Supplemental Financial Information - Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Operating Capital [Line Items]
Net change in other assets and liabilities	$ 14,556	$ (89,859)
Noble U-K [Member]
Operating Capital [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	33,630	(7,086)
Other current assets	(11,451)	20,750
Other assets	89,065	23,845
Accounts payable	(9,017)	(48,925)
Other current liabilities	(95,810)	(53,252)
Other liabilities	8,139	(25,191)
Net change in other assets and liabilities	14,556	(89,859)
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating Capital [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	33,630	(7,086)
Other current assets	(11,719)	18,739
Other assets	89,029	23,845
Accounts payable	(8,800)	(48,619)
Other current liabilities	(96,154)	(45,885)
Other liabilities	8,139	(25,192)
Net change in other assets and liabilities	$ 14,125	$ (84,198)