Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net pension plan gain (loss), tax provision (benefit)	$ (1,828)	$ 4,021	$ (21,429)
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	1,635	2,297	1,102
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense, tax provision	7,218	0	9,902
Prior service cost arising during the period, tax benefit	344	0	317
Noble Corp [Member]
Net pension plan gain (loss), tax provision (benefit)	(1,828)	4,021	(21,429)
Amortization of deferred pension plan, tax provision	1,635	2,297	1,102
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense, tax provision	7,562	0	9,902
Prior service cost arising during the period, tax benefit	$ 0	$ 0	$ 317