Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income (loss)	$ (857,873)	$ 583,201	$ 83,316
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(19)	(5,278)	(118)
Net pension plan gain (loss) (net of tax provision (benefit) of ($1,828) in 2016, $4,021 in 2015 and ($21,429) in 2014)	(8,237)	7,099	(41,608)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $1,635 in 2016, $2,297 in 2015 and $1,102 in 2014)	3,127	4,422	2,764
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense (net of tax provision of $7,218 in 2016 and $9,902 in 2014)	15,216	0	18,389
Prior service cost arising during the period (net of tax provision of $344 in 2016 and net of tax benefit of $317 in 2014)	948	0	(1,159)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	11,035	6,243	(21,732)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(846,838)	589,444	61,584
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(71,707)	(72,201)	(74,825)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation	(918,545)	517,243	(13,241)
Noble Corp [Member]
Net income (loss)	(828,007)	607,012	199,053
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(19)	(5,278)	(118)
Net pension plan gain (loss) (net of tax provision (benefit) of ($1,828) in 2016, $4,021 in 2015 and ($21,429) in 2014)	(8,237)	7,099	(41,608)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $1,635 in 2016, $2,297 in 2015 and $1,102 in 2014)	3,127	4,422	2,764
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense (net of tax provision of $7,218 in 2016 and $9,902 in 2014)	15,216	0	18,389
Prior service cost arising during the period (net of tax provision of $344 in 2016 and net of tax benefit of $317 in 2014)	948	0	(1,159)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	11,035	6,243	(21,732)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(816,972)	613,255	177,321
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(71,707)	(72,201)	(74,825)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation	$ (888,679)	$ 541,054	$ 102,496