Supplemental Financial Information - Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Net change in other assets and liabilities	$ (21,237)	$ 87,124	$ 126,103
Noble-UK
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	114,456	179,779	70,165
Other current assets	(23,710)	81,702	61,514
Other assets	(87,377)	139,872	106,354
Accounts payable	22,638	(84,873)	(30,771)
Other current liabilities	34,568	(209,739)	(54,940)
Other liabilities	(81,812)	(19,617)	(26,219)
Net change in other assets and liabilities	(21,237)	87,124	126,103
Noble - Cayman
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	114,456	179,779	70,165
Other current assets	(26,556)	79,682	23,047
Other assets	(89,591)	137,792	89,877
Accounts payable	22,834	(83,085)	(28,538)
Other current liabilities	35,695	(205,969)	(34,024)
Other liabilities	(76,929)	(20,960)	(25,562)
Net change in other assets and liabilities	$ (20,091)	$ 87,239	$ 94,965