| Cover | Nov. 04, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 4, 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 | 13135 Dairy Ashford, |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 800, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Sugar Land, |
| Entity Address, Country | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77478 |
| City Area Code | 281 |
| Local Phone Number | 276-6100 |
| 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 | NEBLQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
