<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.3.1.900</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>537</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>542</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>154</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>13</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100010 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheet</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheet</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheet</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100020 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100030 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100050 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100060 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnauditedParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100070 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100090 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100100 - Disclosure - Organization and Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100110 - Disclosure - Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore")</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSpinOffOfParagonOffshorePlcParagonOffshore</Role>
      <ShortName>Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore")</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100120 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100130 - Disclosure - Consolidated Joint Ventures</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConsolidatedJointVentures</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Joint Ventures</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100140 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100150 - Disclosure - Receivables from Customers</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReceivablesFromCustomers</Role>
      <ShortName>Receivables from Customers</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100160 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100170 - Disclosure - Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100180 - Disclosure - Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100190 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100200 - Disclosure - Loss on Impairment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLossOnImpairment</Role>
      <ShortName>Loss on Impairment</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100210 - Disclosure - Gain on Disposal of Assets, net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGainOnDisposalOfAssetsNet</Role>
      <ShortName>Gain on Disposal of Assets, net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100220 - Disclosure - Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, Net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGainOnContractSettlementsExtinguishmentsNet</Role>
      <ShortName>Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, Net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100230 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100240 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100250 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100260 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments and Credit Risk</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAndCreditRisk</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments and Credit Risk</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100270 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100280 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment and Related Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100290 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSupplementalCashFlowInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Cash Flow Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100300 - Disclosure - Information about Noble-Cayman</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutNobleCayman</Role>
      <ShortName>Information about Noble-Cayman</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100310 - Disclosure - Unaudited Interim Financial Data</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureUnauditedInterimFinancialData</Role>
      <ShortName>Unaudited Interim Financial Data</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100320 - Disclosure - Subsequent Event</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvent</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Event</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100330 - Disclosure - Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100340 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperationsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperations</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100350 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100360 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100370 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebt</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100380 - Disclosure - Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquity</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100390 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100400 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100410 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlans</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100420 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100430 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments and Credit Risk (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAndCreditRiskTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments and Credit Risk (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAndCreditRisk</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100440 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment and Related Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100450 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSupplementalCashFlowInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSupplementalCashFlowInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100460 - Disclosure - Information about Noble-Cayman (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutNobleCaymanTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Information about Noble-Cayman (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutNobleCayman</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100470 - Disclosure - Unaudited Interim Financial Data (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureUnauditedInterimFinancialDataTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Unaudited Interim Financial Data (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureUnauditedInterimFinancialData</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100480 - Disclosure - Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100490 - Disclosure - Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore") - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSpinOffOfParagonOffshorePlcParagonOffshoreAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore") - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSpinOffOfParagonOffshorePlcParagonOffshore</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100500 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperationsAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100510 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Operation from Discontinued Operations (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperationsScheduleOfOperationFromDiscontinuedOperationsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Operation from Discontinued Operations (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100520 - Disclosure - Consolidated Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConsolidatedJointVenturesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100530 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for Noble-UK (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareForNobleUKDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for Noble-UK (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100540 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100550 - Disclosure - Receivables from Customers - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReceivablesFromCustomersAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Receivables from Customers - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100560 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment, at Cost (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentPropertyAndEquipmentAtCostDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment, at Cost (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100570 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100580 - Disclosure - Debt - Schedule of Debt (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtScheduleOfDebtDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Schedule of Debt (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100590 - Disclosure - Debt - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtScheduleOfDebtParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100600 - Disclosure - Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100610 - Disclosure - Debt - Repayments of Total Debt (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtRepaymentsOfTotalDebtDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Repayments of Total Debt (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100620 - Disclosure - Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Total Debt (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtEstimatedFairValueOfOurTotalDebtDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Total Debt (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100630 - Disclosure - Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Total Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtEstimatedFairValueOfOurTotalDebtParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Total Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100640 - Disclosure - Equity - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100650 - Disclosure - Equity - Share Repurchases (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityShareRepurchasesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity - Share Repurchases (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100660 - Disclosure - Equity - Summary of Stock Options Granted (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquitySummaryOfStockOptionsGrantedDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity - Summary of Stock Options Granted (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100670 - Disclosure - Equity - Summary of Stock Options Granted (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquitySummaryOfStockOptionsGrantedParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity - Summary of Stock Options Granted (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100680 - Disclosure - Equity - Additional Information About Stock Options Outstanding (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityAdditionalInformationAboutStockOptionsOutstandingDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity - Additional Information About Stock Options Outstanding (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100690 - Disclosure - Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Stock Options (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquitySummaryOfStatusOfNonVestedStockOptionsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Stock Options (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100700 - Disclosure - Equity - Assumptions used to Value the Performance-Vested Restricted Stock Awards (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityAssumptionsUsedToValuePerformanceVestedRestrictedStockAwardsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity - Assumptions used to Value the Performance-Vested Restricted Stock Awards (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100710 - Disclosure - Equity - Summary of Restricted Share Awards (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquitySummaryOfRestrictedShareAwardsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity - Summary of Restricted Share Awards (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100720 - Disclosure - Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Restricted Shares (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquitySummaryOfStatusOfNonVestedRestrictedSharesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Restricted Shares (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100730 - Disclosure - Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Restricted Shares (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquitySummaryOfStatusOfNonVestedRestrictedSharesParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity - Summary of Status of Non-Vested Restricted Shares (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100740 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in AOCL by Component (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossChangesInAOCLByComponentDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in AOCL by Component (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100750 - Disclosure - Loss on Impairment - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLossOnImpairmentAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Loss on Impairment - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100760 - Disclosure - Gain on Disposal of Assets, net - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGainOnDisposalOfAssetsNetAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Gain on Disposal of Assets, net - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100770 - Disclosure - Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, net - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGainOnContractSettlementsExtinguishmentsNetAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Gain on Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, net - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100780 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Components of Net Deferred Taxes (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesComponentsOfNetDeferredTaxesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Components of Net Deferred Taxes (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100790 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100800 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesIncomeTaxProvisionForContinuingOperationsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100810 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesReconciliationOfReserveForUncertainTaxPositionsExcludingInterestAndPenaltiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100820 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Summary of Liabilities Related to Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSummaryOfLiabilitiesRelatedToReserveForUncertainTaxPositionsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Summary of Liabilities Related to Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100830 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100840 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Statutory and Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesReconciliationOfStatutoryAndEffectiveIncomeTaxRateDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Statutory and Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100850 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100860 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Reconciliation of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations for our Non - U.S. and U.S. Plans (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansReconciliationOfChangesInProjectedBenefitObligationsForOurNonUSAndUSPlansDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Reconciliation of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations for our Non - U.S. and U.S. Plans (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100870 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Reconciliation of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansReconciliationOfChangesInFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Reconciliation of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100880 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Funded Status of Plans (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansFundedStatusOfPlansDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Funded Status of Plans (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100890 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansAmountsRecognizedInConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>88</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100900 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansAmountsRecognizedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>89</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100910 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Pension Costs (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansPensionCostsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Pension Costs (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>90</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100920 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Disaggregated Plan Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansDisaggregatedPlanInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Disaggregated Plan Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>91</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100930 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Plans in which PBO Exceeded Fair Value (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansPlansInWhichPBOExceededFairValueDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Plans in which PBO Exceeded Fair Value (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>92</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100940 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Plans in which Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeded Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansPlansInWhichAccumulatedBenefitObligationExceededFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Plans in which Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeded Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>93</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100950 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Defined Benefit Plans Key Assumptions (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitPlansKeyAssumptionsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Defined Benefit Plans Key Assumptions (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>94</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R95.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100960 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Actual Fair Values of Non-U.S. Pension Plans (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansActualFairValuesOfNonUSPensionPlansDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Actual Fair Values of Non-U.S. Pension Plans (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>95</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R96.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100970 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Activity Related to Investments (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansScheduleOfActivityRelatedToInvestmentsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Activity Related to Investments (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>96</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R97.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100980 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Actual Fair Values of U.S. Pension Plans (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansActualFairValuesOfUSPensionPlansDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Actual Fair Values of U.S. Pension Plans (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>97</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R98.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100990 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Estimated Benefit Payments (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansEstimatedBenefitPaymentsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Estimated Benefit Payments (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>98</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R99.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101000 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>99</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R100.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101010 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summarization of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesSummarizationOfRecognizedGainsAndLossesOfCashFlowHedgesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summarization of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>100</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R101.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101020 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAndCreditRiskCarryingAmountAndEstimatedFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>101</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R102.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101030 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAndCreditRiskAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>102</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R103.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101040 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>103</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R104.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101050 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformationAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment and Related Information - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>104</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R105.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101060 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information - Revenues and Identifiable Assets by Country Based on the Location of the Service Provided (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformationRevenuesAndIdentifiableAssetsByCountryBasedOnLocationOfServiceProvidedDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment and Related Information - Revenues and Identifiable Assets by Country Based on the Location of the Service Provided (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>105</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R106.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101070 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSupplementalCashFlowInformationEffectOfChangesInOtherAssetsAndLiabilitiesOnCashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>106</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R107.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101080 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Cash Flow Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSupplementalCashFlowInformationAdditionalCashFlowInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Cash Flow Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>107</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R108.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101090 - Disclosure - Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutNobleCaymanGuarantorObligationsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>108</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R109.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101100 - Disclosure - Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutNobleCaymanGuarantorObligationsParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>109</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R110.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101110 - Disclosure - Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutNobleCaymanCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>110</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R111.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101120 - Disclosure - Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutNobleCaymanCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfIncomeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>111</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R112.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101130 - Disclosure - Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutNobleCaymanCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfCashFlowsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>112</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ne-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R113.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101150 - Disclosure - Unaudited Interim Financial Data - Quarterly Financial Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.noblecorp.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureUnauditedInterimFinancialDataQuarterlyFinancialInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Unaudited Interim Financial Data - Quarterly Financial Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>113</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>ne-20151231.xml</File>
    <File>ne-20151231.xsd</File>
    <File>ne-20151231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>ne-20151231_def.xml</File>
    <File>ne-20151231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>ne-20151231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies/>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
