted			Significant
				Prices in			Other			Significant
				Active			Observable			Unobservable
	Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
	Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	87		$	87		$	—		$	—
Equity securities:
International companies	$	53,261		$	53,261		$	—		$	—
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds	$	23,774		$	—		$	23,774		$	—
Other		592			—			—			592
Total	$	77,714		$	53,348		$	23,774		$	592
				December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value
				Measurements
				Quoted			Significant
				Prices in			Other			Significant
				Active			Observable			Unobservable
	Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
	Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	207		$	207		$	—		$	—
Equity securities:
International companies	$	54,722		$	54,722		$	—		$	—
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds	$	41,767		$	—		$	41,767		$	—
Other		77,561			—			—			77,561
Total	$	174,257		$	54,929		$	41,767		$	77,561
At December 31, 2013, assets of both NEL and NDNBV were invested in instruments that are similar in form to a guaranteed insurance contract, which were transferred to Paragon Offshore in the Spin-off. At December 31, 2014, assets of NRL were invested in instruments that are similar in form to a guaranteed insurance contract. There are no observable market values for these assets (Level 3); however, the amounts listed as plan assets were materially similar to the anticipated benefit obligations that were anticipated under the plans. Amounts were therefore calculated using actuarial assumptions completed by third-party consultants employed by Noble. The following table details the activity related to these investments during the year.
	Market
	Value
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	77,561
Assets transferred out in Spin-off		(77,561	)
Assets purchased		749
Assets sold/benefits paid		(157	)
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	592
U.S. Plans
The Trust invests in equity securities, fixed income debt securities, and cash equivalents and other short-term investments. The Trust may invest in these investments directly or through pooled vehicles, including mutual funds.
The Company’s overall investment strategy, or target range, is to achieve a mix of approximately 66.5 percent in equity securities, 32 percent in debt securities and 1.5 percent in cash holdings. Actual results may deviate from the target range, however any deviation from the target range of asset allocations must be approved by the Trust’s governing committee.
The performance objective of the Trust is to outperform the return of the Total Index Composite as constructed to reflect the target allocation weightings for each asset class. This objective should be met over a market cycle, which is defined as a period not less than three years or more than five years. U.S. equity securities (common stock, convertible preferred stock and convertible bonds) should achieve a total return (after fees) that exceeds the total return of an appropriate market index over a full market cycle of three to five years. Non-U.S. equity securities (common stock, convertible preferred stock and convertible bonds), either from developed or emerging markets, should achieve a total return (after fees) that exceeds the total return of an appropriate market index over a full market cycle of three to five years. Fixed income debt securities should achieve a total return (after fees) that exceeds the total return of an appropriate market index over a full market cycle of three to five years. Cash equivalent and short-term investments should achieve relative performance better than the 90-day Treasury bills. When mutual funds are used by the Trust, those mutual funds should achieve a total return that equals or exceeds the total return of each fund’s appropriate Lipper or Morningstar peer category over a full market cycle of three to five years. Lipper and Morningstar are independent mutual fund rating and information services.
For investments in equity securities, no individual options or financial futures contracts are purchased unless approved in writing by the Trust’s governing committee. In addition, no private placements or purchases of venture capital are allowed. The target amount in international equities is 20 percent of plan assets and may not exceed 23 percent of plan assets. Of the international equities amount, no more than 30 percent can be related to any particular country. The Trust’s equity managers vote all proxies in the best interest of the Trust without regards to social issues. The Trust’s governing committee reserves the right to comment on and exercise control over the response to any individual proxy solicitation.
For fixed income debt securities, corporate bonds purchased are primarily limited to investment grade securities as established by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s. The total fixed income exposure from any single non-government or government agency issuer shall not exceed 42 percent of the Trust’s fixed income holdings. The average duration of the total portfolio shall not exceed the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index by 1.5 years. All interest and principal receipts are swept, as received, into an alternative cash management vehicle until reallocated in accordance with the Trust’s core allocation.
For investments in mutual funds, the assets of the Trust are subject to the guidelines and limits imposed by such mutual fund’s prospectus and the other governing documentation at the fund level.
For investments in cash equivalent and short-term investments, the Trust utilizes a money market mutual fund which invests in U.S. government and agency obligations, repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government or agency securities, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances, certificate of deposits, delayed delivery transactions, reverse repurchase agreements, time deposits and Euro obligations. Bankers’ acceptances shall be made in larger banks (ranked by assets) rated “Aa” or better by Moody’s and in conformance with all FDIC regulations concerning capital requirements.
Equity securities include our shares in the amounts $4 million (2.1 percent of total U.S. plan assets) at December 31, 2013. No shares of Noble were included in equity securities at December 31, 2014.
The actual fair values of U.S. pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
				December 31, 2014
				Estimated Fair Value
				Measurements
				Quoted			Significant
				Prices in			Other			Significant
				Active			Observable			Unobservable
	Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
	Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,998		$	—		$	5,998		$	—
Equity securities:
United States	$	80,823		$	80,823		$	—		$	—
International		33,392			33,392			—			—
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds	$	51,906		$	51,906		$	—		$	—
Total	$	172,119		$	166,121		$	5,998		$	—
				December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value
				Measurements
				Quoted			Significant
				Prices in			Other			Significant
				Active			Observable			Unobservable
	Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
	Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,184		$	—		$	2,184		$	—
Equity securities:
United States	$	104,899		$	80,714		$	24,185		$	—
International		33,012			33,012			—			—
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds	$	60,916		$	60,916		$	—		$	—
Total	$	201,011		$	174,642		$	26,369		$	—
While the underlying investments related to the equity securities are traded in active markets, which is a Level 1 measurement, the funds we own the investments through are not themselves actively traded, and therefore are being presented as a Level 2 measurement at December 31, 2013.
As of December 31, 2014, no single security made up more than 10 percent of total assets of either the U.S. or the Non-U.S. plans.
Defined Benefit Plans—Cash Flows
In 2014, we made total contributions of $7 million and $2 million to our non-U.S. and U.S. pension plans, respectively. In 2013, we made total contributions of $9 million and $6 million to our non-U.S. and U.S. pension plans, respectively. In 2012, we made total contributions of $6 million and $11 million to our non-U.S. and U.S. pension plans, respectively. We expect our aggregate minimum contributions to our non-U.S. and U.S. plans in 2015, subject to applicable law, to be $2 million and $3 million, respectively. We continue to monitor and evaluate funding options based upon market conditions and may increase contributions at our discretion.
The following table summarizes our estimated benefit payments at December 31, 2014:
				Payments by Period
	Total			2015			2016			2017			2018			2019			Thereafter
Estimated benefit payments
Non U.S. plans	$	23,037		$	1,630		$	1,693		$	1,882		$	1,955		$	2,207		$	13,670
U.S. plans		105,192			8,029			6,687			7,327			7,989			8,914			66,246
Total estimated benefit payments	$	128,229		$	9,659		$	8,380		$	9,209		$	9,944		$	11,121		$	79,916
Other Benefit Plans
We sponsor a 401(k) Restoration Plan, which is a nonqualified, unfunded employee benefit plan under which specified employees may elect to defer compensation in excess of amounts deferrable under our 401(k) savings plan. The 401(k) Restoration Plan has no assets, and amounts withheld for the 401(k) Restoration Plan are kept by us for general corporate purposes. The investments selected by employees and associated returns are tracked on a phantom basis. Accordingly, we have a liability to the employee for amounts originally withheld plus phantom investment income or less phantom investment losses. We are at risk for phantom investment income and, conversely, benefit should phantom investment losses occur. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our liability for the 401(k) Restoration Plan was $7 million and $8 million, respectively, and is included in “Accrued payroll and related costs.”
In 2005 we enacted a profit sharing plan, the Noble Drilling Services Inc. Profit Sharing Plan, which covers eligible employees, as defined. Participants in the plan become fully vested in the plan after five years of service, or three years beginning in 2007. Profit sharing contributions are discretionary, require Board of Directors approval and are made in the form of cash. Contributions recorded related to this plan totaled $6 million, $5 million and $4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
We sponsor a 401(k) savings plan and other retirement, health and welfare plans for the benefit of our employees. The cost of maintaining these plans for continuing operations aggregated approximately $70 million, $80 million and $69 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We do not provide post-retirement benefits (other than pensions) or any post-employment benefits to our employees.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Note 16- Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We periodically enter into derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivative instruments. We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes, nor are we a party to leveraged derivatives.
	For foreign currency forward contracts, hedge effectiveness is evaluated at inception based on the matching of critical terms between derivative contracts and the hedged item. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Several of our regional shorebases, including our North Sea and Brazilian operations, have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we periodically enter into forward contracts, which settle monthly in the operations’ respective local currencies. All of these contracts have a maturity of less than 12 months. During 2014 and 2013, we entered into forward contracts of approximately $195 million and $128 million, respectively, all of which settled during their respective years. At both December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had no outstanding derivative contracts.
	Financial Statement Presentation
	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 17, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Gain/(loss) recognized				Gain reclassified from						Gain/(loss) recognized
		through AOCL				AOCL to “contract						through “contract
						drilling services”						drililng services” expense
						expense
		2014		2013		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	4,286	$	1,200	$	(4,286	)	$	(1,200	)	$	—	$	—

Financial_Instruments_and_Cred

Financial Instruments and Credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments and Credit Risk	Note 17- Financial Instruments and Credit Risk
	The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
		December 31, 2014
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets—
	Marketable securities	$	6,175	$	6,175	$	—	$	—
		December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets—
	Marketable securities	$	7,230	$	7,230	$	—	$	—
	The foreign currency forward contracts have been valued using actively quoted prices and quotes obtained from the counterparties to the contracts. Our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are by their nature short-term. As a result, the carrying values included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The market for our services is the offshore oil and gas industry, and our customers consist primarily of major integrated oil companies, government-owned oil companies and independent oil and gas producers. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and do not require material collateral. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses when necessary. Our results of operations and financial condition should be considered in light of the fluctuations in demand experienced by drilling contractors as changes in oil and gas producers’ expenditures and budgets occur. These fluctuations can impact our results of operations and financial condition as supply and demand factors directly affect utilization and dayrates, which are the primary determinants of our net cash provided by operating activities.
	Revenues from Shell and its affiliates accounted for approximately 55 percent, 67 percent and 51 percent of our consolidated operating revenues in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Revenues from Saudi Arabian Oil Company (“Saudi Aramco”) accounted for approximately 10 percent of our consolidated operating revenues in both 2013 and 2012. Saudi Aramco did not account for more than 10 percent of our consolidated operating revenues in 2014. Revenues from Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) accounted for approximately 11 percent of our consolidated operating revenues in 2012. Petrobras did not account for more than 10 percent of our consolidated operating revenues in either 2014 or 2013. No other customer accounted for more than 10 percent of our consolidated operating revenues in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 18- 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. In December 2014, one of our subsidiaries reached a settlement with the DOJ regarding its investigation of the Noble Discoverer and the Kulluk. Under the terms of the agreement, the subsidiary pled guilty to oil record book, ballast record and required hazardous condition reporting violations with respect to the Noble Discoverer and an oil record book violation with respect to the Kulluk. The subsidiary paid $8.2 million in fines and $4 million in community service payments, and was placed on probation for four years, provided that we may petition the court for early dismissal of probation after three years. If during the term of probation, the subsidiary fails to adhere to the terms of the plea agreement, the DOJ may withdraw from the plea agreement and would be free to prosecute the subsidiary on all charges arising out of its investigation, including any charges dismissed pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, as well as potentially other charges. We also implemented a comprehensive environmental compliance plan.
	We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits that are incidental to our operations in which the claimants seek an unspecified amount of monetary damages for personal injury, including injuries purportedly resulting from exposure to asbestos on drilling rigs and associated facilities. At December 31, 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. 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 $66 million attributable to income, customs and other business taxes have been assessed against us. We have received tax assessments of approximately $141 million related to Paragon Offshore assets that operated through Noble-retained entities in Mexico, and Paragon Offshore has received tax assessments of approximately $165 million for Noble assets that operated through a Paragon Offshore-retained entity in Brazil. Of these tax assessments in Mexico and Brazil, approximately $20 million and $46 million, respectively, relate to Noble’s share of the tax liability. Under the TSA, Paragon Offshore has an obligation to indemnify us for all assessed amounts that are related to Paragon Offshore’s Mexico assets, approximately $121 million, and we have an obligation to indemnify Paragon Offshore for all assessed amounts that are related to Noble’s Brazil assets, approximately $46 million, in each case, if and when such payments become due. We have contested, or intend to contest, these assessments, including through litigation if necessary, and we believe the ultimate resolution, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. Tax authorities may issue additional assessments or pursue legal actions as a result of tax audits and we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of such assessments and legal actions.
	On January 23, 2015, Noble received an official notification of a ruling from the Second Chamber of the Supreme Court in Mexico. The ruling settled an ongoing dispute in Mexico relating to the classification of a Noble subsidiary’s business activity and the applicable rate of depreciation under the Mexican law. The ruling did not result in any additional tax liability to Noble. Additionally, the ruling does not constitute mandatory jurisprudence in Mexico, and thus is only applicable to the Noble subsidiary named in the ruling. We will continue to contest future assessments received. Any claim by the tax authorities relating to this issue is subject to a full indemnification from Paragon Offshore under the TSA.
	We have been notified by 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 $30 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 certain aspects of 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 shorebased 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 $729 million at December 31, 2014.
	We have entered into agreements with certain of our executive officers, as well as certain other employees. These agreements become effective upon a change of control of Noble-UK (within the meaning set forth in the agreements) or a termination of employment in connection with or in anticipation of a change of control, and remain effective for three years thereafter. These agreements provide for compensation and certain other benefits under such circumstances.

Segment_and_Related_Informatio

Segment and Related Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Related Information	Note 19- 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 December 31, 2014, our contract drilling services segment conducts contract drilling operations in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, 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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is shown in the following tables. The “Other” column includes results of labor contract drilling services in Alaska for 2013 and 2012, 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.
			Contract
			Drilling
			Services			Other			Total
	2014
	Revenues from external customers		$	3,230,253		$	2,251		$	3,232,504
	Depreciation and amortization			608,590			18,883			627,473
	Segment operating income (loss)			204,365			(18,423	)		185,942
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(164	)		(155,015	)		(155,179	)
	Income tax (provision) benefit			(130,654	)		24,003			(106,651	)
	Segment profit (loss)			216,659			(208,168	)		8,491
	Total assets (at end of period)			13,019,089			267,733			13,286,822
	2013
	Revenues from external customers		$	2,520,064		$	18,079		$	2,538,143
	Depreciation and amortization			497,303			14,210			511,513
	Segment operating income (loss)			750,181			(9,644	)		740,537
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(694	)		(105,606	)		(106,300	)
	Income tax provision			(90,468	)		(1,649	)		(92,117	)
	Segment profit (loss)			874,816			(92,119	)		782,697
	Total assets (at end of period)			15,495,071			722,886			16,217,957
	2012
	Revenues from external customers		$	2,154,980		$	45,719		$	2,200,699
	Depreciation and amortization			427,234			13,072			440,306
	Segment operating income (loss)			626,012			(448	)		625,564
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(394	)		(85,369	)		(85,763	)
	Income tax (provision) benefit			(110,373	)		15,190			(95,183	)
	Segment profit (loss)			645,560			(123,216	)		522,344
	The following table presents revenues and identifiable assets by country based on the location of the service provided:
			Revenues									Identifiable Assets
			Year Ended December 31,									As of December 31,
			2014			2013			2012			2014		2013 (3)
	United States		$	1,639,509		$	1,338,634		$	1,061,254		$	6,739,636	$	5,525,839
	Argentina			97,743			—			—			304,131		—
	Australia			146,474			133,214			42,353			541,655		624,238
	Benin			66,077			41,251			—			—		803,788
	Brazil			447,266			527,706			430,737			799,599		3,921,306
	Denmark			28,980			—			—			272,788		—
	Egypt			19,961			33,685			103,380			—		—
	Malaysia			11,126			—			—			1,144,498		23,002
	Malta			15,495			7,453			35,776			—		454,951
	Mexico			127			14,529			40,218			35,994		439,098
	Morocco			69,056			—			—			—		—
	New Zealand			56,911			11,995			9,563			—		663,165
	Saudi Arabia			260,544			246,083			220,657			479,525		584,230
	Singapore (1)			—			—			—			982,731		618,341
	South Korea (1)			—			—			—			—		894,347
	Switzerland (2)			—			—			—			27,645		32,162
	The Netherlands			82,026			—			—			249,074		339,560
	Turkey			13,960			—			—			740,362		—
	United Arab Emirates			108,044			71,896			59,321			331,812		443,166
	United Kingdom			84,078			87,908			66,232			248,835		400,989
	Other			85,127			23,789			131,208			388,537		449,775
	Total		$	3,232,504		$	2,538,143		$	2,200,699		$	13,286,822	$	16,217,957
	-1	Singapore and South Korea consist primarily of asset values for newbuild rigs under construction in shipyards.
	-2	Switzerland assets consist of general corporate assets, which generate no external revenue for the Company.
	-3	Amounts in 2013 include identifiable assets that were ultimately transferred to Paragon Offshore as part of the Spin-off.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Note 20- Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Noble-UK)
	The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows. Amounts for 2014 are shown net of Paragon Offshore, which was distributed to shareholders in a non-cash transaction.
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Accounts receivable	$	29,730		$	(165,233	)	$	(143,010	)
	Other current assets		(3,201	)		(47,848	)		(43,246	)
	Other assets		(96,941	)		34,757			(385	)
	Accounts payable		63,546			50,731			28,565
	Other current liabilities		(28,644	)		61,644			108,385
	Other liabilities		86,037			2,731			80,431
		$	50,527		$	(63,218	)	$	30,740
	Additional cash flow information is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	159,835		$	81,897		$	56,144
	Income taxes (net of refunds)	$	132,527		$	219,088		$	148,612
	Non-cash activities during the period:
	Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	$	1,409,400			N/A			N/A
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Note 21- Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Noble-Cayman)
	The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows. Amounts for 2014 are shown net of Paragon Offshore, which was distributed to shareholders in a non-cash transaction.
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Accounts receivable	$	29,730		$	(165,233	)	$	(143,010	)
	Other current assets		(12,670	)		(48,186	)		(44,632	)
	Other assets		(96,925	)		35,103			(385	)
	Accounts payable		60,488			49,980			28,289
	Other current liabilities		(21,921	)		62,516			108,425
	Other liabilities		86,038			2,728			80,432
		$	44,740		$	(63,092	)	$	29,119
	Additional cash flow information is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	159,835		$	81,897		$	56,144
	Income taxes (net of refunds)	$	130,356		$	216,391		$	148,612
	Non-cash activities during the period:
	Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	$	1,409,400			N/A			N/A

Information_about_NobleCayman

Information about Noble-Cayman	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Information about Noble-Cayman	Note 22- 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 removed NDC from the guarantor financial statements and NHC is no longer 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 existed at December 31, 2014.
	Noble-Cayman, or one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman, are a co-issuer or full and unconditional guarantor or otherwise obligated as of December 31, 2014 as follows:
		Issuer
	Notes	(Co-Issuer(s))		Guarantor(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 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
	31-Dec-14
	(in thousands)
																	Other
																	Non-guarantor
		Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
		Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5		$	—		$	254		$	—		$	—		$	65,521		$	—		$	65,780
	Accounts receivable		—			—			37,655			2,336			—			529,105			—			569,096
	Taxes receivable		—			63,373			752			—			—			43,164			—			107,289
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		123,449			—			1,077,965			—			333,966			171,925			(1,707,305	)		—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates		2,019,319			374,012			192,771			157,164			125,834			4,191,406			(7,060,506	)		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		14,274			—			1,764			—			—			123,631			—			139,669
	Total current assets		2,157,047			437,385			1,311,161			159,500			459,800			5,124,752			(8,767,811	)		881,834
	Property and equipment, at cost		—			—			2,040,168			—			—			12,364,203			—			14,404,371
	Accumulated depreciation		—			—			(278,147	)		—			—			(2,040,073	)		—			(2,318,220	)
	Property and equipment, net		—			—			1,762,021			—			—			10,324,130			—			12,086,151
	Notes receivable from affiliates		3,304,654			—			236,921			1,980,391			5,000			1,581,429			(7,108,395	)		—
	Investments in affiliates		4,567,335			1,318,239			2,921,452			8,266,444			6,290,918			—			(23,364,388	)		—
	Other assets		2,908			—			6,212			19,826			517			192,791			—			222,254
	Total assets	$	10,031,944		$	1,755,624		$	6,237,767		$	10,426,161		$	6,756,235		$	17,223,102		$	(39,240,594	)	$	13,190,239
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities
	Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	171,925		$	—		$	—		$	371,720		$	1,163,660		$	(1,707,305	)	$	—
	Accounts payable		600			—			10,130			—			—			250,282			—			261,012
	Accrued payroll and related costs		—			—			7,738			—			—			83,749			—			91,487
	Accounts payable to affiliates		606,224			63,602			3,513,705			61,982			16,869			2,798,124			(7,060,506	)		—
	Taxes payable		—			—			—			—			—			91,471			—			91,471
	Other current liabilities		16,150			—			13,409			57,053			4,412			110,890			—			201,914
	Total current liabilities		622,974			235,527			3,544,982			119,035			393,001			4,498,176			(8,767,811	)		645,884
	Long-term debt		1,123,495			—			—			3,543,830			201,695			—			—			4,869,020
	Notes payable to affiliates		1,769,068			—			598,715			1,169,180			192,216			3,379,216			(7,108,395	)		—
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			—			—			—			120,589			—			120,589
	Other liabilities		19,929			—			29,093			—			—			286,942			—			335,964
	Total liabilities		3,535,466			235,527			4,172,790			4,832,045			786,912			8,284,923			(15,876,206	)		5,971,457
	Commitments and contingencies
	Total shareholder equity		6,496,478			1,520,097			2,064,977			5,594,116			5,969,323			7,812,656			(22,961,169	)		6,496,478
	Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,125,523			(403,219	)		722,304
	Total equity		6,496,478			1,520,097			2,064,977			5,594,116			5,969,323			8,938,179			(23,364,388	)		7,218,782
	Total liabilities and equity	$	10,031,944		$	1,755,624		$	6,237,767		$	10,426,161		$	6,756,235		$	17,223,102		$	(39,240,594	)	$	13,190,239
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
31-Dec-13
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
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
Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	327,070		$	—		$	—		$	3,067,195		$	(246,406	)	$	3,147,859
Reimbursables		—			—			6,239			—			—			78,405			—			84,644
Other		—			—			—			—			—			1			—			1
Total operating revenues		—			—			333,309			—			—			3,145,601			(246,406	)		3,232,504
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		30,885			39,039			120,971			115,909			—			1,447,073			(246,406	)		1,507,471
Reimbursables		—			—			4,687			—			—			61,691			—			66,378
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			65,164			—			—			559,114			—			624,278
General and administrative		2,437			11,376			—			31,620			1			7,560			—			52,994
Loss on impairment		—			—			—			—			—			745,428			—			745,428
Total operating costs and expenses		33,322			50,415			190,822			147,529			1			2,820,866			(246,406	)		2,996,549
Operating income (loss)		(33,322	)		(50,415	)		142,487			(147,529	)		(1	)		324,735			—			235,955
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—continuing operations		(2,885,628	)		157,648			(80,080	)		604,419			448,785			—			1,754,856			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—discontinued operations, net of tax		223,083			50,565			28,580			170,845			6,240			—			(479,313	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		(2,662,545	)		208,213			(51,500	)		775,264			455,025			—			1,275,543			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(93,536	)		(3,046	)		(24,974	)		(169,666	)		(33,671	)		(3,148,822	)		3,318,536			(155,179	)
Interest income and other, net		2,913,631			—			249,005			89,449			3,308			64,267			(3,318,536	)		1,124
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		124,228			154,752			315,018			547,518			424,661			(2,759,820	)		1,275,543			81,900
Income tax provision		—			(68,805	)		(3,574	)		—			(1,546	)		(32,005	)		—			(105,930	)
Net income from continuing operations		124,228			85,947			311,444			547,518			423,115			(2,791,825	)		1,275,543			(24,030	)
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			(18,655	)		6,634			—			—			235,104			—			223,083
Net Income		124,228			67,292			318,078			547,518			423,115			(2,556,721	)		1,275,543			199,053
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(98,603	)		23,778			(74,825	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		124,228			67,292			318,078			547,518			423,115			(2,655,324	)		1,299,321			124,228
Other comprehensive loss, net		(21,732	)		—			—			—			—			(21,732	)		21,732			(21,732	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	102,496		$	67,292		$	318,078		$	547,518		$	423,115		$	(2,677,056	)	$	1,321,053		$	102,496
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	240,631		$	—		$	—		$	2,291,475		$	(77,361	)	$	2,454,745
Reimbursables		—			—			8,498			—			—			57,794			—			66,292
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			17,095			—			17,095
Other		—			—			—			—			—			11			—			11
Total operating revenues		—			—			249,129			—			—			2,366,375			(77,361	)		2,538,143
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		24,039			22,195			70,359			110,138			—			1,009,801			(77,361	)		1,159,171
Reimbursables		—			—			6,850			—			—			43,560			—			50,410
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			11,601			—			11,601
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			62,778			—			—			446,563			—			509,341
General and administrative		7,380			7,396			—			36,050			1			14,032			—			64,859
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		(13,581	)		29,591			139,987			146,188			1			1,507,878			(77,361	)		1,732,703
Operating income (loss)		13,581			(29,591	)		109,142			(146,188	)		(1	)		858,497			—			805,440
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—continuing operations		653,815			65,868			(53,235	)		641,155			(1,136,831	)		—			(170,772	)		—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—discontinued operations, net of tax		321,804			45,098			308,188			431,149			63,235			—			(1,169,474	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		975,619			110,966			254,953			1,072,304			(1,073,596	)		—			(1,340,246	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(127,995	)		(1,081	)		(23,156	)		(139,784	)		(45,897	)		(1,852,423	)		2,084,036			(106,300	)
Interest income and other, net		6,609			—			262,717			154,442			1,569,003			94,821			(2,084,036	)		3,556
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		867,814			80,294			603,656			940,774			449,509			(899,105	)		(1,340,246	)		702,696
Income tax provision		—			(24,592	)		3,655			—			—			(68,040	)		—			(88,977	)
Net income from continuing operations		867,814			55,702			607,311			940,774			449,509			(967,145	)		(1,340,246	)		613,719
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			(16,569	)		24,529			(55	)		—			313,899			—			321,804
Net Income		867,814			39,133			631,840			940,719			449,509			(653,246	)		(1,340,246	)		935,523
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(114,314	)		46,605			(67,709	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		867,814			39,133			631,840			940,719			449,509			(767,560	)		(1,293,641	)		867,814
Other comprehensive income, net		33,285			—			—			—			—			33,285			(33,285	)		33,285
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	901,099		$	39,133		$	631,840		$	940,719		$	449,509		$	(734,275	)	$	(1,326,926	)	$	901,099
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	161,577		$	—		$	—		$	2,006,624		$	(78,580	)	$	2,089,621
Reimbursables		—			—			6,637			—			—			59,130			—			65,767
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			45,299			—			45,299
Other		—			—			—			—			—			943			(931	)		12
Total operating revenues		—			—			168,214			—			—			2,111,996			(79,511	)		2,200,699
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		2,646			17,551			45,474			82,736			—			891,941			(79,511	)		960,837
Reimbursables		—			—			5,886			—			—			49,538			—			55,424
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			23,129			—			23,129
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			60,738			—			—			377,636			—			438,374
General and administrative		3,036			7,786			—			35,606			1			12,937			—			59,366
Loss on impairment		—			—			—			—			—			20,384			—			20,384
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		—			—			(4,869	)		—			—			(28,386	)		—			(33,255	)
Total operating costs and expenses		5,682			25,337			107,229			118,342			1			1,347,179			(79,511	)		1,524,259
Operating income (loss)		(5,682	)		(25,337	)		60,985			(118,342	)		(1	)		764,817			—			676,440
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—continuing operations		569,295			82,257			168,972			527,469			(244,644	)		—			(1,103,349	)		—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—discontinued operations, net of tax		115,151			32,769			188,511			280,121			60,481			—			(677,033	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		684,446			115,026			357,483			807,590			(184,163	)		—			(1,780,382	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(105,147	)		(20,950	)		(23,105	)		(120,361	)		(43,090	)		(666,968	)		893,858			(85,763	)
Interest income and other, net		7,306			—			40,845			135,001			594,328			119,449			(893,858	)		3,071
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		580,923			68,739			436,208			703,888			367,074			217,298			(1,780,382	)		593,748
Income tax provision		—			(18,446	)		(4,576	)		—			—			(71,161	)		—			(94,183	)
Net income from continuing operations		580,923			50,293			431,632			703,888			367,074			146,137			(1,780,382	)		499,565
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			(23,622	)		10,160			—			—			128,613			—			115,151
Net Income		580,923			26,671			441,792			703,888			367,074			274,750			(1,780,382	)		614,716
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(68,969	)		35,176			(33,793	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		580,923			26,671			441,792			703,888			367,074			205,781			(1,745,206	)		580,923
Other comprehensive loss, net		(41,128	)		—			—			—			—			(41,128	)		41,128			(41,128	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	539,795		$	26,671		$	441,792		$	703,888		$	367,074		$	164,653		$	(1,704,078	)	$	539,795
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	2,825,524		$	(151,987	)	$	366,583		$	(232,605	)	$	(31,788	)	$	(903,811	)	$	—		$	1,871,916
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			—			(1,404,560	)		—			—			(704,574	)		—			(2,109,134	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		50			—			—			273,744			—			—			(273,794	)		—
Net cash from investing activities		50			—			(1,404,560	)		273,744			—			(704,574	)		(273,794	)		(2,109,134	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		(437,647	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(437,647	)
Repayment of long-term debt		—			—			—			(250,000	)		—			—			—			(250,000	)
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore		—			—			—			—			—			1,710,550			—			1,710,550
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore		—			—			—			—			—			(14,676	)					(14,676	)
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-Off		—			—			—			—			—			(104,152	)		—			(104,152	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(79,966	)		—			(79,966	)
Financing costs on credit facilities		(398	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(398	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(631,095	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(631,095	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(1,482,686	)		151,987			1,037,829			208,857			31,788			52,225			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(273,744	)		—			—			—			—			(50	)		273,794			—
Net cash from financing activities		(2,825,570	)		151,987			1,037,829			(41,143	)		31,788			1,563,931			273,794			192,616
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		4			—			(148	)		(4	)		—			(44,454	)		—			(44,602	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1			—			402			4			—			109,975			—			110,382
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5		$	—		$	254		$	—		$	—		$	65,521		$	—		$	65,780
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(117,993	)	$	(133,595	)	$	424,147		$	(128,315	)	$	1,523,225		$	201,161		$	—		$	1,768,630
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			—			(1,594,449	)		—			—			(949,755	)		—			(2,544,204	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			(294,798	)		—
Proceeds from disposal of assets		—			—			—			—			—			61,000			—			61,000
Net cash from investing activities		—			—			(1,594,449	)		—			—			(593,957	)		(294,798	)		(2,483,204	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		1,221,333			—			—			—			—			—			—			1,221,333
Repayment of long-term debt		(300,000	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(300,000	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(105,388	)		—			(105,388	)
Financing costs on credit facilities		(2,484	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(2,484	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(265,880	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(265,880	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(241,180	)		133,595			1,169,800			128,317			(1,523,225	)		332,693			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(294,798	)		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			—
Net cash from financing activities		116,991			133,595			1,169,800			128,317			(1,523,225	)		227,305			294,798			547,581
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(1,002	)		—			(502	)		2			—			(165,491	)		—			(166,993	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,003			—			904			2			—			275,466			—			277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1		$	—		$	402		$	4		$	—		$	109,975		$	—		$	110,382
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(86,784	)	$	(99,193	)	$	134,370		$	(96,642	)	$	551,358		$	1,017,518		$	—		$	1,420,627
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			—			(682,477	)		—			—			(1,106,077	)		—			(1,788,554	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—			—			1,188,287			—
Net cash from investing activities		—			—			(682,477	)		(1,188,287	)		—			(1,106,077	)		1,188,287			(1,788,554	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		(635,192	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(635,192	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs		—			—			—			1,186,636			—			—			—			1,186,636
Financing costs on credit facilities		(5,221	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(5,221	)
Contributions from joint venture partners		—			—			—			—			—			40,000			—			40,000
Distributions to parent company, net		(175,977	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(175,977	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(284,256	)		99,193			548,626			98,295			(551,358	)		89,500			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		1,188,287			—			—			—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—
Net cash from financing activities		87,641			99,193			548,626			1,284,931			(551,358	)		129,500			(1,188,287	)		410,246
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		857			—			519			2			—			40,941			—			42,319
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		146			—			385			—			—			234,525			—			235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,003		$	—		$	904		$	2		$	—		$	275,466		$	—		$	277,375

Unaudited_Interim_Financial_Da

Unaudited Interim Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Interim Financial Data	Note 23- Unaudited Interim Financial Data
	Unaudited interim consolidated financial information from continuing operations for Noble-UK for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Quarter Ended
			Mar. 31			Jun. 30			Sep. 30			Dec. 31
	2014
	Operating revenues		$	795,187		$	803,781		$	828,796		$	804,740
	Operating income (loss)			248,968			235,205			243,633			(541,864	)
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Noble-UK			154,814			140,325			147,389			(594,539	)
	Net income (loss) per share from continuning operations attributable to Noble-UK (1)
	Basic			0.6			0.54			0.57			(2.38	)
	Diluted			0.6			0.54			0.57			(2.38	)
			Quarter Ended
			Mar. 31			Jun. 30			Sep. 30			Dec. 31
	2013
	Operating revenues		$	566,061		$	606,480		$	640,513		$	725,089
	Operating income			135,437			159,973			239,248			205,879
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Noble-UK			66,899			102,406			165,267			144,023
	Net income per share from continuning operations attributable to Noble-UK (1)
	Basic			0.26			0.4			0.64			0.56
	Diluted			0.26			0.4			0.64			0.56
	-1	Net income (loss) per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income (loss) per share may not equal the total computed for the year.
	The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income included for both Noble-UK and Noble-Cayman in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 erroneously included an adjustment related to the Spin-off for the historical accumulated other comprehensive income of Paragon Offshore and omitted the line item “Total comprehensive income”. We concluded these errors were not material individually, or in the aggregate, to either Noble-UK or Noble-Cayman in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and we will revise these numbers accordingly in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015.
	The following chart presents the recast of Noble-UK for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 to properly reflect the activity for the respective periods:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30, 2014						September 30, 2014
			As Reported			As Adjusted			As Reported			As Adjusted
	Net income		$	147,646		$	147,646		$	678,350		$	678,350
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(1,577	)		(1,577	)		1,143			1,143
	Foreign currency forward contracts			(6,925	)		(6,925	)		(273	)		(273	)
	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	)		(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			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			571			2,099			2,099
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net			(8,982	)		(8,982	)		1,918			1,918
	Spin-off of Paragon Offshore			34,478			—			34,478			—
	Total comprehensive income			n/a			138,664			n/a			680,268
	Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests			(20,471	)		(20,471	)		(60,290	)		(60,290	)
	Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc		$	152,671		$	118,193		$	654,456		$	619,978
	The following chart presents the recast of Noble-Cayman for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 to properly reflect the activity for the respective periods:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30, 2014						September 30, 2014
			As			As			As			As
			Reported			Adjusted			Reported			Adjusted
	Net income		$	193,705		$	193,705		$	784,078		$	784,078
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(1,577	)		(1,577	)		1,143			1,143
	Foreign currency forward contracts			(6,925	)		(6,925	)		(273	)		(273	)
	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	)		(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			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			571			2,099			2,099
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net			(8,982	)		(8,982	)		1,918			1,918
	Spin-off of Paragon Offshore			34,478			—			34,478			—
	Total comprehensive income			n/a			184,723			n/a			785,996
	Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests			(20,471	)		(20,471	)		(60,290	)		(60,290	)
	Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation		$	198,730		$	164,252		$	760,184		$	725,706

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Note 24- Subsequent Event
	In January 2015, we repurchased 6.2 million of our ordinary shares at an average price of $16.10 per share, excluding commissions and stamp tax. Including these items, the average price paid per share during January 2015 was $16.21. There can be no assurance as to the timing or amount of any additional repurchases. However, we intend to take a cautious approach to future share repurchases at least until market conditions in the offshore drilling business stabilize.

Organization_and_Significant_A1

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Business	Organization and Business
	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 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide. As of the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our fleet consisted of 15 jackups, nine drillships and eight semisubmersibles, including one high-specification, harsh environment jackup under construction. This excludes the semisubmersibles, Noble Driller, Noble Jim Thompson and Noble Paul Wolff.
	At December 31, 2014, our fleet was located in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.
	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 an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-UK, our publicly-traded parent company. Noble-UK’s principal asset is all of the shares of Noble-Cayman. Noble-Cayman has no public equity outstanding. The consolidated financial statements of Noble-UK include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-UK conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts, those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of two joint ventures, in each of which we own a 50 percent interest. Our ownership interest meets the definition of variable interest under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) codification and we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	Although we are a UK company, we define foreign currency as any non-U.S. denominated currency. In non-U.S. locations where the U.S. Dollar has been designated as the functional currency (based on an evaluation of factors including the markets in which the subsidiary operates, inflation, generation of cash flow, financing activities and intercompany arrangements), local currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income. In non-U.S. locations where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date, while income statement items are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. The resulting gains or losses arising from the translation of accounts from the functional currency to the U.S. Dollar are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We did not recognize any material gains or losses on foreign currency transactions or translations during the three years ended December 31, 2014.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits with banks and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are subject to potential credit risk, and certain of our cash accounts carry balances greater than the federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held by major banks or investment firms. Our cash management and investment policies restrict investments to lower risk, highly liquid securities and we perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of the financial institutions with which we conduct business.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost, reduced by provisions to recognize economic impairment in value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are sold, retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the gain or loss is recognized. Drilling equipment and facilities are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as of the date placed in service or date of major refurbishment. Estimated useful lives of our drilling equipment range from three to thirty years. Other property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over useful lives ranging from two to forty years. Included in accounts payable were $70 million and $88 million of capital accruals as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Interest is capitalized on construction-in-progress using the weighted average cost of debt outstanding during the period of construction.
	Scheduled maintenance of equipment is performed based on the number of hours operated in accordance with our preventative maintenance program. Routine repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred; however, the costs of the overhauls and asset replacement projects that benefit future periods and which typically occur every three to five years are capitalized when incurred and depreciated over an equivalent period. These overhauls and asset replacement projects are included in “Drilling equipment and facilities” in Note 7. Such amounts, net of accumulated depreciation, totaled $179 million and $400 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Depreciation expense from continuing operations related to overhauls and asset replacement totaled $77 million, $70 million and $53 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	We evaluate the impairment of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In addition, on an annual basis, we complete an impairment analysis on our rig fleet. An impairment loss on our property and equipment exists when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Any impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the estimated fair value. As part of this analysis, we make assumptions and estimates regarding future market conditions. To the extent actual results do not meet our estimated assumptions, for a given rig class, we may take an impairment loss in the future. For additional information, see Note 11.
Goodwill	Goodwill
	We conduct impairment testing for our goodwill annually during the fourth quarter, and on an interim basis when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit or the indefinite-lived intangible asset may have declined below its carrying value.
	We test goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment that constitutes a business for which financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by management. Our goodwill is identified to one reporting unit Contract Drilling Services.
	Before testing goodwill, we consider whether or not to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount and whether the two-step impairment test is required.
	If, as the result of our qualitative assessment, we determine that the two-step impairment test is required, or, alternatively, if we elect to forgo the qualitative assessment, we test goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the reporting unit, to the fair value of the reporting unit utilizing both market and income evaluation methodologies. If this test suggests that the goodwill is not supportable, we proceed to the second step which compares the implied goodwill at the date of the test, to the book value of goodwill of the reporting unit. If the implied goodwill is lower than the book value of goodwill a write-down is taken to the implied value. For additional information, see Note 11.
Deferred Costs	Deferred Costs
	Deferred debt issuance costs are being amortized through interest expense over the life of the debt securities.
Insurance Reserves	Insurance Reserves
	We maintain various levels of self-insured retention for certain losses including property damage, loss of hire, employment practices liability, employers’ liability, and general liability, among others. We accrue for property damage and loss of hire charges on a per event basis.
	Employment practices liability claims are accrued based on actual claims during the year. Maritime employer’s liability claims are generally estimated using actuarial determinations. General liability claims are estimated by our internal claims department by evaluating the facts and circumstances of each claim (including incurred but not reported claims) and making estimates based upon historical experience with similar claims. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, loss reserves for personal injury and protection claims totaled $21 million and $29 million, respectively, and such amounts are included in “Other current liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Our typical dayrate drilling contracts require our performance of a variety of services for a specified period of time. We determine progress towards completion of the contract by measuring efforts expended and the cost of services required to perform under a drilling contract, as the basis for our revenue recognition. Revenues generated from our dayrate-basis drilling contracts and labor contracts are recognized on a per day basis as services are performed and begin upon the contract commencement, as defined under the specified drilling or labor contract. Dayrate revenues are typically earned, and contract drilling expenses are typically incurred ratably over the term of our drilling contracts. We review and monitor our performance under our drilling contracts to confirm the basis for our revenue recognition. Revenues from bonuses are recognized when earned, and when collectability is reasonably assured.
	In our dayrate drilling contracts, we typically receive compensation and incur costs for mobilization, equipment modification or other activities prior to the commencement of a contract. Any such compensation may be paid through a lump-sum payment or other daily compensation. Pre-contract compensation and costs are deferred until the contract commences. The deferred pre-contract compensation and costs are amortized, using the straight-line method, into income over the term of the initial contract period, regardless of the activity taking place. This approach is consistent with the economics for which the parties have contracted. Once a contract commences, we may conduct various activities, including drilling and well bore related activities, rig maintenance and equipment installation, movement between well locations or other activities.
	Deferred revenues from drilling contracts totaled $263 million and $303 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such amounts are included in either “Other current liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition. Related expenses deferred under drilling contracts totaled $94 million at December 31, 2014 as compared to $157 million at December 31, 2013, and are included in either “Other current assets” or “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition.
	We record reimbursements from customers for “out-of-pocket” expenses as revenues and the related direct cost as operating expenses.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are based on the laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted or in which we or our subsidiaries are considered resident for income tax purposes. In certain circumstances, we expect that, due to changing demands of the offshore drilling markets and the ability to redeploy our offshore drilling units, certain of such units will not reside in a location long enough to give rise to future tax consequences. As a result, no deferred tax asset or liability has been recognized in these circumstances. Should our expectations change regarding the length of time an offshore drilling unit will be used in a given location, we will adjust deferred taxes accordingly.
	We operate through various subsidiaries in numerous countries throughout the world, including the United States. Consequently, we are subject to changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof in the U.S., UK or jurisdictions in which we or any of our subsidiaries operate or are resident. Our income tax expense is based upon our interpretation of the tax laws in effect in various countries at the time that the expense was incurred. If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or other taxing authorities do not agree with our assessment of the effects of such laws, treaties and regulations, this could have a material adverse effect on us including the imposition of a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings or a reclassification of the tax impact of our significant corporate restructuring transactions.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share
	Our unvested share-based payment awards, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the “two-class” method. The “two-class” method allocates undistributed earnings between common shares and participating securities. The diluted earnings per share calculation under the “two-class” method also includes the dilutive effect of potential shares issued in connection with stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options is determined using the treasury stock method.
Share-Based Compensation Plans	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	We record the grant date fair value of share-based compensation arrangements as compensation cost using a straight-line method over the service period. Share-based compensation is expensed or capitalized based on the nature of the employee’s activities.
Certain Significant Estimates	Certain Significant Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain accounting policies involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could have been reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions had been used. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Accounting Pronouncements	Accounting Pronouncements
	In 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 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.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, which amends ASC Subtopic 225-20, “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items.” The amendment in this ASU eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 which amends ASC Subtopic 810, “Consolidations.” This amendment affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities; eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The standard may be applied retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Operation from Discontinued Operations	The following table provides the results of operations from discontinued operations:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Operating revenues
	Contract drilling services	$	993,253		$	1,615,325		$	1,259,741
	Reimbursables		21,899			45,582			49,728
	Labor contract drilling services		19,304			35,146			36,591
	Other		2			94			253
	Operating revenues from discontinued operations	$	1,034,458		$	1,696,147		$	1,346,313
	Income from discontinued operations
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	216,391		$	379,591		$	159,860
	Income tax provision		(55,889	)		(75,489	)		(51,905	)
	Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	160,502		$	304,102		$	107,955
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 December 31, 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		5,609,119
	Accumulated depreciation		(2,640,943	)
	Property and equipment, net		2,968,176
	Other assets		84,894
	Total assets of discontinued operations	$	3,609,411
	LIABILITIES
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	132,446
	Accrued payroll and related costs		64,580
	Other current liabilities		103,768
	Total current liabilities of discontinued operations		300,794
	Long-term debt		1,726,750
	Other liabilities		172,467
	Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	2,200,011

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Ta

Consolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Schedule of Operational Results	Operational results for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Operating revenues	$	372,313	$	355,115
	Net income	$	157,171	$	145,447

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for Noble-UK	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for Noble-UK:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Basic
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(152,011	)	$	478,595		$	414,389
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(5,669	)		(4,212	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations to common shareholders		(152,011	)		472,926			410,177
	Income from discontinued operations		160,502			304,102			107,955
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(3,602	)		(1,097	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		160,502			300,500			106,858
	Net income attributable to Noble-UK		8,491			782,697			522,344
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(9,271	)		(5,309	)
	Net income to common shareholders—basic	$	8,491		$	773,426		$	517,035
	Diluted
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(152,011	)	$	478,595		$	414,389
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(5,663	)		(4,206	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations to common shareholders		(152,011	)		472,932			410,183
	Income from discontinued operations		160,502			304,102			107,955
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(3,598	)		(1,096	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders		160,502			300,504			106,859
	Net income attributable to Noble-UK		8,491			782,697			522,344
	Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		—			(9,261	)		(5,302	)
	Net income to common shareholders—diluted	$	8,491		$	773,436		$	517,042
	Weighted average shares outstanding—basic		252,909			253,288			252,435
	Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		—			259			356
	Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted		252,909			253,547			252,791
	Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		—			3,036			2,592
	Earnings per share
	Basic
	Continuing operations	$	(0.60	)	$	1.86		$	1.63
	Discontinued operations		0.63			1.19			0.42
	Net income attributable to Noble-UK	$	0.03		$	3.05		$	2.05
	Diluted
	Continuing operations	$	(0.60	)	$	1.86		$	1.63
	Discontinued operations		0.63			1.19			0.42
	Net income attributable to Noble-UK	$	0.03		$	3.05		$	2.05
	Dividends per share	$	1.5		$	0.76		$	0.54

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, at Cost	Property and equipment, at cost, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 for Noble-UK consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Drilling equipment and facilities	$	13,254,240	$	17,130,986
	Construction in progress		969,985		1,854,434
	Other		218,697		213,347
	Property and equipment, at cost	$	14,442,922	$	19,198,767

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			December 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014		$	—	$	249,964
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015			350,000		350,000
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016			299,982		299,967
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017			299,920		299,886
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019			201,695		201,695
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020			499,151		499,022
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021			399,627		399,576
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022			399,264		399,178
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040			399,895		399,893
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041			397,681		397,646
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042			498,310		498,283
	Total senior unsecured notes			3,745,525		3,995,110
	Credit facilities & commercial paper program			1,123,495		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt		$	4,869,020	$	5,556,251
Repayments of Total Debt	Aggregate principal repayments of total debt for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	2015(1)(2)		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	$1,473,495		$	299,982	$	299,920	$	—	$	201,695	$	2,593,928	$	4,869,020
	-1	In August 2015, our $350 million 3.45% Senior Notes mature. We anticipate using availability on our Credit Facilities or commercial paper issuances to repay the outstanding balance; therefore, we have shown the entire balance as long-term on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014.
	-2	Amounts outstanding under our credit facilities and commercial paper program mature during 2015. As amounts issued under the commercial paper program are supported by the unused committed capacity under our Credit Facilities, they are classified as long-term on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014.
Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt	The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
			Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
	Senior unsecured notes:
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2014		$	—	$	—	$	249,964	$	253,634
	3.45% Senior Notes due 2015			350,000		354,992		350,000		363,019
	3.05% Senior Notes due 2016			299,982		302,515		299,967		309,878
	2.50% Senior Notes due 2017			299,920		287,014		299,886		302,891
	7.50% Senior Notes due 2019			201,695		212,068		201,695		232,839
	4.90% Senior Notes due 2020			499,151		471,095		499,022		528,597
	4.625% Senior Notes due 2021			399,627		363,837		399,576		413,868
	3.95% Senior Notes due 2022			399,264		346,425		399,178		390,520
	6.20% Senior Notes due 2040			399,895		350,351		399,893		421,720
	6.05% Senior Notes due 2041			397,681		343,653		397,646		417,312
	5.25% Senior Notes due 2042			498,310		385,181		498,283		476,873
	Total senior unsecured notes			3,745,525		3,417,131		3,995,110		4,111,151
	Credit facilities and commercial paper program			1,123,495		1,123,495		1,561,141		1,561,141
	Total long-term debt		$	4,869,020	$	4,540,626	$	5,556,251	$	5,672,292

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Share Repurchases	Share repurchases for each of the three years ended December 31 are as follows:
			Total Number						Average
	Year Ended		of Shares						Price Paid
	December 31,		Purchased			Total Cost(1)			per Share(1)
	2014			6,769,891		$	154,145		$	22.77
	2013			190,187			7,653			40.24
	2012			302,150			10,516			34.8
	-1	The total cost and average price paid per share includes the impact of commissions and stamp tax for share repurchases made in the open market.
Summary of Stock Options Granted	A summary of the status of stock options granted under both the 1991 Plan and 1992 Plan as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the changes during the year ended on those dates is presented below:
			2014						2013					2012
			Number of			Weighted			Number of			Weighted		Number of			Weighted
			Shares			Average			Shares			Average		Shares			Average
			Underlying			Exercise			Underlying			Exercise		Underlying			Exercise
			Options			Price			Options			Price		Options			Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year			1,808,987		$	33.13			2,027,089		$	32.44		2,498,662		$	29.22
	Granted			—			—			—			—		358,772			36.04
	Exercised (1)			(131,706	)		20.08			(212,017	)		26.66		(645,731	)		20.97
	Forfeited			(57,871	)		30.18			(6,085	)		31.35		(184,614	)		35.92
	Spin-off adjustment			339,223			N/A			—			—		—			—
	Outstanding at end of year (2)			1,958,633			28.43			1,808,987			33.13		2,027,089			32.44
	Exercisable at end of year (2)			1,846,465		$	28.35			1,510,929		$	32.47		1,453,945		$	30.7
	-1	The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $3 million.
	-2	The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 was $0.
Additional Information about Stock Options Outstanding	The following table summarizes additional information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:
			Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
			Number of			Weighted			Weighted					Weighted
			Shares			Average			Average					Average
			Underlying			Remaining			Exercise			Number		Exercise
			Options			Life (Years)			Price			Exercisable		Price
	$20.49 to $21.99			513,103			2.25		$	21.24			513,103	$	21.24
	$22.00 to $29.74			312,531			2.71			27.13			294,553		27.24
	$29.75 to $35.73			1,132,999			5.37			32.04			1,038,809		32.17
	Total			1,958,633			4.13		$	28.43			1,846,465	$	28.35
Valuation Assumptions for Stock Options Granted	Fair value information and related valuation assumptions for stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2012 is as follows:
			2012
	Weighted average fair value per option granted		$	13.41
	Valuation assumptions:
	Expected option term (years)			6
	Expected volatility			43	%
	Historical dividend yield			1.4	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.1	%
Summary of Status of Non-Vested Stock Options	A summary of the status of our non-vested stock options at December 31, 2014, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
			Shares			Weighted-Average
			Under Outstanding			Grant-Date
			Options			Fair Value
	Non-Vested Options at January 1, 2014			298,058		$	13.13
	Vested			(204,877	)		13.16
	Spin-off adjustment			18,987			N/A
	Non-Vested Options at December 31, 2014			112,168		$	13.05
Assumptions used to Value Performance-Vested Restricted Stock Awards	The assumptions used to value the PVRSU’s include historical volatility, risk-free interest rates, and expected dividends over a time period commensurate with the remaining term prior to vesting, as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Valuation assumptions:
	Expected volatility			33	%		34.8	%		41.4	%
	Expected dividend yield			4.7	%		1.3	%		1.5	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.7	%		0.4	%		0.3	%
Summary of Restricted Share Awards	A summary of the RSU awards for each of the years in the period ended December 31 is as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	TVRSU
	Units awarded (maximum available)			1,617,534			1,033,009			932,274
	Weighted-average share price at award date		$	31.56		$	41.32		$	36.53
	Weighted-average vesting period (years)			3			3			3
	PVRSU
	Units awarded (maximum available)			740,364			565,650			481,206
	Weighted-average share price at award date		$	31.66		$	41.42		$	36.9
	Three-year performance period ended December 31			2016			2015			2014
	Weighted-average award-date fair value		$	19.66		$	24.97		$	20.05
Summary of Status of Non-Vested Restricted Shares	A summary of the status of non-vested RSU’s at December 31, 2014 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014 is presented below:
						Weighted						Weighted
						Average						Average
			TVRSU’s			Award-Date			PVRSU’s			Award-Date
			Outstanding			Fair Value			Outstanding (1)			Fair Value
	Non-vested RSU’s at January 1, 2014			1,652,360		$	39.4			1,397,137		$	21.06
	Awarded			1,617,534			31.56			740,364			19.66
	Vested			(749,935	)		38.76			(180,975	)		16.77
	Forfeited			(149,006	)		35.5			(253,882	)		17.66
	Surrendered in connection with Spin-off			(816,627	)		34.22			(89,612	)		20.95
	Spin-off adjustment			326,853			N/A			329,937			N/A
	Non-vested RSU’s at December 31, 2014			1,881,179		$	34.66			1,942,969		$	21.44
	-1	The number of PVRSU’s shown equals the units that would vest if the “maximum” level of performance is achieved. The minimum number of units is zero and the “target” level of performance is 50 percent of the amounts shown.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Changes in AOCL by Component	The following tables set forth the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and changes in AOCL by component for the year ended December 31, 2014. All amounts within the tables are shown net of tax.
			Gains /			Defined
			(Losses) on			Benefit			Foreign
			Cash Flow			Pension			Currency
			Hedges(1)			Items(2)			Items			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	—		$	(95,071	)	$	(20,378	)	$	(115,449	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(1,200	)		29,861			(3,188	)		25,473
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			1,200			6,612			—			7,812
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			—			36,473			(3,188	)		33,285
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	—		$	(58,598	)	$	(23,566	)	$	(82,164	)
	Activity during period:
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(4,286	)		(30,952	)		(118	)		(35,356	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCL			4,286			9,338			—			13,624
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			—			(21,614	)		(118	)		(21,732	)
	Spin-off of Paragon Offshore(3)			—			21,772			12,706			34,478
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	—		$	(58,440	)	$	(10,978	)	$	(69,418	)
	-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 16 for additional information.
	-2	Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial changes, the amortization of prior service costs and curtailment and settlement expenses. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 15 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.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Deferred Taxes	The components of the net deferred taxes are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets
	United States
	Deferred pension plan amounts	$	23,497		$	8,859
	Accrued expenses not currently deductible		14,250			31,769
	Other		11,267			14,542
	Non-U.S.
	Net operating loss carry forwards		6,907			33,021
	Deferred pension plan amounts		3,096			2,130
	Other		—			300
	Deferred tax assets		59,017			90,621
	Less: valuation allowance		(6,907	)		(16,847	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	52,110		$	73,774
	Deferred tax liabilities
	United States
	Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis	$	(166,959	)	$	(275,073	)
	Other		(4,969	)		(6,002	)
	Non-U.S.
	Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis		(200	)		(1,034	)
	Other		(397	)		(2,452	)
	Deferred tax liabilities	$	(172,525	)	$	(284,561	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(120,415	)	$	(210,787	)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes consists of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	38,206		$	178,090		$	135,618
	Non-U.S.		(8,741	)		460,331			407,747
	Total	$	29,465		$	638,421		$	543,365
Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations	The income tax provision for continuing operations consists of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current- United States	$	50,829		$	83,302		$	65,244
	Current- Non-U.S.		74,288			23,836			45,593
	Deferred- United States		(18,655	)		(14,032	)		(16,256	)
	Deferred- Non-U.S.		189			(989	)		602
	Total	$	106,651		$	92,117		$	95,183
Reconciliation of Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions, Excluding Interest and Penalties	The following is a reconciliation of our reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties:
		2014			2013			2012
	Gross balance at January 1,	$	115,969		$	115,009		$	108,036
	Additions based on tax positions related to current year		16,880			2,318			3,704
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		12,928			18,906			16,432
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(8	)		(7,910	)		(7,917	)
	Expiration of statutes		(2,852	)		(2,633	)		(1,903	)
	Reduction due to Spin-off		(26,870	)		—			—
	Tax settlements		(7,235	)		(9,721	)		(3,343	)
	Gross balance at December 31,		108,812			115,969			115,009
	Related tax benefits		(1,064	)		(2,038	)		(9,981	)
	Net reserve at December 31,	$	107,748		$	113,931		$	105,028
Summary of Liabilities Related to Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions	The liabilities related to our reserve for uncertain tax positions are comprised of the following:
		2014			2013
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties	$	107,748		$	113,931
	Interest and penalties included in “Other liabilities”		8,039			13,190
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties	$	115,787		$	127,121
Reconciliation of Statutory and Effective Income Tax Rate	A reconciliation of tax rates outside of the United Kingdom and the Cayman Islands to our Noble-UK effective rate for continuing operations is shown below:
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Effect of:
	Tax rates which are different than the UK and Cayman Island rates		19.3	%		15.5	%		18.6	%
	Tax impact of asset impairment		344	%		0	%		0	%
	Resolution of tax authority audits		-1.3	%		-1.1	%		-1.1	%
	Total		362	%		14.4	%		17.5	%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations for our Non - U.S. and U.S. Plan	A reconciliation of the changes in projected benefit obligations (“PBO”) for our non-U.S. and U.S. plans is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	161,591		$	223,938		$	151,781		$	225,885
	Service cost		4,777			8,901			5,496			10,724
	Interest cost		4,650			10,546			5,085			9,049
	Actuarial loss (gain)		6,145			51,524			(4,584	)		(17,652	)
	Plan amendments		1,595			—			(227	)		—
	Benefits paid		(2,819	)		(4,262	)		(2,558	)		(4,068	)
	Settlement		—			(34,397	)		—			—
	Curtailment		—			(18,178	)		—			—
	Plan participants’ contributions		266			—			956			—
	Foreign exchange rate changes		(7,071	)		—			5,642			—
	Spin-off adjustment		(96,581	)		—			—			—
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	72,553		$	238,072		$	161,591		$	223,938
Reconciliation of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets	A reconciliation of the changes in fair value of plan assets is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	174,257		$	201,011		$	151,819		$	167,170
	Actual return on plan assets		6,717			7,750			8,470			31,518
	Employer contributions		6,863			2,017			9,365			6,391
	Benefits and expenses paid		(2,819	)		(4,262	)		(2,558	)		(4,068	)
	Settlement		—			(34,397	)		—			—
	Plan participants’ contributions		266			—			956			—
	Foreign exchange rate changes		(11,068	)		—			6,205			—
	Spin-off adjustment		(96,502	)		—			—			—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	77,714		$	172,119		$	174,257		$	201,011
Funded Status of Plans	The funded status of the plans is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Funded status	$	5,161		$	(65,953	)	$	12,666		$	(22,927	)
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Other assets (noncurrent)	$	7,725		$	—		$	13,586		$	6,132
	Other liabilities (current)		—			(3,037	)		—			(2,120	)
	Other liabilities (noncurrent)		(2,564	)		(62,916	)		(920	)		(26,939	)
	Net amount recognized	$	5,161		$	(65,953	)	$	12,666		$	(22,927	)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Amounts recognized in AOCL consist of:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Net actuarial loss	$	11,793		$	73,705		$	30,902		$	45,338
	Prior service cost		1,531			468			(232	)		905
	Deferred income tax asset		(3,096	)		(25,961	)		(2,130	)		(16,185	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	10,228		$	48,212		$	28,540		$	30,058
Pension Costs	Pension cost includes the following components:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Service Cost	$	4,777		$	8,901		$	5,496		$	10,724		$	4,461		$	9,612
	Interest Cost		4,650			10,546			5,085			9,049			5,372			8,719
	Return on plan assets		(6,117	)		(15,499	)		(5,836	)		(13,102	)		(5,344	)		(11,171	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		46			196			—			227			—			227
	Recognized net actuarial loss		769			2,857			1,670			7,639			803			7,356
	Curtailment expense		—			241			—			—			—			—
	Settlement expense		—			9,872			—			—			—			—
	Net pension expense	$	4,125		$	17,114		$	6,415		$	14,537		$	5,292		$	14,743
Disaggregated Plan Information	Disaggregated information regarding our non-U.S. and U.S. plans is summarized below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Projected benefit obligation	$	72,553		$	238,072		$	161,591		$	223,938
	Accumulated benefit obligation		68,902			202,716			154,140			185,383
	Fair value of plan assets		77,714			172,119			174,257			201,011
Plans in which PBO Exceeded Fair Value	The following table provides information related to those plans in which the PBO exceeded the fair value of the plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The PBO is the actuarially computed present value of earned benefits based on service to date and includes the estimated effect of any future salary increases.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Projected benefit obligation	$	3,157		$	238,072		$	6,740		$	200,472
	Fair value of plan assets		592			172,119			5,820			171,413
Plans in which Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeded Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following table provides information related to those plans in which the accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) exceeded the fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The ABO is the actuarially computed present value of earned benefits based on service to date, but differs from the PBO in that it is based on current salary levels.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	1,355		$	202,716		$	6,493		$	11,997
	Fair value of plan assets		592			172,119			5,820			—
Defined Benefit Plans Key Assumptions	The key assumptions for the plans are summarized below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
	Discount Rate	2.6%-3.7%		3.0%-4.1%	3.9%-4.7%		3.9%-5.1%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.6%-4.1%		5.00%	3.6%-4.5%		5.00%
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.	Non-U.S.		U.S.
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:
	Discount Rate	2.7%-4.7%		3.9%-5.1%	2.5%-4.5%		3.1%-4.2%	4.7%-5.0%		4.3%-4.7%
	Expected long-term return on assets	2.3%-6.0%		7.80%	2.3%-5.7%		7.80%	3.9%-5.4%		7.80%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.6%-4.5%		5.00%	3.6%-4.1%		5.00%	2.3%-4.4%		5.00%
Actual Fair Values of Non-U.S. Pension Plans	The actual fair values of Non-U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
					December 31, 2014
					Estimated Fair Value
					Measurements
					Quoted			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Significant
					Active			Observable			Unobservable
		Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
		Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	87		$	87		$	—		$	—
	Equity securities:
	International companies	$	53,261		$	53,261		$	—		$	—
	Fixed income securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	23,774		$	—		$	23,774		$	—
	Other		592			—			—			592
	Total	$	77,714		$	53,348		$	23,774		$	592
					December 31, 2013
					Estimated Fair Value
					Measurements
					Quoted			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Significant
					Active			Observable			Unobservable
		Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
		Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	207		$	207		$	—		$	—
	Equity securities:
	International companies	$	54,722		$	54,722		$	—		$	—
	Fixed income securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	41,767		$	—		$	41,767		$	—
	Other		77,561			—			—			77,561
	Total	$	174,257		$	54,929		$	41,767		$	77,561
Schedule of Activity Related to Investments	third-party consultants employed by Noble. The following table details the activity related to these investments during the year.
		Market
		Value
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	77,561
	Assets transferred out in Spin-off		(77,561	)
	Assets purchased		749
	Assets sold/benefits paid		(157	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	592
Actual Fair Values of U.S. Pension Plans	The actual fair values of U.S. pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
					December 31, 2014
					Estimated Fair Value
					Measurements
					Quoted			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Significant
					Active			Observable			Unobservable
		Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
		Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,998		$	—		$	5,998		$	—
	Equity securities:
	United States	$	80,823		$	80,823		$	—		$	—
	International		33,392			33,392			—			—
	Fixed income securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	51,906		$	51,906		$	—		$	—
	Total	$	172,119		$	166,121		$	5,998		$	—
					December 31, 2013
					Estimated Fair Value
					Measurements
					Quoted			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Significant
					Active			Observable			Unobservable
		Carrying			Markets			Inputs			Inputs
		Amount			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,184		$	—		$	2,184		$	—
	Equity securities:
	United States	$	104,899		$	80,714		$	24,185		$	—
	International		33,012			33,012			—			—
	Fixed income securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	60,916		$	60,916		$	—		$	—
	Total	$	201,011		$	174,642		$	26,369		$	—
Estimated Benefit Payments	The following table summarizes our estimated benefit payments at December 31, 2014:
					Payments by Period
		Total			2015			2016			2017			2018			2019			Thereafter
	Estimated benefit payments
	Non U.S. plans	$	23,037		$	1,630		$	1,693		$	1,882		$	1,955		$	2,207		$	13,670
	U.S. plans		105,192			8,029			6,687			7,327			7,989			8,914			66,246
	Total estimated benefit payments	$	128,229		$	9,659		$	8,380		$	9,209		$	9,944		$	11,121		$	79,916

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summarization of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges	To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 17, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Gain/(loss) recognized				Gain reclassified from						Gain/(loss) recognized
		through AOCL				AOCL to “contract						through “contract
						drilling services”						drililng services” expense
						expense
		2014		2013		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	4,286	$	1,200	$	(4,286	)	$	(1,200	)	$	—	$	—

Financial_Instruments_and_Cred1

Financial Instruments and Credit Risk (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
		December 31, 2014
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets—
	Marketable securities	$	6,175	$	6,175	$	—	$	—
		December 31, 2013
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements
				Quoted		Significant
				Prices in		Other		Significant
				Active		Observable		Unobservable
		Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
		Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets—
	Marketable securities	$	7,230	$	7,230	$	—	$	—

Segment_and_Related_Informatio1

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summarized Financial Information of Reportable Segment	subsidiaries. As a result, the summarized financial information for Noble-Cayman is substantially the same as Noble-UK.
			Contract
			Drilling
			Services			Other			Total
	2014
	Revenues from external customers		$	3,230,253		$	2,251		$	3,232,504
	Depreciation and amortization			608,590			18,883			627,473
	Segment operating income (loss)			204,365			(18,423	)		185,942
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(164	)		(155,015	)		(155,179	)
	Income tax (provision) benefit			(130,654	)		24,003			(106,651	)
	Segment profit (loss)			216,659			(208,168	)		8,491
	Total assets (at end of period)			13,019,089			267,733			13,286,822
	2013
	Revenues from external customers		$	2,520,064		$	18,079		$	2,538,143
	Depreciation and amortization			497,303			14,210			511,513
	Segment operating income (loss)			750,181			(9,644	)		740,537
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(694	)		(105,606	)		(106,300	)
	Income tax provision			(90,468	)		(1,649	)		(92,117	)
	Segment profit (loss)			874,816			(92,119	)		782,697
	Total assets (at end of period)			15,495,071			722,886			16,217,957
	2012
	Revenues from external customers		$	2,154,980		$	45,719		$	2,200,699
	Depreciation and amortization			427,234			13,072			440,306
	Segment operating income (loss)			626,012			(448	)		625,564
	Interest expense, net of amount capitalized			(394	)		(85,369	)		(85,763	)
	Income tax (provision) benefit			(110,373	)		15,190			(95,183	)
	Segment profit (loss)			645,560			(123,216	)		522,344
Revenues and Identifiable Assets by Country Based on the Location of the Service Provided	The following table presents revenues and identifiable assets by country based on the location of the service provided:
			Revenues									Identifiable Assets
			Year Ended December 31,									As of December 31,
			2014			2013			2012			2014		2013 (3)
	United States		$	1,639,509		$	1,338,634		$	1,061,254		$	6,739,636	$	5,525,839
	Argentina			97,743			—			—			304,131		—
	Australia			146,474			133,214			42,353			541,655		624,238
	Benin			66,077			41,251			—			—		803,788
	Brazil			447,266			527,706			430,737			799,599		3,921,306
	Denmark			28,980			—			—			272,788		—
	Egypt			19,961			33,685			103,380			—		—
	Malaysia			11,126			—			—			1,144,498		23,002
	Malta			15,495			7,453			35,776			—		454,951
	Mexico			127			14,529			40,218			35,994		439,098
	Morocco			69,056			—			—			—		—
	New Zealand			56,911			11,995			9,563			—		663,165
	Saudi Arabia			260,544			246,083			220,657			479,525		584,230
	Singapore (1)			—			—			—			982,731		618,341
	South Korea (1)			—			—			—			—		894,347
	Switzerland (2)			—			—			—			27,645		32,162
	The Netherlands			82,026			—			—			249,074		339,560
	Turkey			13,960			—			—			740,362		—
	United Arab Emirates			108,044			71,896			59,321			331,812		443,166
	United Kingdom			84,078			87,908			66,232			248,835		400,989
	Other			85,127			23,789			131,208			388,537		449,775
	Total		$	3,232,504		$	2,538,143		$	2,200,699		$	13,286,822	$	16,217,957
	-1	Singapore and South Korea consist primarily of asset values for newbuild rigs under construction in shipyards.
	-2	Switzerland assets consist of general corporate assets, which generate no external revenue for the Company.
	-3	Amounts in 2013 include identifiable assets that were ultimately transferred to Paragon Offshore as part of the Spin-off.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 in a non-cash transaction.
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Accounts receivable	$	29,730		$	(165,233	)	$	(143,010	)
	Other current assets		(3,201	)		(47,848	)		(43,246	)
	Other assets		(96,941	)		34,757			(385	)
	Accounts payable		63,546			50,731			28,565
	Other current liabilities		(28,644	)		61,644			108,385
	Other liabilities		86,037			2,731			80,431
		$	50,527		$	(63,218	)	$	30,740
Additional Cash Flow Information	Additional cash flow information is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	159,835		$	81,897		$	56,144
	Income taxes (net of refunds)	$	132,527		$	219,088		$	148,612
	Non-cash activities during the period:
	Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	$	1,409,400			N/A			N/A
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities	The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows. Amounts for 2014 are shown net of Paragon Offshore, which was distributed to shareholders in a non-cash transaction.
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Accounts receivable	$	29,730		$	(165,233	)	$	(143,010	)
	Other current assets		(12,670	)		(48,186	)		(44,632	)
	Other assets		(96,925	)		35,103			(385	)
	Accounts payable		60,488			49,980			28,289
	Other current liabilities		(21,921	)		62,516			108,425
	Other liabilities		86,038			2,728			80,432
		$	44,740		$	(63,092	)	$	29,119
Additional Cash Flow Information	Additional cash flow information is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	159,835		$	81,897		$	56,144
	Income taxes (net of refunds)	$	130,356		$	216,391		$	148,612
	Non-cash activities during the period:
	Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	$	1,409,400			N/A			N/A

Information_about_NobleCayman_

Information about Noble-Cayman (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantor Obligations	Noble-Cayman, or one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman, are a co-issuer or full and unconditional guarantor or otherwise obligated as of December 31, 2014 as follows:
		Issuer
	Notes	(Co-Issuer(s))		Guarantor(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
	31-Dec-14
	(in thousands)
																	Other
																	Non-guarantor
		Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
		Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5		$	—		$	254		$	—		$	—		$	65,521		$	—		$	65,780
	Accounts receivable		—			—			37,655			2,336			—			529,105			—			569,096
	Taxes receivable		—			63,373			752			—			—			43,164			—			107,289
	Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		123,449			—			1,077,965			—			333,966			171,925			(1,707,305	)		—
	Accounts receivable from affiliates		2,019,319			374,012			192,771			157,164			125,834			4,191,406			(7,060,506	)		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		14,274			—			1,764			—			—			123,631			—			139,669
	Total current assets		2,157,047			437,385			1,311,161			159,500			459,800			5,124,752			(8,767,811	)		881,834
	Property and equipment, at cost		—			—			2,040,168			—			—			12,364,203			—			14,404,371
	Accumulated depreciation		—			—			(278,147	)		—			—			(2,040,073	)		—			(2,318,220	)
	Property and equipment, net		—			—			1,762,021			—			—			10,324,130			—			12,086,151
	Notes receivable from affiliates		3,304,654			—			236,921			1,980,391			5,000			1,581,429			(7,108,395	)		—
	Investments in affiliates		4,567,335			1,318,239			2,921,452			8,266,444			6,290,918			—			(23,364,388	)		—
	Other assets		2,908			—			6,212			19,826			517			192,791			—			222,254
	Total assets	$	10,031,944		$	1,755,624		$	6,237,767		$	10,426,161		$	6,756,235		$	17,223,102		$	(39,240,594	)	$	13,190,239
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities
	Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	—		$	171,925		$	—		$	—		$	371,720		$	1,163,660		$	(1,707,305	)	$	—
	Accounts payable		600			—			10,130			—			—			250,282			—			261,012
	Accrued payroll and related costs		—			—			7,738			—			—			83,749			—			91,487
	Accounts payable to affiliates		606,224			63,602			3,513,705			61,982			16,869			2,798,124			(7,060,506	)		—
	Taxes payable		—			—			—			—			—			91,471			—			91,471
	Other current liabilities		16,150			—			13,409			57,053			4,412			110,890			—			201,914
	Total current liabilities		622,974			235,527			3,544,982			119,035			393,001			4,498,176			(8,767,811	)		645,884
	Long-term debt		1,123,495			—			—			3,543,830			201,695			—			—			4,869,020
	Notes payable to affiliates		1,769,068			—			598,715			1,169,180			192,216			3,379,216			(7,108,395	)		—
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			—			—			—			120,589			—			120,589
	Other liabilities		19,929			—			29,093			—			—			286,942			—			335,964
	Total liabilities		3,535,466			235,527			4,172,790			4,832,045			786,912			8,284,923			(15,876,206	)		5,971,457
	Commitments and contingencies
	Total shareholder equity		6,496,478			1,520,097			2,064,977			5,594,116			5,969,323			7,812,656			(22,961,169	)		6,496,478
	Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			1,125,523			(403,219	)		722,304
	Total equity		6,496,478			1,520,097			2,064,977			5,594,116			5,969,323			8,938,179			(23,364,388	)		7,218,782
	Total liabilities and equity	$	10,031,944		$	1,755,624		$	6,237,767		$	10,426,161		$	6,756,235		$	17,223,102		$	(39,240,594	)	$	13,190,239
	NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	31-Dec-13
	(in thousands)
																	Other
																	Non-guarantor
		Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
		Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
	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
Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	327,070		$	—		$	—		$	3,067,195		$	(246,406	)	$	3,147,859
Reimbursables		—			—			6,239			—			—			78,405			—			84,644
Other		—			—			—			—			—			1			—			1
Total operating revenues		—			—			333,309			—			—			3,145,601			(246,406	)		3,232,504
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		30,885			39,039			120,971			115,909			—			1,447,073			(246,406	)		1,507,471
Reimbursables		—			—			4,687			—			—			61,691			—			66,378
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			65,164			—			—			559,114			—			624,278
General and administrative		2,437			11,376			—			31,620			1			7,560			—			52,994
Loss on impairment		—			—			—			—			—			745,428			—			745,428
Total operating costs and expenses		33,322			50,415			190,822			147,529			1			2,820,866			(246,406	)		2,996,549
Operating income (loss)		(33,322	)		(50,415	)		142,487			(147,529	)		(1	)		324,735			—			235,955
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—continuing operations		(2,885,628	)		157,648			(80,080	)		604,419			448,785			—			1,754,856			—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—discontinued operations, net of tax		223,083			50,565			28,580			170,845			6,240			—			(479,313	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		(2,662,545	)		208,213			(51,500	)		775,264			455,025			—			1,275,543			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(93,536	)		(3,046	)		(24,974	)		(169,666	)		(33,671	)		(3,148,822	)		3,318,536			(155,179	)
Interest income and other, net		2,913,631			—			249,005			89,449			3,308			64,267			(3,318,536	)		1,124
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		124,228			154,752			315,018			547,518			424,661			(2,759,820	)		1,275,543			81,900
Income tax provision		—			(68,805	)		(3,574	)		—			(1,546	)		(32,005	)		—			(105,930	)
Net income from continuing operations		124,228			85,947			311,444			547,518			423,115			(2,791,825	)		1,275,543			(24,030	)
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			(18,655	)		6,634			—			—			235,104			—			223,083
Net Income		124,228			67,292			318,078			547,518			423,115			(2,556,721	)		1,275,543			199,053
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(98,603	)		23,778			(74,825	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		124,228			67,292			318,078			547,518			423,115			(2,655,324	)		1,299,321			124,228
Other comprehensive loss, net		(21,732	)		—			—			—			—			(21,732	)		21,732			(21,732	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	102,496		$	67,292		$	318,078		$	547,518		$	423,115		$	(2,677,056	)	$	1,321,053		$	102,496
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	240,631		$	—		$	—		$	2,291,475		$	(77,361	)	$	2,454,745
Reimbursables		—			—			8,498			—			—			57,794			—			66,292
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			17,095			—			17,095
Other		—			—			—			—			—			11			—			11
Total operating revenues		—			—			249,129			—			—			2,366,375			(77,361	)		2,538,143
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		24,039			22,195			70,359			110,138			—			1,009,801			(77,361	)		1,159,171
Reimbursables		—			—			6,850			—			—			43,560			—			50,410
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			11,601			—			11,601
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			62,778			—			—			446,563			—			509,341
General and administrative		7,380			7,396			—			36,050			1			14,032			—			64,859
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		(13,581	)		29,591			139,987			146,188			1			1,507,878			(77,361	)		1,732,703
Operating income (loss)		13,581			(29,591	)		109,142			(146,188	)		(1	)		858,497			—			805,440
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—continuing operations		653,815			65,868			(53,235	)		641,155			(1,136,831	)		—			(170,772	)		—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—discontinued operations, net of tax		321,804			45,098			308,188			431,149			63,235			—			(1,169,474	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		975,619			110,966			254,953			1,072,304			(1,073,596	)		—			(1,340,246	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(127,995	)		(1,081	)		(23,156	)		(139,784	)		(45,897	)		(1,852,423	)		2,084,036			(106,300	)
Interest income and other, net		6,609			—			262,717			154,442			1,569,003			94,821			(2,084,036	)		3,556
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		867,814			80,294			603,656			940,774			449,509			(899,105	)		(1,340,246	)		702,696
Income tax provision		—			(24,592	)		3,655			—			—			(68,040	)		—			(88,977	)
Net income from continuing operations		867,814			55,702			607,311			940,774			449,509			(967,145	)		(1,340,246	)		613,719
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			(16,569	)		24,529			(55	)		—			313,899			—			321,804
Net Income		867,814			39,133			631,840			940,719			449,509			(653,246	)		(1,340,246	)		935,523
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(114,314	)		46,605			(67,709	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		867,814			39,133			631,840			940,719			449,509			(767,560	)		(1,293,641	)		867,814
Other comprehensive income, net		33,285			—			—			—			—			33,285			(33,285	)		33,285
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	901,099		$	39,133		$	631,840		$	940,719		$	449,509		$	(734,275	)	$	(1,326,926	)	$	901,099
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	161,577		$	—		$	—		$	2,006,624		$	(78,580	)	$	2,089,621
Reimbursables		—			—			6,637			—			—			59,130			—			65,767
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			45,299			—			45,299
Other		—			—			—			—			—			943			(931	)		12
Total operating revenues		—			—			168,214			—			—			2,111,996			(79,511	)		2,200,699
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		2,646			17,551			45,474			82,736			—			891,941			(79,511	)		960,837
Reimbursables		—			—			5,886			—			—			49,538			—			55,424
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			23,129			—			23,129
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			60,738			—			—			377,636			—			438,374
General and administrative		3,036			7,786			—			35,606			1			12,937			—			59,366
Loss on impairment		—			—			—			—			—			20,384			—			20,384
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net		—			—			(4,869	)		—			—			(28,386	)		—			(33,255	)
Total operating costs and expenses		5,682			25,337			107,229			118,342			1			1,347,179			(79,511	)		1,524,259
Operating income (loss)		(5,682	)		(25,337	)		60,985			(118,342	)		(1	)		764,817			—			676,440
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—continuing operations		569,295			82,257			168,972			527,469			(244,644	)		—			(1,103,349	)		—
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates—discontinued operations, net of tax		115,151			32,769			188,511			280,121			60,481			—			(677,033	)		—
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates		684,446			115,026			357,483			807,590			(184,163	)		—			(1,780,382	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(105,147	)		(20,950	)		(23,105	)		(120,361	)		(43,090	)		(666,968	)		893,858			(85,763	)
Interest income and other, net		7,306			—			40,845			135,001			594,328			119,449			(893,858	)		3,071
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		580,923			68,739			436,208			703,888			367,074			217,298			(1,780,382	)		593,748
Income tax provision		—			(18,446	)		(4,576	)		—			—			(71,161	)		—			(94,183	)
Net income from continuing operations		580,923			50,293			431,632			703,888			367,074			146,137			(1,780,382	)		499,565
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			(23,622	)		10,160			—			—			128,613			—			115,151
Net Income		580,923			26,671			441,792			703,888			367,074			274,750			(1,780,382	)		614,716
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(68,969	)		35,176			(33,793	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		580,923			26,671			441,792			703,888			367,074			205,781			(1,745,206	)		580,923
Other comprehensive loss, net		(41,128	)		—			—			—			—			(41,128	)		41,128			(41,128	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	539,795		$	26,671		$	441,792		$	703,888		$	367,074		$	164,653		$	(1,704,078	)	$	539,795
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	2,825,524		$	(151,987	)	$	366,583		$	(232,605	)	$	(31,788	)	$	(903,811	)	$	—		$	1,871,916
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			—			(1,404,560	)		—			—			(704,574	)		—			(2,109,134	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		50			—			—			273,744			—			—			(273,794	)		—
Net cash from investing activities		50			—			(1,404,560	)		273,744			—			(704,574	)		(273,794	)		(2,109,134	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		(437,647	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(437,647	)
Repayment of long-term debt		—			—			—			(250,000	)		—			—			—			(250,000	)
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore		—			—			—			—			—			1,710,550			—			1,710,550
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore		—			—			—			—			—			(14,676	)					(14,676	)
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-Off		—			—			—			—			—			(104,152	)		—			(104,152	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(79,966	)		—			(79,966	)
Financing costs on credit facilities		(398	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(398	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(631,095	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(631,095	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(1,482,686	)		151,987			1,037,829			208,857			31,788			52,225			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(273,744	)		—			—			—			—			(50	)		273,794			—
Net cash from financing activities		(2,825,570	)		151,987			1,037,829			(41,143	)		31,788			1,563,931			273,794			192,616
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		4			—			(148	)		(4	)		—			(44,454	)		—			(44,602	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1			—			402			4			—			109,975			—			110,382
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5		$	—		$	254		$	—		$	—		$	65,521		$	—		$	65,780
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(117,993	)	$	(133,595	)	$	424,147		$	(128,315	)	$	1,523,225		$	201,161		$	—		$	1,768,630
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			—			(1,594,449	)		—			—			(949,755	)		—			(2,544,204	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			(294,798	)		—
Proceeds from disposal of assets		—			—			—			—			—			61,000			—			61,000
Net cash from investing activities		—			—			(1,594,449	)		—			—			(593,957	)		(294,798	)		(2,483,204	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		1,221,333			—			—			—			—			—			—			1,221,333
Repayment of long-term debt		(300,000	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(300,000	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(105,388	)		—			(105,388	)
Financing costs on credit facilities		(2,484	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(2,484	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(265,880	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(265,880	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(241,180	)		133,595			1,169,800			128,317			(1,523,225	)		332,693			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		(294,798	)		—			—			—			—			—			294,798			—
Net cash from financing activities		116,991			133,595			1,169,800			128,317			(1,523,225	)		227,305			294,798			547,581
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(1,002	)		—			(502	)		2			—			(165,491	)		—			(166,993	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,003			—			904			2			—			275,466			—			277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1		$	—		$	402		$	4		$	—		$	109,975		$	—		$	110,382
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
																Other
																Non-guarantor
	Noble-															Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman			NHC			NDH			NHIL			NDS6			of Noble			Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(86,784	)	$	(99,193	)	$	134,370		$	(96,642	)	$	551,358		$	1,017,518		$	—		$	1,420,627
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			—			(682,477	)		—			—			(1,106,077	)		—			(1,788,554	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—			—			1,188,287			—
Net cash from investing activities		—			—			(682,477	)		(1,188,287	)		—			(1,106,077	)		1,188,287			(1,788,554	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		(635,192	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(635,192	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs		—			—			—			1,186,636			—			—			—			1,186,636
Financing costs on credit facilities		(5,221	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(5,221	)
Contributions from joint venture partners		—			—			—			—			—			40,000			—			40,000
Distributions to parent company, net		(175,977	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(175,977	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(284,256	)		99,193			548,626			98,295			(551,358	)		89,500			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		1,188,287			—			—			—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—
Net cash from financing activities		87,641			99,193			548,626			1,284,931			(551,358	)		129,500			(1,188,287	)		410,246
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		857			—			519			2			—			40,941			—			42,319
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		146			—			385			—			—			234,525			—			235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,003		$	—		$	904		$	2		$	—		$	275,466		$	—		$	277,375

Unaudited_Interim_Financial_Da1

Unaudited Interim Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information	Unaudited interim consolidated financial information from continuing operations for Noble-UK for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Quarter Ended
			Mar. 31			Jun. 30			Sep. 30			Dec. 31
	2014
	Operating revenues		$	795,187		$	803,781		$	828,796		$	804,740
	Operating income (loss)			248,968			235,205			243,633			(541,864	)
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Noble-UK			154,814			140,325			147,389			(594,539	)
	Net income (loss) per share from continuning operations attributable to Noble-UK (1)
	Basic			0.6			0.54			0.57			(2.38	)
	Diluted			0.6			0.54			0.57			(2.38	)
			Quarter Ended
			Mar. 31			Jun. 30			Sep. 30			Dec. 31
	2013
	Operating revenues		$	566,061		$	606,480		$	640,513		$	725,089
	Operating income			135,437			159,973			239,248			205,879
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Noble-UK			66,899			102,406			165,267			144,023
	Net income per share from continuning operations attributable to Noble-UK (1)
	Basic			0.26			0.4			0.64			0.56
	Diluted			0.26			0.4			0.64			0.56
	-1	Net income (loss) per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income (loss) per share may not equal the total computed for the year.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Included in Quarterly Report	The following chart presents the recast of Noble-UK for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 to properly reflect the activity for the respective periods:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30, 2014						September 30, 2014
			As Reported			As Adjusted			As Reported			As Adjusted
	Net income		$	147,646		$	147,646		$	678,350		$	678,350
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(1,577	)		(1,577	)		1,143			1,143
	Foreign currency forward contracts			(6,925	)		(6,925	)		(273	)		(273	)
	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	)		(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			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			571			2,099			2,099
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net			(8,982	)		(8,982	)		1,918			1,918
	Spin-off of Paragon Offshore			34,478			—			34,478			—
	Total comprehensive income			n/a			138,664			n/a			680,268
	Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests			(20,471	)		(20,471	)		(60,290	)		(60,290	)
	Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation plc		$	152,671		$	118,193		$	654,456		$	619,978
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Included in Quarterly Report	The following chart presents the recast of Noble-Cayman for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 to properly reflect the activity for the respective periods:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30, 2014						September 30, 2014
			As			As			As			As
			Reported			Adjusted			Reported			Adjusted
	Net income		$	193,705		$	193,705		$	784,078		$	784,078
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(1,577	)		(1,577	)		1,143			1,143
	Foreign currency forward contracts			(6,925	)		(6,925	)		(273	)		(273	)
	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	)		(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			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			571			2,099			2,099
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net			(8,982	)		(8,982	)		1,918			1,918
	Spin-off of Paragon Offshore			34,478			—			34,478			—
	Total comprehensive income			n/a			184,723			n/a			785,996
	Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests			(20,471	)		(20,471	)		(60,290	)		(60,290	)
	Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation		$	198,730		$	164,252		$	760,184		$	725,706

Organization_and_Significant_A2

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	JointVenture
	Rigs
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of semisubmersibles	8
Number of drillships	9
Number of jackups	15
Number of harsh environment jackup rigs under construction	1
Share exchanged for each ordinary shares	1
Number of joint ventures, where the company hold the variable interest	2
Percentage of variable interest in joint ventures	50.00%
Maturity period of highly liquid investments	Three months or less
Capital accruals	$70	$88
Period for incurring maintenance costs, Minimum	3 years
Period for incurring maintenance costs, Maximum	5 years
Deferred costs for major maintenance projects, net of accumulated depreciation	179	400
Depreciation expense related to overhauls and asset replacement	77	70	53
Loss reserves for personal injury and protection claims	21	29
Deferred revenues under drilling contracts	263	303
Deferred expenses under drilling contracts	$94	$157
Drilling Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Maximum useful life of property plant and equipment	3 years
Drilling Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Maximum useful life of property plant and equipment	30 years
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Maximum useful life of property plant and equipment	2 years
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Maximum useful life of property plant and equipment	40 years

Spinoff_of_Paragon_Offshore_pl1

Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore") - Additional Information (Detail) (Paragon Offshore [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Paragon Offshore [Member]
Schedule Of Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Long-term debt issued		$1.70
Pro rata distribution	Our shareholders received one share of Paragon Offshore for every three shares of Noble owned as of July 23, 2014, the record date for the distribution.
Minimum shares eligible for prorata allotment under spin off transaction	3
Shares received under spin off transaction	1

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 01, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Long-term debt issued	$1,726,750,000			$1,700,000,000
Non Recurring [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Non-recurring Spin-Off related costs totaled	63,000,000	18,000,000	7,000,000
Paragon Offshore [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes	1,080,000,000
Number of tranches	2
Senior secured term credit agreement, Amount	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 rate initial term	7 years
Interest expense related to related to Paragon issued debt to discontinued operations	4,000,000	0	0
Paragon Offshore [Member] | 6.75% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes	500,000,000
Senior Notes, Percentage	6.75%
Senior Notes, Maturity year	2022
Paragon Offshore [Member] | 7.25% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes	580,000,000
Senior Notes, Percentage	7.25%
Senior Notes, Maturity year	2024
FDR Holdings, Ltd. [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Goodwill				$15,000,000

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Operation from Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating revenues
Operating revenues from discontinued operations	$1,034,458	$1,696,147	$1,346,313
Income from discontinued operations
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	216,391	379,591	159,860
Income tax provision	-55,889	-75,489	-51,905
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	160,502	304,102	107,955
Contract Drilling Services [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues from discontinued operations	993,253	1,615,325	1,259,741
Reimbursables [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues from discontinued operations	21,899	45,582	49,728
Labor Contract Drilling Services [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues from discontinued operations	19,304	35,146	36,591
Other [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues from discontinued operations	$2	$94	$253

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu1

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Carrying Value of Major Categories of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	5,609,119
Accumulated depreciation	-2,640,943
Property and equipment, net	2,968,176
Other assets	84,894
Total assets of discontinued operations	3,609,411
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	132,446
Accrued payroll and related costs	64,580
Other current liabilities	103,768
Total current liabilities of discontinued operations	300,794
Long-term debt	1,726,750	1,700,000
Other liabilities	172,467
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$2,200,011

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Ad

Consolidated Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	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	$80,000,000	$105,000,000
Carrying amount of the drillships	1,400,000,000	1,400,000,000
Cash held by Bully joint venture	68,510,000	114,458,000	282,092,000	239,196,000
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash held by Bully joint venture	47,000,000	50,000,000
Bully Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Dividend paid by Bully Joint Venture Partners	$160,000,000	$211,000,000

Consolidated_Joint_Ventures_Sc

Consolidated Joint Ventures - Schedule of Operational Results (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$804,740	$828,796	$803,781	$795,187	$725,089	$640,513	$606,480	$566,061	$3,232,504	$2,538,143	$2,200,699
Net income									83,316	850,406	556,137
Joint Ventures [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenues									372,313	355,115
Net income									$157,171	$145,447

Earnings_per_Share_Computation

Earnings per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for Noble-UK (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basic
Income (loss) from continuing operations									($152,011)	$478,595	$414,389
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards										-5,669	-4,212
Income (loss) from continuing operations to common shareholders									-152,011	472,926	410,177
Income from discontinued operations									160,502	304,102	107,955
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards										-3,602	-1,097
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders									160,502	300,500	106,858
Net income attributable to Noble-UK									8,491	782,697	522,344
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards										-9,271	-5,309
Net income to common shareholders-basic									8,491	773,426	517,035
Diluted
Income (loss) from continuing operations									-152,011	478,595	414,389
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards										-5,663	-4,206
Income (loss) from continuing operations to common shareholders									-152,011	472,932	410,183
Income from discontinued operations									160,502	304,102	107,955
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards										-3,598	-1,096
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to common shareholders									160,502	300,504	106,859
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation plc	-594,539	147,389	140,325	154,814	144,023	165,267	102,406	66,899	8,491	782,697	522,344
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards										-9,261	-5,302
Net income to common shareholders-diluted									$8,491	$773,436	$517,042
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic									252,909	253,288	252,435
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options										259	356
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted									252,909	253,547	252,791
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards										3,036	2,592
Basic
Continuing operations									($0.60)	$1.86	$1.63
Discontinued operations									$0.63	$1.19	$0.42
Net income attributable to Noble-UK	($2.38)	$0.57	$0.54	$0.60	$0.56	$0.64	$0.40	$0.26	$0.03	$3.05	$2.05
Diluted
Continuing operations									($0.60)	$1.86	$1.63
Discontinued operations									$0.63	$1.19	$0.42
Net income attributable to Noble-UK	($2.38)	$0.57	$0.54	$0.60	$0.56	$0.64	$0.40	$0.26	$0.03	$3.05	$2.05
Dividends per share									$1.50	$0.76	$0.54

Earnings_per_Share_Additional_

Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from the diluted net income per share	2	0.9	1
Unvested Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from the diluted net income per share	4

Receivables_from_Customers_Add

Receivables from Customers - Additional Information (Detail) (Petroleos Mexicanos [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$14,442,922	$19,198,767
Drilling Equipment and Facilities [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	13,254,240	17,130,986
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	969,985	1,854,434
Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$218,697	$213,347

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$2,100	$2,500	$1,700
Capitalized interest on construction-in-progress	47	115	136
Paragon Offshore [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	150	359	525
Depreciation expense	$236	$368	$318

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Detail

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$4,869,020	$5,556,251
Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	1,123,495	1,561,141
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes		249,964
3.45% Senior Notes due 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	299,982	299,967
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	299,920	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	499,151	499,022
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	399,627	399,576
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	399,264	399,178
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	399,895	399,893
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	397,681	397,646
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	498,310	498,283
Total Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	$3,745,525	$3,995,110

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Parenthe

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	7.38%	7.38%
Senior notes, maturity date	2014
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2017
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2019
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	2020
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	2021
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2022
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	2040
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	2042

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of credit facilities		3
Maximum available letter of credit under credit facilities		500,000,000
Borrowings outstanding		0
Maximum debt to tangible capitalization covenant		0.6
Line of credit facility debt to tangible capitalization ratio		0.4
Letters of credit		149,000,000
Interest payable related to long-term debt		62,000,000		67,000,000
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	7.38%	7.38%
Repayment of senior notes using proceeds from commercial paper	250,000,000
Senior notes maturity date		2014
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes		3.45%
Senior notes maturity date		2015
Face value of senior notes		350,000,000
Commercial Paper Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount to be issued under commercial paper		2,700,000,000
Commercial Paper Program [Member] | New Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount to be issued under commercial paper		2,400,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum available letter of credit under credit facilities		2,900,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of credit facilities			2
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility Which Matures in 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum available letter of credit under credit facilities			225,000,000
Senior unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturity date			2016-01
Senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturity period			364 days
Subsequent Event [Member] | Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum available letter of credit under credit facilities			$2,400,000,000
Senior unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturity date			2020-01
Senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturity period			5 years

Debt_Repayments_of_Total_Debt_

Debt - Repayments of Total Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument maturity date	Aug-15
Face value of senior notes	$350
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%

Debt_Estimated_Fair_Value_of_O

Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	$4,540,626	$5,672,292
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	4,869,020	5,556,251
Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	1,123,495	1,561,141
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	1,123,495	1,561,141
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value		249,964
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value		253,634
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	350,000	350,000
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	354,992	363,019
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,982	299,967
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	302,515	309,878
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,920	299,886
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	287,014	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	212,068	232,839
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	499,151	499,022
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	471,095	528,597
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,627	399,576
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	363,837	413,868
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,264	399,178
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	346,425	390,520
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,895	399,893
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	350,351	421,720
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	397,681	397,646
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	343,653	417,312
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	498,310	498,283
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	385,181	476,873
Total Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	3,745,525	3,995,110
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	$3,417,131	$4,111,151

Debt_Estimated_Fair_Value_of_O1

Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	7.38%	7.38%
Senior notes, maturity date	2014
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2017
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2019
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	2020
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.63%
Senior notes, maturity date	2021
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2022
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	2040
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	2042

Equity_Additional_Information_

Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding and trading		247,500,000	253,400,000
Additional conditionally authorized shares without additional shareholder approval		53,000,000
Current nominal value per share		$0.01
Repurchased shares		37,000,000
Redomiciliation period		5 years
Shares outstanding repurchased percentage		15.00%
Stock repurchase expiration period		16 months
Additional stock options issued		339,223
Incremental fair value awarded as a result of the issuance of awards		$0
Compensation cost recognized	500,000	46,000,000	44,000,000	36,000,000
Incremental fair value awarded as a result of the issuance of awards		0
Unrestricted shares awarded		50,796	57,095	65,329
Compensation cost recognized net of tax		37,000,000	36,000,000	31,000,000
Capitalized compensation costs		1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000
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
1991 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of shares issuable under stock option plan		50,100,000
1991 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of shares issuable under stock option plan		60,300,000
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
1992 Nonqualified Stock Option and Share Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of shares issuable under stock option plan		2,000,000
1992 Nonqualified Stock Option and Share Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of shares issuable under stock option plan		2,300,000
TVRSUs Outstanding [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Issuance of additional RSUs		326,853
PVRSUs Outstanding [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Issuance of additional RSUs		329,937
Restricted Stock [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized		2,000,000	2,000,000	2,000,000
TVRSU's Outstanding [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental fair value awarded as a result of the issuance of awards		29,000,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost		31,000,000
Performance shares forfeited in period		149,006
TVRSU's Outstanding [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period for recognizing unrecognized compensation cost		1 year 7 months 6 days
PVRSU's Outstanding [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost		13,000,000
Performance shares forfeited in period		253,882
PVRSU's Outstanding [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period for recognizing unrecognized compensation cost		1 year 7 months 6 days
Performance Vested Shares for 2011-2013 Performance Period [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance shares forfeited in period		218,195
Performance Vested Shares for 2012-2014 Performance Period [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance shares forfeited in period		517,223
Noble UK [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Repurchased shares		6,769,891
Paragon Offshore [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized		7,000,000	10,000,000	8,000,000
Equity Option [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized cost related to stock option		100,000
Period for recognizing unrecognized compensation cost		29 days
Compensation cost recognized		2,000,000	3,000,000	4,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend to be paid, per share					$0.38
Dividends payable outstanding					$93,000,000
Dividend declaration, Date					30-Jan-15
Dividend paid, Date					20-Feb-15
Dividend record, Date					10-Feb-15

Equity_Share_Repurchases_Detai

Equity - Share Repurchases (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Total Number of Shares Purchased	6,769,891	190,187	302,150
Total Cost	$154,145	$7,653	$10,516
Average Price Paid per Share	$22.77	$40.24	$34.80

Equity_Summary_of_Stock_Option

Equity - Summary of Stock Options Granted (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	1,808,987	2,027,089	2,498,662
Granted, Number of Shares Underlying Options			358,772
Exercised, Number of Shares Underlying Options	-131,706	-212,017	-645,731
Forfeited, Number of Shares Underlying Options	-57,871	-6,085	-184,614
Spin-off adjustment, Number of Shares Underlying Options	339,223
Outstanding at end of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	1,958,633	1,808,987	2,027,089
Exercisable at end of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	1,846,465	1,510,929	1,453,945
Outstanding at beginning of year, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$33.13	$32.44	$29.22
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$36.04
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.08	$26.66	$20.97
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$30.18	$31.35	$35.92
Outstanding at end of year, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$28.43	$33.13	$32.44
Exercisable at end of year, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$28.35	$32.47	$30.70

Equity_Summary_of_Stock_Option1

Equity - Summary of Stock Options Granted (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$3
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable	$0

Equity_Additional_Information_1

Equity - Additional Information About Stock Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of Shares Underlying Options, Options Outstanding	1,958,633
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	4 years 1 month 17 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$28.43
Number Exercisable, Options Exercisable	1,846,465
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$28.35
$20.49 to $21.99 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, lower range limit	$20.49
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, upper range limit	$21.99
Number of Shares Underlying Options, Options Outstanding	513,103
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	2 years 3 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$21.24
Number Exercisable, Options Exercisable	513,103
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$21.24
$22.00 to $29.74 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, lower range limit	$22
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, upper range limit	$29.74
Number of Shares Underlying Options, Options Outstanding	312,531
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	2 years 8 months 16 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$27.13
Number Exercisable, Options Exercisable	294,553
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$27.24
$ 29.75 to $35.73 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, lower range limit	$29.75
Stock Option Plans Exercise Price, upper range limit	$35.73
Number of Shares Underlying Options, Options Outstanding	1,132,999
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	5 years 4 months 13 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$32.04
Number Exercisable, Options Exercisable	1,038,809
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$32.17

Equity_Valuation_Assumptions_f

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

Equity_Summary_of_Status_of_No

Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Spin-Off adjustment, Number of Shares Underlying Options	339,223
Non-Vested Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	298,058
Shares Under Outstanding Options, Vested	-204,877
Spin-Off adjustment, Number of Shares Underlying Options	18,987
Outstanding at end of year, Number of Shares Underlying Options	112,168
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	13.13
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Vested	13.16
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Ending balance	13.05

Equity_Assumptions_used_to_Val

Equity - Assumptions used to Value the Performance-Vested Restricted Stock Awards (Detail) (Restricted Stock Awards [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Valuation assumptions:
Expected volatility	33.00%	34.80%	41.40%
Expected dividend yield	4.70%	1.30%	1.50%
Risk-free interest rate	0.70%	0.40%	0.30%

Equity_Summary_of_Restricted_S

Equity - Summary of Restricted Share Awards (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Time-Vested Restricted Shares [Member]
PVRSU
Units awarded (maximum available)	1,617,534	1,033,009	932,274
Weighted-average share price at award date	$31.56	$41.32	$36.53
Weighted-average vesting period (years)	3 years	3 years	3 years
Performance-Vested Restricted Shares [Member]
PVRSU
Units awarded (maximum available)	740,364	565,650	481,206
Weighted-average share price at award date	$31.66	$41.42	$36.90
Three-year performance period ended December 31	2016	2015	2014
Weighted-average award-date fair value	$19.66	$24.97	$20.05

Equity_Summary_of_Status_of_No1

Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Restricted Shares (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
TVRSU's Outstanding [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested restricted shares, Restricted Shares Outstanding, Beginning balance	1,652,360
Awarded, Restricted Shares Outstanding	1,617,534
Vested, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-749,935
Forfeited, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-149,006
Surrendered in connection with Spin-Off, Restricted Shares Outstanding	-816,627
Spin-Off adjustment, Restricted Shares Outstanding	326,853
Non-vested restricted shares, Restricted Shares Outstanding, Ending balance	1,881,179
Non-vested restricted shares, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$39.40
Awarded, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$31.56
Vested, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$38.76
Forfeited, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$35.50
Surrendered in connection with Spin-off, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$34.22
Non-vested restricted shares, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$34.66
PVRSU's Outstanding [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested restricted shares, 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 restricted shares, Restricted Shares Outstanding, Ending balance	1,942,969
Non-vested restricted shares, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$21.06
Awarded, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$19.66
Vested, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$16.77
Forfeited, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$17.66
Surrendered in connection with Spin-off, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value	$20.95
Non-vested restricted shares, Weighted Average Award-Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$21.44

Equity_Summary_of_Status_of_No2

Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Restricted Shares (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Minimum number of performance vested shares	0
Target level of performance	50.00%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in AOCL by Component (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	($82,164)	($115,449)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-35,356	25,473
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	13,624	7,812
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-21,732	33,285	-41,128
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	34,478
Ending balance	-69,418	-82,164	-115,449
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-4,286	-1,200
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	4,286	1,200
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore
Ending balance
Defined Benefit Pension Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-58,598	-95,071
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-30,952	29,861
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	9,338	6,612
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-21,614	36,473
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	21,772
Ending balance	-58,440	-58,598
Foreign Currency Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-23,566	-20,378
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-118	-3,188
Amounts reclassified from AOCL
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-118	-3,188
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	12,706
Ending balance	($10,978)	($23,566)

Loss_on_Impairment_Additional_

Loss on Impairment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
				Rigs
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total impairment charges	$47
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | FDR Holdings, Ltd. [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill	60
Submersible Rig Fleet [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Impairment related charges			4	13
Number of cold stack rigs				2
Sales value of Rigs		7
Corporate Assets [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Impairment related charges				8
Semisubmersible Rig Fleet [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Impairment related charges	$685

Gain_on_Disposal_of_Assets_net1

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

Gain_on_Contract_SettlementsEx1

Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2009
Additional Expenditures by Other Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
Net gain recognized on contract settlements/ extinguishments, net line	$28
FDR Holdings, Ltd. [Member]
Additional Expenditures by Other Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
Net gain recognized on contract settlements/ extinguishments, net line		45
Settlement amount allocated to discontinued operations		14
Noble David Tinsley [Member]
Additional Expenditures by Other Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
Net gain recognized on contract settlements/ extinguishments, net line			5
Incident charge				$17

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Net

Income Taxes - Components of Net Deferred Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets	$59,017	$90,621
Less: valuation allowance	-6,907	-16,847
Net deferred tax assets	52,110	73,774
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities	-172,525	-284,561
Net deferred tax liabilities	-120,415	-210,787
United States [Member]
Deferred tax assets
Deferred pension plan amounts	23,497	8,859
Accrued expenses not currently deductible	14,250	31,769
Other	11,267	14,542
Deferred tax liabilities
Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis	-166,959	-275,073
Other	-4,969	-6,002
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss carry forwards	6,907	33,021
Deferred pension plan amounts	3,096	2,130
Other		300
Deferred tax liabilities
Excess of net book basis over remaining tax basis	-200	-1,034
Other	($397)	($2,452)

Income_Taxes_Income_Loss_from_

Income Taxes - Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$38,206	$178,090	$135,618
Non-U.S.	-8,741	460,331	407,747
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$29,465	$638,421	$543,365

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Provis

Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current- United States	$50,829	$83,302	$65,244
Current- Non-U.S.	74,288	23,836	45,593
Deferred- United States	-18,655	-14,032	-16,256
Deferred- Non-U.S.	189	-989	602
Total	$106,651	$92,117	$95,183

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Gross balance at January 1	$115,969	$115,009	$108,036
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	16,880	2,318	3,704
Additions for tax positions of prior years	12,928	18,906	16,432
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-8	-7,910	-7,917
Expiration of statutes	-2,852	-2,633	-1,903
Reduction due to Spin-off	-26,870
Tax settlements	-7,235	-9,721	-3,343
Gross balance at December 31	108,812	115,969	115,009
Related tax benefits	-1,064	-2,038	-9,981
Net reserve at December 31	$107,748	$113,931	$105,028

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Liabil

Income Taxes - Summary of Liabilities Related to Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties	$107,748	$113,931	$105,028
Interest and penalties included in "Other liabilities"	8,039	13,190
Reserve for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties	$115,787	$127,121

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Reserves for uncertain tax positions net	$115,787,000	$127,121,000
Reduction in the provision for income taxes, if reserves not realized	116,000,000
Interest and penalties resulted in an income tax benefit and (expense)	1,000,000	7,000,000	-5,000,000
Operational period	12 months
Federal statutory income tax rate	21.50%
Foreign tax credits	17,000,000	15,000,000	22,000,000
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	0	80,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Expected additional Income tax liability on undistributed earning from subsidiary		20,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Expected additional Income tax liability on undistributed earning from subsidiary		$25,000,000

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of1

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Statutory and Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax rates which are different than the UK and Cayman Island rates	19.30%	15.50%	18.60%
Tax impact of asset impairment	344.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Resolution of tax authority audits	-1.30%	-1.10%	-1.10%
Total	362.00%	14.40%	17.50%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO for the unfunded excess benefit plan	$20,000,000	$13,000,000
ABO for the unfunded excess benefit plan	13,000,000	12,000,000
Percentage of company's overall investments	100.00%
Market cycle minimum period in which objective should be met over	3 years
Market cycle maximum period in which objective should be met over	5 years
Duration of Treasury bills	90 days
Cash equivalent and short-term investments should achieve relative performance	Better than the 90-day Treasury bills
Percentage of total fixed income exposure from any single non-government or government agency issuer	42.00%
Total fixed income exposure from any single non-government or government agency issuer	Shall not exceed 42 percent of the Trust's fixed income holdings.
Average duration of the portfolio	1 year 6 months
Investment equity securities	0	4,000,000
Investment equity securities, percentage of U.S. plan assets		2.10%
Percentage of no single security made up of total assets	10.00%
Percentage of no single security made up of total assets of either the U.S. or the Non-U.S. plans	More than 10 percent
Number of years of service for the participants in the plan to become fully vested	5 years
Employee matching contributions	Three years beginning in 2007
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of company's overall investments	66.50%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of company's overall investments	32.00%
Cash Holdings [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of company's overall investments	1.50%
401(K) Savings Plan, a Medical Plan and Other Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution recorded related to Noble Drilling Corporation profit sharing plan	70,000,000	80,000,000	69,000,000
Minimum [Member] | International Countries [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target equities of plant equities in percentage	20.00%
Maximum [Member] | International Countries [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target equities of plant equities in percentage	23.00%
Maximum [Member] | Country One [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target equities of plant equities in percentage	30.00%
Investment Manager 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Performance objective communicated to investment managers	To exceed a blend of FTSE A Over 15 Year Gilts index and iBoxx Sterling Non Gilts index by 1.25 percent per annum
Interest rate range maximum	1.25%
Investment Manager 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Performance objective communicated to investment managers	To exceed a blend of FTSE's All Share index, North America index, Europe index and Pacific Basin index by 1.00 to 2.00 percent per annum
Interest rate range maximum	2.00%
Interest rate range minimum	1.00%
Paragon Offshore [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment Expense	200,000
Settlement Expense	10,000,000
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment Expense
Settlement Expense
Net pension expense	4,125,000	6,415,000	5,292,000
Estimated prior service cost	100,000
Estimated net actuarial loss	300,000
ABO for the unfunded excess benefit plan	1,355,000	6,493,000
Employer contributions	6,863,000	9,365,000	6,000,000
Expected contribution to non-U.S. and U.S pension plans during 2014	2,000,000
Liability under the restoration plan	72,553,000	161,591,000	151,781,000
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Paragon Offshore [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net pension expense	2,000,000	4,000,000	3,000,000
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment Expense	18,178,000
Settlement Expense	-34,397,000
Net pension expense	17,114,000	14,537,000	14,743,000
Estimated prior service cost	100,000
Estimated net actuarial loss	6,200,000
Pension liability	14,000,000
ABO for the unfunded excess benefit plan	202,716,000	11,997,000
Employer contributions	2,017,000	6,391,000	11,000,000
Expected contribution to non-U.S. and U.S pension plans during 2014	3,000,000
Liability under the restoration plan	238,072,000	223,938,000	225,885,000
U.S. Plans [Member] | Paragon Offshore [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net pension expense	11,000,000	4,000,000	4,000,000
Noble Drilling (Land Support) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of targeted asset allocation	70.00%
Noble Drilling (Land Support) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of targeted asset allocation	30.00%
Restoration Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability under the restoration plan	7,000,000	8,000,000
Noble Drilling Corporation Profit Sharing Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution recorded related to Noble Drilling Corporation profit sharing plan	$6,000,000	$5,000,000	$4,000,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Reconci

Employee Benefit Plans - Reconciliation of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations for our Non - U.S. and U.S. Plan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$161,591	$151,781
Service Cost	4,777	5,496	4,461
Interest cost	4,650	5,085	5,372
Actuarial loss (gain)	6,145	-4,584
Plan amendments	1,595	-227
Benefits paid	-2,819	-2,558
Settlement
Curtailment
Plan participants' contributions	266	956
Foreign exchange rate changes	-7,071	5,642
Spin-off adjustment	-96,581
Benefit obligation at end of year	72,553	161,591	151,781
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	223,938	225,885
Service Cost	8,901	10,724	9,612
Interest cost	10,546	9,049	8,719
Actuarial loss (gain)	51,524	-17,652
Plan amendments
Benefits paid	-4,262	-4,068
Settlement	-34,397
Curtailment	-18,178
Plan participants' contributions
Foreign exchange rate changes
Spin-off adjustment
Benefit obligation at end of year	$238,072	$223,938	$225,885

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Reconci1

Employee Benefit Plans - Reconciliation of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$592	$77,561
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	174,257	151,819
Actual return on plan assets	6,717	8,470
Employer contributions	6,863	9,365	6,000
Benefits and expenses paid	-2,819	-2,558
Settlement
Plan participants' contributions	266	956
Foreign exchange rate changes	-11,068	6,205
Spin-off adjustment	-96,502
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	77,714	174,257	151,819
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	201,011	167,170
Actual return on plan assets	7,750	31,518
Employer contributions	2,017	6,391	11,000
Benefits and expenses paid	-4,262	-4,068
Settlement	-34,397
Plan participants' contributions
Foreign exchange rate changes
Spin-off adjustment
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$172,119	$201,011	$167,170

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Funded_

Employee Benefit Plans - Funded Status of Plans (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Funded status	$5,161	$12,666
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Funded status	($65,953)	($22,927)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Amounts

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other assets (noncurrent)	$7,725	$13,586
Other liabilities (current)
Other liabilities (noncurrent)	-2,564	-920
Net amount recognized	5,161	12,666
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other assets (noncurrent)		6,132
Other liabilities (current)	-3,037	-2,120
Other liabilities (noncurrent)	-62,916	-26,939
Net amount recognized	($65,953)	($22,927)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Amounts1

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$11,793	$30,902
Prior service cost	1,531	-232
Deferred income tax asset	-3,096	-2,130
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	10,228	28,540
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	73,705	45,338
Prior service cost	468	905
Deferred income tax asset	-25,961	-16,185
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$48,212	$30,058

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Pension

Employee Benefit Plans - Pension Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost	$4,777	$5,496	$4,461
Interest cost	4,650	5,085	5,372
Return on plan assets	-6,117	-5,836	-5,344
Amortization of prior service cost	46
Recognized net actuarial loss	769	1,670	803
Curtailment expense
Settlement expense
Net pension expense	4,125	6,415	5,292
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost	8,901	10,724	9,612
Interest cost	10,546	9,049	8,719
Return on plan assets	-15,499	-13,102	-11,171
Amortization of prior service cost	196	227	227
Recognized net actuarial loss	2,857	7,639	7,356
Curtailment expense	241
Settlement expense	9,872
Net pension expense	$17,114	$14,537	$14,743

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Disaggr

Employee Benefit Plans - Disaggregated Plan Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$592	$77,561
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	72,553	161,591	151,781
Fair value of plan assets	77,714	174,257	151,819
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Defined Benefit Plans - Disaggregated Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	72,553	161,591
Accumulated benefit obligation	68,902	154,140
Fair value of plan assets	77,714	174,257
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	238,072	223,938	225,885
Fair value of plan assets	172,119	201,011	167,170
U.S. Plans [Member] | Defined Benefit Plans - Disaggregated Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	238,072	223,938
Accumulated benefit obligation	202,716	185,383
Fair value of plan assets	$172,119	$201,011

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Plans_i

Employee Benefit Plans - Plans in which PBO Exceeded Fair Value (Detail) (Projected benefit obligation [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$3,157	$6,740
Fair value of plan assets	592	5,820
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	238,072	200,472
Fair value of plan assets	$172,119	$171,413

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Plans_i1

Employee Benefit Plans - Plans in which Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeded Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$13,000	$12,000
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,355	6,493
Fair value of plan assets	592	5,820
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	202,716	11,997
Fair value of plan assets	$172,119

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Defined

Employee Benefit Plans - Defined Benefit Plans Key Assumptions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount Rate	2.60%	3.90%
Rate of compensation increase	3.60%	3.60%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:
Discount Rate	2.70%	2.50%	4.70%
Expected long-term return on assets	2.30%	2.30%	3.90%
Rate of compensation increase	3.60%	3.60%	2.30%
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount Rate	3.70%	4.70%
Rate of compensation increase	4.10%	4.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:
Discount Rate	4.70%	4.50%	5.00%
Expected long-term return on assets	6.00%	5.70%	5.40%
Rate of compensation increase	4.50%	4.10%	4.40%
U.S. Plans [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount Rate	3.00%	3.90%
Rate of compensation increase	5.00%	5.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:
Discount Rate	3.90%	3.10%	4.30%
Expected long-term return on assets	7.80%	7.80%	7.80%
Rate of compensation increase	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
U.S. Plans [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount Rate	4.10%	5.10%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine periodic benefit cost:
Discount Rate	5.10%	4.20%	4.70%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Actual_

Employee Benefit Plans - Actual Fair Values of Non-U.S. Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	$592	$77,561
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	77,714	174,257
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	77,714	174,257	151,819
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	87	207
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	53,261	54,722
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	23,774	41,767
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	592	77,561
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	53,348	54,929
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	87	207
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	53,261	54,722
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	23,774	41,767
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	23,774	41,767
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	592	77,561
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	$592	$77,561

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Activity Related to Investments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$77,561
Assets transferred out in Spin-off	-77,561
Assets purchased	749
Assets sold/benefits paid	-157
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$592

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Actual_1

Employee Benefit Plans - Actual Fair Values of U.S. Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	$592	$77,561
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	172,119
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	172,119	201,011	167,170
U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	5,998
U.S. Plans [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	51,906
U.S. Plans [Member] | United States [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	80,823
U.S. Plans [Member] | International Countries [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	33,392
U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	166,121
U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	51,906
U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | United States [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	80,823
U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | International Countries [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	33,392
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	5,998
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements	5,998
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | United States [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | International Countries [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | United States [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
U.S. Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | International Countries [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Measurements

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Estimat

Employee Benefit Plans - Estimated Benefit Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	$128,229
2015	9,659
2016	8,380
2017	9,209
2018	9,944
2019	11,121
Thereafter	79,916
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	23,037
2015	1,630
2016	1,693
2017	1,882
2018	1,955
2019	2,207
Thereafter	13,670
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	105,192
2015	8,029
2016	6,687
2017	7,327
2018	7,989
2019	8,914
Thereafter	$66,246

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (Forward Contracts [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instrument Settled	$195,000,000	$128,000,000
Notional amount of forward contracts outstanding	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summarization of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) (Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member], Cash Flow Hedges [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL	$4,286	$1,200
Contract Drilling Services [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to "contract drilling services" expense	-4,286	-1,200
Gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL to "contract drilling services" expense

Financial_Instruments_and_Cred2

Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets-
Marketable securities	$6,175	$7,230
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets-
Marketable securities
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets-
Marketable securities
Carrying Amount [Member]
Assets-
Marketable securities	$6,175	$7,230

Financial_Instruments_and_Cred3

Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Revenue [Member]
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Non Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Concentration risk benchmark description	Consolidated operating revenues
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Royal Dutch Shell Plc [Member]
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Non Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Percent of operating revenues contributed by major customers	55.00%	67.00%	51.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Saudi Aramco [Member]
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Non Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Percent of operating revenues contributed by major customers		10.00%	10.00%
Maximum percent of operating revenue accounted by other customers	10.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Petroleo Brasileiro Sa [Member]
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Non Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Percent of operating revenues contributed by major customers			11.00%
Maximum percent of operating revenue accounted by other customers	10.00%	10.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

USD ($)

BRL

Customs and Other Business Taxes [Member]

Noble Discoverer And Kulluk [Member]

Noble Discoverer And Kulluk [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Asbestos Cases [Member]

Libya [Member]

Mexico [Member]

Mexico [Member]

Mexico [Member]

Brazil [Member]

Brazil [Member]

Brazil [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Community Service Payment [Member]

USD ($)

Lawsuits

USD ($)

USD ($)

Aforementioned tax assessments[Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

USD ($)

Aforementioned tax assessments[Member]

Noble-Cayman [Member]

USD ($)

Rigs

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Number of wells

2

Operating dayrate (per day)

$538,000

Community service payments

8,200,000

4,000,000

Environmental Compliance Plan, probationary period

4 years

Number of Lawsuits filed

42

Percentage of uncertain tax positions likelihood of being sustained

50.00%

Audit claims, additional attributable to other business tax returns

66,000,000

Aforementioned tax assessments

141,000,000

121,000,000

20,000,000

165,000,000

46,000,000

46,000,000

Amount of withholding after spin-off

30,000,000

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

$729,000,000

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								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	$804,740	$828,796	$803,781	$795,187	$725,089	$640,513	$606,480	$566,061	$3,232,504	$2,538,143	$2,200,699
Depreciation and amortization									627,473	511,513	440,306
Segment operating income (loss)	-541,864	243,633	235,205	248,968	205,879	239,248	159,973	135,437	185,942	740,537	625,564
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized									-155,179	-106,300	-85,763
Income tax (provision) benefit									-106,651	-92,117	-95,183
Segment profit (loss)	-594,539	147,389	140,325	154,814	144,023	165,267	102,406	66,899	8,491	782,697	522,344
Total assets (at end of period)	13,286,822				16,217,957				13,286,822	16,217,957
Contract Drilling Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									3,230,253	2,520,064	2,154,980
Depreciation and amortization									608,590	497,303	427,234
Segment operating income (loss)									204,365	750,181	626,012
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized									-164	-694	-394
Income tax (provision) benefit									-130,654	-90,468	-110,373
Segment profit (loss)									216,659	874,816	645,560
Total assets (at end of period)	13,019,089				15,495,071				13,019,089	15,495,071
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									2,251	18,079	45,719
Depreciation and amortization									18,883	14,210	13,072
Segment operating income (loss)									-18,423	-9,644	-448
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized									-155,015	-105,606	-85,369
Income tax (provision) benefit									24,003	-1,649	15,190
Segment profit (loss)									-208,168	-92,119	-123,216
Total assets (at end of period)	$267,733				$722,886				$267,733	$722,886

Segment_and_Related_Informatio3

Segment and Related Information - Revenues and Identifiable Assets by Country Based on the Location of the Service Provided (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$804,740,000	$828,796,000	$803,781,000	$795,187,000	$725,089,000	$640,513,000	$606,480,000	$566,061,000	$3,232,504,000	$2,538,143,000	$2,200,699,000
Identifiable Assets	13,286,822,000				16,217,957,000				13,286,822,000	16,217,957,000
Revenue earned by jackup rigs									0
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									1,639,509,000	1,338,634,000	1,061,254,000
Identifiable Assets	6,739,636,000				5,525,839,000				6,739,636,000	5,525,839,000
Argentina [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									97,743,000
Identifiable Assets	304,131,000								304,131,000
Australia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									146,474,000	133,214,000	42,353,000
Identifiable Assets	541,655,000				624,238,000				541,655,000	624,238,000
Benin [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									66,077,000	41,251,000
Identifiable Assets					803,788,000					803,788,000
Brazil [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									447,266,000	527,706,000	430,737,000
Identifiable Assets	799,599,000				3,921,306,000				799,599,000	3,921,306,000
Denmark [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									28,980,000
Identifiable Assets	272,788,000								272,788,000
Egypt [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									19,961,000	33,685,000	103,380,000
Malaysia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									11,126,000
Identifiable Assets	1,144,498,000				23,002,000				1,144,498,000	23,002,000
Malta [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									15,495,000	7,453,000	35,776,000
Identifiable Assets					454,951,000					454,951,000
Mexico [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									127,000	14,529,000	40,218,000
Identifiable Assets	35,994,000				439,098,000				35,994,000	439,098,000
Morocco [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									69,056,000
New Zealand [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									56,911,000	11,995,000	9,563,000
Identifiable Assets					663,165,000					663,165,000
Saudi Arabia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									260,544,000	246,083,000	220,657,000
Identifiable Assets	479,525,000				584,230,000				479,525,000	584,230,000
Singapore [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	982,731,000				618,341,000				982,731,000	618,341,000
South Korea [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets					894,347,000					894,347,000
Switzerland [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	27,645,000				32,162,000				27,645,000	32,162,000
The Netherlands [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									82,026,000
Identifiable Assets	249,074,000				339,560,000				249,074,000	339,560,000
Turkey [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									13,960,000
Identifiable Assets	740,362,000								740,362,000
United Arab Emirates [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									108,044,000	71,896,000	59,321,000
Identifiable Assets	331,812,000				443,166,000				331,812,000	443,166,000
United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									84,078,000	87,908,000	66,232,000
Identifiable Assets	248,835,000				400,989,000				248,835,000	400,989,000
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									85,127,000	23,789,000	131,208,000
Identifiable Assets	$388,537,000				$449,775,000				$388,537,000	$449,775,000

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Capital [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$29,730	($165,233)	($143,010)
Other current assets	-3,201	-47,848	-43,246
Other assets	-96,941	34,757	-385
Accounts payable	63,546	50,731	28,565
Other current liabilities	-28,644	61,644	108,385
Other liabilities	86,037	2,731	80,431
Net change in other assets and liabilities	50,527	-63,218	30,740
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating Capital [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	29,730	-165,233	-143,010
Other current assets	-12,670	-48,186	-44,632
Other assets	-96,925	35,103	-385
Accounts payable	60,488	49,980	28,289
Other current liabilities	-21,921	62,516	108,425
Other liabilities	86,038	2,728	80,432
Net change in other assets and liabilities	$44,740	($63,092)	$29,119

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$159,835	$81,897	$56,144
Income taxes (net of refunds)	132,527	219,088	148,612
Non-cash activities during the period:
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	1,409,400
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	159,835	81,897	56,144
Income taxes (net of refunds)	130,356	216,391	148,612
Non-cash activities during the period:
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	$1,409,400

Information_about_NobleCayman_1

Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Detail) (Noble-Cayman [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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
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 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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
3.45% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	350
Interest rate on 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%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
3.05% Senior Notes due March 2016 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on 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%
Senior notes, maturity date	2017
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on 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%
Senior notes, maturity date	2019
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	202
Interest rate on 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%
Senior notes, maturity date	2020
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	500
Interest rate on 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%
Senior notes, maturity date	2021
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on 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%
Senior notes, maturity date	2022
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on 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%
Senior notes, maturity date	2040
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on 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%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	2042
5.25% Senior Notes due 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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$68,510	$114,458	$282,092	$239,196
Accounts receivable	569,096	949,069
Taxes receivable	107,490	140,269
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	183,466	187,139
Total current assets	928,562	1,390,935
Property and equipment, at cost	14,442,922	19,198,767
Accumulated depreciation	-2,330,413	-4,640,677
Property and equipment, net	12,112,509	14,558,090
Other assets	245,751	268,932
Total assets	13,286,822	16,217,957
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	265,389	347,214
Accrued payroll and related costs	102,520	151,161
Taxes payable	94,230	125,119
Other current liabilities	206,535	300,172
Total current liabilities	668,674	1,051,915
Long-term debt	4,869,020	5,556,251
Deferred income taxes	120,589	225,455
Other liabilities	341,505	334,308
Total liabilities	5,999,788	7,167,929
Total shareholder equity	6,564,730	8,322,583
Noncontrolling interests	722,304	727,445
Total equity	7,287,034	9,050,028	8,488,290	8,097,852
Total liabilities and equity	13,286,822	16,217,957
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Current assets
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	-1,707,305	-1,667,551
Accounts receivable from affiliates	-7,060,506	-7,601,062
Total current assets	-8,767,811	-9,268,613
Notes receivable from affiliates	-7,108,395	-7,192,024
Investments in affiliates	-23,364,388	-33,001,421
Total assets	-39,240,594	-49,462,058
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	-1,707,305	-1,667,551
Accounts payable to affiliates	-7,060,506	-7,601,062
Total current liabilities	-8,767,811	-9,268,613
Notes payable to affiliates	-7,108,395	-7,192,024
Total liabilities	-15,876,206	-16,460,637
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	-22,961,169	-32,490,624
Noncontrolling interests	-403,219	-510,797
Total equity	-23,364,388	-33,001,421
Total liabilities and equity	-39,240,594	-49,462,058
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	5	1	1,003	146
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	123,449
Accounts receivable from affiliates	2,019,319	1,244,019
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14,274
Total current assets	2,157,047	1,244,020
Notes receivable from affiliates	3,304,654	3,304,753
Investments in affiliates	4,567,335	8,601,712
Other assets	2,908	6,256
Total assets	10,031,944	13,156,741
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	600
Accounts payable to affiliates	606,224	1,104,410
Other current liabilities	16,150	412
Total current liabilities	622,974	1,104,822
Long-term debt	1,123,495	1,561,141
Notes payable to affiliates	1,769,068	2,042,808
Other liabilities	19,929	19,931
Total liabilities	3,535,466	4,728,702
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	6,496,478	8,428,039
Total equity	6,496,478	8,428,039
Total liabilities and equity	10,031,944	13,156,741
NHC [Member]
Current assets
Taxes receivable	63,373	52,307
Accounts receivable from affiliates	374,012
Total current assets	437,385	52,307
Investments in affiliates	1,318,239	2,907,379
Total assets	1,755,624	2,959,686
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	171,925	52,611
Accounts payable to affiliates	63,602	653,049
Total current liabilities	235,527	705,660
Total liabilities	235,527	705,660
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	1,520,097	2,254,026
Total equity	1,520,097	2,254,026
Total liabilities and equity	1,755,624	2,959,686
NDH [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	254	402	904	385
Accounts receivable	37,655	34,038
Taxes receivable	752
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	1,077,965	1,456,245
Accounts receivable from affiliates	192,771	108,208
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,764	6,336
Total current assets	1,311,161	1,605,229
Property and equipment, at cost	2,040,168	2,340,216
Accumulated depreciation	-278,147	-310,171
Property and equipment, net	1,762,021	2,030,045
Notes receivable from affiliates	236,921	124,216
Investments in affiliates	2,921,452	6,595,591
Other assets	6,212	6,332
Total assets	6,237,767	10,361,413
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates		139,195
Accounts payable	10,130	5,310
Accrued payroll and related costs	7,738	8,582
Accounts payable to affiliates	3,513,705	4,032,776
Taxes payable		827
Other current liabilities	13,409	22,106
Total current liabilities	3,544,982	4,208,796
Notes payable to affiliates	598,715	534,683
Other liabilities	29,093	24,502
Total liabilities	4,172,790	4,767,981
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	2,064,977	5,593,432
Total equity	2,064,977	5,593,432
Total liabilities and equity	6,237,767	10,361,413
NHIL [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		4	2
Accounts receivable	2,336
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		139,195
Accounts receivable from affiliates	157,164	210,868
Total current assets	159,500	350,067
Notes receivable from affiliates	1,980,391	2,367,555
Investments in affiliates	8,266,444	9,456,735
Other assets	19,826	22,681
Total assets	10,426,161	12,197,038
Current liabilities
Accounts payable to affiliates	61,982	216,866
Other current liabilities	57,053	62,431
Total current liabilities	119,035	279,297
Long-term debt	3,543,830	3,793,414
Notes payable to affiliates	1,169,180	975,000
Total liabilities	4,832,045	5,047,711
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	5,594,116	7,149,327
Total equity	5,594,116	7,149,327
Total liabilities and equity	10,426,161	12,197,038
NDS6 [Member]
Current assets
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	333,966	19,500
Accounts receivable from affiliates	125,834	27,537
Total current assets	459,800	47,037
Notes receivable from affiliates	5,000	5,000
Investments in affiliates	6,290,918	5,440,004
Other assets	517	639
Total assets	6,756,235	5,492,680
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	371,720	750,000
Accounts payable to affiliates	16,869	21,173
Other current liabilities	4,412	4,412
Total current liabilities	393,001	775,585
Long-term debt	201,695	201,696
Notes payable to affiliates	192,216	260,216
Total liabilities	786,912	1,237,497
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	5,969,323	4,255,183
Total equity	5,969,323	4,255,183
Total liabilities and equity	6,756,235	5,492,680
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	65,521	109,975	275,466	234,525
Accounts receivable	529,105	915,031
Taxes receivable	43,164	87,722
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	171,925	52,611
Accounts receivable from affiliates	4,191,406	6,010,430
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	123,631	178,012
Total current assets	5,124,752	7,353,781
Property and equipment, at cost	12,364,203	16,820,134
Accumulated depreciation	-2,040,073	-4,321,507
Property and equipment, net	10,324,130	12,498,627
Notes receivable from affiliates	1,581,429	1,390,500
Other assets	192,791	233,106
Total assets	17,223,102	21,476,014
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	1,163,660	725,745
Accounts payable	250,282	340,600
Accrued payroll and related costs	83,749	134,764
Accounts payable to affiliates	2,798,124	1,572,788
Taxes payable	91,471	119,761
Other current liabilities	110,890	210,811
Total current liabilities	4,498,176	3,104,469
Notes payable to affiliates	3,379,216	3,379,317
Deferred income taxes	120,589	225,455
Other liabilities	286,942	289,875
Total liabilities	8,284,923	6,999,116
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	7,812,656	13,238,656
Noncontrolling interests	1,125,523	1,238,242
Total equity	8,938,179	14,476,898
Total liabilities and equity	17,223,102	21,476,014
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	65,780	110,382	277,375	235,056
Accounts receivable	569,096	949,069
Taxes receivable	107,289	140,029
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	139,669	184,348
Total current assets	881,834	1,383,828
Property and equipment, at cost	14,404,371	19,160,350
Accumulated depreciation	-2,318,220	-4,631,678
Property and equipment, net	12,086,151	14,528,672
Other assets	222,254	269,014
Total assets	13,190,239	16,181,514
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	261,012	345,910
Accrued payroll and related costs	91,487	143,346
Taxes payable	91,471	120,588
Other current liabilities	201,914	300,172
Total current liabilities	645,884	910,016
Long-term debt	4,869,020	5,556,251
Deferred income taxes	120,589	225,455
Other liabilities	335,964	334,308
Total liabilities	5,971,457	7,026,030
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	6,496,478	8,428,039
Noncontrolling interests	722,304	727,445
Total equity	7,218,782	9,155,484	8,531,082	8,073,633
Total liabilities and equity	$13,190,239	$16,181,514

Information_about_NobleCayman_4

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services									$3,147,859	$2,454,745	$2,089,621
Reimbursables									84,644	66,292	65,767
Labor contract drilling services										17,095	45,299
Total operating revenues	804,740	828,796	803,781	795,187	725,089	640,513	606,480	566,061	3,232,504	2,538,143	2,200,699
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services									1,500,512	1,168,764	969,310
Reimbursables									66,378	50,410	55,424
Labor contract drilling services										11,601	22,976
Depreciation and amortization									627,473	511,513	440,306
General and administrative									106,771	117,997	99,990
Loss on impairment									745,428	3,585	20,384
Gain on disposal of assets, net										-35,646
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net										-30,618	-33,255
Total operating costs and expenses									3,046,562	1,797,606	1,575,135
Operating income (loss)	-541,864	243,633	235,205	248,968	205,879	239,248	159,973	135,437	185,942	740,537	625,564
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									-155,179	-106,300	-85,763
Interest income and other, net									-1,298	4,184	3,564
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									29,465	638,421	543,365
Income tax provision									-106,651	-92,117	-95,183
Net income from continuing operations									-77,186	546,304	448,182
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax									160,502	304,102	107,955
Net income									83,316	850,406	556,137
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									-74,825	-67,709	-33,793
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	-594,539	147,389	140,325	154,814	144,023	165,267	102,406	66,899	8,491	782,697	522,344
Other comprehensive income, net									-21,732	33,285	-41,128
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc									-13,241	815,982	481,216
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services									-246,406	-77,361	-78,580
Other											-931
Total operating revenues									-246,406	-77,361	-79,511
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services									-246,406	-77,361	-79,511
Total operating costs and expenses									-246,406	-77,361	-79,511
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-continuing operations									1,754,856	-170,772	-1,103,349
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-discontinued operations, net of tax									-479,313	-1,169,474	-677,033
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates									1,275,543	-1,340,246	-1,780,382
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									3,318,536	2,084,036	893,858
Interest income and other, net									-3,318,536	-2,084,036	-893,858
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									1,275,543	-1,340,246	-1,780,382
Net income from continuing operations									1,275,543	-1,340,246	-1,780,382
Net income									1,275,543	-1,340,246	-1,780,382
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									23,778	46,605	35,176
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation									1,299,321	-1,293,641	-1,745,206
Other comprehensive income, net									21,732	-33,285	41,128
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc									1,321,053	-1,326,926	-1,704,078
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services									30,885	24,039	2,646
General and administrative									2,437	7,380	3,036
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net										-45,000
Total operating costs and expenses									33,322	-13,581	5,682
Operating income (loss)									-33,322	13,581	-5,682
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-continuing operations									-2,885,628	653,815	569,295
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-discontinued operations, net of tax									223,083	321,804	115,151
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates									-2,662,545	975,619	684,446
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									-93,536	-127,995	-105,147
Interest income and other, net									2,913,631	6,609	7,306
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									124,228	867,814	580,923
Net income from continuing operations									124,228	867,814	580,923
Net income									124,228	867,814	580,923
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation									124,228	867,814	580,923
Other comprehensive income, net									-21,732	33,285	-41,128
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc									102,496	901,099	539,795
NHC [Member]
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services									39,039	22,195	17,551
General and administrative									11,376	7,396	7,786
Total operating costs and expenses									50,415	29,591	25,337
Operating income (loss)									-50,415	-29,591	-25,337
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-continuing operations									157,648	65,868	82,257
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-discontinued operations, net of tax									50,565	45,098	32,769
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates									208,213	110,966	115,026
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									-3,046	-1,081	-20,950
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									154,752	80,294	68,739
Income tax provision									-68,805	-24,592	-18,446
Net income from continuing operations									85,947	55,702	50,293
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax									-18,655	-16,569	-23,622
Net income									67,292	39,133	26,671
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation									67,292	39,133	26,671
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc									67,292	39,133	26,671
NDH [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services									327,070	240,631	161,577
Reimbursables									6,239	8,498	6,637
Total operating revenues									333,309	249,129	168,214
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services									120,971	70,359	45,474
Reimbursables									4,687	6,850	5,886
Depreciation and amortization									65,164	62,778	60,738
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net											-4,869
Total operating costs and expenses									190,822	139,987	107,229
Operating income (loss)									142,487	109,142	60,985
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-continuing operations									-80,080	-53,235	168,972
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-discontinued operations, net of tax									28,580	308,188	188,511
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates									-51,500	254,953	357,483
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									-24,974	-23,156	-23,105
Interest income and other, net									249,005	262,717	40,845
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									315,018	603,656	436,208
Income tax provision									-3,574	3,655	-4,576
Net income from continuing operations									311,444	607,311	431,632
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax									6,634	24,529	10,160
Net income									318,078	631,840	441,792
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation									318,078	631,840	441,792
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc									318,078	631,840	441,792
NHIL [Member]
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services									115,909	110,138	82,736
General and administrative									31,620	36,050	35,606
Total operating costs and expenses									147,529	146,188	118,342
Operating income (loss)									-147,529	-146,188	-118,342
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-continuing operations									604,419	641,155	527,469
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-discontinued operations, net of tax									170,845	431,149	280,121
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates									775,264	1,072,304	807,590
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									-169,666	-139,784	-120,361
Interest income and other, net									89,449	154,442	135,001
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									547,518	940,774	703,888
Net income from continuing operations									547,518	940,774	703,888
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax										-55
Net income									547,518	940,719	703,888
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation									547,518	940,719	703,888
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc									547,518	940,719	703,888
NDS6 [Member]
Operating costs and expenses
General and administrative									1	1	1
Total operating costs and expenses									1	1	1
Operating income (loss)									-1	-1	-1
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-continuing operations									448,785	-1,136,831	-244,644
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates-discontinued operations, net of tax									6,240	63,235	60,481
Total income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates									455,025	-1,073,596	-184,163
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									-33,671	-45,897	-43,090
Interest income and other, net									3,308	1,569,003	594,328
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									424,661	449,509	367,074
Income tax provision									-1,546
Net income from continuing operations									423,115	449,509	367,074
Net income									423,115	449,509	367,074
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation									423,115	449,509	367,074
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc									423,115	449,509	367,074
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services									3,067,195	2,291,475	2,006,624
Reimbursables									78,405	57,794	59,130
Labor contract drilling services										17,095	45,299
Other									1	11	943
Total operating revenues									3,145,601	2,366,375	2,111,996
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services									1,447,073	1,009,801	891,941
Reimbursables									61,691	43,560	49,538
Labor contract drilling services										11,601	23,129
Depreciation and amortization									559,114	446,563	377,636
General and administrative									7,560	14,032	12,937
Loss on impairment									745,428	3,585	20,384
Gain on disposal of assets, net										-35,646
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net										14,382	-28,386
Total operating costs and expenses									2,820,866	1,507,878	1,347,179
Operating income (loss)									324,735	858,497	764,817
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									-3,148,822	-1,852,423	-666,968
Interest income and other, net									64,267	94,821	119,449
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									-2,759,820	-899,105	217,298
Income tax provision									-32,005	-68,040	-71,161
Net income from continuing operations									-2,791,825	-967,145	146,137
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax									235,104	313,899	128,613
Net income									-2,556,721	-653,246	274,750
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									-98,603	-114,314	-68,969
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation									-2,655,324	-767,560	205,781
Other comprehensive income, net									-21,732	33,285	-41,128
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc									-2,677,056	-734,275	164,653
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services									3,147,859	2,454,745	2,089,621
Reimbursables									84,644	66,292	65,767
Labor contract drilling services										17,095	45,299
Other									1	11	12
Total operating revenues									3,232,504	2,538,143	2,200,699
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services									1,507,471	1,159,171	960,837
Reimbursables									66,378	50,410	55,424
Labor contract drilling services										11,601	23,129
Depreciation and amortization									624,278	509,341	438,374
General and administrative									52,994	64,859	59,366
Loss on impairment									745,428	3,585	20,384
Gain on disposal of assets, net										-35,646
Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net										-30,618	-33,255
Total operating costs and expenses									2,996,549	1,732,703	1,524,259
Operating income (loss)									235,955	805,440	676,440
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									-155,179	-106,300	-85,763
Interest income and other, net									1,124	3,556	3,071
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									81,900	702,696	593,748
Income tax provision									-105,930	-88,977	-94,183
Net income from continuing operations									-24,030	613,719	499,565
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax									223,083	321,804	115,151
Net income									199,053	935,523	614,716
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									-74,825	-67,709	-33,793
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation									124,228	867,814	580,923
Other comprehensive income, net									-21,732	33,285	-41,128
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc									$102,496	$901,099	$539,795

Information_about_NobleCayman_5

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$1,778,208	$1,702,317	$1,381,693
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	-437,647	1,221,333	-635,192
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	-300,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs			1,186,636
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	1,710,550
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	-14,676
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-off	-104,152
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-79,966	-105,388
Financing costs on credit facilities	-398	-2,484	-5,221
Contributions from joint venture partners			40,000
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-45,948	-167,634	42,896
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	114,458	282,092	239,196
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	68,510	114,458	282,092
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities
Notes receivable from affiliates	-273,794	-294,798	1,188,287
Net cash from investing activities	-273,794	-294,798	1,188,287
Cash flows from financing activities
Notes payable to affiliates	273,794	294,798	-1,188,287
Net cash from financing activities	273,794	294,798	-1,188,287
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	2,825,524	-117,993	-86,784
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	-437,647	1,221,333	-635,192
Repayment of long-term debt		-300,000
Financing costs on credit facilities	-398	-2,484	-5,221
Distributions to parent company, net	-631,095	-265,880	-175,977
Advances (to) from affiliates	-1,482,686	-241,180	-284,256
Notes payable to affiliates	-273,744	-294,798	1,188,287
Net cash from financing activities	-2,825,570	116,991	87,641
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	4	-1,002	857
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1	1,003	146
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	5	1	1,003
NHC [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	-151,987	-133,595	-99,193
Cash flows from financing activities
Advances (to) from affiliates	151,987	133,595	99,193
Net cash from financing activities	151,987	133,595	99,193
NDH [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	366,583	424,147	134,370
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures	-1,404,560	-1,594,449	-682,477
Net cash from investing activities	-1,404,560	-1,594,449	-682,477
Cash flows from financing activities
Advances (to) from affiliates	1,037,829	1,169,800	548,626
Net cash from financing activities	1,037,829	1,169,800	548,626
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-148	-502	519
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	402	904	385
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	254	402	904
NHIL [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	-232,605	-128,315	-96,642
Cash flows from investing activities
Notes receivable from affiliates	273,744		-1,188,287
Net cash from investing activities	273,744		-1,188,287
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs			1,186,636
Advances (to) from affiliates	208,857	128,317	98,295
Net cash from financing activities	-41,143	128,317	1,284,931
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-4	2	2
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	4	2
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		4	2
NDS6 [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	-31,788	1,523,225	551,358
Cash flows from financing activities
Advances (to) from affiliates	31,788	-1,523,225	-551,358
Net cash from financing activities	31,788	-1,523,225	-551,358
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	-903,811	201,161	1,017,518
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures	-704,574	-949,755	-1,106,077
Notes receivable from affiliates		294,798
Proceeds from disposal of assets		61,000
Net cash from investing activities	-704,574	-593,957	-1,106,077
Cash flows from financing activities
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	1,710,550
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	-14,676
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-off	-104,152
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-79,966	-105,388
Contributions from joint venture partners			40,000
Advances (to) from affiliates	52,225	332,693	89,500
Notes payable to affiliates	-50
Net cash from financing activities	1,563,931	227,305	129,500
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-44,454	-165,491	40,941
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	109,975	275,466	234,525
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	65,521	109,975	275,466
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	1,871,916	1,768,630	1,420,627
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures	-2,109,134	-2,544,204	-1,788,554
Proceeds from disposal of assets		61,000
Net cash from investing activities	-2,109,134	-2,483,204	-1,788,554
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	-437,647	1,221,333	-635,192
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	-300,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs			1,186,636
Long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	1,710,550
Financing costs on long-term borrowings of Paragon Offshore	-14,676
Cash balances of Paragon Offshore in Spin-off	-104,152
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-79,966	-105,388
Financing costs on credit facilities	-398	-2,484	-5,221
Contributions from joint venture partners			40,000
Distributions to parent company, net	-631,095	-265,880	-175,977
Net cash from financing activities	192,616	547,581	410,246
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-44,602	-166,993	42,319
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	110,382	277,375	235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$65,780	$110,382	$277,375

Unaudited_Interim_Financial_Da2

Unaudited Interim Financial Data - Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$804,740	$828,796	$803,781	$795,187	$725,089	$640,513	$606,480	$566,061	$3,232,504	$2,538,143	$2,200,699
Operating income (loss)	-541,864	243,633	235,205	248,968	205,879	239,248	159,973	135,437	185,942	740,537	625,564
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Noble-UK	-594,539	147,389	140,325	154,814	144,023	165,267	102,406	66,899	8,491	782,697	522,344
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Noble-UK
Operating revenues	804,740	828,796	803,781	795,187	725,089	640,513	606,480	566,061	3,232,504	2,538,143	2,200,699
Operating income	-541,864	243,633	235,205	248,968	205,879	239,248	159,973	135,437	185,942	740,537	625,564
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Noble-UK	($594,539)	$147,389	$140,325	$154,814	$144,023	$165,267	$102,406	$66,899	$8,491	$782,697	$522,344
Basic	($2.38)	$0.57	$0.54	$0.60	$0.56	$0.64	$0.40	$0.26	$0.03	$3.05	$2.05
Diluted	($2.38)	$0.57	$0.54	$0.60	$0.56	$0.64	$0.40	$0.26	$0.03	$3.05	$2.05

Unaudited_Interim_Financial_Da3

Unaudited Interim Financial Data - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Included in Quarterly Report (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net income	$83,316	$850,406	$556,137
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-118	-3,188	-8,076
Net pension plan loss (net of tax benefit of $386 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014)	-41,608	29,861	-41,658
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense (net of tax provision of $193 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014)	18,389
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)	2,764	6,612	5,545
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-21,732	33,285	-41,128
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore	1,409,400
Total comprehensive income	61,584	883,691	515,009
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-74,825	-67,709	-33,793
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc	-13,241	815,982	481,216
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net income	124,228	867,814	580,923
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	-21,732	33,285	-41,128
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc	102,496	901,099	539,795
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated			3,061
As Reported [Member]
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net income				147,646	678,350
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments				-1,577	1,143
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	2,099
Other comprehensive income (loss), net				-8,982	1,918
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore				34,478	34,478
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests				-20,471	-60,290
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc				152,671	654,456
As Reported [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net income				193,705	784,078
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments				-1,577	1,143
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	2,099
Other comprehensive income (loss), net				-8,982	1,918
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore				34,478	34,478
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests				-20,471	-60,290
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc				198,730	760,184
As Reported [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated				-6,925	-273
As Reported [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated				-6,925	-273
As Adjusted [Member]
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net income				147,646	678,350
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments				-1,577	1,143
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	2,099
Other comprehensive income (loss), net				-8,982	1,918
Total comprehensive income				138,664	680,268
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests				-20,471	-60,290
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc				118,193	619,978
As Adjusted [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net income				193,705	784,078
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments				-1,577	1,143
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	2,099
Other comprehensive income (loss), net				-8,982	1,918
Total comprehensive income				184,723	785,996
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests				-20,471	-60,290
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc				164,252	725,706
As Adjusted [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated				-6,925	-273
As Adjusted [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] | Noble-Cayman [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated				($6,925)	($273)

Unaudited_Interim_Financial_Da4

Unaudited Interim Financial Data - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Included in Quarterly Report (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net pension plan gain loss, tax provision (benefit)	$386		$386		($21,429)	$14,155	($3,777)
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense, tax provision	193		193		9,902
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	253	732	758	2,192	1,102	2,924	2,841
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
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

Subsequent_Event_Additional_In

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event [Member]
Schedule of Reverse Stock Split [Line Items]
Repurchase of ordinary shares	6,200
Average price per share	$16.10
Average price per share including commissions and stamp tax	$16.21