| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-35345 |
| Entity Registrant Name | PACIFIC DRILLING S.A. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | N4 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 00-0000000 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 8-10, Avenue de la Gare |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | L-1610 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Luxembourg |
| Entity Address, Country | LU |
| City Area Code | 352 |
| Local Phone Number | 27 85 81 35 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common shares, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | PACD |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001517342 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
