Other Financial Statement Disclosures [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Trade Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Income tax Income Taxes Receivable, Current Other Other Receivables, Net, Current Total receivables - trade and other Accounts and Other Receivables, Net, Current 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 Date [Axis] Award Date [Axis] Award Date [Domain] Award Date [Domain] February 27, 2018 Grant [Member] February 27, 2018 Grant [Member] February 27, 2018 Grant [Member] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Share Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] One-Year Period Ending December 31, 2018 [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] One-Year Period Ending December 31, 2019 [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] One-Year Period Ending December 31, 2020 [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member] Three-Year Period Ending December 31, 2020 [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Total Period [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Total Period [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based awards, grant-date fair value Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value1 The aggregate fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans. Weighted-average period for remaining recognition of compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Awards vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Target value of P-Units (in dollars per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Target Value, Per Share Amount Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Target Value, Per Share Amount Expected payout on P-Units (in dollars per unit) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Expected Per Share Amount Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Expected Per Share Amount Performance unit value percentage determined on an annual performance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Unit Value Determined On Annual Performance The percentage of the performance unit value determined on annual performance. Period for value determination Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Period For Value Determination Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Period For Value Determination Performance unit value percentage determined on total vesting period performance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Performance Unit Value Determined On Total Vesting Period Performance The percentage of the performance unit value determined on total vesting period performance. Estimated liabilities for share-based compensation awards classified as short-term Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current Estimated liabilities for share-based compensation awards classified as long-term Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Amounts Reclassified out of Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Pension and other postretirement benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Compensation and related employee costs Accrued Employee Benefits, Current Interest Interest Payable, Current Income taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Retirement benefit adjustments, taxes Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Saudi Aramco [Member] Saudi Aramco [Member] Saudi Aramco [Member] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Saudi Arabia Joint Venture [Member] Saudi Arabia Joint Venture [Member] Saudi Arabia Joint Venture [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Retained earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items] Number of Operating Segments Number of Operating Segments 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. Number of ultra-deepwater drillships Number of Drillships Number of Drillships. Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Other Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Undiscounted future minimum lease commitments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Estimated present value of future lease commitments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Present value of minimum lease payments for operating leases net of executory costs, including amounts paid by the lessee to the lessor for insurance, maintenance and taxes. Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Income Statements Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Other Financial Statement Disclosures Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Long-term Contracts [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Concentration of Risk [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Concentration of Risk [Table Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [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 Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class A ordinary shares/ Common stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury shares [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net shares issued (acquired) under share-based compensation plans (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Net shares issued (acquired) under share-based compensation plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition Adoption of new accounting standards (see Note 1) Retirement benefit adjustments, net of taxes Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Ending Balance (in shares) Ending Balance Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Average common shares outstanding (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 shares for diluted computations (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] Share Options and Appreciation Rights [Member] Share Options and Appreciation Rights [Member] share Options and Appreciation Rights [Member] Novested Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units [Member] Novested Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units [Member] Novested Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Potentially dilutive shares (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Other Preferred Stock Dividends and Adjustments Other Preferred Stock Dividends and Adjustments Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Available To Shareholders Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Available To Shareholders Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Available To Shareholders Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Line Of Credit, Borrowing Capacity, Period [Axis] Line Of Credit, Borrowing Capacity, Period [Axis] Line Of Credit, Borrowing Capacity, Period [Axis] Line Of Credit, Borrowing Capacity, Period [Domain] Line Of Credit, Borrowing Capacity, Period [Domain] [Domain] for Line Of Credit, Borrowing Capacity, Period [Axis] Period 1 [Member] Period 1 [Member] Period 1 [Member] Period 2 [Member] Period 2 [Member] Period 2 [Member] Period 3 [Member] Period 3 [Member] Period 3 [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Subject Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 5% Senior Notes, due September 2017 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due September 2017 [Member] A debt obligation which matures in September 2017. 7.875% Senior Notes, due August 2019 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due August 2019 [Member] A debt obligation which matures in August 2019. 4.875% Senior Notes, due June 2022 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due June 2022 [Member] A debt obligation which matures in June 2022. 4.75% Senior Notes, due January 2024 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due January 2024 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due January 2024 [Member] 7.375% Senior Note Payable Due June 2025 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due June 2025 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due June 2025 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Availability under Revolving Credit Facility Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Amounts outstanding under credit facility Long-term Line of Credit Letters of credit issued Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Remaining availability under credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Minimum percentage of shareholders equity Minimum percentage of shareholders equity Restrictive provisions in the entities debt agreements require the entity to maintain a minimum level of shareholders' equity equal to no less than the book value of outstanding debt. Early repayment of debt Early Repayment of Senior Debt Aggregate amount of debt paid Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Stated interest rate percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs Debt instrument, face amount of tender offer Debt Instrument, Face Amount Of Tender Offer Face (par) amount of debt instrument in which a tender offer is made. Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument Redemption Amount as Percentage of Principal Debt Instrument Redemption Amount as Percentage of Principal Refers to debt instrument redemption amount as a percentage of principal. Income Statement [Abstract] REVENUE Revenues COSTS AND EXPENSES: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Direct operating costs (excluding items below) Cost of Services, Oil and Gas Depreciation and amortization Cost of Services, Depreciation and Amortization Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Loss on disposals of property and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS Operating Income (Loss) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Component of Operating Income [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Other - net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other (expense) - net Nonoperating Income (Expense) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) NET INCOME (LOSS) NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - DILUTED (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Guarantees of Registered Securities Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Receivables - trade and other Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Drilling equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Other property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Property and equipment - gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment - net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Due from Joint Ventures, Noncurrent Due from Joint Ventures, Noncurrent 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 liabilities Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes - net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Commitments and contingent liabilities Commitments and Contingencies SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Class A Ordinary Shares, $0.125 par value; 128.1 and 128.1 shares issued, respectively; 126.9 and 126.3 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Cost of 1.2 and 1.8 treasury shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Earnings per Share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Rowan plc (Parent) [Member] RCI (Issuer) [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-guarantor subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Consolidating adjustments [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Condensed Consolidating Income Statements COSTS AND EXPENSES: OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt Provision for income taxes Equity in earnings (losses) 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. Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] NET INCOME (LOSS) OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Net reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net loss as a component of net periodic benefit cost, net of income taxes Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets CURRENT ASSETS: Receivables - trade and other Prepaid expenses and other current assets Property and equipment - gross Investment in Consolidated Subsidiary Investment in Consolidated Subsidiary Investment in Consolidated Subsidiary Due from affiliates Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent Other assets CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable - trade Due to affiliates Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Shareholders' equity Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from Collection of Long-term Loans to Related Parties Proceeds from Collection of Long-term Loans to Related Parties Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Advances (to) from affiliates Advances To (From) Affiliates The cash outflow (inflow) from borrowings with related parties. Related parties, include, but are not limited to, affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, and pension trusts. Proceeds from exercise of share options Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities DECREASE 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 NET INCOME (LOSS) OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: Net reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income (loss) as a component of net periodic benefit cost, net of income tax expense of $0.7 and $0.5 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Amortization of Net Loss [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Amortization of Prior Service Credit [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Amounts recognized as a component of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost: Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax [Abstract] Total before income taxes Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Income tax benefit Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Total reclassifications for the period, net of income taxes Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax 5.4% Senior Notes due, December 2042 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due December 2042 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due December 2042 [Member] 5.85% Senior Notes, due January 2044 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due January 2044 [Member] Senior Note Payable Due January 2044 [Member] Stated rate Effective rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Basis [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Egypt, Pounds Egypt, Pounds Angola, Kwanza Angola, Kwanza Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Other Assets Other Assets Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities [Abstract] Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities [Abstract] Schedule Of Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities Schedule Of Deferred Revenue And Deferred Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Deferred Revenue and Deferred Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Contract Assets Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Contract Liabilities Deferred Revenue, by Arrangement, Disclosure [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postemployment Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postemployment Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postemployment Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Pension [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost (1) Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets (1) Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of net loss (1) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of prior service credit (1) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Total net pension cost and other postretirement benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Contribution to pension and other postemployment benefit plans Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Future contributions to pension and other postemployment benefit plans Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Deferred Revenue [Member] Deferred Revenue [Member] Deferred Revenue [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Deferred Costs [Abstract] Deferred Costs [Abstract] Contract assets, current Deferred Costs, Current Contract assets, non-current Deferred Costs, Noncurrent Contract assets Deferred Costs Deferred Revenue [Abstract] Contract liabilities, current Contract liabilities, noncurrent Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Contract liabilities Deferred Revenue Movement in Deferred costs [Rollforward] Movement in Deferred Costs [Roll Forward] Movement in Deferred Costs [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Plus: contractual additions Deferred Costs, Contractual Additions Deferred Costs, Contractual Additions Less: amortization Amortization of Deferred Charges Ending deferred mobilization and upgrade/modification costs Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward] Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Plus: contractual additions Deferred Revenue, Additions Less: amortization Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized Ending deferred mobilization and upgrade/modification revenue Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities [Text Block] Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities [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 Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Components of Receivables - Trade and Other Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets - cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Other assets Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Table] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Table] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Table] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Domain] Name of Property [Domain] P-59 [Member] P-59 [Member] P-59[Member] P-60 [Member] P-60 [Member] P-60 [Member] P-59 and P60 Rigs [Member] P-59 and P60 Rigs [Member] P-59 and P60 Rigs [Member] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items] [Line Items] for Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Table] Number of Rigs Purchased at Auction Number of Rigs Purchased at Auction Purchase of two 2013 Le Tourneau Super 116E jack-up rigs from Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ("Petrobras"). Purchase Price of Rigs Won at Auction Purchase Price of Rigs Won at Auction Purchase Price of Rigs Won at Auction Security Deposit Security Deposit Purchase Price of Rigs Won at Auction less Deposit Purchase Price of Rigs Won at Auction less Deposit Purchase Price of Rigs Won at Auction less Deposit Transaction Costs Transaction Costs Transaction Costs Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Accrued capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Income Taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Increase (decrease) in income tax expense as compared to prior year periods Increase (Decrease) In Income Tax Expense The increase (decrease) in income tax expense as compared to the prior comparable reporting period. Schedule of Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Rig Management Services [Member] Rig Management Services [Member] Rig Management Services [Member] Secondment Revenue [Member] Secondment Revenue [Member] Secondment Revenue [Member] Transition Services Revenue [Member] Transition Services Revenue [Member] Transition Services Revenue [Member] Sales of Supplies [Member] Sales of Supplies [Member] Sales of Supplies Sale of Equipment [Member] Sale of Equipment [Member] Sale of Equipment [Member] Purchase of Supplies from Joint Venture [Member] Purchase of Supplies from Joint Venture [Member] Purchase of Supplies from Joint Venture [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Revenue from Related Parties Revenue from Related Parties Contribution to joint venture Contribution to joint venture Contribution to ARO in exchange for a 10-year shareholder note receivable. Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Cost of Sales Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Cost of Sales Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Depreciation and Amortization Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Depreciation and Amortization Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Depreciation and Amortization Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Selling, general and administrative expense Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Selling, general and administrative expense Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Selling, general and administrative expense Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gain (Loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gain (Loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, (Gain) Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Interest Expense Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Interest Expense Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Interest Expense Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Tax Expense (benefit) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Tax Expense (benefit) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Tax Expense (benefit) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Due from Joint Venture, Initial Amount Due from Joint Venture, Initial Amount Due from Joint Venture, Initial Amount Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Due from Joint Venture, Total Due from Joint Venture, Total Due from Joint Venture, Total Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Due from Joint Ventures, Current Due from Joint Ventures, Current Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party, Noncurrent Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party, Noncurrent Costs and Expenses, Related Party Costs and Expenses, Related Party Accounts Payable, Related Parties Accounts Payable, Related Parties Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] SAUDI ARABIA SAUDI ARABIA UNITED STATES UNITED STATES NORWAY NORWAY TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM Other Countries [Member] Other Countries [Member] Other Countries [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Deepwater Segment [Member] Deepwater Segment [Member] Deepwater Segment [Member] Jack-ups [Member] Jack-ups Segment [Member] Jack-ups Segment [Member] ARO Segment [Member] ARO Segment [Member] ARO Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Other operating items Other Operating Income (Expense), Net CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiary Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for pension and other postretirement benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Cash loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Loss on disposals of property and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Other Changes in current assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] 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 Other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Other postretirement benefit claims paid Other Postretirement Benefits Payments Contributions to pension plans Pension Contributions Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Reductions of long-term debt Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted share units Net reclassification adjustments for amounts recognized in net income as a component of net periodic benefit cost, tax expense Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] IRS proposed unfavorable tax adjustments Income Tax Examination, Estimate of Possible Loss Gross unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Tax impact of net unrecognized tax benefits, if reversed Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Number Of Drilling Rigs To Be Purchased By Joint Venture Number Of Drilling Rigs To Be Purchased By Joint Venture The number of drilling rigs expected to be purchase by the joint venture. Number Of Drilling Rigs To Be Purchased By Each Partner in a 12 month period Number Of Drilling Rigs To Be Purchased By Each Partner in a 12 month period Number Of Drilling Rigs To Be Purchased By Each Partner in a 12 month period Period Of Joint Venture Funding Of Drilling Rigs Period Of Joint Venture Funding Of Drilling Rigs The period of joint venture funding of the purchase of drilling rigs (in PYMD format). Contingent Funding Obligation To Equity Method Investment Contingent Funding Obligation To Equity Method Investment An equity method investment contribution that may be required that is dependent upon the occurrence of a specific event. Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Disclosure Items [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Jack-ups and Unallocated and Other [Member] Jack-ups and Unallocated and Other [Member] Jack-ups and Unallocated and Other [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Anadarko [Member] Anadarko [Member] Anadarko [Member] ARO Drilling [Member] ARO Drilling [Member] ARO Drilling [Member] Lundin [Member] Lundin [Member] Lundin [Member] Repsol [Member] Repsol [Member] Repsol [Member] Cobalt International [Member] Cobalt International [Member] Cobalt International[Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue, Services, Net [Member] Sales Revenue, Services, Net [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Summary of Net Periodic Pension and Other Postemployment Benefit Costs Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]