Abr Based Loans [Member] Abr Based Loans [Member] ABR Loans [Member] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounts and Other Receivables, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts Total Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Trade receivables Accrued expenditures related to capital projects and or rig upgrades and construction. Accrued Capital Project Or Upgrade Costs Accrued capital project/upgrade costs Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accruals at period end for rig operating expenses, including catering, agency fees and rig maintenance and repairs. Accrued Rig Operating Expenses Rig operating expenses Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less: accumulated depreciation Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ending balance Beginning balance Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Derivative Financial Instrument [Member] Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Financial Information Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Common stock withheld for payroll tax obligations Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for bad debts Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Aggregate cost of asset replacement and betterment projects, which have been capitalized as Drilling and Other Property and Equipment, during the periods presented. Amount Capitalized For Asset Replacements And Betterments Amount capitalized for asset replacements and betterments Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Securities excluded from computation of diluted earning per share Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Asia Pacific [Member] Australia/Asia [Member] Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Asset Impairments Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets: Assets Held-for-sale, Not Part of Disposal Group, Current Assets held for sale Assets Held For Sale Policy [Text Block] Assets Held For Sale Policy [Text Block] Assets Held For Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Carrying value of jack-up and mid-water rigs Available-for-sale Securities Short-term investments Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax Unrealized Gain (Loss) Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Market Value Marketable securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Investments in Marketable Securities as Available for Sale Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Bank Time Deposits [Member] Time Deposits [Member] Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Interim Financial Information Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] General Information Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Accrued but unpaid capital expenditures at period end Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Designated as Accounting Hedges [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Cash dividends declared per share of common stock Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock (par value $0.01, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 143,997,757 shares issued and 137,169,663 shares outstanding at March 31, 2016; 143,978,877 shares issued and 137,158,706 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Construction in Progress, Gross Rigs under construction Construction in Progress [Member] Construction Work-in-Progress [Member] Aggregate amount of installments paid to vendor pursuant to construction agreement. Construction Installments Paid Construction installments paid Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Contingent Liabilities Under Letters of Credit and Bonds [Member] Contingent Liabilities Under Letters of Credit and Bonds [Member] Total Contingent Liabilities Under Letters of Credit and Bonds [Member] Aggregate face value of letters of credit and performance, bid, supersedes, tax appeal and customs bonds outstanding at period end, for which the entity has a contingent liability. Contingent Liability Under Letters Of Credit And Other Bonds Contingent liability under letters of credit and other bonds Contract Revenue Cost Contract drilling, excluding depreciation Contract drilling, excluding depreciation Contract Revenue Cost [Member] Contract Revenue Cost [Member] Contract Drilling Expense [Member] Contractual Obligation Cost of construction per shipyard agreement Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year Final installment for Ultra-Deep water Floater Construction Fair value of debt securities issued by a domestic corporate entity with a promise of repayment. Domestic corporate debt securities are issuances from within the reporting entity's country of domicile, classified as available-for-sale. Corporate Bonds Fair Value Disclosure Corporate bonds Cost of Reimbursable Expense Reimbursable expenses Cost of Services, Depreciation Depreciation Costs and Expenses Total operating expenses Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Credit Agreement, Commercial Paper and Credit Ratings Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest margin Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease) Basis point increase Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate of senior notes Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Issuance Costs Amount of risk retained by the entity for marine liability claims, including personal injury claims before the entity's insurance arrangement begins to provide coverage (per first occurrence). Deductible For Marine Liability Coverage Including Personal Injury Claims Per First Occurrence Deductible for marine liability coverage including personal injury claims, per first occurrence Deepwater. Deepwater [Member] Deepwater [Member] Deep Water Rigs [Member] Deep Water Rigs [Member] Deep Water Rigs [Member] Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Deferred Costs, Current Deferred mobilization costs Deferred Debt Issuance Costs [Member] Deferred Debt Issuance Costs [Member] Deferred Debt Issuance Costs [Member] Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax provision Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Amount of loss recognized Loss on foreign currency forward exchange contracts Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of (loss) gain reclassified from AOCGL into income (effective portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Amount of loss recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of (loss) gain recognized in AOCGL on derivative (effective portion) Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative contracts outstanding Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] FOREX Contracts Designated as Accounting Hedges [Member] Disgorgement claims limit. Disgorgement Claims Limit Disgorgement claims, limit Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Document and Entity Information. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Domestic Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Bonds [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] U.S Federal [Member] Drilling Rigs And Equipment [Member] Drilling Rigs And Equipment [Member] Drilling Rigs and Equipment [Member] Drillship [Member] Drillship [Member] Ultra-deepwater Drillship [Member] Due from Related Parties, Current Related party receivables Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Earnings (loss) per share, Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Earnings (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Employee and director: Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Employee-related Liabilities, Current Payroll and benefits Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock Options [Member] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Method Investments And Cost Method Investments [Abstract] Equity Method Investments And Cost Method Investments [Abstract] Equity Method Investments And Cost Method Investments [Abstract] Escrow Deposit Amounts held in escrow Eurodollar Loans [Member] Eurodollar Loans [Member] Eurodollar Loans [Member] Eurodollar [Member] Eurodollar [Member] Europe [Member] Europe [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] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Financial Instruments and Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair value of assets impaired and subsequently sold during the same year. Fair Value Of Assets Impaired And Sold During The Period Fair value of assets impaired and sold during the period Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Financial Statement Line Items with Differences in Reported Amount and Reporting Currency Denominated Amounts [Domain] Financial Statement Line Items with Differences in Reported Amount and Reporting Currency Denominated Amounts [Domain] Total floaters. Floaters [Member] Total Floaters [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss) [Member] Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] FOREX Contracts [Member] Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net Amount reclassified from AOCGL due to the probability of a forecasted transaction not occurring Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Gain on disposition of assets General and Administrative Expense General and administrative Measurement period generally used for determining fair value of debt instruments. General Measurement Period To Determine Fair Value Of Debt Measurement period for determining fair value of debt instruments Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd [Member] Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd [Member] Hyundai Heavy Industries, Co., Ltd. [Member] Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, Carrying Value of Asset Carrying value of impaired rigs The carrying amount on the books of the entity of the impaired assets to be held for use or to be disposed of by sale. Impaired Assets To Be Disposed Of By Sale Or Held For Use Carrying Value Of Asset Carrying value of impaired rigs Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Method for Determining Fair Value Impaired long-lived assets held and used, method for determining fair value The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long-lived assets either (i) held for use or (ii) held for abandonment, exchange or sale. Impairment of Long Live Assets For Disposal Or Use Loss on impairment of assets Impairment of assets Loss on assets Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) before income tax benefit Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Taxes Paid, Net [Abstract] Cash income taxes paid, net of (refunds): Income taxes paid (refunds) net. Income Taxes Paid Refunds Net Cash income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Income tax benefit Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Taxes payable Increase (decrease) during the reporting period for non-USD bank deposits, which are denominated in currencies not readily convertible to USD, and are reported as noncurrent assets. Increase (Decrease) in Bank Deposits Denominated In Nonconvertible Currencies Bank deposits denominated in nonconvertible currencies Amount of (increase) decrease in amounts paid in connection with drilling rig mobilizations. Such amounts are deferred and amortized over the initial term of the drilling contract for such rig. Increase Decrease In Deferred Expenses Net Deferred expenses, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred income, net Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Other assets, noncurrent Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other liabilities, noncurrent Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Accounts receivable Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of stock-based awards Dilutive potential shares of common stock Information by Financial Statement Line Item [Axis] Information by Financial Statement Line Item [Axis] Intangible Liability Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Liability Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Liability Disclosure [Abstract] Interest Capitalization, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalized Interest Interest Costs Capitalized Capitalized interest Interest Costs Incurred Total interest cost, including amortization of debt issuance costs Interest Costs Incurred [Abstract] Interest Costs Incurred [Abstract] The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. Also includes accrued interest on uncertain tax positions under FIN 48. Interest Expense Non Operating Total interest expense as reported Interest expense Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid Cash interest payments Interest Paid, Net Interest payments, net of amounts capitalized Interest Payable, Current Interest payable Investment Income, Interest Interest income Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Marketable Securities Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Jack-Up Rigs [Member] Jack Up Rigs [Member] Jack-ups [Member] Jack Ups And Mid Water Rigs Held For Sale [Member] Jack Ups And Mid Water Rigs Held For Sale [Member] Jack Ups And Mid Water Rigs Held For Sale [Member] Jack Ups Held For Sale [Member] Jack Ups Held For Sale [Member] Jack-ups Held for Sale [Member] Land and Building [Member] Land and Buildings [Member] Lease agreement maturity period. Lease Agreement Maturity Period Maturity of lease agreement Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Additional amount available under Credit Agreement Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Commitment fee Loans Payable Notes outstanding Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Accrual Personal injury claims recorded Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss from Catastrophes [Member] Windstorms in U.S. Gulf of Mexico [Member] Most recent ownership percentage of majority stockholder of the Company. Majority Shareholder Outstanding Common Stock Owned Percentage Outstanding common stock owned by Loews Corporation Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Mid Water Drilling Rigs [Member] Mid Water Drilling Rigs [Member] Mid-Water Rigs [Member] Mid water Mid Water [Member] Mid-Water [Member] Mid Water Semi Submersible Rigs [Member] Mid Water Semi Submersible Rigs [Member] Mid-Water Drilling Rigs [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Cash Held in Money Market Funds [Member] Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure Mortgage-backed securities Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] MEXICO Mexico [Member] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net income (loss) - basic and diluted numerator Percentage of net profits interest in oil and gas producing properties which is to be used to settle the remaining contractual day rate pertaining to a specific customer contract. Net Profits Interest Percent Net profits interest percent New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other income (expense): Notional amount of foreign currency contacts designated as accounting hedges settled. Notional Amount Of Foreign Currency Contacts Settled Notional amount of foreign currency contracts settled NPI Arrangement [Member] NPI Arrangement [Member] NPI Arrangement [Member] Number of additional rigs evaluated for impairment after initial review period. Number of Additional Rigs Evaluated For Impairment Number of additional rigs evaluated for impairment Number of additional rigs whose carrying values was determined to be impaired subsequent to initial review for impairment for the annual reporting period. Number Of Additional Rigs Impaired Number of additional rigs impaired Number of countries where we have rigs currently operating or in the process of mobilizing thereto. Number Of Countries With Rigs Number of countries with rigs Number of impaired rigs for which management has committed to a plan to actively market the asset for sale. Number Of Impaired Rigs Held For Sale Number of rigs marketed for sale Total number of payment installments due vendor pursuant to terms of each turnkey construction agreement. Number Of Installment Due Under Each Turnkey Construction Agreement Total number of installments due under each turnkey construction agreements Number of newbuild drillships. Number Of New Build Drillships Number of new build drillships in lease agreement Number of offshore drilling rigs owned by the entity at period end. Number Of Offshore Rigs Owned Number of offshore rigs owned Number of offshore rigs sold. Number Of Offshore Rigs Sold Number of offshore rigs sold Number of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Number of non-working rigs, which have been removed from active service and are not actively marketed. Number Of Rigs Cold Stacked Number of rigs cold stacked Number of rigs that completed drilling contracts during the reporting period. Number Of Rigs Completed Drilling Contract Number of rigs completed its drilling contract Number of rigs for which the fair market value was estimated using an income approach, based on a calculation of the rig's discounted future net cash flows over its remaining economic life. Number of Rigs Estimated Using Income Approach Total rigs estimated using income approach Number of rigs for which the fair market value was estimated using a market approach, utilizing various inputs, including historical contracted sales prices for similar rigs nonbinding quotes and/or indicative bids. Number Of Rigs Estimated Using Market Approach Total rigs estimated using market approach Total number of rigs evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASC 360 during the period. Number Of Rigs Evaluated For Impairment Number of rigs evaluated for impairment Number of rigs with indications that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable, which we determined to be impaired. Number Of Rigs Impaired Number of rigs impaired Number of rigs written down to their estimated recoverable amounts Number of rigs impaired on disposal. Number Of Rigs Impaired On Disposal Number of rigs impaired on disposal Number of rigs sold during period. Number Of Rigs Sold During Period Number of rigs sold Number of rigs sold for scrap in period. Number Of Rigs Sold For Scrap In Period Number of rigs sold for scrap Ocean Great White [Member] Ocean Great White [Member] Ocean GreatWhite [Member] Office Equipment [Member] Office Equipment and Other [Member] Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses: Operating Income (Loss) Operating income (loss) Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Future minimum rental payments under leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Next Rolling Twelve Months Future minimum rental payments under leases per annum Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Axis] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Axis] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other Other Assets, Current Other Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Investments in marketable securities: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] Derivative financial instruments: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Change in other comprehensive loss before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive (losses) gains, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for gain included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Reclassification adjustments for items included in Net Income on marketable securities, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for (gain) loss included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax Reclassification adjustments for items included in Net Income on derivatives, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized holding loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Change in other comprehensive loss on derivatives, tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized holding loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Change in other comprehensive loss on marketable securities, tax (expense) benefit Other Liabilities, Current Total Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Loans [Member] Other Loans [Member] Other Loans [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Other Other Receivables, Gross, Current Other Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Payment of dividends Aggregate amount of payments received from customer under NPI arrangement after customer's bankruptcy filing that are subject to disgorgement. Payments Received Subject To Disgorgement Post Bankruptcy Payments received from customer after bankruptcy filing Aggregate amount of payments received from customer under NPI arrangement before and after customer's bankruptcy filing that are subject to disgorgement. Payments Received Subject To Disgorgement Pre And Post Bankruptcy Payments received from customer before and after bankruptcy filing Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital expenditures (including rig construction) Fees paid to lender for issuance of letters of credit, calculated as a percentage of the face amount of the letter of credit. Percentage Of Participation Fee On Letter Of Credit Participation fees for letters of credit Performance Letters Of Credit [Member] Performance Letters Of Credit [Member] Performance Letters of Credit [Member] Personal Injury [Member] Personal Injury [Member] Personal Injury Claims [Member] Potentially Collateralized Contingent Liability Under Letters Of Credit And Bonds [Member] Potentially Collateralized Contingent Liability Under Letters Of Credit And Bonds [Member] Potentially Collateralized Contingent Liability Under Letters Of Credit and Bonds [Member] Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock (par value $0.01, 25,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding) Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Total Prepaid Insurance Prepaid insurance Prepaid Taxes Prepaid taxes Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other The net cash outflow (inflow) associated with derivative instruments, such as swaps, forwards, options, and so forth designated as hedges. Proceeds From Payments Of Settlement Of Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts Designated As Accounting Hedges Payments for settlement of foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as accounting hedges Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Net repayment of short-term borrowings Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Proceeds from sale and maturities of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale of Machinery and Equipment Proceeds from sale of equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposition of assets Proceeds from disposition of assets, net of disposal costs Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Drilling and Other Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Book Value of Assets Drilling and other property and equipment, net Drilling and other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Drilling and Other Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Summary of Cost and Accumulated Depreciation of Drilling and Other Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Purchase Obligation Other purchase obligations Range of risk retained by the entity for marine liability claims, including personal injury claims before the entity's insurance arrangement begins to provide coverage (lower limit). Range Of Deductible For Liability Coverage For Personal Injury Claims Lower Limit Range of deductible for liability coverage for personal injury claims, lower limit Range of risk retained by the entity for marine liability claims, including personal injury claims before the entity's insurance arrangement begins to provide coverage (upper limit). Range Of Deductible For Liability Coverage For Personal Injury Claims Upper Limit Range of deductible for liability coverage for personal injury claims, upper limit Receivables [Abstract] Receivables [Abstract] Aggregate value of current trade and other accounts receivables, before reduction of an allowance for bad debts, if any. Receivables Gross Current Receivables Gross Current, Total Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustments for items included in Net Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Items in Consolidated Statements of Operations Affected by Reclassification Adjustments Reconciliation of aggregate interest cost incurred, including amounts related to senior debt and Tax positions under FIN 48, to total interest expense as reported in the statement of operations. Interest expense as reported is net of capitalized interest. Reconciliation Of Aggregate Interest Cost To Interest Expense Table [Text Block] Reconciliation of Total Interest Cost to Interest Expense Reimbursement Revenue Revenues related to reimbursable expenses Repayments of Commercial Paper Repayment of notes Restatement Adjustment [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring and Separation Costs Restructuring Charges Restructuring and employee separation costs Restructuring and separation costs Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Revenues by Geographic Area Presented by Attributing Revenues to Individual Country Revenue, Oil and Gas Services Contract drilling Revenues Total revenues Total revenues Revenues [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] Non-capitalized spare parts and supplies for use on drilling rigs. Rig Spare Parts And Supplies Rig spare parts and supplies Rig With Fair Values Estimated Using Income Approach [Member] Rig With Fair Values Estimated Using Income Approach [Member] Rig with Fair Values Estimated Using Income Approach [Member] Rig With Fair Values Estimated Using Market Approach [Member] Rig With Fair Values Estimated Using Market Approach [Member] Rig with Fair Values Estimated Using Market Approach [Member] Sale Leaseback Transaction Disclosure [Text Block] Sale and Leaseback Transaction Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Securities Excluded from Computation of Diluted Earning Per Share Schedule Of Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items] Schedule Of Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items] Schedule Of Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items] Schedule Of Asset Impairment Charges [Table] Schedule Of Asset Impairment Charges [Table] Schedule Of Asset Impairment Charges [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Our Debt Instruments Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations Related to Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of Basic and Diluted Per-Share Computations Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Retrospective Effect of Adoption that Impacted on Presentation of Deferred Debt Issuance Costs Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Revenues from Contract Drilling Services by Equipment Type Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segments and Geographic Area Analysis Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Senior Notes Carrying Value Senior Notes Five [Member] Senior Notes Five [Member] 5.70% Senior Notes due 2039 [Member] Senior Notes Four. Senior Notes Four [Member] 3.45% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Six [Member] Senior Notes Six [Member] 4.875% Senior Notes due 2043 [Member] Senior Notes Three. Senior Notes Three [Member] 5.875% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member] Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Number of shares of common stock withheld Short-term Debt Short-term borrowings South America [Member] South America [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Taxes Payable, Current Taxes payable Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Number of transfers of financial instruments measured on a recurring basis out of one level and into another of the fair value hierarchy. Transfers Between Fair Value Measurement Levels Transfers between fair value levels Treasury Lock [Member] Treasury Lock Agreements [Member] Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost (6,828,094 and 6,820,171 shares of common stock at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively) 2015 Impaired Rigs [Member] Two Thousand AND Fifteen Impaired Rigs [Member] 2015 Impaired Rigs [Member] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Ultra Deep Water Floater Rig [Member] Ultra Deep Water Floater Rig [Member] Ultra-Deepwater Floater Construction [Member] Ultra deepwater. Ultra Deepwater [Member] Ultra-deepwater Semisubmersible [Member] Ultra Deep Water Rigs [Member] Ultra Deep Water Rigs [Member] Ultra Deep Water Rigs [Member] The total amount of the long-term purchase obligation as of the balance sheet date, which equals the sum of all payments due for purchase, commissioning, spares and project management for the construction project. Unconditional Purchase Obligation Cost of enhancement of project UNITED STATES United States [Member] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Value Added Tax Receivable, Current Value added tax receivables Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Water depth capacity of impaired drillship. Water Depth Capacity Of Impaired Drillship Water depth rated capacity of impaired drillship Water depth capability of drilling rig. Water Depth Of Rig Water depth of rig Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average shares including conversions - diluted (denominator) Total weighted-average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Shares of common stock Weighted average shares - basic (denominator): Workers' Compensation Liability, Current Personal injury and other claims