Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Capital [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$ 70,165	$ 29,730	$ (165,233)
Other current assets	61,514	(3,201)	(47,848)
Other assets	106,354	(96,941)	34,757
Accounts payable	(30,771)	63,546	50,731
Other current liabilities	(57,496)	(28,644)	61,644
Other liabilities	(26,219)	86,037	2,731
Net change in other assets and liabilities	123,547	50,527	(63,218)
Noble Corp [Member]
Operating Capital [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	70,165	29,730	(165,233)
Other current assets	23,047	(12,670)	(48,186)
Other assets	89,877	(96,925)	35,103
Accounts payable	(28,538)	60,488	49,980
Other current liabilities	(36,580)	(21,921)	62,516
Other liabilities	(25,562)	86,038	2,728
Net change in other assets and liabilities	$ 92,409	$ 44,740	$ (63,092)