Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017 Rig	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	May 02, 2017 USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of newbuild rigs allegedly infringing patent | Rig	5
Net charges recognized relating to Paragon Offshore emergence from bankruptcy							$ 15,900
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax			$ 0	$ 0	$ (1,486)	$ 0	$ (1,486)	$ 0	$ 0
Years of effectiveness of employment agreements after the termination of employment							3 years
Operating Leases, Rent Expense							$ 8,300	$ 7,800	$ 8,700
Minimum
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Percentage of uncertain tax positions likelihood of being sustained							50.00%
Paragon Offshore
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Litigation trust fund										$ 10,000
Customs And Other Business Taxes | Mexico | Non-U.S.
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Approximate audit claims assessed							$ 48,300
Noble Discoverer And Kulluk
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Loss contingencies payments		$ 8,200
Environmental Compliance Plan, probationary period		4 years
Noble Discoverer And Kulluk | Community Service Payment
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Loss contingencies payments		$ 4,000