Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net income	$ 363,625	$ 773,432	$ 1,678,642
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,566)	2,456	277
Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	(4,665)	1,187	417
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	(366)	366
Net pension plan loss (net of a tax benefit of $12,845 in 2011, $2,888 in 2010 and $1,635 in 2009)	(18,551)	(1,898)	(1,424)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $1,146 in 2011, $1,286 in 2010 and $653 in 2009)	2,047	2,550	3,106
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(24,101)	4,661	2,376
Total comprehensive income	339,524	778,093	1,681,018
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	7,273	(3)
Less: Noncontrolling portion of gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	182	(183)
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	346,980	777,907	1,681,018
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Net income	414,770	815,537	1,700,381
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,566)	2,456	277
Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	(4,665)	1,187	417
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	(366)	366
Net pension plan loss (net of a tax benefit of $12,845 in 2011, $2,888 in 2010 and $1,635 in 2009)	(19,254)	(1,898)	(1,424)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $1,146 in 2011, $1,286 in 2010 and $653 in 2009)	2,747	2,550	3,106
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(24,101)	4,661	2,376
Total comprehensive income	390,669	820,198	1,702,757
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	7,273	(3)
Less: Noncontrolling portion of gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	183	(183)
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$ 398,125	$ 820,012	$ 1,702,757