Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 583,201	$ 83,316	$ 850,406
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,278)	(118)	(3,188)
Net pension plan gain (loss) (net of tax provision (benefit) of $4,021 in 2015, ($21,429) in 2014 and $14,155 in 2013 )	7,099	(41,608)	29,861
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $2,297 in 2015, $1,102 in 2014 and $2,924 in 2013)	4,422	2,764	6,612
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense (net of tax provision of $9,902 in 2014)		18,389
Prior service cost arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $317 in 2014)		(1,159)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	6,243	(21,732)	33,285
Total comprehensive income	589,444	61,584	883,691
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(72,201)	(74,825)	(67,709)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc	517,243	(13,241)	815,982
Noble Corp [Member]
Net income	607,012	199,053	935,523
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,278)	(118)	(3,188)
Net pension plan gain (loss) (net of tax provision (benefit) of $4,021 in 2015, ($21,429) in 2014 and $14,155 in 2013 )	7,099	(41,608)	29,861
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $2,297 in 2015, $1,102 in 2014 and $2,924 in 2013)	4,422	2,764	6,612
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense (net of tax provision of $9,902 in 2014)		18,389
Prior service cost arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $317 in 2014)		(1,159)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	6,243	(21,732)	33,285
Total comprehensive income	613,255	177,321	968,808
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(72,201)	(74,825)	(67,709)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$ 541,054	$ 102,496	$ 901,099