| Cover | Feb. 19, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 19, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | NOBLE CORPORATION plc |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001458891 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | X0 |
| Entity File Number | 001-36211 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0619597 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 10 Brook Street, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | London, |
| Entity Address, Country | GB |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | W1S1BG |
| Country Region | +44 |
| City Area Code | 20 |
| Local Phone Number | 3300 2300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Shares, Nominal Value $0.01 per Share |
| Trading Symbol | NE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
