Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Cash Flow Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$ 190,917	$ 159,835	$ 81,897
Income taxes (net of refunds)	89,292	132,527	219,088
Non-cash activities during the period:
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore		1,409,400
Noble Corp [Member]
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	190,917	159,835	81,897
Income taxes (net of refunds)	$ 88,948	130,356	$ 216,391
Non-cash activities during the period:
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore		$ 1,409,400