Covenant Compliance, Debt Covenant, Minimum Liquidity

No definition available.

Name:	ne_CovenantComplianceDebtCovenantMinimumLiquidity
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Covenant, Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_DebtCovenantDebtToTotalCapitalizationRatio
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Rig Value Of Closing Date Rigs, Minimum Each Fiscal Quarter, Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_DebtInstrumentCovenantTermsRigValueOfClosingDateRigsMinimumEachFiscalQuarterRatio
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Rig Value Of Marketed Rigs To Indebtedness, Minimum Each Fiscal Quarter, Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_DebtInstrumentCovenantTermsRigValueOfMarketedRigsToIndebtednessMinimumEachFiscalQuarterRatio
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, Subsidiary Guarantors, Required Percentage Of Book Value Of Material Drilling Equipment

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_DebtInstrumentCovenantTermsSubsidiaryGuarantorsRequiredPercentageOfBookValueOfMaterialDrillingEquipment
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Paid In Cash And Paid-In-Kind, Stated Percentage

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_DebtInstrumentInterestRatePaidInCashAndPaidInKindStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Paid In Cash, Stated Percentage

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_DebtInstrumentInterestRatePaidInCashStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Paid-In-Kind, Stated Percentage

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_DebtInstrumentInterestRatePaidInKindStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Principal Payment Due, Percentage

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_DebtInstrumentPrincipalPaymentDuePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Maximum Available Cash After Borrowings

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAvailableCashAfterBorrowings
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line Of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance, Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_LineOfCreditFacilityCovenantComplianceMaximumConsolidatedLeverageRatio.
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line Of Credit Facility Debt To Tangible Capitalization Ratio Covenant.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_LineOfCreditFacilityDebtToTangibleCapitalizationRatioCovenant
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Increase Limit

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ne_LineofCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureIncreaseLimit
Namespace Prefix:	ne_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Fair value amount of debt instrument that was repurchased.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Face (par) amount of the original debt instrument that was repurchased.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Gross amount of debt extinguished.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The difference between the reacquisition price and the net carrying amount of the extinguished debt recognized currently as a component of income in the period of extinguishment, net of tax.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 50
-Section 40
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12317-112629

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtGainLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 50
-Section 40
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12355-112629

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 50
-Section 40
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12317-112629

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of current borrowing capacity under the credit facility considering any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed (for example, borrowings may be limited by the amount of current assets), but without considering any amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow for acquisition of machinery and equipment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3213-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMachineryAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow from additional borrowings, net of cash paid to third parties in connection with debt origination.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3255-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow from amounts received from issuance of long-term debt that is wholly or partially secured by collateral. Excludes proceeds from tax exempt secured debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3255-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ne_SellerLoanDueSeptember2022Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ne_SellerLoansMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=ne_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ne_The2015CreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ne_The2017CreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=ne_LettersOfCreditAndSuretyBondsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ne_SeniorNotesDue2026Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=ne_NHILMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ne_SeniorNotes7.50DueMarch2019Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ne_SeniorNotes5.75DueMarch2018Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=ne_MaritimeEquipmentNobleJoeKnightMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_MaritimeEquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis=us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ne_SellerLoanDueFebruary2023Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_StatementScenarioAxis=srt_ScenarioForecastMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt - Additional Information (Details)					1 Months Ended						3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				18 Months Ended
Debt - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 20, 2019 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 21, 2018 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 18, 2020 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Jan. 03, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 21, 2017 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net													$ 30,616,000	$ (1,793,000)	$ 0
Seller Loan Due September 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Financed value		$ 53,600,000	$ 60,000,000.0				$ 60,000,000.0
Principal payment due		5.00%
Seller Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum debt to tangible capitalization covenant													50.00%
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facilities				$ 300,000,000.0
Credit facility: \| 2015 Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net loss recognized														$ (2,300,000)
Extinguishment of debt	$ 300,000,000.0
Credit facility: \| 2017 Credit Facility matures January 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facilities																		$ 1,300,000,000		$ 1,500,000,000
Net loss recognized													$ (700,000)
Outstanding borrowings													335,000,000.0
Credit facility: \| 2017 Credit Facility matures January 2023 \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Available to borrowing capacity under credit facilities													660,000,000
Credit facility: \| Revolving Credit Facility \| 2017 Credit Facility matures January 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount credit facility can be increased													$ 500,000,000.0
Minimum liquidity																			$ 300,000,000.0
Debt covenant, rig value of marketed rigs to indebtedness, required minimum ratio													3.00
Debt covenants, rig value of closing date rigs, required minimum ratio													0.80
Debt restrictive covenants, maximum available cash after borrowings													$ 200,000,000.0
Credit facility: \| Letter of Credit \| 2017 Credit Facility matures January 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Available to borrowing capacity under credit facilities													15,000,000.0
Outstanding borrowings													9,000,000.0
Credit facility: \| Letters Of Credit and Surety Bonds
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings													$ 12,200,000
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of debt									$ 126,600,000
Purchase of senior notes					$ 440,900,000	$ 27,400,000		$ 400,000	9,500,000	$ 754,200,000
Repurchase amount					400,000,000.0	20,200,000		300,000	8,700,000	750,000,000.0
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net					$ 31,300,000	$ 6,900,000		$ 100,000	$ 500,000	(3,500,000)
Senior notes \| Senior Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value of senior notes				750,000,000.0
Senior notes \| Senior Notes due 2026 \| NHIL
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt				$ 737,400,000
Required percentage of book value of material drilling equipment for subsidiary guarantors				85.00%									85.00%
Senior notes \| 7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Purchase of senior notes										61,900,000
Repurchase amount										65,300,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net										$ (3,500,000)
Interest rate on senior notes													7.50%
Senior notes \| 5.75% Senior Notes due March 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes													5.75%
Seller loans: \| Seller Loan Due September 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, paid in cash		4.25%					4.25%
Paid-in-kind interest rate							1.25%
Paid in cash and paid-in-kind interest rate							8.91%
Senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturity period							4 years
Seller loans: \| Seller Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt to total capitalization ratio requirement							0.55
Minimum liquidity							$ 300,000,000.0
Maritime Equipment, Noble Joe Knight
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Purchase price of asset acquired		$ 83,800,000
Rig
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Purchase price of asset acquired			$ 93,800,000
LIBOR \| Credit facility: \| Revolving Credit Facility \| 2017 Credit Facility matures January 2023 \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual rate													4.25%
Subsequent Event \| Credit facility: \| Revolving Credit Facility \| 2017 Credit Facility matures January 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Available to borrowing capacity under credit facilities																	$ 660,000,000
Outstanding borrowings																	$ 335,000,000
Redemption period \| Seller Loan Due February 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal payment due		95.00%
Redemption period \| Seller Loan Due September 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal payment due							95.00%
Forecast \| 2017 Credit Facility matures January 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio											3.0	3.5				4.0