Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain Loss (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other, net									$ (1,691)	$ 992	$ 1,086
Contract drilling, excluding depreciation									1,572,525	1,537,224	1,548,502
Interest expense									(24,843)	(46,216)	(73,137)
Income tax expense									225,554	197,604	216,729
Net of tax	(92,615)	(94,748)	(185,334)	(175,989)	(155,661)	(178,186)	(201,461)	(185,169)	(548,686)	(720,477)	(962,542)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax expense									2,608	1,472	(3,623)
Net of tax									(4,840)	(2,733)	6,728
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | FOREX contracts [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Contract drilling, excluding depreciation									(7,449)	(4,205)	10,351
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Treasury Lock Agreements [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense									1
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other, net									165	(45)	589
Income tax expense									(18)	1	(205)
Net of tax									$ 147	$ (44)	$ 384