Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jul. 15, 2022
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2022
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
Trading Symbol	NOV
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Registrant Name	NOV INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001021860
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		392,801,775
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	1-12317
Entity Tax Identification Number	76-0475815
Entity Address, Address Line One	7909 Parkwood Circle Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77036-6565
City Area Code	713
Local Phone Number	341-4802
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false