Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net pension plan gain (loss), tax provision (benefit)	$ 4,021	$ (21,429)	$ 14,155
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	2,297	1,102	2,924
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense, tax provision		9,902
Prior service cost arising during the period, tax benefit		317
Noble Corp [Member]
Net pension plan gain (loss), tax provision (benefit)	4,021	(21,429)	14,155
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	$ 2,297	1,102	$ 2,924
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense, tax provision		9,902
Prior service cost arising during the period, tax benefit		$ 317