Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Apr. 12, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2024
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
Trading Symbol	NOV
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Registrant Name	NOV INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001021860
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		395,535,931
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	1-12317
Entity Tax Identification Number	76-0475815
Entity Address, Address Line One	10353 Richmond Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77042-4103
City Area Code	346
Local Phone Number	223-3000
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false