Loss Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for Noble-UK (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Basic
Net loss from continuing operations	$ (444,871)	$ (81,591)	$ (663,899)	$ (851,988)
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	(3,821)	0
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	(444,871)	(81,591)	(667,720)	(851,988)
Diluted
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$ (444,871)	$ (81,591)	$ (667,720)	$ (851,988)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (shares)	249,181	246,780	248,865	246,553
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	249,181	246,780	248,865	246,553
Basic:
Loss from continuing operations (usd per share)	$ (1.79)	$ (0.33)	$ (2.66)	$ (3.46)
Loss from discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	0	(0.02)	0
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc (usd per share)	(1.79)	(0.33)	(2.68)	(3.46)
Diluted:
Loss from continuing operations (usd per share)	(1.79)	(0.33)	(2.66)	(3.46)
Loss from discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	0	(0.02)	0
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc (usd per share)	$ (1.79)	$ (0.33)	$ (2.68)	$ (3.46)