Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] Restricted Stock Units and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] Restricted Stock Units and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] Performance Units [Member] Performance Units [Member] Units awarded to employees for meeting certain performance targets. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Vesting age, minimum Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Vesting Age, Minimum The minimum age at which awards become fully vested upon retirement. Employee service, continuous minimum service Employee Service, Share Based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Continuous Service Minimum Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Continuous Service, Minimum Minimum period shares have been granted prior to retirement before shares fully vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Minimum Period Shares Have been Granted Prior to Retirement Before Shares Fully Vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Minimum Period Shares Have been Granted Prior to Retirement Before Shares Fully Vest Compensation expense recognition period, minimum Compensation Expense Recognition Period, Minimum The minimum recognition period related to share-based compensation expense. Compensation expense recognition period, maximum Compensation Expense Recognition Period, Maximum The maximum recognition period related to share-based compensation expense. Fair value of restricted stock and stock appreciation rights granted Fair value of restricted stock and stock appreciation rights granted The total fair value of equity-based awards for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement. Aggregate grant date fair value, net of estimated forfeitures1 Aggregate grant date fair value, net of estimated forfeitures The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Requisite service period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Target value of shares granted during the period (in dollars per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Awards vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Total shareholder return, Minimum Total shareholder return, Minimum The minimum expected total shareholder return. Total shareholder return, maximum Total shareholder return, Maximum The maximum expected total shareholder return. Vesting percentage based on relative total shareholder return ranking on annual basis Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting Percentage Based on Relative Total Shareholder Return Ranking on Annual Basis Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting Percentage Based on Relative Total Shareholder Return Ranking on Annual Basis Vesting percentage of performance units periodically (in hundredths) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Percentage Periodically Refers to vesting percentage of share based award in each year up to three years Grant date fair value of P-Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Performance measurement period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Performance Period Performance measurement period three years ended December 2013 Compensation expense over a remaining weighted-average period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Vesting percentage of performance units (in hundredths) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Vesting Percentage Refers to vesting percentage of share based award. Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Other Financial Statement Disclosures [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Axis] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Axis] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts, Oil Producing Property [Domain] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts, Oil Producing Property [Domain] Rowan Paris [Member] Rowan Paris [Member] Rowan Paris [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Rowan Companies, Inc. [Member] Parent Company [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Unsecured debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes due 2017 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due September 2017 [Member] A debt obligation which matures in September 2017. Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] Senior Notes Payable, Due August 2019 [Member] Senior Notes Payable, Due August 2019 [Member] Senior Notes due 2022 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due June 2022 [Member] A debt obligation which matures in June 2022. Senior Notes Due 2042 [Member] Senior Notes Payable, Due June 2042 [Member] Senior Notes Payable, Due June 2042 [Member] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Number of brokers who provided fair value of debt securities Number of Brokers who Provided Fair Value of Debt Securities Number of Brokers who Provided Fair Value of Debt Securities Stated interest rate (in hundredths) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Maturity of debt Debt Instrument, Maturity Year The year of maturity of the debt instrument. Shareholders' Equit [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Other Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Number of shares representing the cash received in settlement of bankruptcy court claim Shares Held in Treasury Released Shares Held in Treasury Released Accumulated other comprehensive losses (AOCL) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit cost Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Accrued capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Interest capitalized in connection with rig construction projects Interest Paid, Capitalized Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Ownership interest (in hundredths) Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage U.S. statutory tax rate (in hundredths) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent U.K. statutory tax rate (in hundredths) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Foreign The foreign federal statutory tax rate applicable under enacted tax laws to the Company's pretax income from continuing operations for the period. The "statutory" tax rate is the regular tax rate if there are alternative tax systems. Gain on Sale of Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Proceeds from sale of rigs Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Gain (loss) on disposals of property and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Material Charges and Other Operating Expenses [Abstract] Material Charges and Other Operating Expenses [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Material charges and other operating expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Redomestication expenses Professional Fees Steel impairment costs Asset Impairment Charges Other Financial Statement Disclosures Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Receivables - trade and other Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Deferred tax assets - net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Assets of discontinued operations Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation Total current assets Assets, Current PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Drilling equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Other property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Property, plant and equipment - gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment - net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent TOTAL ASSETS Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] CURRENT LIABILITIES: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable - trade Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Deferred revenues Deferred Revenue, Current Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Accrued compensation and related employee costs Accrued Salaries, Current Accrued income taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes - net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 4) Commitments and Contingencies SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Class A Ordinary Shares, $0.125 par value, 124,778,407 and 124,740,407 shares issued at June 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Cost of 566,139 and 529,387 treasury shares at June 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Rowan Companies plc (Parent) [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] RCI (Issuer) [Member] Other non-guarantor subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidating adjustments [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS: Other current assets Other Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment - gross Investments in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Due from affiliates Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent Other assets CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Due to affiliates Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Shareholders' equity Condensed Consolidating Income Statements [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] REVENUES Revenues COSTS AND EXPENSES: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Direct operating costs (excluding items below) Drilling operations The aggregate costs related to drilling services rendered during the reporting period. This excludes costs incurred during the reporting period related to depreciation, allocated general and administrative expenses, gains and losses on equipment sales, and other certain material charges and credits attributable to drilling services. Depreciation and amortization Cost of Services, Depreciation and Amortization Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Loss (gain) on disposals of property and equipment Material charges and other operating expenses Material Charges And Other Operating Expenses The total amount of other operating cost and expense and expected cost of terminating an agency agreement. Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS Operating Income (Loss) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Component of Operating Income [Abstract] Interest expense, net of interest capitalized Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Other - net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) - net Nonoperating Income (Expense) INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest (Benefit) provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES, NET OF TAX Equity In Earnings Of Subsidiaries Net Of Tax The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the subsidiaries. NET INCOME Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, net of income taxes Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Amortization of net loss OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetLossRecognizedInNetPeriodicPensionCostNetOfTax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Amortization Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Net Loss Recognized in Net Periodic Pension Cost Net of Tax Amortization of transition obligation Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Transition (Asset) Obligation, Net of Tax Amortization of prior service credit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Recognized in Net Periodic Pension Cost, Tax, net of tax benefit Tax effect of the income statement impact of the reclassification adjustment for prior service costs recognized as a component of net period benefit cost. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment additions Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Removal Costs Increase in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Investments in consolidated subsidiaries Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Repayments of borrowings Repayments of borrowings The cash outflow for a borrowing having initial term of repayment within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer and The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Advances (to) from affiliates Advances To From Affiliates The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the receivables to be collected from (obligations owed to) related parties, net as of the balance sheet date where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth. Contributions from parent Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Proceeds from borrowings Proceeds From Borrowings Net Of Issue Costs The net cash inflow in aggregate debt due to proceeds from additional borrowings, net of the cash outflow paid to third parties in connection with debt origination, which will be amortized over the remaining maturity period of the associated debt. Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Proceeds from exercise of share options Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for pension and postretirement benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Gain on disposals of property, plant and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Postretirement benefit claims paid Other Postretirement Benefits Payments Contributions to pension plans Pension Contributions Asset impairment charges Changes in current assets and liabilities: Changes in current assets and liabilities: -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Receivables - trade and other Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Accrued income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Deferred revenues Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Net changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operations CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from exercise of share options NET INCOME OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, net of income taxes of $1,969 and $1,825 for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, and $3,922 and $3,650 for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively: Amortization of net loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service (Cost) Credit, Net of Tax Amortization of prior service cost Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service (Cost) Credit, Tax Total other comprehensive income Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Table] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Table] Rowan Renaissance [Member] Rowan Renaissance [Member] Information about Rowan Renaissance under construction contract. Rowan Resolute [Member] Rowan Resolute [Member] Information about Rowan Resolute under construction contract. Rowan Reliance [Member] Rowan Reliance [Member] Information about Rowan Reliance under construction contract. Rowan Relentless [Member] Rowan Relentless [Member] Information about Rowan Relentless under construction contract. Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Line Items] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Line Items] Status of company's rigs under construction [Abstract] Status Of Companys Rigs Under Construction [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Scheduled delivery date Expected delivery date The date at which the completed rig is expected to be delivered to the customer. Total estimated project costs Delivery Commitments And Contracts Total Estimated Costs Total estimated costs for the delivery of projects under construction. Total costs incurred through June 30, 2013 Delivery Commitments And Contracts Total Costs Incurred Total costs incurred for the rigs under construction. Projected costs for the remainder of 2013 Delivery Commitments And Contracts Projected Costs The total costs for the delivery of the construction of the rigs projected to incur for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Projected costs in 2014 Delivery Commitments And Contracts Projected Costs Year 2 The total costs for the delivery of the construction of the rigs projected to incur in year 2. Projected costs in 2015 Delivery Commitments And Contracts Projected Costs Year 3 The total costs for the delivery of the construction of the rigs projected to incur in year 3. Total future costs Delivery Commitments And Contracts Total Future Costs The total costs for the construction of the rigs expected to incur until the completion of the projects. Capital expenditures for the remainder of 2013 Capital expenditures for the remainder of 2013 Minimum amount of other commitment maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for commitments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Excludes commitments explicitly modeled in this taxonomy, including but not limited to, long-term and short-term purchase commitments, recorded and unrecorded purchase obligations, supply commitments, registration payment arrangements, leases, debt, product warranties, guarantees, environmental remediation obligations, and pensions. Number of ultra-deepwater drill ships under construction Number of ultra-deepwater drill ships under construction Number of ultra-deepwater drill ships under construction. Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Tax benefit recognized Tax benefit recognized Tax benefit recognized as a result of applying the facts of a third party tax case to the company's situation. Number of asbestos related lawsuits Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Retirement benefit adjustments, taxes Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying value [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair values of Financial Instruments [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] 5% Senior Notes, due 2017 Notes Payable, Senior Notes, due 2017, Fair Value Disclosure This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents senior notes payable, due 2017, as of the balance sheet date. 7.875% Senior Notes, due 2019 Notes Payable, Senior Notes, due 2019, Fair Value Disclosure This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents senior notes payable, due 2019, as of the balance sheet date. 4.875% Senior Notes, due 2022 Notes Payable, Senior Notes, due 2022, Fair Value Disclosure This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents senior notes payable, due 2022, as of the balance sheet date. 5.4% Senior Notes, due 2042 Notes Payable, Senior Notes, due 2042, Fair Value Disclosure This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents senior notes payable, due 2042, as of the balance sheet date. Total Long-term Debt COSTS AND EXPENSES: Gain on disposals of property and equipment OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Provision (benefit) for income taxes LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC: Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items, Per Basic Share [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net income (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items, Per Basic Share INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - DILUTED: Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items, Per Diluted Share [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net income (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items, Per Diluted Share Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract] Summary of Net Periodic Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Earnings per Share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Nature of Operations Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Estimated Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Long-Term Debt Securities Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, income tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Status of Company's Rigs under Construction Commitment for Construction of Rigs [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of arrangements in which the entity has committed resources to construct rigs to a customer. May include identification of the rigs to be constructed, estimated delivery date, estimated project costs, costs incurred, projected costs for the remainder of the year and total future costs. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Guarantor Financial Statements Guarantor Financial Statements [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the condensed financial statements, normally using the registrant (parent) as the sole domain member. If condensed consolidating financial statements are being presented, other domain members (guarantor subsidiaries, non-guarantor subsidiaries or consolidation eliminations) will be included in order that the respective monetary amounts for each domain will aggregate to the respective amounts on the consolidated financial statements. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Guarantees of Registered Securities Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Effect of dilutive securities - share-based compensation (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Average common shares - diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Employee and director share options [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted shares [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Share appreciation rights [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Total potentially dilutive shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Number of fleet of self-elevating mobile offshore jack-up drilling units Number of fleet of self-elevating mobile offshore jack-up drilling units Number of fleet of self-elevating mobile offshore jack-up drilling units. Ultra-deepwater drill ships expected to be completed, contract term after delivery Ultra-deepwater Drill Ships Expected to be Completed and Delivered, Contract Period Ultra-deepwater Drill Ships Expected to be Completed and Delivered, Contract Period Class A ordinary shares/ Common stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury shares [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Net shares issued (acquired) under share-based compensation plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Net shares issued (acquired) under share-based compensation plans (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation plans Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Retirement benefit adjustments, net of taxes Cancelation of treasury shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Other (in shares) Balance Balance (in shares) Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Pension [Member] Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Amortization of transition obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Transition Obligation (Asset) Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Total net pension cost and other postretirement benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Period Increase (Decrease) Less: Discontinued operations Defined Benefit Plan, Divestitures, Benefit Obligation Continuing operations TotalPensionAndPostretirementCostsFromContinuingOperations Net increase or decrease in the plan benefit obligation from continuing operations during the reporting period. Contribution to pension and other postretirement benefit plans Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Future contributions to pension and other postretirement benefit plans Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year