10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2013

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number: 000-53604

NOBLE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Switzerland	98-0619597
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. employer identification number)

Dorfstrasse 19A, Baar, Switzerland 6340

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: 41 (41) 761-65-55

Commission file number: 001-31306

NOBLE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Cayman Islands	98-0366361
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. employer identification number)

Suite 3D, Landmark Square, 64 Earth Close, P.O. Box 31327 George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, KY1-1206

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (345) 938-0293

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Noble-Swiss:	Large accelerated filer x	Accelerated filer ¨	Non-accelerated filer ¨	Smaller reporting company ¨
Noble-Cayman:	Large accelerated filer ¨	Accelerated filer ¨	Non-accelerated filer x	Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Number of shares outstanding and trading at April 26, 2013: Noble Corporation (Switzerland) — 253,273,925

Number of shares outstanding at April 26, 2013: Noble Corporation (Cayman Islands) — 261,245,693

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation, meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1) (a) and (b) to Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format contemplated by paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of General Instruction H(2) of Form 10-Q.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 Financial Statements
Noble Corporation (Noble-Swiss) Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012		3
Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		4
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		5
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		6
Consolidated Statement of Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		7
Noble Corporation (Noble-Cayman) Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012		8
Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		9
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		10
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		11
Consolidated Statement of Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		12
Notes to Combined Consolidated Financial Statements		13
Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		34
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		44
Item 4 Controls and Procedures		46
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 Legal Proceedings		46
Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		47
Item 6 Exhibits		47
SIGNATURES		48
Index to Exhibits		49

This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is separately filed by Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), and Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”). Information in this filing relating to Noble-Cayman is filed by Noble-Swiss and separately by Noble-Cayman on its own behalf. Noble-Cayman makes no representation as to information relating to Noble-Swiss (except as it may relate to Noble-Cayman) or any other affiliate or subsidiary of Noble-Swiss. Since Noble-Cayman meets the conditions specified in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q, it is permitted to use the reduced disclosure format for wholly owned subsidiaries of reporting companies as stated in General Instructions H(2). Accordingly, Noble-Cayman has omitted from this report the information called for by Item 3 (Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk) of Part I of Form 10-Q and the following items of Part II of Form 10-Q: Item 2 (Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds) and Item 3 (Defaults upon Senior Securities).

This report should be read in its entirety as it pertains to each Registrant. Except where indicated, the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes are combined. References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “Noble,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and words of similar meaning refer collectively to Noble-Swiss and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Noble-Cayman.

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	214,528		$	282,092
Accounts receivable		887,759			743,673
Taxes receivable		115,720			112,423
Prepaid expenses		97,961			43,962
Other current assets		112,597			123,175
Total current assets		1,428,565			1,305,325
Property and equipment, at cost		17,329,558			16,971,666
Accumulated depreciation		(4,144,693	)		(3,945,694	)
Property and equipment, net		13,184,865			13,025,972
Other assets		276,528			276,477
Total assets	$	14,889,958		$	14,607,774
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	319,674		$	350,147
Accrued payroll and related costs		118,706			132,728
Interest payable		23,701			68,436
Taxes payable		147,557			135,257
Dividends payable		33,340			66,369
Other current liabilities		169,207			158,512
Total current liabilities		812,185			911,449
Long-term debt		4,844,193			4,634,375
Deferred income taxes		223,500			226,045
Other liabilities		347,395			347,615
Total liabilities		6,227,273			6,119,484
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity
Shares; 254,014 and 253,348 shares outstanding		712,000			710,130
Treasury shares, at cost; 755 and 589 shares		(27,806	)		(21,069	)
Additional paid-in capital		92,289			83,531
Retained earnings		7,215,777			7,066,023
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(112,352	)		(115,449	)
Total shareholders’ equity		7,879,908			7,723,166
Noncontrolling interests		782,777			765,124
Total equity		8,662,685			8,488,290
Total liabilities and equity	$	14,889,958		$	14,607,774

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	928,737		$	746,310
Reimbursables		21,174			35,141
Labor contract drilling services		21,054			16,008
Other		10			231
		970,975			797,690
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		484,087			420,011
Reimbursables		14,922			30,601
Labor contract drilling services		12,249			9,232
Depreciation and amortization		206,156			171,077
General and administrative		25,570			23,126
Gain on contract extinguishment		(1,800	)		—
		741,184			654,047
Operating income		229,791			143,643
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(27,301	)		(10,496	)
Interest income and other, net		(425	)		1,785
Income before income taxes		202,065			134,932
Income tax provision		(34,352	)		(21,589	)
Net income		167,713			113,343
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(17,653	)		6,832
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	150,060		$	120,175
Net income per share
Basic	$	0.59		$	0.47
Diluted	$	0.59		$	0.47

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Net income	$	167,713		$	113,343
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments		2,657			(41	)
Foreign currency forward contracts		(1,202	)		2,417
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $730 in 2013 and $720 in 2012)		1,642			1,385
Other comprehensive income, net		3,097			3,761
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(17,653	)		6,832
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	153,157		$	123,936

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	167,713		$	113,343
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		206,156			171,077
Deferred income taxes		(2,735	)		(4,075	)
Amortization of share-based compensation		10,155			8,753
Net change in other assets and liabilities		(178,737	)		(188,472	)
Net cash from operating activities		202,552			100,626
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures		(371,990	)		(364,883	)
Change in accrued capital expenditures		(66,312	)		(127,393	)
Net cash from investing activities		(438,302	)		(492,276	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		209,680			(825,000	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs		—			1,186,636
Contributions from joint venture partners		—			40,000
Financing costs on credit facilities		(1,895	)		—
Par value reduction/dividend payments		(33,335	)		(36,370	)
Proceeds from employee stock transactions		473			2,479
Repurchases of employee shares surrendered for taxes		(6,737	)		(6,451	)
Net cash from financing activities		168,186			361,294
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(67,564	)		(30,356	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		282,092			239,196
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	214,528		$	208,840

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

6

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

																Accumulated
							Additional									Other
	Shares						Paid-in			Retained			Treasury			Comprehensive			Noncontrolling			Total
	Balance			Par Value			Capital			Earnings			Shares			Loss			Interests			Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011		252,639		$	766,595		$	48,356		$	6,676,444		$	(10,553	)	$	(74,321	)	$	691,331		$	8,097,852
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation		—			—			8,753			—			—			—			—			8,753
Issuance of share-based compensation shares		352			1,067			(1,067	)		—			—			—			—			—
Exercise of stock options		113			329			2,292			—			—			—			—			2,621
Tax benefit of stock options exercised		—			—			(142	)		—			—			—			—			(142	)
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes		(374	)		(1,138	)		1,138			—			(6,451	)		—			—			(6,451	)
Net income		—			—			—			120,175			—			—			(6,832	)		113,343
Par value reduction payments		—			(29,220	)		(7,150	)		—			—			—			—			(36,370	)
Equity contribution by joint venture partner		—			—			—			—			—			—			40,000			40,000
Other comprehensive income, net		—			—			—			—			—			3,761			—			3,761
Balance at March 31, 2012		252,730		$	737,633		$	52,180		$	6,796,619		$	(17,004	)	$	(70,560	)	$	724,499		$	8,223,367
Balance at December 31, 2012		253,348		$	710,130		$	83,531		$	7,066,023		$	(21,069	)	$	(115,449	)	$	765,124		$	8,488,290
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation		—			—			10,155			—			—			—			—			10,155
Issuance of share-based compensation shares		592			1,663			(1,649	)		—			—			—			—			14
Exercise of stock options		74			207			1,702			—			—			—			—			1,909
Tax benefit of stock options exercised		—			—			(1,450	)		—			—			—			—			(1,450	)
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes		—			—			—			—			(6,737	)		—			—			(6,737	)
Net income		—			—			—			150,060			—			—			17,653			167,713
Net change in dividends payable		—			—			—			(306	)		—			—			—			(306	)
Other comprehensive income, net		—			—			—			—			—			3,097			—			3,097
Balance at March 31, 2013		254,014		$	712,000		$	92,289		$	7,215,777		$	(27,806	)	$	(112,352	)	$	782,777		$	8,662,685

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

7

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	208,043		$	277,375
Accounts receivable		887,759			743,673
Taxes receivable		115,567			112,310
Prepaid expenses		95,891			41,232
Other current assets		112,548			122,649
Total current assets		1,419,808			1,297,239
Property and equipment, at cost		17,293,002			16,935,147
Accumulated depreciation		(4,137,112	)		(3,938,518	)
Property and equipment, net		13,155,890			12,996,629
Other assets		276,611			276,558
Total assets	$	14,852,309		$	14,570,426
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	319,190		$	349,594
Accrued payroll and related costs		107,838			123,936
Interest payable		23,701			68,436
Taxes payable		143,069			130,844
Other current liabilities		169,197			158,499
Total current liabilities		762,995			831,309
Long-term debt		4,844,193			4,634,375
Deferred income taxes		223,500			226,045
Other liabilities		347,395			347,615
Total liabilities		6,178,083			6,039,344
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholder equity
Ordinary shares; 261,246 shares outstanding		26,125			26,125
Capital in excess of par value		476,414			470,454
Retained earnings		7,501,262			7,384,828
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(112,352	)		(115,449	)
Total shareholder equity		7,891,449			7,765,958
Noncontrolling interests		782,777			765,124
Total equity		8,674,226			8,531,082
Total liabilities and equity	$	14,852,309		$	14,570,426

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

8

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	928,737		$	746,310
Reimbursables		21,174			35,141
Labor contract drilling services		21,054			16,008
Other		10			231
		970,975			797,690
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		476,561			415,146
Reimbursables		14,922			30,601
Labor contract drilling services		12,249			9,232
Depreciation and amortization		205,751			170,573
General and administrative		14,843			14,010
Gain on contract extinguishment		(1,800	)		—
		722,526			639,562
Operating income		248,449			158,128
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(27,301	)		(10,496	)
Interest income and other, net		63			1,399
Income before income taxes		221,211			149,031
Income tax provision		(34,014	)		(21,211	)
Net income		187,197			127,820
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(17,653	)		6,832
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	169,544		$	134,652

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

9

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Net income	$	187,197		$	127,820
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments		2,657			(41	)
Foreign currency forward contracts		(1,202	)		2,417
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $730 in 2013 and $720 in 2012)		1,642			1,385
Other comprehensive income, net		3,097			3,761
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(17,653	)		6,832
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	172,641		$	138,413

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

10

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	187,197		$	127,820
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		205,751			170,573
Deferred income taxes		(2,735	)		(4,075	)
Capital contribution by parent—share-based compensation		5,960			5,070
Net change in other assets and liabilities		(181,915	)		(190,502	)
Net cash from operating activities		214,258			108,886
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures		(371,953	)		(364,243	)
Change in accrued capital expenditures		(66,312	)		(127,393	)
Net cash from investing activities		(438,265	)		(491,636	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		209,680			(825,000	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs		—			1,186,636
Contributions from joint venture partners		—			40,000
Financing costs on credit facilities		(1,895	)		—
Distributions to parent company, net		(53,110	)		(52,727	)
Net cash from financing activities		154,675			348,909
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(69,332	)		(33,841	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		277,375			235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	208,043		$	201,215

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

11

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

										Accumulated
					Capital in					Other
	Shares				Excess of		Retained			Comprehensive			Noncontrolling			Total
	Balance		Par Value		Par Value		Earnings			Loss			Interests			Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011		261,246	$	26,125	$	450,616	$	6,979,882		$	(74,321	)	$	691,331		$	8,073,633
Net income		—		—		—		134,652			—			(6,832	)		127,820
Capital contributions by parent— share-based compensation		—		—		5,070		—			—			—			5,070
Distributions to parent		—		—		—		(52,727	)		—			—			(52,727	)
Noncontrolling interest contributions		—		—		—		—			—			40,000			40,000
Other comprehensive income, net		—		—		—		—			3,761			—			3,761
Balance at March 31, 2012		261,246	$	26,125	$	455,686	$	7,061,807		$	(70,560	)	$	724,499		$	8,197,557
Balance at December 31, 2012		261,246	$	26,125	$	470,454	$	7,384,828		$	(115,449	)	$	765,124		$	8,531,082
Net income		—		—		—		169,544			—			17,653			187,197
Capital contributions by parent— share-based compensation		—		—		5,960		—			—			—			5,960
Distributions to parent		—		—		—		(53,110	)		—			—			(53,110	)
Other comprehensive income, net		—		—		—		—			3,097			—			3,097
Balance at March 31, 2013		261,246	$	26,125	$	476,414	$	7,501,262		$	(112,352	)	$	782,777		$	8,674,226

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

12

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 1 — Organization and Basis of Presentation

Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We perform contract drilling services with our fleet of 79 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide. We also own one floating production storage and offloading unit. At March 31, 2013, our fleet consisted of 14 semisubmersibles, 14 drillships, 49 jackups and two submersibles, including 11 units under construction as follows:

• five dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships and

• six high-specification heavy-duty, harsh environment jackups.

Our global fleet is currently located in the following areas: the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia and Australia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”) is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss, our publicly-traded parent company. Noble-Swiss’ principal asset is all of the shares of Noble-Cayman. Noble-Cayman has no public equity outstanding. The consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-Swiss conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss and Noble-Cayman have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as they pertain to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited consolidated financial statements. All such adjustments are of a recurring nature. The December 31, 2012 Consolidated Balance Sheets presented herein are derived from the December 31, 2012 audited consolidated financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed by both Noble-Swiss and Noble-Cayman. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Note 2 — Consolidated Joint Ventures

We maintain a 50 percent interest in two joint ventures, each with a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, PLC (“Shell”), that own and operate the two Bully-class drillships. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes. Accordingly, we consolidate the entities in our consolidated financial statements after eliminating intercompany transactions. Shell’s equity interests are presented as noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In April 2011, the Bully joint venture partners entered into capital contribution agreements whereby capital calls up to a total of $360 million could be made for funds needed to complete the construction of the drillships. All contributions under these agreements have been made.

The combined carrying amount of the Bully-class drillships at both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 totaled $1.4 billion. These assets were primarily funded through partner equity contributions. During 2012, these rigs commenced operations. Revenues related to these joint ventures for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $90 million and $6 million, respectively. Net income totaled $37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to a net loss of $14 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 3 — Share Data

Share capital

The following is a detail of Noble-Swiss’ share capital as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Shares outstanding and trading		253,259		252,759
Treasury shares		755		589
Total shares outstanding		254,014		253,348
Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans		12,136		12,802
Total shares authorized for issuance		266,150		266,150
Par value per share (in Swiss Francs)		3.15		3.15

Repurchased treasury shares are recorded at cost, and relate to shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock.

Our Board of Directors may further increase Noble-Swiss’ share capital through the issuance of up to 133.1 million authorized shares without obtaining shareholder approval. The issuance of these authorized shares is subject to certain conditions regarding their use.

In April 2012, our shareholders approved the payment of a dividend aggregating $0.52 per share to be paid in four equal installments. At March 31, 2013, we had $33 million of dividends payable outstanding on this obligation.

In April 2013, our shareholders approved the payment of a dividend aggregating $1.00 per share to be paid in four equal installments currently scheduled for August 2013, November 2013, February 2014 and May 2014. Our Board of Directors has the authority to accelerate the payment of any installment, or portions thereof, at its sole discretion at any time prior to payment of the final installment.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Earnings per share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for Noble-Swiss:

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Allocation of net income
Basic
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	150,060		$	120,175
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(1,667	)		(1,126	)
Net income to common shareholders—basic	$	148,393		$	119,049
Diluted
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	150,060		$	120,175
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(1,664	)		(1,125	)
Net income to common shareholders—diluted	$	148,396		$	119,050
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic		253,073			251,971
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		268			491
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted		253,341			252,462
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		2,844			2,407
Earnings per share
Basic	$	0.59		$	0.47
Diluted	$	0.59		$	0.47

Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic earnings per share are included in diluted earnings per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, stock options representing approximately 1.0 million and 1.2 million shares, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share as they were not dilutive.

Note 4 — Receivables from Customers

At March 31, 2013, we had receivables of approximately $14 million related to the Noble Max Smith, which are being disputed by our customer, Pemex Exploracion y Produccion (“Pemex”). These receivables have been classified as long-term and are included in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The disputed amounts relate to lost revenues for downtime that occurred after our rig was damaged when one of Pemex’s supply boats collided with our rig in 2010. In January 2012, we filed a lawsuit against Pemex in Mexican court seeking recovery of these amounts. While we can make no assurances as to the outcome of this dispute, we believe we are entitled to the disputed amounts.

Note 5 — Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, at cost, as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Drilling equipment and facilities	$	14,324,919	$	14,099,628
Construction in progress		2,817,564		2,677,385
Other		187,075		194,653
Property and equipment, at cost	$	17,329,558	$	16,971,666

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $372 million and $365 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Capital expenditures for the first three months of 2013 consisted of the following:

• $138 million for newbuild construction;

• $153 million for major projects, including subsea related expenditures;

• $51 million for other capitalized expenditures, including upgrades and replacements to drilling equipment that generally have a useful life ranging from 3 to 5 years; and

• $30 million in capitalized interest.

Interest is capitalized on construction-in-progress at the weighted average cost of debt outstanding during the period of construction.

Note 6 — Debt

Total debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Senior unsecured notes:
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013	$	299,994	$	299,985
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014		249,839		249,799
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015		350,000		350,000
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016		299,955		299,952
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017		299,861		299,852
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		201,695		201,695
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020		498,929		498,900
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021		399,539		399,527
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022		399,115		399,095
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040		399,892		399,891
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041		397,622		397,613
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042		498,263		498,257
Total senior unsecured notes		4,294,704		4,294,566
Commercial paper program		549,489		339,809
Total long-term debt	$	4,844,193	$	4,634,375

Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program

We currently have two separate credit facilities with an aggregate maximum available capacity of $2.3 billion, one credit facility matures in 2015 and the other matures in 2017 (together referred to as the “Credit Facilities”). In January 2013, we increased the maximum amount available under our credit facility maturing in 2015 from $600 million to $800 million and the maximum amount available under our credit facility maturing in 2017 from $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion. We have established a commercial paper program, which allows us to issue up to $1.8 billion in unsecured commercial paper notes. Amounts issued under the commercial paper program are supported by the unused capacity under our Credit Facilities and, as such, are classified as long-term on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. At March 31, 2013, we had approximately $1.75 billion of capacity under the Credit Facilities.

The Credit Facilities provide us with the ability to issue up to $375 million in letters of credit in the aggregate. The issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities, but it does reduce the amount available. At March 31, 2013, we had no letters of credit issued under the Credit Facilities.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Senior Unsecured Notes

In February 2012, we issued, through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”), $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in three separate tranches, with $300 million of 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017, $400 million of 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022, and $500 million of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042. The weighted average coupon of all three tranches is 4.13%. The net proceeds of approximately $1.19 billion, after expenses, were primarily used to repay the then outstanding balance on our Credit Facilities.

Our 5.875% Senior Notes mature during the second quarter of 2013. We anticipate using availability under our Credit Facilities or commercial paper program to repay the outstanding balance; therefore, we continue to report the balance as long-term at March 31, 2013.

Covenants

The Credit Facilities are guaranteed by our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, NHIL and Noble Drilling Corporation (“NDC”). The covenants and events of default under the Credit Facilities are substantially similar, and each facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the Credit Facilities, to 0.60. At March 31, 2013, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was approximately 0.36. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facilities as of March 31, 2013.

In addition to the covenants from the Credit Facilities noted above, the indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes contain covenants that place restrictions on certain merger and consolidation transactions, unless we are the surviving entity or the other party assumes the obligations under the indenture, and on the ability to sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, there are restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and sale and lease-back transactions. At March 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the covenants under our notes and, based on our expectations for 2013, expect to remain in compliance during the year.

Fair Value of Debt

Fair value represents the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The estimated fair value of our senior notes was based on the quoted market prices for similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of similar remaining maturities (Level 2 measurement).

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively:

	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
	Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
Senior unsecured notes:
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013	$	299,994	$	301,860	$	299,985	$	305,594
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014		249,839		265,191		249,799		269,008
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015		350,000		366,445		350,000		368,824
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016		299,955		312,637		299,952		316,268
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017		299,861		307,512		299,852		309,846
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		201,695		251,615		201,695		249,358
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020		498,929		554,370		498,900		562,530
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021		399,539		435,232		399,527		442,776
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022		399,115		411,413		399,095		422,227
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040		399,892		448,844		399,891		477,327
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041		397,622		441,512		397,613		468,256
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042		498,263		503,988		498,257		533,422
Total senior unsecured notes		4,294,704		4,600,619		4,294,566		4,725,436
Commercial paper program		549,489		549,489		339,809		339,809
Total long-term debt	$	4,844,193	$	5,150,108	$	4,634,375	$	5,065,245

Note 7 — Income Taxes

At December 31, 2012, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $125 million (net of related tax benefits of $10 million). At March 31, 2013, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $125 million (net of related tax benefits of $11 million). If the March 31, 2013 reserves are not realized, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by $125 million.

It is possible that our existing liabilities related to our reserves for uncertain tax positions may increase or decrease in the next 12 months primarily due to the completion of open audits or the expiration of statutes of limitation. However, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of changes in our existing liabilities due to various uncertainties, such as the unresolved nature of various audits.

Note 8 — Employee Benefit Plans

Pension costs include the following components:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013						2012
	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
Service cost	$	1,379		$	2,681		$	1,123		$	2,431
Interest cost		1,282			2,262			1,358			2,196
Return on plan assets		(1,471	)		(3,276	)		(1,346	)		(2,793	)
Amortization of prior service cost		—			57			—			57
Recognized net actuarial loss		405			1,910			200			1,885
Net pension expense	$	1,595		$	3,634		$	1,335		$	3,776

During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, we made contributions to our pension plans totaling $3 million and $4 million, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 9 — Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We periodically enter into derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivative instruments. We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes, nor are we a party to leveraged derivatives.

For foreign currency forward contracts, hedge effectiveness is evaluated at inception based on the matching of critical terms between derivative contracts and the hedged item. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings.

Cash Flow Hedges

Our North Sea and Brazil operations have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we periodically enter into forward contracts settling monthly in their respective local currencies, all of which have a maturity of less than 12 months. The forward contract settlements in the remainder of 2013 represent approximately 59 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. Dollars, was approximately $124 million at March 31, 2013. Total unrealized loss related to these forward contracts was approximately $1 million as of March 31, 2013 and was recorded as part of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”).

The balance of the net unrealized loss related to our cash flow hedges included in AOCL and related activity is as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Net unrealized loss at beginning of period	$	—		$	(3,061	)
Activity during period:
Settlement of foreign currency forward contracts during the period		—			2,118
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts		(1,202	)		299
Net unrealized loss at end of period	$	(1,202	)	$	(644	)

Financial Statement Presentation

The following tables, together with Note 10, summarize the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

		Estimated fair value
	Balance sheet classification	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Asset derivatives
Cash flow hedges
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	Other current assets	$	776	$	—
Liability derivatives
Cash flow hedges
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	Other current liabilities	$	1,978	$	—

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 10, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

	Gain/(loss)  recognized through AOCL					Gain/(loss)  reclassified from AOCL to “other income”				Gain/(loss)  recognized through “other income”
	2013			2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
Cash flow hedges
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(1,202	)	$	299	$	—	$	2,118	$	—	$	—

Note 10 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:

	March 31, 2013
			Estimated Fair Value Measurements
			Quoted		Significant
			Prices in		Other		Significant
			Active		Observable		Unobservable
	Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets—
Marketable securities	$	6,086	$	6,086	$	—	$	—
Foreign currency forward contracts		776		—		776		—
Liabilities—
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	1,978	$	—	$	1,978	$	—

	December 31, 2012
			Estimated Fair Value Measurements
			Quoted		Significant
			Prices in		Other		Significant
			Active		Observable		Unobservable
	Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets—
Marketable securities	$	5,816	$	5,816	$	—	$	—

The derivative instruments have been valued using actively quoted prices and quotes obtained from the counterparties to the derivative instruments. Our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are by their nature short-term. As a result, the carrying values included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 11 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table sets forth the changes in AOCL by component for the period ended March 31, 2013. All amounts within the table are shown net of tax.

				Defined
	Losses on			Benefit			Foreign
	Cash Flow			Pension			Currency
	Hedges(1)			Items(2)			Items			Total
Balance at beginning of period	$	—		$	(95,071	)	$	(20,378	)	$	(115,449	)
Activity during period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(1,202	)		—			2,657			1,455
Amounts reclassified from AOCL		—			1,642			—			1,642
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,202	)		1,642			2,657			3,097
Balance at end of period	$	(1,202	)	$	(93,429	)	$	(17,721	)	$	(112,352	)

(1) Losses on cash flow hedges are related to our foreign currency forward contracts. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized through “other income” on our Consolidated Statement of Income. See Note 9 for additional information.

(2) Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial losses and the amortization of prior service costs. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statement of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 8 for additional information.

Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies

The Noble Homer Ferrington was under contract with a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”), which entered into an assignment agreement with BP for a two-well farmout of the rig in Libya after successfully drilling two wells with the rig for ExxonMobil. In August 2010, BP attempted to terminate the assignment agreement claiming that the rig was not in the required condition, and ExxonMobil informed us that we must look to BP for payment of the dayrate during the assignment period. In August 2010, we initiated arbitration proceedings under the drilling contract against both BP and ExxonMobil. We do not believe BP had the right to terminate the assignment agreement and believe the rig was ready to operate under the drilling contract. The rig operated under farmout arrangements from March 2011 to the conclusion of the contract in the second quarter of 2012. We believe we are owed dayrate by either or both of these clients. The operating dayrate was approximately $538,000 per day for the work in Libya. The arbitration process is proceeding, and we intend to vigorously pursue these claims. As a result of the uncertainties noted above, we have not recognized any revenue during the assignment period and the matter could have a material positive effect on our results of operations or cash flows in the period the matter is resolved should the arbitration panel ultimately rule in our favor.

In August 2007, we entered into a drilling contract with Marathon Oil Company (“Marathon”) for the Noble Jim Day to operate in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. On January 1, 2011, Marathon provided notice that it was terminating the contract. Marathon’s stated reason for the termination was that the rig had not been accepted by Marathon by December 31, 2010, and Marathon also maintained that a force majeure condition existed under the contract. The contract contained a provision allowing Marathon to terminate if the rig had not commenced operations by December 31, 2010. We believe the rig was ready to commence operations and should have been accepted by Marathon. The contract term was for four years. No revenue has been recognized under this contract. We have contracted the rig for much of the original term with other customers. In March 2011, we filed suit in Texas State District Court against Marathon seeking damages for its actions. The suit is proceeding and we expect the trial to occur in the third quarter of 2013. We cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

In November 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard in Alaska conducted an inspection of our drillship, the Noble Discoverer, and cited a number of deficiencies to be remediated, including issues relating to the main propulsion and safety management system. We initiated a comprehensive effort to address the deficiencies identified by the Coast Guard and commenced an ongoing dialogue with the agency to keep it apprised of our progress. We began an internal investigation in conjunction with the Coast Guard inspection, and the Coast Guard then began its own investigation. We reported certain potential violations of applicable law to the Coast Guard identified as a result of our internal investigation. These related to what we believe were certain unauthorized disposals of collected deck and sea water from the Noble Discoverer, collected, treated deck water from the Kulluk and potential record-keeping issues with the oil record books for the Noble Discoverer, Kulluk and other rigs and with the garbage log for the Kulluk. The Coast Guard referred the Noble Discoverer matter to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) for further investigation, and we have also been informed that the Coast Guard has referred the Kulluk matter to the DOJ. We are cooperating with the DOJ and Coast Guard in connection with their investigation. We cannot predict when the DOJ and Coast Guard will conclude the investigation and cannot provide any assurances with respect to the outcome. If the DOJ or Coast Guard determines that violations of applicable law have occurred, they could seek civil and criminal sanctions, including monetary penalties, against us and/or certain of our employees, as well as oversight of our operational compliance programs. Based on information obtained to date, we believe it is probable that we will have to pay an amount to resolve this matter. However, we are not in a position to estimate the potential liability that may result and have not made any accrual in our consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2013.

In January 2012, we were assessed a fine by the Brazilian government in the amount of R$1.8 million (approximately $889,000) in connection with the inadvertent discharge of drilling fluid from one of our rigs offshore Brazil in September 2011. We have accepted and paid the assessment.

In October 2011, we were assessed a fine by the Brazilian government in the amount of R$238,000 (approximately $118,000) in connection with the inadvertent discharge of approximately 200 barrels of drilling fluid from one of our vessels offshore Brazil in November 2010. We have accepted and paid the assessment.

We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits that are incidental to our operations in which the claimants seek an unspecified amount of monetary damages for personal injury, including injuries purportedly resulting from exposure to asbestos on drilling rigs and associated facilities. At March 31, 2013, there were 30 asbestos related lawsuits in which we are one of many defendants. These lawsuits have been filed in the United States in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We intend to vigorously defend against the litigation. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We are a defendant in certain claims and litigation arising out of operations in the ordinary course of business, including certain disputes with customers over receivables discussed in Note 4, the resolution of which, in the opinion of management, will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. There is inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these claims.

We operate in a number of countries throughout the world and our tax returns filed in those jurisdictions are subject to review and examination by tax authorities within those jurisdictions. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed its examination of our tax reporting for the taxable year ended December 31, 2008. The examination team has proposed adjustments with respect to certain items that were reported by us for the 2008 tax year. We believe that we have accurately reported all amounts included in our 2008 tax returns, and have filed protests with the IRS Appeals Office contesting the examination team’s proposed adjustments, and we are still waiting on a final resolution of these issues. We intend to vigorously defend our reported positions. The IRS has begun its examination of our tax reporting for the taxable year ended December 31, 2009. We believe that we have accurately reported all amounts in our 2009 tax returns. Furthermore, we are currently contesting several non-U.S. tax assessments and may contest future assessments when we disagree with those assessments based on the technical merits of the positions established at the time of the filing of the tax return. We believe the ultimate resolution of the outstanding assessments, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. We recognize uncertain tax positions that we believe have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained. We cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of the existing or future assessments.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Our Mexican income tax returns have been examined for the 2002 through 2007 periods and audit claims have been assessed for approximately $341 million (including interest and penalties). During 2011, we received from the Regional Chamber of the Federal Tax Court adverse decisions with respect to approximately $6 million in assessments related to depreciation deductions, which we are appealing. We are also contesting all other assessments in Mexico. Tax authorities in Mexico and other jurisdictions may issue additional assessments or pursue legal actions as a result of tax audits and we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of such assessments and legal actions.

Additional audit claims of approximately $126 million attributable to income, customs and other business taxes have been assessed against us in other jurisdictions. We have contested, or intend to contest, these assessments, including through litigation if necessary, and we believe the ultimate resolution, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

We maintain certain insurance coverage against specified marine perils, which includes physical damage and loss of hire. Damage caused by hurricanes has negatively impacted the energy insurance market, resulting in more restrictive and expensive coverage for U.S. named windstorm perils. Accordingly, we have elected to significantly reduce the named windstorm insurance on our rigs operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Presently, we insure the Noble Jim Thompson, Noble Amos Runner and Noble Driller for “total loss only” when caused by a named windstorm. For the Noble Bully I, our customer assumes the risk of loss due to a named windstorm event, pursuant to the terms of the drilling contract, through the purchase of insurance coverage (provided that we are responsible for any deductible under such policy) or, at its option, the assumption of the risk of loss up to the insured value in lieu of the purchase of such insurance. The remaining rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are self-insured for named windstorm perils. Our rigs located in the Mexico portion of the Gulf of Mexico remain covered by commercial insurance for windstorm damage. In addition, we maintain physical damage deductibles on our rigs ranging from $15 million to $25 million per occurrence, depending on location. The loss of hire coverage applies only to our rigs operating under contract with a dayrate equal to or greater than $200,000 a day and is subject to a 45-day waiting period for each unit and each occurrence.

Although we maintain insurance in the geographic areas in which we operate, pollution, reservoir damage and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. Our insurance policies and contractual rights to indemnity may not adequately cover our losses or may have exclusions of coverage for some losses. We do not have insurance coverage or rights to indemnity for all risks, including loss of hire insurance on most of the rigs in our fleet. Uninsured exposures may include expatriate activities prohibited by U.S. laws and regulations, radiation hazards, certain loss or damage to property on board our rigs and losses relating to shore-based terrorist acts or strikes. If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance or contractual indemnity, it could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, there can be no assurance that those parties with contractual obligations to indemnify us will necessarily be financially able to indemnify us against all these risks.

We carry protection and indemnity insurance covering marine third party liability exposures, which also includes coverage for employer’s liability resulting from personal injury to our offshore drilling crews. Our protection and indemnity policy currently has a standard deductible of $10 million per occurrence, with maximum liability coverage of $750 million.

In connection with our capital expenditure program, we had outstanding commitments, including shipyard and purchase commitments of approximately $2.6 billion at March 31, 2013.

We have entered into agreements with certain of our executive officers, as well as certain other employees. These agreements become effective upon a change of control of Noble-Swiss (within the meaning set forth in the agreements) or a termination of employment in connection with or in anticipation of a change of control, and remain effective for three years thereafter. These agreements provide for compensation and certain other benefits under such circumstances.

23

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Nigerian Operations

During the fourth quarter of 2007, our Nigerian subsidiary received letters from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (“NIMASA”) seeking to collect a 2 percent surcharge on contract amounts under contracts performed by “vessels,” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws, engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade. Although we do not believe that these laws apply to our ownership of drilling units, NIMASA is seeking to apply a provision of the Nigerian cabotage laws (which became effective on May 1, 2004) to our offshore drilling units by considering these units to be “vessels” within the meaning of those laws and therefore subject to the surcharge, which is imposed only upon “vessels.” Our offshore drilling units are not engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade and are not in our view “vessels” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws. In January 2008, we filed an originating summons against NIMASA and the Minister of Transportation in the Federal High Court of Lagos, Nigeria seeking, among other things, a declaration that our drilling operations do not constitute “coastal trade” or “cabotage” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws and that our offshore drilling units are not “vessels” within the meaning of those laws. In February 2009, NIMASA filed suit against us in the Federal High Court of Nigeria seeking collection of the cabotage surcharge. In August 2009, the court issued a favorable ruling in response to our originating summons stating that drilling operations do not fall within the cabotage laws and that drilling rigs are not vessels for purposes of those laws. The court also issued an injunction against the defendants prohibiting their interference with our drilling rigs or drilling operations. NIMASA has appealed the court’s ruling, although the court dismissed NIMASA’s lawsuit filed against us in February 2009. We intend to take all further appropriate legal action to resist the application of Nigeria’s cabotage laws to our drilling units. The outcome of any such legal action and the extent to which we may ultimately be responsible for the surcharge is uncertain. If it is ultimately determined that offshore drilling units constitute vessels within the meaning of the Nigerian cabotage laws, we may be required to pay the surcharge and comply with other aspects of the Nigerian cabotage laws, which could adversely affect our operations in Nigerian waters and require us to incur additional costs of compliance.

NIMASA had previously informed the Nigerian Content Division of its position that we were not in compliance with the cabotage laws. The Nigerian Content Division makes determinations of companies’ compliance with applicable local content regulations for purposes of government contracting, including contracting for services in connection with oil and gas concessions where the Nigerian national oil company is a partner. The Nigerian Content Division had previously barred us from participating in new tenders as a result of NIMASA’s allegations, although the Division reversed its actions based on the favorable Federal High Court ruling. However, no assurance can be given with respect to our ability to bid for future work in Nigeria until our dispute with NIMASA is resolved.

Under the Nigerian Industrial Training Fund Act of 2004, as amended, (the “Act”), Nigerian companies with five or more employees must contribute annually 1 percent of their payroll to the Industrial Training Fund (“ITF”) established under the Act to be used for the training of Nigerian nationals with a view towards generating a pool of indigenously trained manpower. We have not paid this amount on our expatriate workers employed by our non-Nigerian employment entity in the past as we did not believe the contribution obligation was applicable to them. In October 2012, we received a demand from the ITF for payments going back to 2004 and associated penalties in respect of these expatriate employees. In February 2013, the ITF filed suit seeking payment of these amounts. We do not believe that we owe the amount claimed and that, in the event we were to have any liability, it would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or cash flows. We continue to investigate the matter and are also in discussions with the ITF to resolve the issue.

Note 13 — Segment and Related Information

We report our contract drilling operations as a single reportable segment, Contract Drilling Services, which reflects how we manage our business, and the fact that all of our drilling fleet is dependent upon the worldwide oil industry. The mobile offshore drilling units comprising our offshore rig fleet operate in a single, global market for contract drilling services and are often redeployed globally due to changing demands of our customers, which consist largely of major non-U.S. and government owned/controlled oil and gas companies throughout the world. Our contract drilling services segment conducts contract drilling operations in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia and Australia.

24

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

We evaluate the performance of our operating segment based on revenues from external customers and segment profit. Summarized financial information of our reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 is shown in the following table. The “Other” column includes results of labor contract drilling services in Canada and Alaska, as well as corporate related items. The consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-Swiss conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries. As a result, the summarized financial information for Noble-Cayman is substantially the same as Noble-Swiss.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013									2012
	Contract									Contract
	Drilling									Drilling
	Services			Other			Total			Services			Other			Total
Revenues from external customers	$	949,458		$	21,517		$	970,975		$	781,243		$	16,447		$	797,690
Depreciation and amortization		202,619			3,537			206,156			167,948			3,129			171,077
Segment operating income		225,134			4,657			229,791			140,267			3,376			143,643
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(120	)		(27,181	)		(27,301	)		(89	)		(10,407	)		(10,496	)
Income tax (provision)/ benefit		(38,241	)		3,889			(34,352	)		(22,600	)		1,011			(21,589	)
Segment profit/ (loss)		169,051			(18,991	)		150,060			125,484			(5,309	)		120,175
Total assets (at end of period)		14,212,435			677,523			14,889,958			13,248,321			646,880			13,895,201

Note 14 — Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income.” This amended guidance requires additional information about reclassification adjustments out of comprehensive income, including changes in comprehensive income balances by component and significant items reclassified out of comprehensive income. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, which amends ASC Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” This ASU provides guidance on foreign currency translation adjustments when a parent entity ceases to have a controlling interest on a previously consolidated subsidiary or group of assets. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

Note 15 — Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities

The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:

	Noble-Swiss						Noble-Cayman
	Three months ended						Three months ended
	March 31,						March 31,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Accounts receivable	$	(125,192	)	$	(88,969	)	$	(125,192	)	$	(88,969	)
Other current assets		(47,920	)		(71,328	)		(49,017	)		(72,745	)
Other assets		1,101			(1,313	)		1,099			(1,315	)
Accounts payable		12,901			7,014			12,970			6,304
Other current liabilities		(18,947	)		(31,789	)		(21,095	)		(31,691	)
Other liabilities		(680	)		(2,087	)		(680	)		(2,086	)
	$	(178,737	)	$	(188,472	)	$	(181,915	)	$	(190,502	)

25

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 16 — Information about Noble-Cayman

Guarantees of Registered Securities

Noble-Cayman or one or more subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman are a co-issuer or guarantor or otherwise obligated as of March 31, 2013 as follows:

	Issuer
Notes	(Co-Issuer(s))	Guarantor(s)
$300 million 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013	Noble-Cayman	NDC
		NHIL
$250 million 7.375% Senior Notes due 2014	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$350 million 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$300 million 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$300 million 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019	NDC;	Noble-Cayman;
	Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)	Noble Holding (U.S.) Corporation (“NHC”);
		Noble Drilling Holding LLC (“NDH”)
$500 million 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$500 million 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042	NHIL	Noble-Cayman

The following consolidating financial statements of Noble-Cayman, NHC and NDH combined, NDC, NHIL, NDS6 and all other subsidiaries present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.

Revision

As part of our worldwide asset consolidation completed in 2009, NDC received a limited partnership interest in one of our Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble. This limited partnership interest has historically been included as a component of Total Shareholder Equity and income attributable to this limited partnership interest has been included in Net Income Attributable to Noble Corporation in the Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble column in the condensed consolidating financial statements. We concluded these errors were not material individually or in the aggregate to any of the previously issued financial statements taken as a whole.

During the first quarter of 2013, we amended the presentation of this limited partnership interest in the Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble column to correctly present it as a noncontrolling interest and to record the income attributable to NDC as Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. We also made appropriate adjustments to the Consolidating Adjustments column. The following chart presents the impact of this change in presentation in the Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble and Consolidating Adjustments columns on the historical Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income. The revisions below did not impact our Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows.

26

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

	Other Non-Guarantor
	Subsidiaries of Noble						Consolidating Adjustments
	As reported			As amended			As reported			As amended
December 31, 2010
Income statement- Twelve months ended
Net income	$	1,023,782		$	1,023,782		$	(2,963,512	)	$	(2,963,512	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3	)		(41,889	)		—			41,886
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	1,023,779		$	981,893		$	(2,963,512	)	$	(2,921,626	)
December 31, 2011
Income statement- Twelve months ended
Net income	$	634,128		$	634,128		$	(1,758,285	)	$	(1,758,285	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		7,273			(15,808	)		—			23,081
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	641,401		$	618,320		$	(1,758,285	)	$	(1,735,204	)
Balance Sheet
Total shareholder equity	$	9,853,129		$	9,483,809		$	(28,268,572	)	$	(27,899,252	)
Noncontrolling interests		691,331			1,060,651			—			(369,320	)
Total equity	$	10,544,460		$	10,544,460		$	(28,268,572	)	$	(28,268,572	)
March 31, 2012
Income statement- Three months ended
Net income	$	173,657		$	173,657		$	(591,588	)	$	(591,588	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		6,832			(1,196	)		—			8,028
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	180,489		$	172,461		$	(591,588	)	$	(583,560	)
June 30, 2012
Income statement- Three months ended
Net income	$	253,086		$	253,086		$	(662,439	)	$	(662,439	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(18,857	)		(29,201	)		—			10,344
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	234,229		$	223,885		$	(662,439	)	$	(652,095	)
Income statement- Six months ended
Net income	$	426,743		$	426,743		$	(1,254,027	)	$	(1,254,027	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(12,025	)		(30,397	)		—			18,372
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	414,718		$	396,346		$	(1,254,027	)	$	(1,235,655	)

27

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

	Other Non-Guarantor
	Subsidiaries of Noble						Consolidating Adjustments
	As reported			As amended			As reported			As amended
September 30, 2012
Income statement- Three months ended
Net income	$	211,597		$	211,597		$	(569,368	)	$	(569,368	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(14,906	)		(22,246	)		—			7,340
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	196,691		$	189,351		$	(569,368	)	$	(562,028	)
Income statement- Nine months ended
Net income	$	638,340		$	638,340		$	(1,823,395	)	$	(1,823,395	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(26,931	)		(52,643	)		—			25,712
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	611,409		$	585,697		$	(1,823,395	)	$	(1,797,683	)
December 31, 2012
Income statement- Twelve months ended
Net income	$	280,763		$	280,763		$	(1,891,202	)	$	(1,891,202	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(33,793	)		(68,969	)		—			35,176
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	246,970		$	211,794		$	(1,891,202	)	$	(1,856,026	)
Balance Sheet
Total shareholder equity	$	9,913,839		$	9,509,343		$	(29,719,135	)	$	(29,314,639	)
Noncontrolling interests		765,124			1,169,620			—			(404,496	)
Total equity	$	10,678,963		$	10,678,963		$	(29,719,135	)	$	(29,719,135	)

28

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

March 31, 2013

(in thousands)

													Other
													Non-guarantor
	Noble-		NHC and NDH										Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman		Combined			NDC			NHIL		NDS6		of Noble			Adjustments			Total
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5	$	477		$	—		$	2	$	—	$	207,559		$	—		$	208,043
Accounts receivable		—		20,680			3,226			—		—		863,853			—			887,759
Taxes receivable		—		8,341			—			—		—		107,226			—			115,567
Prepaid expenses		—		422			9			—		—		95,460			—			95,891
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—		119,476			—			—		586,769		326,671			(1,032,916	)		—
Accounts receivable from affiliates		822,677		150,838			1,062,522			467,184		45,200		6,009,283			(8,557,704	)		—
Other current assets		94		639			196			—		—		111,619			—			112,548
Total current assets		822,776		300,873			1,065,953			467,186		631,969		7,721,671			(9,590,620	)		1,419,808
Property and equipment, at cost		—		2,898,924			76,394			—		—		14,317,684			—			17,293,002
Accumulated depreciation		—		(297,835	)		(59,403	)		—		—		(3,779,874	)		—			(4,137,112	)
Property and equipment, net		—		2,601,089			16,991			—		—		10,537,810			—			13,155,890
Notes receivable from affiliates		3,816,463		1,206,000			—			3,524,814		479,107		2,110,379			(11,136,763	)		—
Investments in affiliates		7,972,834		9,496,533			3,350,670			7,638,820		1,865,269		—			(30,324,126	)		—
Other assets		7,061		301			452			25,068		728		243,001			—			276,611
Total assets	$	12,619,134	$	13,604,796		$	4,434,066		$	11,655,888	$	2,977,073	$	20,612,861		$	(51,051,509	)	$	14,852,309
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	90,314	$	125,587		$	110,770		$	—	$	—	$	706,245		$	(1,032,916	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—		5,709			805			—		—		312,676			—			319,190
Accrued payroll and related costs		—		6,223			8,304			—		—		93,311			—			107,838
Accounts payable to affiliates		921,727		4,945,931			6,277			177,838		92,548		2,413,383			(8,557,704	)		—
Taxes payable		—		11,316			—			—		—		131,753			—			143,069
Interest payable		5,943		—			—			17,128		630		—			—			23,701
Other current liabilities		—		522			240			—		—		168,435			—			169,197
Total current liabilities		1,017,984		5,095,288			126,396			194,966		93,178		3,825,803			(9,590,620	)		762,995
Long-term debt		849,483		—			—			3,793,015		201,695		—			—			4,844,193
Notes payable to affiliates		2,840,287		586,979			—			975,000		1,342,000		5,392,497			(11,136,763	)		—
Deferred income taxes		—		(2,431	)		15,731			—		—		210,200			—			223,500
Other liabilities		19,931		17,960			—			—		—		309,504			—			347,395
Total liabilities		4,727,685		5,697,796			142,127			4,962,981		1,636,873		9,738,004			(20,727,383	)		6,178,083
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		7,891,449		7,907,000			4,291,939			6,692,907		1,340,200		9,677,699			(29,909,745	)		7,891,449
Noncontrolling interest		—		—			—			—		—		1,197,158			(414,381	)		782,777
Total equity		7,891,449		7,907,000			4,291,939			6,692,907		1,340,200		10,874,857			(30,324,126	)		8,674,226
Total liabilities and equity	$	12,619,134	$	13,604,796		$	4,434,066		$	11,655,888	$	2,977,073	$	20,612,861		$	(51,051,509	)	$	14,852,309

29

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2012

As Amended

(in thousands)

													Other
													Non-guarantor
	Noble-		NHC and NDH										Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman		Combined			NDC			NHIL		NDS6		of Noble			Adjustments			Total
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,003	$	904		$	—		$	2	$	—	$	275,466		$	—		$	277,375
Accounts receivable		—		14,885			3,335			—		—		725,453			—			743,673
Taxes receivable		—		8,341			—			—		—		103,969			—			112,310
Prepaid expenses		—		396			9			—		—		40,827			—			41,232
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—		119,476			—			—		586,769		252,138			(958,383	)		—
Accounts receivable from affiliates		664,375		140,014			1,015,204			526,483		38,895		5,855,066			(8,240,037	)		—
Other current assets		235		639			196			—		—		121,579			—			122,649
Total current assets		665,613		284,655			1,018,744			526,485		625,664		7,374,498			(9,198,420	)		1,297,239
Property and equipment, at cost		—		2,735,223			76,428			—		—		14,123,496			—			16,935,147
Accumulated depreciation		—		(283,028	)		(58,411	)		—		—		(3,597,079	)		—			(3,938,518	)
Property and equipment, net		—		2,452,195			18,017			—		—		10,526,417			—			12,996,629
Notes receivable from affiliates		3,816,463		1,206,000			—			3,524,814		479,107		2,171,875			(11,198,259	)		—
Investments in affiliates		7,770,066		9,170,923			3,386,879			7,413,361		1,977,906		—			(29,719,135	)		—
Other assets		5,798		320			543			25,895		759		243,243			—			276,558
Total assets	$	12,257,940	$	13,114,093		$	4,424,183		$	11,490,555	$	3,083,436	$	20,316,033		$	(50,115,814	)	$	14,570,426
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	90,314	$	51,054		$	110,770		$	—	$	—	$	706,245		$	(958,383	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—		6,522			1,183			—		—		341,889			—			349,594
Accrued payroll and related costs		—		6,176			7,611			—		—		110,149			—			123,936
Accounts payable to affiliates		900,063		4,806,235			5,444			165,065		77,075		2,286,155			(8,240,037	)		—
Taxes payable		—		9,152			—			—		—		121,692			—			130,844
Interest payable		1,594		—			—			62,430		4,412		—			—			68,436
Other current liabilities		—		—			240			—		—		158,259			—			158,499
Total current liabilities		991,971		4,879,139			125,248			227,495		81,487		3,724,389			(9,198,420	)		831,309
Long-term debt		639,794		—			—			3,792,886		201,695		—			—			4,634,375
Notes payable to affiliates		2,840,287		648,475			—			975,000		1,342,000		5,392,497			(11,198,259	)		—
Deferred income taxes		—		—			15,731			—		—		210,314			—			226,045
Other liabilities		19,930		17,815			—			—		—		309,870			—			347,615
Total liabilities		4,491,982		5,545,429			140,979			4,995,381		1,625,182		9,637,070			(20,396,679	)		6,039,344
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		7,765,958		7,568,664			4,283,204			6,495,174		1,458,254		9,509,343			(29,314,639	)		7,765,958
Noncontrolling interest		—		—			—			—		—		1,169,620			(404,496	)		765,124
Total equity		7,765,958		7,568,664			4,283,204			6,495,174		1,458,254		10,678,963			(29,719,135	)		8,531,082
Total liabilities and equity	$	12,257,940	$	13,114,093		$	4,424,183		$	11,490,555	$	3,083,436	$	20,316,033		$	(50,115,814	)	$	14,570,426

30

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	46,957		$	4,991		$	—		$	—		$	897,239		$	(20,450	)	$	928,737
Reimbursables		—			586			—			—			—			20,588			—			21,174
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			21,054			—			21,054
Other		—			—			—			—			—			10			—			10
Total operating revenues		—			47,543			4,991			—			—			938,891			(20,450	)		970,975
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		919			16,425			1,785			24,213			—			453,669			(20,450	)		476,561
Reimbursables		—			334			—			—			—			14,588			—			14,922
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			12,249			—			12,249
Depreciation and amortization		—			14,862			1,101			—			—			189,788			—			205,751
General and administrative		625			1,892			1			8,713			—			3,612			—			14,843
Gain on contract extinguishment		—			—			—			—			—			(1,800	)		—			(1,800	)
Total operating costs and expenses		1,544			33,513			2,887			32,926			—			672,106			(20,450	)		722,526
Operating income (loss)		(1,544	)		14,030			2,104			(32,926	)		—			266,785			—			248,449
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		202,765			96,943			7,453			225,457			116,028			—			(648,646	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(33,307	)		(7,562	)		(833	)		(34,560	)		(11,721	)		(23,334	)		84,016			(27,301	)
Interest income and other, net		1,630			10,814			7			39,761			6,305			25,562			(84,016	)		63
Income before income taxes		169,544			114,225			8,731			197,732			110,612			269,013			(648,646	)		221,211
Income tax provision		—			(4,556	)		—			—			—			(29,458	)		—			(34,014	)
Net Income		169,544			109,669			8,731			197,732			110,612			239,555			(648,646	)		187,197
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(27,538	)		9,885			(17,653	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		169,544			109,669			8,731			197,732			110,612			212,017			(638,761	)		169,544
Other comprehensive income, net		3,097			—			—			—			—			3,097			(3,097	)		3,097
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	172,641		$	109,669		$	8,731		$	197,732		$	110,612		$	215,114		$	(641,858	)	$	172,641

31

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

As Amended

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	42,991		$	5,061		$	—		$	—		$	718,076		$	(19,818	)	$	746,310
Reimbursables		—			5,308			—			—			—			29,833			—			35,141
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			16,008			—			16,008
Other		—			—			—			—			—			231			—			231
Total operating revenues		—			48,299			5,061			—			—			764,148			(19,818	)		797,690
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		1,183			14,319			1,771			17,633			—			400,058			(19,818	)		415,146
Reimbursables		—			5,087			—			—			—			25,514			—			30,601
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			9,232			—			9,232
Depreciation and amortization		—			14,839			1,036			—			—			154,698			—			170,573
General and administrative		357			1,346			—			8,819			—			3,488			—			14,010
Total operating costs and expenses		1,540			35,591			2,807			26,452			—			592,990			(19,818	)		639,562
Operating income (loss)		(1,540	)		12,708			2,254			(26,452	)		—			171,158			—			158,128
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		155,412			134,585			45,802			179,928			75,861			—			(591,588	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(20,606	)		(14,914	)		(1,346	)		(20,972	)		(7,783	)		(19,896	)		75,021			(10,496	)
Interest income and other, net		1,386			7,824			16			29,254			3,110			34,830			(75,021	)		1,399
Income before income taxes		134,652			140,203			46,726			161,758			71,188			186,092			(591,588	)		149,031
Income tax provision		—			(8,776	)		—			—			—			(12,435	)		—			(21,211	)
Net Income		134,652			131,427			46,726			161,758			71,188			173,657			(591,588	)		127,820
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(1,196	)		8,028			6,832
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		134,652			131,427			46,726			161,758			71,188			172,461			(583,560	)		134,652
Other comprehensive income, net		3,761			—			—			—			—			3,761			(3,761	)		3,761
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	138,413		$	131,427		$	46,726		$	161,758		$	71,188		$	176,222		$	(587,321	)	$	138,413

32

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL		NDS6			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments		Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(24,033	)	$	21,420		$	2,894		$	(72,200)	$	(9,167	)	$	295,344		$	—	$	214,258
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(168,711	)		(18	)		—		—			(269,536	)		—		(438,265	)
Net cash from investing activities		—			(168,711	)		(18	)		—		—			(269,536	)		—		(438,265	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		209,680			—			—			—		—			—			—		209,680
Financing costs on credit facilities		(1,895	)		—			—			—		—			—			—		(1,895	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(53,110	)		—			—			—		—			—			—		(53,110	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(131,640	)		146,864			(2,876	)		72,200		9,167			(93,715	)		—		—
Net cash from financing activities		23,035			146,864			(2,876	)		72,200		9,167			(93,715	)		—		154,675
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(998	)		(427	)		—			—		—			(67,907	)		—		(69,332	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,003			904			—			2		—			275,466			—		277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5		$	477		$	—		$	2	$	—		$	207,559		$	—	$	208,043

33

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(11,189	)	$	8,286		$	4,410		$	(53,966	)	$	(8,425	)	$	169,770		$	—		$	108,886
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(136,849	)		(205	)		—			—			(354,582	)		—			(491,636	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—			—			1,188,287			—
Net cash from investing activities		—			(136,849	)		(205	)		(1,188,287	)		—			(354,582	)		1,188,287			(491,636	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		(825,000	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(825,000	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net		—			—			—			1,186,636			—			—			—			1,186,636
Contributions from joint venture partners		—			—			—			—			—			40,000			—			40,000
Distributions to parent		(52,727	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(52,727	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(274,544	)		128,442			(4,205	)		55,621			8,425			86,261			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		1,188,287			—			—			—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—
Net cash from financing activities		36,016			128,442			(4,205	)		1,242,257			8,425			126,261			(1,188,287	)		348,909
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		24,827			(121	)		—			4			—			(58,551	)		—			(33,841	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		146			385			—			—			—			234,525			—			235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	24,973		$	264		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	175,974		$	—		$	201,215

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our financial position at March 31, 2013, and our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed by Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), and Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”).

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding contract backlog, fleet status, our financial position, business strategy, timing or results of acquisitions or dispositions, repayment of debt, borrowings under our Credit Facilities (as defined below), issuance of commercial paper notes, completion and acceptance of our newbuild rigs, future capital expenditures, contract commitments, dayrates, contract commencements, extension or renewals, contract tenders, the outcome of any dispute, litigation or investigation, plans and objectives of management for future operations, foreign currency requirements, results of joint ventures, indemnity and other contract claims, construction and upgrade of rigs, industry conditions including the effect of disruptions of drilling in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, access to financing, impact of competition, governmental regulations and permitting, availability of labor, worldwide economic conditions, taxes and tax rates, indebtedness covenant compliance, and timing for compliance with any new regulations are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report on Form 10-Q and we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason, except as required by law. We have identified factors including but not limited to operating hazards and delays, risks associated with operations outside the U.S., actions by regulatory authorities, customers, joint venture partners, contractors, lenders and other third parties, legislation and regulations affecting drilling operations, costs and difficulties relating to the integration of businesses, factors affecting the level of activity in the oil and gas industry, supply and demand of drilling rigs, factors affecting the duration of contracts, the actual amount of downtime, factors that reduce applicable dayrates, violations of anti-corruption laws, hurricanes and other weather conditions and the future price of oil and gas that could cause actual plans or results to differ materially from those included in any forward-looking statements. These factors include those referenced or described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We cannot control such risk factors and other uncertainties, and in many cases, we cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. You should consider these risks and uncertainties when you are evaluating us.

Executive Overview

Noble-Swiss is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We perform contract drilling services with our fleet of 79 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide. We also own one floating production storage and offloading unit. At March 31, 2013, our fleet consisted of 14 semisubmersibles, 14 drillships, 49 jackups and two submersibles, including 11 units under construction as follows:

• five dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships and

• six high-specification heavy-duty, harsh environment jackups.

Our global fleet is currently located in the following areas: the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia and Australia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.

35

Outlook

The business environment for the first three months of 2013 has remained positive, despite short-term operational challenges. The overall contractual environment has been strong and underlying commodity prices have been stable which has fostered an environment where our customers continue to seek long-term contracts. We have seen significant marketing activity across the globe and we believe this will lead to more geographic diversity in our fleet in the future.

We believe both the short-term and long-term outlook for the deep and ultra-deepwater markets continues to strengthen. Market dayrates for new ultra-deepwater units consistently remained above $500,000 throughout the past 12 months, which is higher than rates seen in recent years. A number of fixtures have exceeded $550,000, and in certain cases even exceeded $600,000. Our market analysis indicates that there is little, if any, availability of ultra-deepwater units for 2013. In addition, availability of ultra-deepwater units in 2014 continues to decrease. Utilization rates for jackups stabilized in 2011, and improved in most regions during 2012 and the first three months of 2013. We have seen tangible market activity and anticipate a favorable environment for these rigs in the short-term. We continue to see differentiation in the jackup market, with newer units having utilization rates and dayrates exceeding those for units that entered service before 2000. We continue to see improvement in the older jackup market with increased utilization and competitive dayrates for these rigs as well, with most regions experiencing market utilization of 90 percent or higher.

Despite the positive market conditions noted above, global economic risks remain present with the volatility of the equity and credit markets as well as banking fears in Europe. In addition, political instability, especially in the Middle and Far East as well as North Africa, has further created uncertainty within the marketplace. While these factors do create volatility, and potential risk in the marketplace, we believe the long-term outlook remains positive for the price of oil and gas commodities.

Results and Strategy

Our goal is to be the preferred offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry based upon the following core principles:

• operate in a manner that provides a safe working environment for our employees while protecting the environment and our assets;

• provide an attractive investment vehicle for our shareholders; and

• deliver exceptional customer service through a large, diverse and technically advanced fleet operated by competent personnel.

Our business strategy also focuses on the active expansion of our worldwide deepwater capabilities through acquisitions, upgrades and modifications, the deployment of our drilling assets in important oil and gas producing areas throughout the world and divestitures of our standard specification drilling units.

We have actively expanded our offshore drilling and deepwater capabilities in recent years through the construction and acquisition of rigs. As part of this technical and operational expansion, we plan to continue pursuing opportunities to upgrade our fleet to achieve greater technological capability, which we believe will lead to increased drilling efficiencies and the ability to complete the increasingly more complex well programs required by our customers. During the first quarter of 2013, we continued to execute our newbuild program with the following 11 projects:

• continued construction on one dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment Globetrotter-class drillship, which is scheduled to be delivered to our customer in the fourth quarter of 2013;

• continued construction on four dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships at Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., the first of which was delivered from the shipyard in the second quarter of 2013; and

• continued construction on six high-specification, heavy duty, harsh environment jackups, the first of which is estimated to be delivered from the shipyard in the third quarter of 2013.

36

Total capital expenditures, including expenditures related to our newbuild program, were $372 million through March 31, 2013.

As part of our ongoing strategic planning process, we have continued to analyze a potential divestment of certain of our standard specification units and related assets. While this divestment could take a number of forms, we are currently focusing on a potential spin-off transaction. As currently envisioned, the spin-off would result in most of our standard specification drilling rigs and related assets being spun off as a separate entity. However, the composition of the fleet that would be included in the potential spin-off would also be subject to certain exceptions.

In determining whether a unit will be included in the “standard specification” fleet to be part of the spin-off transaction, we considered a number of different factors including:

• Age and capability of the unit. For both jackup and floating units, we consider a combination of age and/or technical capability and operational flexibility.

• Customer relationships. We consider our customer relationships globally and locally and may make certain fleet decisions based on such relationships.

• Location. We also consider the current and expected geographical operating location of the unit, including the classification of other units in the same area.

• Current status. Finally, we evaluate a unit’s current operating status (i.e., active or cold-stacked) as well as the prospects for reactivation of any cold-stacked assets.

We have taken certain preliminary steps to pursue this potential spin-off. These steps include analyzing the internal restructuring steps necessary for a potential spin-off and related tax considerations, seeking certain preparatory tax rulings and commencing preparation of financial statements for a potential separate group to be spun off. We have not completed the preliminary work necessary to effect, nor has our board of directors approved, any such transaction. Any such spin-off would require, in addition to the approval of our board of directors, receipt of tax rulings from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) as well as other approvals, and would be subject to other conditions. We expect that a spin-off, should we decide to pursue the transaction, would not be completed prior to the first quarter of 2014, although this timing could change as we continue our analysis. We can give no assurances that we will ultimately undertake or consummate a spin-off or any other sale or separation transaction involving our standard specification assets.

We have entered into an agreement to sell our jackup, the Noble Lewis Dugger, to a third party that owns and operates supply vessels, platform drilling rigs and jackups in Mexico. This unit is being sold for $61 million and the closing is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2013 after the unit has completed its contract with its current customer. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

Demand for our services is a function of the worldwide supply of mobile offshore drilling units. Industry analysts widely acknowledge that a significant expansion of industry supply of both jackups and ultra-deepwater units has commenced, many of which currently have no contract. The introduction of non-contracted rigs into the marketplace will increase the supply of rigs which compete for drilling service contracts, which could negatively impact the dayrates we are able to achieve. Our strategy on newbuild construction has generally been to expand our drilling fleet in connection with a long-term drilling contract that covers a substantial portion of our capital investment and provides an acceptable return on our capital employed. However, in response to the addition of a significant number of new, technologically advanced units in the global fleet and changes in customer requirements and preferences, we believe that in order to maintain long-term competitiveness, it has become both necessary and desirable for us to engage in building highly advanced jackups and floating units on a speculative basis. Of the units we currently have under construction, three of the heavy-duty, harsh environment jackups are being constructed without customer contracts. We will attempt to secure contracts for these units prior to their completion. We may continue speculative building, even in the absence of contracts for our units already under construction.

From time to time, we evaluate individual rig transactions and business combinations with other parties where we believe we can create shareholder value. We will continue to consider business opportunities that promote our growth strategy and optimize shareholder value.

While we cannot predict the future level of demand or dayrates for our drilling services or future conditions in the offshore contract drilling industry, we continue to believe we are well positioned within the industry and our newbuild program will further strengthen our position, especially in deepwater drilling.

37

Contract Drilling Services Backlog

We maintain a backlog (as defined below) of commitments for contract drilling services. The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2013, the amount of our contract drilling services backlog and the percent of available operating days committed for the periods indicated:

			Year Ending December 31,
	Total		2013 (1)			2014			2015			2016			2017-2023
	(In millions)
Contract Drilling Services Backlog
Semisubmersibles/Drillships (2) (6) (7)	$	11,446	$	2,014		$	2,739		$	1,920		$	1,375		$	3,398
Jackups/Submersibles (3)		2,568		1,036			1,023			432			77			—
Total (4)	$	14,014	$	3,050		$	3,762		$	2,352		$	1,452		$	3,398
Percent of Available Operating Days
Committed (5)				74	%		55	%		27	%		12	%		4	%

(1) Represents a nine-month period beginning April 1, 2013.

(2) Our drilling contracts with Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) provide an opportunity for us to earn performance bonuses based on downtime experienced for our rigs operating offshore Brazil. With respect to our semisubmersibles/drillships operating offshore Brazil for Petrobras, we have included in our backlog an amount equal to 75 percent of potential performance bonuses for such semisubmersibles. Our backlog for semisubmersibles/drillships includes approximately $184 million attributable to these performance bonuses.

The drilling contracts with Royal Dutch Shell, PLC (“Shell”) for the Noble Globetrotter I, Noble Globetrotter II, Noble Jim Thompson, Noble Clyde Boudreaux, Noble Max Smith, Noble Don Taylor and Noble Jim Day provide opportunities for us to earn performance bonuses based on key performance indicators as defined by Shell. With respect to these contracts, we have included in our backlog an amount equal to 50 percent of the potential performance bonuses for these rigs. Our backlog for these rigs includes approximately $404 million attributable to these performance bonuses.

(3) Petróleos Mexicanos (“Pemex”) has the ability to cancel its drilling contracts on 30 days or less notice without Pemex’s making an early termination payment. As of March 31, 2013, we had twelve rigs contracted to Pemex in Mexico, and our backlog includes approximately $619 million related to such contracts.

(4) Our drilling contracts generally provide the customer an early termination right in the event we fail to meet certain performance standards, including downtime thresholds. For example, Petrobras has the right to terminate its contracts in the event of excessive downtime. While we have exceeded downtime thresholds in the past on certain rigs contracted with Petrobras, we have not received any notification concerning contract cancellations nor do we anticipate receiving any such notifications.

(5) Percentages take into account additional capacity from the estimated dates of deployment of our newbuild rigs that are scheduled to commence operations during 2013 through 2015.

(6) Noble and a subsidiary of Shell are involved in joint ventures that own and operate both the Noble Bully I and the Noble Bully II. Under the terms of the joint venture agreements, each party has an equal 50 percent share in both vessels. As of March 31, 2013, the combined amount of backlog for these rigs totals $2.2 billion, all of which is included in our backlog. Noble’s net interest in the backlog for these rigs is $1.1 billion.

Our contract drilling services backlog reported above reflects estimated future revenues attributable to both signed drilling contracts and letters of intent that we expect to realize. A letter of intent is generally subject to customary conditions, including the execution of a definitive drilling contract. It is possible that some customers that have entered into letters of intent will not enter into signed drilling contracts. We calculate backlog for any given unit and period by multiplying the full contractual operating dayrate for such unit by the number of days remaining in the period. The reported contract drilling services backlog does not include amounts representing revenues for mobilization, demobilization and contract preparation, which are not expected to be significant to our contract drilling services revenues, amounts constituting reimbursables from customers or amounts attributable to uncommitted option periods under drilling contracts or letters of intent.

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The amount of actual revenues earned and the actual periods during which revenues are earned may be materially different than the backlog amounts and backlog periods set forth in the table above due to various factors, including, but not limited to, shipyard and maintenance projects, unplanned downtime, achievement of bonuses, weather conditions and other factors that result in applicable dayrates lower than the full contractual operating dayrate. In addition, amounts included in the backlog may change because drilling contracts may be varied or modified by mutual consent or customers may exercise early termination rights contained in some of our drilling contracts or decline to enter into a drilling contract after executing a letter of intent. As a result, our backlog as of any particular date may not be indicative of our actual operating results for the periods for which the backlog is calculated.

As of March 31, 2013, we estimate Shell and Petrobras represented approximately 61 percent and 14 percent, respectively, of our backlog.

Nigerian Operations

In April 2010, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Bill was signed into law. The law is designed to create Nigerian content in operations and transactions within the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The law sets forth certain requirements for the utilization of Nigerian human resources and goods and services in oil and gas projects and creates a Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board to implement and monitor the law and develop regulations pursuant to the law. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has indicated that it will require all non-Nigerian offshore drilling companies to reorganize their local operations to include Nigerian indigenous minority interests in the operating assets and to obtain the approval of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for future work in Nigeria. The law also establishes a Nigerian Content Development Fund to fund the implementation of the law, and requires that one percent of the value of every contract awarded in the Nigerian oil and gas industry be paid into the fund. We cannot predict what impact the new law may have on our existing or future operations in Nigeria, but the effect on our operations there could be significant.

Results of Operations

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation (“Noble-Swiss”) for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (the “Current Quarter”) was $150 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $971 million, compared to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (the “Comparable Quarter”) of $120 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $798 million.

As a result of Noble-Swiss conducting all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries, the financial position and results of operations for Noble-Cayman, and the reasons for material changes in the amount of revenue and expense items between 2013 and 2012, would be the same as the information presented below regarding Noble-Swiss in all material respects, except operating income for Noble-Cayman for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $19 million and $14 million higher than operating income for Noble-Swiss for the same period. The operating income difference is primarily a result of executive costs directly attributable to Noble-Swiss for operations support and stewardship related services.

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Rig Utilization, Operating Days and Average Dayrates

Operating results for our contract drilling services segment are dependent on three primary metrics — rig utilization, operating days and dayrates. The following table sets forth the average rig utilization, operating days and average dayrates for our rig fleet for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

	Average Rig						Operating							Average
	Utilization (1)						Days (2)							Dayrates
	Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended
	March 31,						March 31,							March 31,
	2013			2012			2013		2012		% Change			2013		2012		% Change
Jackups		93	%		79	%		3,598		3,089		16	%	$	105,559	$	90,382		17	%
Semisubmersibles		84	%		86	%		1,053		1,092		-4	%		321,037		355,098		-10	%
Drillships		83	%		51	%		669		285		135	%		315,216		278,693		13	%
Other		0	%		0	%		—		—		0	%		—		—		0	%
Total		86	%		74	%		5,320		4,466		19	%	$	174,578	$	167,124		4	%

(1) Information reflects our policy of reporting on the basis of the number of rigs in our fleet excluding newbuild rigs under construction.

(2) Information reflects the number of days that our rigs were operating under contract.

Contract Drilling Services

The following table sets forth the operating results for our contract drilling services segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,					Change
	2013			2012		$			%
Operating revenues:
Contract drilling services	$	928,737		$	746,310	$	182,427			24	%
Reimbursables (1)		20,711			34,702		(13,991	)		-40	%
Other		10			231		(221	)		-96	%
	$	949,458		$	781,243	$	168,215			22	%
Operating costs and expenses:
Contract drilling services	$	484,087		$	420,011	$	64,076			15	%
Reimbursables (1)		14,469			30,173		(15,704	)		-52	%
Depreciation and amortization		202,619			167,948		34,671			21	%
General and administrative		24,949			22,844		2,105			9	%
Gain on contract extinguishment		(1,800	)		—		(1,800	)		*	*
		724,324			640,976		83,348			13	%
Operating income	$	225,134		$	140,267	$	84,867			61	%

(1) We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and the related direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in the amount of these reimbursables generally do not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

** Not a meaningful percentage.

Operating Revenues—Changes in contract drilling services revenues for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter were driven by increases in both average dayrates and operating days. The 19 percent increase in operating days increased revenue by $143 million while the 4 percent increase in average dayrates increased revenues by approximately $39 million.

The change in contract drilling services revenues primarily relates to our drillships and jackups, which generated approximately $131 million and $101 million more revenue, respectively, in the Current Quarter. These amounts were offset by decreases in revenues from our semisubmersibles, which declined $50 million from the Comparable Quarter.

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The increase in drillship revenues was driven by a 135 percent increase in operating days and a 13 percent increase in average dayrates, resulting in a $107 million and a $24 million increase in revenues, respectively, from the Comparable Quarter. The increase in both average dayrates and operating days was the result of the Noble Bully I, Noble Bully II and Noble Globetrotter I, which commenced their contracts with Shell in March 2012, April 2012 and July 2012, respectively. Additionally, the Noble Duchess and the Noble Leo Segerius operated during the Current Quarter after being off contract during the Comparable Quarter. These increases were partially offset by the Noble Roger Eason, which is receiving a reduced rate while it is in the shipyard to undergo its reliability upgrade project, and downtime on the Noble Phoenix.

The 17 percent increase in jackup average dayrates resulted in a $55 million increase in revenues, and the 16 percent increase in jackup operating days resulted in a $46 million increase in revenues from the Comparable Quarter. The increase in average dayrates resulted from improved market conditions in the global shallow water market and was spread throughout the jackup fleet. The increase in utilization is primarily related to rigs in Mexico, the North Sea and the Middle East, which were operating during the Current Quarter but not in the Comparable Quarter.

The decrease in semisubmersible revenues of $50 million primarily relates to the Noble Paul Romano, which was off contract for the Current Quarter but was operating during the Comparable Quarter, coupled with downtime on the Noble Paul Wolff during the Current Quarter. These decreases were partially offset by the Noble Max Smith, which operated during the Current Quarter after being off contract for the Comparable Quarter.

Operating Costs and Expenses—Contract drilling services operating costs and expenses increased $64 million for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. The Noble Bully I, the Noble Bully II and the Noble Globetrotter I added approximately $33 million in expense during the Current Quarter. Excluding the additional expenses related to these newbuild rigs, our contract drilling costs increased $31 million in the Current Quarter from the Comparable Quarter. This change was primarily driven by an $11 million increase in labor costs, an $8 million increase in repair and maintenance, a $6 million increase in safety, training and regulatory inspections, a $4 million increase in insurance costs related to increased premiums and a $2 million increase in other miscellaneous expenses.

The increase in depreciation and amortization in the Current Quarter from the Comparable Quarter was primarily attributable to assets placed in service, including the Noble Bully I, Noble Bully II and the Noble Globetrotter I.

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Other

The following table sets forth the operating results for our other services for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,				Change
	2013		2012		$		%
Operating revenues:
Labor contract drilling services	$	21,054	$	16,008	$	5,046		32	%
Reimbursables (1)		463		439		24		5	%
	$	21,517	$	16,447	$	5,070		31	%
Operating costs and expenses:
Labor contract drilling services	$	12,249	$	9,232	$	3,017		33	%
Reimbursables (1)		453		428		25		6	%
Depreciation and amortization		3,537		3,129		408		13	%
General and administrative		621		282		339		120	%
		16,860		13,071		3,789		29	%
Operating (loss) income	$	4,657	$	3,376	$	1,281		38	%

(1) We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and the related direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in the amount of these reimbursables generally do not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Operating Revenues and Costs and Expenses - The increase in both revenue and expense primarily relates to a project with our customer, Shell, for one of its rigs operating under a labor contract in Alaska.

Other Income and Expenses

Interest Expense, net of amount capitalized - Interest expense, net of amount capitalized, increased $17 million in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. The increase is a result of lower capitalized interest in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter due primarily to the completion of construction on three of our newbuild drillships. During the Current Quarter, we capitalized approximately 52 percent of total interest charges versus approximately 80 percent during the Comparable Quarter.

Income Tax Provision - Our income tax provision increased $13 million in the Current Quarter primarily as a result of higher pre-tax income during the Current Quarter, coupled with a higher tax rate in the Current Quarter. The 50 percent increase in pre-tax earnings generated an $11 million increase in tax expense while the 6 percent increase in the income tax rate during the Current Quarter increased the income tax provision by $2 million. The increase in the income tax rate was a result of a change in our geographic revenue mix and certain discrete benefits during the quarter.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Net cash from operating activities for the Current Quarter was $203 million and $101 million in the Comparable Quarter. The increase in net cash from operating activities in the Current Quarter was primarily attributable to an increase in net income, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable. The increase in accounts receivable is related to the increased fleet activity in 2013 and receivables issues with a major customer. These issues were resolved subsequent to March 31, 2013 and full payment was received in the second quarter of 2013. We had working capital of $616 million and $394 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Our total debt as a percentage of total debt plus equity increased to 35.9 percent at March 31, 2013 from 35.3 percent at December 31, 2012, primarily as a result of an increase in indebtedness outstanding on our commercial paper program during the Current Quarter.

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Our principal source of capital in the Current Quarter was the $203 million in cash generated from operating activities noted above, coupled with borrowings through our commercial paper program. Cash generated during the Current Quarter was primarily used to fund our capital expenditure program.

Our currently anticipated cash flow needs may include the following:

• committed capital expenditures, including expenditures for newbuild projects currently underway;

• normal recurring operating expenses;

• discretionary capital expenditures, including various capital upgrades;

• payments of dividends; and

• repayment of maturing debt.

We currently expect to fund these cash flow needs with cash generated by our operations, cash on hand, borrowings under our existing credit facilities and commercial paper program and issuances of unsecured long-term debt. However, to adequately cover our expected cash flow needs, we may require capital in excess of the amount provided through these sources, and we may delay or cancel certain discretionary capital expenditures as necessary.

At March 31, 2013, we had a total contract drilling services backlog of approximately $14.0 billion. Our backlog as of March 31, 2013 reflects a commitment of 74 percent of available days for the remainder of 2013 and 55 percent for 2014. See additional information regarding our backlog at “Contract Drilling Services Backlog.” Subsequent to March 31, 2013, we executed three-year drilling contracts for two of our newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships, the Noble Tom Madden and the Noble Sam Croft. These contracts added approximately $1.3 billion to our backlog.

Capital Expenditures

Our primary use of available liquidity during 2013 is for capital expenditures. Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $372 million and $365 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

At March 31, 2013, we had 11 rigs under construction, and capital expenditures, excluding capitalized interest, for new construction during the first three months of 2013 totaled $138 million, as follows (in millions):

Rig type/name
Drillships
Noble Sam Croft	$	53.7
Noble Globetrotter II		43.2
Noble Don Taylor		23.8
Noble Bob Douglas		7.0
Noble Tom Madden (formerly HHI Drillship IV)		0.8
Jackups
Noble Mick O’Brien		2.8
Noble Regina Allen		2.5
Noble Houston Colbert		1.3
Noble Sam Turner		0.9
Noble Tom Prosser		0.4
Noble Sam Hartley (formerly Noble Jackup VI)		0.4
Other		1.1
Total Newbuild Capital Expenditures	$	137.9

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In addition to the newbuild expenditures noted above, capital expenditures during the first three months of 2013 consisted of the following:

• $153 million for major projects, including subsea-related expenditures;

• $51 million for other capitalized expenditures, including upgrades and replacements to drilling equipment that generally have a useful life ranging from 3 to 5 years; and

• $30 million in capitalized interest.

Our total capital expenditure estimate for 2013 is approximately $2.7 billion. In addition, we anticipate incurring capitalized interest, which may fluctuate as a result of the timing of completion of ongoing projects.

In connection with our capital expenditure program, as of March 31, 2013, we had outstanding commitments, including shipyard and purchase commitments, for approximately $2.6 billion, of which we expect to spend approximately $2.0 billion within the next twelve months.

From time to time we consider possible projects that would require expenditures that are not included in our capital budget, and such unbudgeted expenditures could be significant. In addition, we will continue to evaluate acquisitions of drilling units from time to time. Other factors that could cause actual capital expenditures to materially exceed plan include delays and cost overruns in shipyards (including costs attributable to labor shortages), shortages of equipment, latent damage or deterioration to hull, equipment and machinery in excess of engineering estimates and assumptions, changes in governmental regulations and requirements and changes in design criteria or specifications during repair or construction.

Dividends

Our most recent quarterly dividend payment to shareholders, totaling $33 million (or $0.13 per share), was declared on February 1, 2013 and paid on February 21, 2013 to holders of record on February 11, 2013. We anticipate the final tranche of our previously approved annual dividend payments to shareholders will be made during May 2013. The declaration and payment of dividends, or returns of capital in the form of par value reductions, require authorization of the shareholders of Noble-Swiss. The amount of such dividends, distributions and returns of capital will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future business prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors and shareholders.

In April 2013, our shareholders approved the payment of a dividend aggregating $1.00 per share to be paid in four equal installments currently scheduled for August 2013, November 2013, February 2014 and May 2014. In connection with this approval, during the second quarter of 2013, we will record a payable of approximately $256 million, which represents this obligation to shareholders. Our Board of Directors has the authority to accelerate the payment of any installment, or portions thereof, at its sole discretion at any time prior to payment of the final installment.

Credit Facilities and Senior Unsecured Notes

Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program

We currently have two separate credit facilities with an aggregate maximum available capacity of $2.3 billion, one credit facility matures in 2015 and the other matures in 2017 (together referred to as the “Credit Facilities”). In January 2013, we increased the maximum amount available under our credit facility maturing in 2015 from $600 million to $800 million and the maximum amount available under our credit facility maturing in 2017 from $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion. We have established a commercial paper program, which allows us to issue up to $1.8 billion in unsecured commercial paper notes. Amounts issued under the commercial paper program are supported by the unused capacity under our Credit Facilities and, as such, are classified as long-term on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. At March 31, 2013, we had approximately $1.75 billion of capacity under the Credit Facilities.

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The Credit Facilities provide us with the ability to issue up to $375 million in letters of credit in the aggregate. The issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities, but it does reduce the amount available. At March 31, 2013, we had no letters of credit issued under the Credit Facilities.

Senior Unsecured Notes

In February 2012, we issued, through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”), $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in three separate tranches, comprising $300 million of 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017, $400 million of 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022, and $500 million of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042. The weighted average coupon of all three tranches is 4.13%. The net proceeds of approximately $1.19 billion, after expenses, were primarily used to repay the then outstanding balance on our Credit Facilities.

Our 5.875% Senior Notes mature during the second quarter of 2013. We anticipate using availability under our Credit Facilities or commercial paper program to repay the outstanding balance; therefore, we continue to report the balance as long-term at March 31, 2013.

Covenants

The Credit Facilities and commercial paper program are guaranteed by our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, NHIL and Noble Drilling Corporation (“NDC”). The covenants and events of default under the Credit Facilities are substantially similar, and each facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the Credit Facilities, to 0.60. At March 31, 2013, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was approximately 0.36. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facilities as of March 31, 2013.

In addition to the covenants from the Credit Facilities noted above, the indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes contain covenants that place restrictions on certain merger and consolidation transactions, unless we are the surviving entity or the other party assumes the obligations under the indenture, and on the ability to sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, there are restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and sale and lease-back transactions. At March 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all our debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the covenants under our notes and, based on our expectations for 2013, expect to remain in compliance during the year.

Other

At March 31, 2013, we had letters of credit of $50 million and performance and tax assessment bonds totaling $310 million supported by surety bonds outstanding. Additionally, certain of our subsidiaries issue guarantees to the temporary import status of rigs or equipment imported into certain countries in which we operate. These guarantees are issued in-lieu of payment of custom, value added or similar taxes in those countries.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income.” This amended guidance requires additional information about reclassification adjustments out of comprehensive income, including changes in comprehensive income balances by component and significant items reclassified out of comprehensive income. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, which amends ASC Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” This ASU provides guidance on foreign currency translation adjustments when a parent entity ceases to have a controlling interest on a previously consolidated subsidiary or group of assets. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the potential for loss from a change in the value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates or equity prices, as further described below.

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Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to market risk exposure related to changes in interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Facilities. Interest on borrowings under the Credit Facilities is at an agreed upon percentage point spread over LIBOR, or a base rate stated in the agreements. At March 31, 2013, we had $549 million in borrowings outstanding under our commercial paper program, which is supported by the Credit Facilities. Assuming our current level of debt, a change in LIBOR rates of 1 percent would increase our interest charges by approximately $5 million per year.

We maintain certain debt instruments at a fixed rate whose fair value will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates and market perceptions of our credit risk. The fair value of our long-term debt was $5.2 billion and $5.1 billion at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The increase in fair value was primarily a result of increased indebtedness outstanding under our commercial paper program, coupled with changes in interest rates and market perceptions of our credit risk.

Foreign Currency Risk

As a multinational company, we conduct business worldwide. Our functional currency is primarily the U.S. dollar, which is consistent with the oil and gas industry. However, outside the United States, a portion of our expenses are incurred in local currencies. Therefore, when the U.S. dollar weakens (strengthens) in relation to the currencies of the countries in which we operate, our expenses reported in U.S. dollars will increase (decrease).

We are exposed to risks on future cash flows to the extent that local currency expenses exceed revenues denominated in local currency that are different than the functional currency. To help manage this potential risk, we periodically enter into derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, and we may conduct hedging activities in future periods to mitigate such exposure. These contracts are primarily accounted for as cash flow hedges, with the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the hedge recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”). Amounts recorded in AOCL are reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods that the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the hedged item is recorded directly to earnings. We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivative instruments. We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes, nor are we a party to leveraged derivatives.

Our North Sea and Brazil operations have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we periodically enter into forward contracts settling monthly in their respective local currencies, all of which have a maturity of less than 12 months. The forward contract settlements in the remainder of 2013 represent approximately 59 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. dollars, was approximately $124 million at March 31, 2013. Total unrealized loss related to these forward contracts was $1 million as of March 31, 2013 and was recorded as part of AOCL. A 10 percent change in the exchange rate for the local currencies would change the fair value of these forward contracts by approximately $12 million.

Market Risk

We have a U.S. noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers certain salaried employees and a U.S. noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers certain hourly employees, whose initial date of employment is prior to August 1, 2004 (collectively referred to as our “qualified U.S. plans”). These plans are governed by the Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Trust. The benefits from these plans are based primarily on years of service and, for the salaried plan, employees’ compensation near retirement. These plans are designed to qualify under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), and our funding policy is consistent with funding requirements of ERISA and other applicable laws and regulations. We make cash contributions, or utilize credits available to us, for the qualified U.S. plans when required. The benefit amount that can be covered by the qualified U.S. plans is limited under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) of 1986. Therefore, we maintain an unfunded, nonqualified excess benefit plan designed to maintain benefits for all employees at the formula level in the qualified U.S. plans.

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In addition to the U.S. plans, each of Noble Drilling (Land Support) Limited, Noble Enterprises Limited and Noble Drilling (Nederland) B.V., all indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Noble-Swiss, maintains a pension plan that covers all of its salaried, non-union employees (collectively referred to as our “non-U.S. plans”). Benefits are based on credited service and employees’ compensation, as defined by the plans.

Changes in market asset values related to the pension plans noted above could have a material impact upon our “Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income” and could result in material cash expenditures in future periods.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

David W. Williams, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble-Swiss, and James A. MacLennan, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Noble-Swiss, have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures of Noble-Swiss as of the end of the period covered by this report. On the basis of this evaluation, Mr. Williams and Mr. MacLennan have concluded that Noble-Swiss’ disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2013. Noble-Swiss’ disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Noble-Swiss in the reports that it files with or submits to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

David W. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble-Cayman, and Dennis J. Lubojacky, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Noble-Cayman, have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures of Noble-Cayman as of the end of the period covered by this report. On the basis of this evaluation, Mr. Williams and Mr. Lubojacky have concluded that Noble-Cayman’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2013. Noble-Cayman’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Noble-Cayman in the reports that it files with or submits to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There was no change in either Noble-Swiss’ or Noble-Cayman’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting of each of Noble-Swiss or Noble-Cayman, respectively.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Information regarding legal proceedings is set forth in Notes 4 and 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain information with respect to purchases of shares by Noble-Swiss:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (2)		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced  Plans or Programs		Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under  the Plans or Programs (1)
January 2013		—	$	—		—		6,769,891
February 2013		165,331	$	40.51		—		6,769,891
March 2013		1,081	$	36.33		—		6,769,891

(1) All share purchases made in the open market and were pursuant to the share repurchase program which our Board of Directors authorized and adopted and our shareholders approved. Our repurchase program has no date of expiration.

(2) Amounts represent shares surrendered by employees for withholding taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock or exercise of stock options.

Item 6. Exhibits

The information required by this Item 6 is set forth in the Index to Exhibits accompanying this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation

/s/ David W. Williams	May 2, 2013
David W. Williams Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer             (Principal Executive Officer)	Date
/s/ James A. MacLennan
James A. MacLennan Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company
/s/ David W. Williams	May 2, 2013
David W. Williams President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)	Date
/s/ Dennis J. Lubojacky
Dennis J. Lubojacky Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

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Index to Exhibits

Exhibit Number	Exhibit
2.1	Agreement and Plan of Merger, Reorganization and Consolidation, dated as of December 19, 2008, among Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”), and Noble Cayman Acquisition Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
2.2	Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, Reorganization and Consolidation, dated as of February 4, 2009, among Noble-Swiss, Noble-Cayman and Noble Cayman Acquisition Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 4, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1	Articles of Association of Noble-Swiss (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Noble-Swiss’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 6, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2	By-laws of Noble-Swiss (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Noble-Swiss’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.3	Memorandum and Articles of Association of Noble-Cayman (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1	Second Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of January 11, 2013 among Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company; the Lenders from time to time parties thereto; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and an Issuing Bank; Barclays Capital, a division of Barclays Bank PLC and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as Co-Syndication Agents; and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Barclays Capital, a division of Barclays Bank PLC, and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Lead Bookrunners (filed as Exhibit 4.12 to Noble-Swiss’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1*	Fourth Amended and Restated Noble Corporation 1992 Nonqualified Stock Option and Share Plan for Non-Employee Directors effective February 1, 2013 (filed as exhibit 10.1 to Noble-Swiss’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 5, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2*	Form of Noble Corporation Performance-Vested Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Noble Corporation 1991 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to Noble-Swiss’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.3*	Noble Corporation 2013 Short Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.41 to Noble-Swiss’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
31.1	Certification of David W. Williams pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), for Noble-Swiss and for Noble-Cayman.
31.2	Certification of James A. MacLennan pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a- 14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), for Noble-Swiss.
31.3	Certification of Dennis J. Lubojacky pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a- 14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), for Noble-Cayman.
32.1+	Certification of David W. Williams pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for Noble-Swiss and for Noble-Cayman.
32.2+	Certification of James A. MacLennan pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for Noble-Swiss.
32.3+	Certification of Dennis J. Lubojacky pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for Noble-Cayman.
101+	Interactive Data File

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

+ Furnished in accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

50

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company

I, David W. Williams, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Noble Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 2, 2013

/s/ David W. Williams

David W. Williams

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

of Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation, and

President and Chief Executive Officer

of Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation

I, James A. MacLennan, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Noble Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 2, 2013

/s/ James A. MacLennan

James A. MacLennan

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation

EX-31.3

EXHIBIT 31.3

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company

I, Dennis J. Lubojacky, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Noble Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 2, 2013

/s/ Dennis J. Lubojacky

Dennis J. Lubojacky

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), and Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2013, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David W. Williams, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble-Swiss and President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble-Cayman, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

May 2, 2013	/s/ David W. Williams
	David W. Williams
	Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Noble Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2013, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, James A. MacLennan, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

May 2, 2013	/s/ James A. MacLennan
	James A. MacLennan
	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	of Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation

EX-32.3

EXHIBIT 32.3

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Noble Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2013, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Dennis J. Lubojacky, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

May 2, 2013	/s/ Dennis J. Lubojacky
	Dennis J. Lubojacky
	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	of Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company

XML

Share Data - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for Noble-Swiss (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Basic
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$ 150,060	$ 120,175
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	(1,667)	(1,126)
Net income to common shareholders-basic	148,393	119,049
Diluted
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	150,060	120,175
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards	(1,664)	(1,125)
Net income to common shareholders-diluted	$ 148,396	$ 119,050
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	253,073	251,971
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options	268	491
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	253,341	252,462
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards	2,844	2,407
Earnings per share
Basic	$ 0.59	$ 0.47
Diluted	$ 0.59	$ 0.47

XML

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summarization of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges and Non-designated Derivatives (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL	$ (1,202)
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | Cash flow hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL	(1,202)	299
Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to "other income"		2
Gain/(loss) recognized through "other income"

XML

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Reserves for uncertain tax positions net	$ 125	$ 125
Related tax benefits	11	10
Reduction in the provision for income taxes, if reserves not realized	$ 125
Operational period	12 months

XML

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets-
Marketable securities	$ 6,086	$ 5,816
Foreign currency forward contracts
Liabilities-
Foreign currency forward contracts
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets-
Marketable securities
Foreign currency forward contracts	776
Liabilities-
Foreign currency forward contracts	1,978
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets-
Marketable securities
Foreign currency forward contracts
Liabilities-
Foreign currency forward contracts
Carrying Amount [Member]
Assets-
Marketable securities	6,086	5,816
Foreign currency forward contracts	776
Liabilities-
Foreign currency forward contracts	$ 1,978

XML

Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	$ 5,150,108	$ 5,065,245
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	4,844,193	4,634,375
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,994	299,985
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	301,860	305,594
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	249,839	249,799
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	265,191	269,008
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	350,000	350,000
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	366,445	368,824
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,955	299,952
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	312,637	316,268
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	299,861	299,852
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	307,512	309,846
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	201,695	201,695
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	251,615	249,358
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	498,929	498,900
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	554,370	562,530
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,539	399,527
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	435,232	442,776
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,115	399,095
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	411,413	422,227
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	399,892	399,891
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	448,844	477,327
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	397,622	397,613
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	441,512	468,256
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	498,263	498,257
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	503,988	533,422
Total senior unsecured notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes, Carrying Value	4,294,704	4,294,566
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	4,600,619	4,725,436
Commercial paper program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	549,489	339,809
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	$ 549,489	$ 339,809

XML

Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities

The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:

	Noble-Swiss						Noble-Cayman
	Three months ended						Three months ended
	March 31,						March 31,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Accounts receivable	$	(125,192	)	$	(88,969	)	$	(125,192	)	$	(88,969	)
Other current assets		(47,920	)		(71,328	)		(49,017	)		(72,745	)
Other assets		1,101			(1,313	)		1,099			(1,315	)
Accounts payable		12,901			7,014			12,970			6,304
Other current liabilities		(18,947	)		(31,789	)		(21,095	)		(31,691	)
Other liabilities		(680	)		(2,087	)		(680	)		(2,086	)
	$	(178,737	)	$	(188,472	)	$	(181,915	)	$	(190,502	)

XML

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended									3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($) Rigs LegalMatter	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2012 BRL	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2011 BRL	Mar. 31, 2013 Foreign Tax Authority [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 Regional Chamber of Federal Tax Court [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 Customs and Other Business Taxes [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 Marathon Oil Company [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 Libya [Member] USD ($) Rigs
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of semisubmersibles	14										2
Operating dayrate (per day)											$ 538,000
Drilling contract term										4 years
Revenue recognized by drilling contract	928,737,000	746,310,000								0
Amount of fine assessed by the foreign government			889,000.0	1,800,000	118,000	238,000
Number of asbestos lawsuits in which we are one of many defendants	30
Percentage of uncertain tax positions likelihood of being sustained	50.00%
Audit claims, additional attributable to other business tax returns							341,000,000	6,000,000	126,000,000
Physical damage deductible per occurrence on rigs range minimum	15,000,000
Physical damage deductible per occurrence on rigs range maximum	25,000,000
Loss of hire coverage applies only to rigs operating under dayrate	200,000
Number of days waiting period	45 days
Protection and indemnity policy, standard deductible (per occurrence)	10,000,000
Maximum liability coverage under protection and indemnity policy	750,000,000
Outstanding commitments including shipyard and purchase commitments	$ 2,600,000,000
Years of effectiveness of employment agreements after the termination of employment	3 years
NIMASA surcharge on contracts performed by "vessels" in Nigerian coastal shipping trade; overturned and dismissed by Federal High Court of Nigeria	2.00%

XML

Share Data (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Noble-Swiss' Share Capital

The following is a detail of Noble-Swiss’ share capital as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Shares outstanding and trading		253,259		252,759
Treasury shares		755		589
Total shares outstanding		254,014		253,348
Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans		12,136		12,802
Total shares authorized for issuance		266,150		266,150
Par value per share (in Swiss Francs)		3.15		3.15

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earning Per Share for Noble-Swiss

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for Noble-Swiss:

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Allocation of net income
Basic
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	150,060		$	120,175
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(1,667	)		(1,126	)
Net income to common shareholders—basic	$	148,393		$	119,049
Diluted
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	150,060		$	120,175
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(1,664	)		(1,125	)
Net income to common shareholders—diluted	$	148,396		$	119,050
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic		253,073			251,971
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		268			491
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted		253,341			252,462
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		2,844			2,407
Earnings per share
Basic	$	0.59		$	0.47
Diluted	$	0.59		$	0.47

XML

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	$ 3	$ 4

XML

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses For Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 372	$ 365
New construction	138
Amount included in capital expenditures for major project upgrades	153
Other capital expenditures	51
Major capitalized expenditures useful life minimum	3 years
Major capitalized expenditures useful life maximum	5 years
Capitalized interest	$ 30

XML

Share Data - Noble-Swiss' Share Capital (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares outstanding and trading	253,259	252,759
Treasury shares	755	589
Total shares outstanding	254,014	253,348
Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans	12,136	12,802
Total shares authorized for issuance	266,150	266,150
Par value per share (in Swiss Francs)	$ 3.15	$ 3.15

XML

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Related to Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified					3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013 Forward contracts [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Cash flow hedges [Member] Forward contracts [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Cash flow hedges [Member] Forward contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges, Balance at beginning of period	$ (1,202)	$ (644)	$ (3,061)	$ 1,000
Activity during period:
Cash flow hedges, settlement, during the period						2,118
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts					(1,202)	299
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges, Balance at end of period	$ (1,202)	$ (644)	$ (3,061)	$ 1,000

XML

Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	5.875%
Senior notes, maturity date	2013
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	7.375%
Senior notes, maturity date	2014
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	2.50%	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2017	2017
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2019
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	2020
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	4.625%
Senior notes, maturity date	2021
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	3.95%	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2022	2022
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	2040
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes	5.25%	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	2042	2042
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on the notes	5.875%
Senior notes, maturity date	2013
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	250
Interest rate on the notes	7.375%
Senior notes, maturity date	2014
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	350
Interest rate on the notes	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on the notes	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	300
Interest rate on the notes	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2017
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	202
Interest rate on the notes	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2019
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	500
Interest rate on the notes	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	2020
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	4.625%
Senior notes, maturity date	2021
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2022
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	2040
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	400
Interest rate on the notes	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
Noble-Cayman [Member] | 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Outstanding principal balance	500
Interest rate on the notes	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	2042

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Debt - Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	5.875%
Senior notes, maturity date	2013
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	7.375%
Senior notes, maturity date	2014
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	2.50%	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2017	2017
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2019
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	2020
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	4.625%
Senior notes, maturity date	2021
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	3.95%	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2022	2022
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	2040
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	5.25%	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	2042	2042

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Organization and Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Organization and Basis of Presentation

Note 1 — Organization and Basis of Presentation

Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We perform contract drilling services with our fleet of 79 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide. We also own one floating production storage and offloading unit. At March 31, 2013, our fleet consisted of 14 semisubmersibles, 14 drillships, 49 jackups and two submersibles, including 11 units under construction as follows:

• five dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships and

• six high-specification heavy-duty, harsh environment jackups.

Our global fleet is currently located in the following areas: the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia and Australia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”) is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss, our publicly-traded parent company. Noble-Swiss’ principal asset is all of the shares of Noble-Cayman. Noble-Cayman has no public equity outstanding. The consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-Swiss conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss and Noble-Cayman have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as they pertain to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited consolidated financial statements. All such adjustments are of a recurring nature. The December 31, 2012 Consolidated Balance Sheets presented herein are derived from the December 31, 2012 audited consolidated financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed by both Noble-Swiss and Noble-Cayman. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

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Information about Noble-Cayman - Summary of Impact of Change in Presentation on Historical Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As reported [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As reported [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As reported [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As reported [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As reported [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As reported [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As reported [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As reported [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As amended [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As amended [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As amended [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As amended [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As amended [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As amended [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As amended [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member] As amended [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As reported [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As reported [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As reported [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As reported [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As reported [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As reported [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As reported [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As reported [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As amended [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As amended [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As amended [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As amended [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As amended [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As amended [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As amended [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Consolidating Adjustments [Member] As amended [Member]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Net income	$ 167,713	$ 113,343			$ 239,555	$ 173,657		$ 211,597	$ 253,086	$ 173,657	$ 426,743	$ 638,340	$ 280,763	$ 634,128	$ 1,023,782	$ 211,597	$ 253,086	$ 173,657	$ 426,743	$ 638,340	$ 280,763	$ 634,128	$ 1,023,782	$ (648,646)	$ (591,588)		$ (569,368)	$ (662,439)	$ (591,588)	$ (1,254,027)	$ (1,823,395)	$ (1,891,202)	$ (1,758,285)	$ (2,963,512)	$ (569,368)	$ (662,439)	$ (591,588)	$ (1,254,027)	$ (1,823,395)	$ (1,891,202)	$ (1,758,285)	$ (2,963,512)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(17,653)	6,832			(27,538)	(1,196)		(14,906)	(18,857)	6,832	(12,025)	(26,931)	(33,793)	7,273	(3)	(22,246)	(29,201)	(1,196)	(30,397)	(52,643)	(68,969)	(15,808)	(41,889)	9,885	8,028										7,340	10,344	8,028	18,372	25,712	35,176	23,081	41,886
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	150,060	120,175			212,017	172,461		196,691	234,229	180,489	414,718	611,409	246,970	641,401	1,023,779	189,351	223,885	172,461	396,346	585,697	211,794	618,320	981,893	(638,761)	(583,560)		(569,368)	(662,439)	(591,588)	(1,254,027)	(1,823,395)	(1,891,202)	(1,758,285)	(2,963,512)	(562,028)	(652,095)	(583,560)	(1,235,655)	(1,797,683)	(1,856,026)	(1,735,204)	(2,921,626)
Total shareholder equity	7,879,908		7,723,166		9,677,699		9,509,343						9,913,839	9,853,129							9,509,343	9,483,809		(29,909,745)		(29,314,639)						(29,719,135)	(28,268,572)							(29,314,639)	(27,899,252)
Noncontrolling interests	782,777		765,124		1,197,158		1,169,620						765,124	691,331							1,169,620	1,060,651		(414,381)		(404,496)														(404,496)	(369,320)
Total equity	$ 8,662,685	$ 8,223,367	$ 8,488,290	$ 8,097,852	$ 10,874,857		$ 10,678,963						$ 10,678,963	$ 10,544,460							$ 10,678,963	$ 10,544,460		$ (30,324,126)		$ (29,719,135)						$ (29,719,135)	$ (28,268,572)							$ (29,719,135)	$ (28,268,572)

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Debt - Schedule of Debt (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 4,844,193	$ 4,634,375
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	299,994	299,985
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	249,839	249,799
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	350,000	350,000
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	299,955	299,952
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	299,861	299,852
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	201,695	201,695
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	498,929	498,900
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	399,539	399,527
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	399,115	399,095
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	399,892	399,891
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	397,622	397,613
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	498,263	498,257
Total senior unsecured notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	4,294,704	4,294,566
Commercial paper program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 549,489	$ 339,809

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Net Unrealized Loss Related to Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The balance of the net unrealized loss related to our cash flow hedges included in AOCL and related activity is as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Net unrealized loss at beginning of period	$	—		$	(3,061	)
Activity during period:
Settlement of foreign currency forward contracts during the period		—			2,118
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts		(1,202	)		299
Net unrealized loss at end of period	$	(1,202	)	$	(644	)

Summarize Financial Statement Presentation and Fair Value of Derivative Positions

The following tables, together with Note 10, summarize the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

		Estimated fair value
	Balance sheet classification	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Asset derivatives
Cash flow hedges
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	Other current assets	$	776	$	—
Liability derivatives
Cash flow hedges
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	Other current liabilities	$	1,978	$	—

Summarization of Recognized Gains and Losses of Cash Flow Hedges and Non-designated Derivatives

To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 10, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

	Gain/(loss)  recognized through AOCL					Gain/(loss)  reclassified from AOCL to “other income”				Gain/(loss)  recognized through “other income”
	2013			2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
Cash flow hedges
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(1,202	)	$	299	$	—	$	2,118	$	—	$	—

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Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Pension Costs

Pension costs include the following components:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013						2012
	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
Service cost	$	1,379		$	2,681		$	1,123		$	2,431
Interest cost		1,282			2,262			1,358			2,196
Return on plan assets		(1,471	)		(3,276	)		(1,346	)		(2,793	)
Amortization of prior service cost		—			57			—			57
Recognized net actuarial loss		405			1,910			200			1,885
Net pension expense	$	1,595		$	3,634		$	1,335		$	3,776

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in AOCL by Component (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges, Balance at beginning of period		$ (3,061)
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges, Activity during period:
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges, Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,202)
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges, Amounts reclassified from AOCL
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges, Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,202)	2,417
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges, Balance at end of period	(1,202)	(644)
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Balance at beginning of period	(95,071)
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Activity during period:
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,642	1,385
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,642
Defined Benefit Pension Items, Balance at end of period	(93,429)
Foreign Currency Items, Balance at beginning of period	(20,378)
Foreign Currency Items, Activity during period:
Foreign Currency Items, Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	2,657
Foreign Currency Items, Amounts reclassified from AOCL
Foreign Currency Items, Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,657	(41)
Foreign Currency Items, Balance at end of period	(17,721)
Balance at beginning of period	(115,449)
Total, Activity during period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,455
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,642
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,097	3,761
Balance at end of period	$ (112,352)

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Debt - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	5.875%
Senior notes, maturity date	2013
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	7.375%
Senior notes, maturity date	2014
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	3.45%
Senior notes, maturity date	2015
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	3.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2016
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	2.50%	2.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2017	2017
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	7.50%
Senior notes, maturity date	2019
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	4.90%
Senior notes, maturity date	2020
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	4.625%
Senior notes, maturity date	2021
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	3.95%	3.95%
Senior notes, maturity date	2022	2022
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	6.20%
Senior notes, maturity date	2040
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	6.05%
Senior notes, maturity date	2041
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner	5.25%	5.25%
Senior notes, maturity date	2042	2042

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:

	March 31, 2013
			Estimated Fair Value Measurements
			Quoted		Significant
			Prices in		Other		Significant
			Active		Observable		Unobservable
	Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets—
Marketable securities	$	6,086	$	6,086	$	—	$	—
Foreign currency forward contracts		776		—		776		—
Liabilities—
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	1,978	$	—	$	1,978	$	—

	December 31, 2012
			Estimated Fair Value Measurements
			Quoted		Significant
			Prices in		Other		Significant
			Active		Observable		Unobservable
	Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets—
Marketable securities	$	5,816	$	5,816	$	—	$	—

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Changes in AOCL by Component

The following table sets forth the changes in AOCL by component for the period ended March 31, 2013. All amounts within the table are shown net of tax.

				Defined
	Losses on			Benefit			Foreign
	Cash Flow			Pension			Currency
	Hedges(1)			Items(2)			Items			Total
Balance at beginning of period	$	—		$	(95,071	)	$	(20,378	)	$	(115,449	)
Activity during period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(1,202	)		—			2,657			1,455
Amounts reclassified from AOCL		—			1,642			—			1,642
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,202	)		1,642			2,657			3,097
Balance at end of period	$	(1,202	)	$	(93,429	)	$	(17,721	)	$	(112,352	)

(1) Losses on cash flow hedges are related to our foreign currency forward contracts. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized through “other income” on our Consolidated Statement of Income. See Note 9 for additional information.

(2) Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial losses and the amortization of prior service costs. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statement of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 8 for additional information.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Noble-Cayman [Member]	Shares [Member]	Shares [Member] Noble-Cayman [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Noble-Cayman [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member] Noble-Cayman [Member]	Treasury Shares [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Noble-Cayman [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noble-Cayman [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 8,097,852	$ 8,073,633	$ 766,595	$ 26,125	$ 48,356	$ 450,616	$ 6,676,444	$ 6,979,882	$ (10,553)	$ (74,321)	$ (74,321)	$ 691,331	$ 691,331
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011			252,639	261,246
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation	8,753				8,753
Amortization of share-based compensation, Shares
Issuance of share-based compensation shares			1,067		(1,067)
Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares			352
Exercise of stock options	2,621		329		2,292
Exercise of stock options, Shares			113
Tax benefit of stock options exercised	(142)				(142)
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes	(6,451)		(1,138)		1,138				(6,451)
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes, Shares			(374)
Net income	113,343	127,820					120,175	134,652				(6,832)	(6,832)
Par value reduction payments	(36,370)		(29,220)		(7,150)
Capital contributions by parent- share-based compensation		5,070				5,070
Distributions to parent		(52,727)						(52,727)
Equity contribution by joint venture partner	40,000	40,000										40,000	40,000
Other comprehensive income, net	3,761	3,761								3,761	3,761
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	8,223,367	8,197,557	737,633	26,125	52,180	455,686	6,796,619	7,061,807	(17,004)	(70,560)	(70,560)	724,499	724,499
Ending Balance (Shares) at Mar. 31, 2012			252,730	261,246
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	8,488,290	8,531,082	710,130	26,125	83,531	470,454	7,066,023	7,384,828	(21,069)	(115,449)	(115,449)	765,124	765,124
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012			253,348	261,246
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation	10,155				10,155
Amortization of share-based compensation, Shares
Issuance of share-based compensation shares	14		1,663		(1,649)
Issuance of share-based compensation shares, Shares			592
Exercise of stock options	1,909		207		1,702
Exercise of stock options, Shares			74
Tax benefit of stock options exercised	(1,450)				(1,450)
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes	(6,737)								(6,737)
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes, Shares
Net income	167,713	187,197					150,060	169,544				17,653	17,653
Capital contributions by parent- share-based compensation		5,960				5,960
Net change in dividends payable	(306)						(306)
Distributions to parent		(53,110)						(53,110)
Other comprehensive income, net	3,097	3,097								3,097	3,097
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 8,662,685	$ 8,674,226	$ 712,000	$ 26,125	$ 92,289	$ 476,414	$ 7,215,777	$ 7,501,262	$ (27,806)	$ (112,352)	$ (112,352)	$ 782,777	$ 782,777
Ending Balance (Shares) at Mar. 31, 2013			254,014	261,246

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Segment and Related Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Summarized Financial Information of Reportable Segment

As a result, the summarized financial information for Noble-Cayman is substantially the same as Noble-Swiss.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013									2012
	Contract									Contract
	Drilling									Drilling
	Services			Other			Total			Services			Other			Total
Revenues from external customers	$	949,458		$	21,517		$	970,975		$	781,243		$	16,447		$	797,690
Depreciation and amortization		202,619			3,537			206,156			167,948			3,129			171,077
Segment operating income		225,134			4,657			229,791			140,267			3,376			143,643
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(120	)		(27,181	)		(27,301	)		(89	)		(10,407	)		(10,496	)
Income tax (provision)/ benefit		(38,241	)		3,889			(34,352	)		(22,600	)		1,011			(21,589	)
Segment profit/ (loss)		169,051			(18,991	)		150,060			125,484			(5,309	)		120,175
Total assets (at end of period)		14,212,435			677,523			14,889,958			13,248,321			646,880			13,895,201

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Receivables from Customers - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Receivables From Major Customers [Line Items]
Approximate receivables	$ 21,054	$ 16,008
Pemex Exploracion y Produccion [Member]
Receivables From Major Customers [Line Items]
Approximate receivables	$ 14,000

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summarize Financial Statement Presentation and Fair Value of Derivative Positions (Detail) (Short-term foreign currency forward contracts [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other current assets [Member]
Asset derivatives
Cash flow hedges, Estimated fair value	$ 776
Other current liabilities [Member]
Liability derivatives
Cash flow hedges, Estimated fair value	$ 1,978

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 214,528	$ 282,092
Accounts receivable	887,759	743,673
Taxes receivable	115,720	112,423
Prepaid expenses	97,961	43,962
Other current assets	112,597	123,175
Total current assets	1,428,565	1,305,325
Property and equipment, at cost	17,329,558	16,971,666
Accumulated depreciation	(4,144,693)	(3,945,694)
Property and equipment, net	13,184,865	13,025,972
Other assets	276,528	276,477
Total assets	14,889,958	14,607,774
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	319,674	350,147
Accrued payroll and related costs	118,706	132,728
Interest payable	23,701	68,436
Taxes payable	147,557	135,257
Dividends payable	33,340	66,369
Other current liabilities	169,207	158,512
Total current liabilities	812,185	911,449
Long-term debt	4,844,193	4,634,375
Deferred income taxes	223,500	226,045
Other liabilities	347,395	347,615
Total liabilities	6,227,273	6,119,484
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholder's equity
Shares	712,000	710,130
Treasury shares, at cost; 755 and 589 shares	(27,806)	(21,069)
Additional paid-in capital	92,289	83,531
Retained earnings	7,215,777	7,066,023
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(112,352)	(115,449)
Total shareholders' equity	7,879,908	7,723,166
Noncontrolling interests	782,777	765,124
Total equity	8,662,685	8,488,290
Total liabilities and equity	14,889,958	14,607,774
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	208,043	277,375
Accounts receivable	887,759	743,673
Taxes receivable	115,567	112,310
Prepaid expenses	95,891	41,232
Other current assets	112,548	122,649
Total current assets	1,419,808	1,297,239
Property and equipment, at cost	17,293,002	16,935,147
Accumulated depreciation	(4,137,112)	(3,938,518)
Property and equipment, net	13,155,890	12,996,629
Other assets	276,611	276,558
Total assets	14,852,309	14,570,426
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	319,190	349,594
Accrued payroll and related costs	107,838	123,936
Interest payable	23,701	68,436
Taxes payable	143,069	130,844
Other current liabilities	169,197	158,499
Total current liabilities	762,995	831,309
Long-term debt	4,844,193	4,634,375
Deferred income taxes	223,500	226,045
Other liabilities	347,395	347,615
Total liabilities	6,178,083	6,039,344
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholder's equity
Shares	26,125	26,125
Additional paid-in capital	476,414	470,454
Retained earnings	7,501,262	7,384,828
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(112,352)	(115,449)
Total shareholders' equity	7,891,449	7,765,958
Noncontrolling interests	782,777	765,124
Total equity	8,674,226	8,531,082
Total liabilities and equity	$ 14,852,309	$ 14,570,426

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Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013 CreditFacility	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013 Unsecured commercial paper notes [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]	Feb. 29, 2012 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	Feb. 29, 2012 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]	Feb. 29, 2012 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Revolving credit facility which matures in 2015 [Member]	Jan. 31, 2013 Revolving credit facility which matures in 2015 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jan. 31, 2013 Revolving credit facility which matures in 2015 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Revolving credit facility which matures in 2017 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Revolving credit facility which matures in 2017 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Revolving credit facility which matures in 2017 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Credit Facilities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount available under our Credit Facilities		$ 2,300,000,000										$ 600,000,000	$ 800,000,000		$ 1,200,000,000	$ 1,500,000,000	$ 375,000,000
Credit facility maturity date											2015			2017
Outstanding notes value				1,800,000,000
Credit facilities borrowing capacity		1,750,000,000
Number of credit facilities		2
Borrowings outstanding																	0
Face value of senior notes	1,200,000,000					300,000,000		400,000,000		500,000,000
Interest rate on the notes issued to the joint venture partner					2.50%	2.50%	3.95%	3.95%	5.25%	5.25%								5.875%
Senior notes maturity date					2017	2017	2022	2022	2042	2042								2013
Weighted average coupon of all three tranches	4.13%
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs	$ 1,190,000,000	$ 0	$ 1,186,636,000
Maximum debt to tangible capitalization covenant		0.60
Line of credit facility debt to tangible capitalization ratio		0.36

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Amortization of deferred pension plan	$ 730	$ 720
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Amortization of deferred pension plan	$ 730	$ 720

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Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities - Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Operating Capital [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$ (125,192)	$ (88,969)
Other current assets	(47,920)	(71,328)
Other assets	1,101	(1,313)
Accounts payable	12,901	7,014
Other current liabilities	(18,947)	(31,789)
Other liabilities	(680)	(2,087)
Net change in other assets and liabilities	(178,737)	(188,472)
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating Capital [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	(125,192)	(88,969)
Other current assets	(49,017)	(72,745)
Other assets	1,099	(1,315)
Accounts payable	12,970	6,304
Other current liabilities	(21,095)	(31,691)
Other liabilities	(680)	(2,086)
Net change in other assets and liabilities	$ (181,915)	$ (190,502)

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Organization and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2013 Rigs
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of mobile offshore drilling units	79
Number of floating production storage and offloading units ("FPSO")	1
Number of semisubmersibles	14
Number of drillships	14
Number of jackups	49
Number of submersibles	2
Number of fleet units under construction	11
Number of ultra-deep water harsh environment drillships under construction	5
Number of harsh environment jackup Rigs under construction	6

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Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$ 202,552	$ 100,626
Cash flows from investing activities
Net cash from investing activities	(438,302)	(492,276)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	209,680	(825,000)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	0	1,186,636
Financing costs on credit facilities	(1,895)	0
Contributions from joint venture partners	0	40,000
Net cash from financing activities	168,186	361,294
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(67,564)	(30,356)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	282,092	239,196
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	214,528	208,840
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	(24,033)	(11,189)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	209,680	(825,000)
Financing costs on credit facilities	(1,895)
Distributions to parent	(53,110)	(52,727)
Advances (to) from affiliates	(131,640)	(274,544)
Notes payable to affiliates		1,188,287
Net cash from financing activities	23,035	36,016
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(998)	24,827
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,003	146
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	5	24,973
NHC and NDH Combined [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	21,420	8,286
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures	(168,711)	(136,849)
Net cash from investing activities	(168,711)	(136,849)
Cash flows from financing activities
Advances (to) from affiliates	146,864	128,442
Net cash from financing activities	146,864	128,442
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(427)	(121)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	904	385
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	477	264
NDC [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	2,894	4,410
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures	(18)	(205)
Net cash from investing activities	(18)	(205)
Cash flows from financing activities
Advances (to) from affiliates	(2,876)	(4,205)
Net cash from financing activities	(2,876)	(4,205)
NHIL [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	(72,200)	(53,966)
Cash flows from investing activities
Notes receivable from affiliates		(1,188,287)
Net cash from investing activities		(1,188,287)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net		1,186,636
Advances (to) from affiliates	72,200	55,621
Net cash from financing activities	72,200	1,242,257
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		4
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2	4
NDS6 [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	(9,167)	(8,425)
Cash flows from financing activities
Advances (to) from affiliates	9,167	8,425
Net cash from financing activities	9,167	8,425
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	295,344	169,770
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures	(269,536)	(354,582)
Net cash from investing activities	(269,536)	(354,582)
Cash flows from financing activities
Contributions from joint venture partners		40,000
Advances (to) from affiliates	(93,715)	86,261
Net cash from financing activities	(93,715)	126,261
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(67,907)	(58,551)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	275,466	234,525
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	207,559	175,974
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities
Notes receivable from affiliates		1,188,287
Net cash from investing activities		1,188,287
Cash flows from financing activities
Notes payable to affiliates		(1,188,287)
Net cash from financing activities		(1,188,287)
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	214,258	108,886
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures	(438,265)	(491,636)
Net cash from investing activities	(438,265)	(491,636)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	209,680	(825,000)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	0	1,186,636
Financing costs on credit facilities	(1,895)	0
Contributions from joint venture partners	0	40,000
Distributions to parent	(53,110)	(52,727)
Net cash from financing activities	154,675	348,909
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(69,332)	(33,841)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	277,375	235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 208,043	$ 201,215

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Accounting Pronouncements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Accounting Pronouncements

Note 14 — Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income.” This amended guidance requires additional information about reclassification adjustments out of comprehensive income, including changes in comprehensive income balances by component and significant items reclassified out of comprehensive income. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, which amends ASC Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” This ASU provides guidance on foreign currency translation adjustments when a parent entity ceases to have a controlling interest on a previously consolidated subsidiary or group of assets. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. We are still evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

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Consolidated Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 Rigs Joint_Ventures	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities for Loans to Commercial Borrowers [Line Items]
Percent of interest in joint ventures	50.00%
Number of joint ventures acquired	2
Number of bully class drillships	2
Capital call on joint venture				$ 360,000,000
Carrying amount of the drillships	1,400,000,000		1,400,000,000
Revenues	970,975,000	797,690,000
Net income (loss)	167,713,000	113,343,000
Joint Ventures [Member]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities for Loans to Commercial Borrowers [Line Items]
Revenues	90,000,000	6,000,000
Net income (loss)	$ 37,000,000	$ (14,000,000)

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Information about Noble-Cayman

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Information about Noble-Cayman

Note 16 — Information about Noble-Cayman

Guarantees of Registered Securities

Noble-Cayman or one or more subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman are a co-issuer or guarantor or otherwise obligated as of March 31, 2013 as follows:

	Issuer
Notes	(Co-Issuer(s))	Guarantor(s)
$300 million 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013	Noble-Cayman	NDC
		NHIL
$250 million 7.375% Senior Notes due 2014	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$350 million 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$300 million 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$300 million 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019	NDC;	Noble-Cayman;
	Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)	Noble Holding (U.S.) Corporation (“NHC”);
		Noble Drilling Holding LLC (“NDH”)
$500 million 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$500 million 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042	NHIL	Noble-Cayman

The following consolidating financial statements of Noble-Cayman, NHC and NDH combined, NDC, NHIL, NDS6 and all other subsidiaries present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.

Revision

As part of our worldwide asset consolidation completed in 2009, NDC received a limited partnership interest in one of our Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble. This limited partnership interest has historically been included as a component of Total Shareholder Equity and income attributable to this limited partnership interest has been included in Net Income Attributable to Noble Corporation in the Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble column in the condensed consolidating financial statements. We concluded these errors were not material individually or in the aggregate to any of the previously issued financial statements taken as a whole.

During the first quarter of 2013, we amended the presentation of this limited partnership interest in the Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble column to correctly present it as a noncontrolling interest and to record the income attributable to NDC as Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. We also made appropriate adjustments to the Consolidating Adjustments column. The following chart presents the impact of this change in presentation in the Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble and Consolidating Adjustments columns on the historical Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income. The revisions below did not impact our Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows.

	Other Non-Guarantor
	Subsidiaries of Noble						Consolidating Adjustments
	As reported			As amended			As reported			As amended
December 31, 2010
Income statement- Twelve months ended
Net income	$	1,023,782		$	1,023,782		$	(2,963,512	)	$	(2,963,512	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3	)		(41,889	)		—			41,886
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	1,023,779		$	981,893		$	(2,963,512	)	$	(2,921,626	)
December 31, 2011
Income statement- Twelve months ended
Net income	$	634,128		$	634,128		$	(1,758,285	)	$	(1,758,285	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		7,273			(15,808	)		—			23,081
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	641,401		$	618,320		$	(1,758,285	)	$	(1,735,204	)
Balance Sheet
Total shareholder equity	$	9,853,129		$	9,483,809		$	(28,268,572	)	$	(27,899,252	)
Noncontrolling interests		691,331			1,060,651			—			(369,320	)
Total equity	$	10,544,460		$	10,544,460		$	(28,268,572	)	$	(28,268,572	)
March 31, 2012
Income statement- Three months ended
Net income	$	173,657		$	173,657		$	(591,588	)	$	(591,588	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		6,832			(1,196	)		—			8,028
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	180,489		$	172,461		$	(591,588	)	$	(583,560	)
June 30, 2012
Income statement- Three months ended
Net income	$	253,086		$	253,086		$	(662,439	)	$	(662,439	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(18,857	)		(29,201	)		—			10,344
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	234,229		$	223,885		$	(662,439	)	$	(652,095	)
Income statement- Six months ended
Net income	$	426,743		$	426,743		$	(1,254,027	)	$	(1,254,027	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(12,025	)		(30,397	)		—			18,372
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	414,718		$	396,346		$	(1,254,027	)	$	(1,235,655	)

	Other Non-Guarantor
	Subsidiaries of Noble						Consolidating Adjustments
	As reported			As amended			As reported			As amended
September 30, 2012
Income statement- Three months ended
Net income	$	211,597		$	211,597		$	(569,368	)	$	(569,368	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(14,906	)		(22,246	)		—			7,340
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	196,691		$	189,351		$	(569,368	)	$	(562,028	)
Income statement- Nine months ended
Net income	$	638,340		$	638,340		$	(1,823,395	)	$	(1,823,395	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(26,931	)		(52,643	)		—			25,712
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	611,409		$	585,697		$	(1,823,395	)	$	(1,797,683	)
December 31, 2012
Income statement- Twelve months ended
Net income	$	280,763		$	280,763		$	(1,891,202	)	$	(1,891,202	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(33,793	)		(68,969	)		—			35,176
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	246,970		$	211,794		$	(1,891,202	)	$	(1,856,026	)
Balance Sheet
Total shareholder equity	$	9,913,839		$	9,509,343		$	(29,719,135	)	$	(29,314,639	)
Noncontrolling interests		765,124			1,169,620			—			(404,496	)
Total equity	$	10,678,963		$	10,678,963		$	(29,719,135	)	$	(29,719,135	)

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

March 31, 2013

(in thousands)

													Other
													Non-guarantor
	Noble-		NHC and NDH										Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman		Combined			NDC			NHIL		NDS6		of Noble			Adjustments			Total
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5	$	477		$	—		$	2	$	—	$	207,559		$	—		$	208,043
Accounts receivable		—		20,680			3,226			—		—		863,853			—			887,759
Taxes receivable		—		8,341			—			—		—		107,226			—			115,567
Prepaid expenses		—		422			9			—		—		95,460			—			95,891
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—		119,476			—			—		586,769		326,671			(1,032,916	)		—
Accounts receivable from affiliates		822,677		150,838			1,062,522			467,184		45,200		6,009,283			(8,557,704	)		—
Other current assets		94		639			196			—		—		111,619			—			112,548
Total current assets		822,776		300,873			1,065,953			467,186		631,969		7,721,671			(9,590,620	)		1,419,808
Property and equipment, at cost		—		2,898,924			76,394			—		—		14,317,684			—			17,293,002
Accumulated depreciation		—		(297,835	)		(59,403	)		—		—		(3,779,874	)		—			(4,137,112	)
Property and equipment, net		—		2,601,089			16,991			—		—		10,537,810			—			13,155,890
Notes receivable from affiliates		3,816,463		1,206,000			—			3,524,814		479,107		2,110,379			(11,136,763	)		—
Investments in affiliates		7,972,834		9,496,533			3,350,670			7,638,820		1,865,269		—			(30,324,126	)		—
Other assets		7,061		301			452			25,068		728		243,001			—			276,611
Total assets	$	12,619,134	$	13,604,796		$	4,434,066		$	11,655,888	$	2,977,073	$	20,612,861		$	(51,051,509	)	$	14,852,309
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	90,314	$	125,587		$	110,770		$	—	$	—	$	706,245		$	(1,032,916	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—		5,709			805			—		—		312,676			—			319,190
Accrued payroll and related costs		—		6,223			8,304			—		—		93,311			—			107,838
Accounts payable to affiliates		921,727		4,945,931			6,277			177,838		92,548		2,413,383			(8,557,704	)		—
Taxes payable		—		11,316			—			—		—		131,753			—			143,069
Interest payable		5,943		—			—			17,128		630		—			—			23,701
Other current liabilities		—		522			240			—		—		168,435			—			169,197
Total current liabilities		1,017,984		5,095,288			126,396			194,966		93,178		3,825,803			(9,590,620	)		762,995
Long-term debt		849,483		—			—			3,793,015		201,695		—			—			4,844,193
Notes payable to affiliates		2,840,287		586,979			—			975,000		1,342,000		5,392,497			(11,136,763	)		—
Deferred income taxes		—		(2,431	)		15,731			—		—		210,200			—			223,500
Other liabilities		19,931		17,960			—			—		—		309,504			—			347,395
Total liabilities		4,727,685		5,697,796			142,127			4,962,981		1,636,873		9,738,004			(20,727,383	)		6,178,083
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		7,891,449		7,907,000			4,291,939			6,692,907		1,340,200		9,677,699			(29,909,745	)		7,891,449
Noncontrolling interest		—		—			—			—		—		1,197,158			(414,381	)		782,777
Total equity		7,891,449		7,907,000			4,291,939			6,692,907		1,340,200		10,874,857			(30,324,126	)		8,674,226
Total liabilities and equity	$	12,619,134	$	13,604,796		$	4,434,066		$	11,655,888	$	2,977,073	$	20,612,861		$	(51,051,509	)	$	14,852,309

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2012

As Amended

(in thousands)

													Other
													Non-guarantor
	Noble-		NHC and NDH										Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman		Combined			NDC			NHIL		NDS6		of Noble			Adjustments			Total
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,003	$	904		$	—		$	2	$	—	$	275,466		$	—		$	277,375
Accounts receivable		—		14,885			3,335			—		—		725,453			—			743,673
Taxes receivable		—		8,341			—			—		—		103,969			—			112,310
Prepaid expenses		—		396			9			—		—		40,827			—			41,232
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—		119,476			—			—		586,769		252,138			(958,383	)		—
Accounts receivable from affiliates		664,375		140,014			1,015,204			526,483		38,895		5,855,066			(8,240,037	)		—
Other current assets		235		639			196			—		—		121,579			—			122,649
Total current assets		665,613		284,655			1,018,744			526,485		625,664		7,374,498			(9,198,420	)		1,297,239
Property and equipment, at cost		—		2,735,223			76,428			—		—		14,123,496			—			16,935,147
Accumulated depreciation		—		(283,028	)		(58,411	)		—		—		(3,597,079	)		—			(3,938,518	)
Property and equipment, net		—		2,452,195			18,017			—		—		10,526,417			—			12,996,629
Notes receivable from affiliates		3,816,463		1,206,000			—			3,524,814		479,107		2,171,875			(11,198,259	)		—
Investments in affiliates		7,770,066		9,170,923			3,386,879			7,413,361		1,977,906		—			(29,719,135	)		—
Other assets		5,798		320			543			25,895		759		243,243			—			276,558
Total assets	$	12,257,940	$	13,114,093		$	4,424,183		$	11,490,555	$	3,083,436	$	20,316,033		$	(50,115,814	)	$	14,570,426
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	90,314	$	51,054		$	110,770		$	—	$	—	$	706,245		$	(958,383	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—		6,522			1,183			—		—		341,889			—			349,594
Accrued payroll and related costs		—		6,176			7,611			—		—		110,149			—			123,936
Accounts payable to affiliates		900,063		4,806,235			5,444			165,065		77,075		2,286,155			(8,240,037	)		—
Taxes payable		—		9,152			—			—		—		121,692			—			130,844
Interest payable		1,594		—			—			62,430		4,412		—			—			68,436
Other current liabilities		—		—			240			—		—		158,259			—			158,499
Total current liabilities		991,971		4,879,139			125,248			227,495		81,487		3,724,389			(9,198,420	)		831,309
Long-term debt		639,794		—			—			3,792,886		201,695		—			—			4,634,375
Notes payable to affiliates		2,840,287		648,475			—			975,000		1,342,000		5,392,497			(11,198,259	)		—
Deferred income taxes		—		—			15,731			—		—		210,314			—			226,045
Other liabilities		19,930		17,815			—			—		—		309,870			—			347,615
Total liabilities		4,491,982		5,545,429			140,979			4,995,381		1,625,182		9,637,070			(20,396,679	)		6,039,344
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		7,765,958		7,568,664			4,283,204			6,495,174		1,458,254		9,509,343			(29,314,639	)		7,765,958
Noncontrolling interest		—		—			—			—		—		1,169,620			(404,496	)		765,124
Total equity		7,765,958		7,568,664			4,283,204			6,495,174		1,458,254		10,678,963			(29,719,135	)		8,531,082
Total liabilities and equity	$	12,257,940	$	13,114,093		$	4,424,183		$	11,490,555	$	3,083,436	$	20,316,033		$	(50,115,814	)	$	14,570,426

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	46,957		$	4,991		$	—		$	—		$	897,239		$	(20,450	)	$	928,737
Reimbursables		—			586			—			—			—			20,588			—			21,174
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			21,054			—			21,054
Other		—			—			—			—			—			10			—			10
Total operating revenues		—			47,543			4,991			—			—			938,891			(20,450	)		970,975
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		919			16,425			1,785			24,213			—			453,669			(20,450	)		476,561
Reimbursables		—			334			—			—			—			14,588			—			14,922
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			12,249			—			12,249
Depreciation and amortization		—			14,862			1,101			—			—			189,788			—			205,751
General and administrative		625			1,892			1			8,713			—			3,612			—			14,843
Gain on contract extinguishment		—			—			—			—			—			(1,800	)		—			(1,800	)
Total operating costs and expenses		1,544			33,513			2,887			32,926			—			672,106			(20,450	)		722,526
Operating income (loss)		(1,544	)		14,030			2,104			(32,926	)		—			266,785			—			248,449
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		202,765			96,943			7,453			225,457			116,028			—			(648,646	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(33,307	)		(7,562	)		(833	)		(34,560	)		(11,721	)		(23,334	)		84,016			(27,301	)
Interest income and other, net		1,630			10,814			7			39,761			6,305			25,562			(84,016	)		63
Income before income taxes		169,544			114,225			8,731			197,732			110,612			269,013			(648,646	)		221,211
Income tax provision		—			(4,556	)		—			—			—			(29,458	)		—			(34,014	)
Net Income		169,544			109,669			8,731			197,732			110,612			239,555			(648,646	)		187,197
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(27,538	)		9,885			(17,653	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		169,544			109,669			8,731			197,732			110,612			212,017			(638,761	)		169,544
Other comprehensive income, net		3,097			—			—			—			—			3,097			(3,097	)		3,097
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	172,641		$	109,669		$	8,731		$	197,732		$	110,612		$	215,114		$	(641,858	)	$	172,641

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

As Amended

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	42,991		$	5,061		$	—		$	—		$	718,076		$	(19,818	)	$	746,310
Reimbursables		—			5,308			—			—			—			29,833			—			35,141
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			16,008			—			16,008
Other		—			—			—			—			—			231			—			231
Total operating revenues		—			48,299			5,061			—			—			764,148			(19,818	)		797,690
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		1,183			14,319			1,771			17,633			—			400,058			(19,818	)		415,146
Reimbursables		—			5,087			—			—			—			25,514			—			30,601
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			9,232			—			9,232
Depreciation and amortization		—			14,839			1,036			—			—			154,698			—			170,573
General and administrative		357			1,346			—			8,819			—			3,488			—			14,010
Total operating costs and expenses		1,540			35,591			2,807			26,452			—			592,990			(19,818	)		639,562
Operating income (loss)		(1,540	)		12,708			2,254			(26,452	)		—			171,158			—			158,128
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		155,412			134,585			45,802			179,928			75,861			—			(591,588	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(20,606	)		(14,914	)		(1,346	)		(20,972	)		(7,783	)		(19,896	)		75,021			(10,496	)
Interest income and other, net		1,386			7,824			16			29,254			3,110			34,830			(75,021	)		1,399
Income before income taxes		134,652			140,203			46,726			161,758			71,188			186,092			(591,588	)		149,031
Income tax provision		—			(8,776	)		—			—			—			(12,435	)		—			(21,211	)
Net Income		134,652			131,427			46,726			161,758			71,188			173,657			(591,588	)		127,820
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(1,196	)		8,028			6,832
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		134,652			131,427			46,726			161,758			71,188			172,461			(583,560	)		134,652
Other comprehensive income, net		3,761			—			—			—			—			3,761			(3,761	)		3,761
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	138,413		$	131,427		$	46,726		$	161,758		$	71,188		$	176,222		$	(587,321	)	$	138,413

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL		NDS6			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments		Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(24,033	)	$	21,420		$	2,894		$	(72,200)	$	(9,167	)	$	295,344		$	—	$	214,258
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(168,711	)		(18	)		—		—			(269,536	)		—		(438,265	)
Net cash from investing activities		—			(168,711	)		(18	)		—		—			(269,536	)		—		(438,265	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		209,680			—			—			—		—			—			—		209,680
Financing costs on credit facilities		(1,895	)		—			—			—		—			—			—		(1,895	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(53,110	)		—			—			—		—			—			—		(53,110	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(131,640	)		146,864			(2,876	)		72,200		9,167			(93,715	)		—		—
Net cash from financing activities		23,035			146,864			(2,876	)		72,200		9,167			(93,715	)		—		154,675
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(998	)		(427	)		—			—		—			(67,907	)		—		(69,332	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,003			904			—			2		—			275,466			—		277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5		$	477		$	—		$	2	$	—		$	207,559		$	—	$	208,043

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(11,189	)	$	8,286		$	4,410		$	(53,966	)	$	(8,425	)	$	169,770		$	—		$	108,886
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(136,849	)		(205	)		—			—			(354,582	)		—			(491,636	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—			—			1,188,287			—
Net cash from investing activities		—			(136,849	)		(205	)		(1,188,287	)		—			(354,582	)		1,188,287			(491,636	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		(825,000	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(825,000	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net		—			—			—			1,186,636			—			—			—			1,186,636
Contributions from joint venture partners		—			—			—			—			—			40,000			—			40,000
Distributions to parent		(52,727	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(52,727	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(274,544	)		128,442			(4,205	)		55,621			8,425			86,261			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		1,188,287			—			—			—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—
Net cash from financing activities		36,016			128,442			(4,205	)		1,242,257			8,425			126,261			(1,188,287	)		348,909
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		24,827			(121	)		—			4			—			(58,551	)		—			(33,841	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		146			385			—			—			—			234,525			—			235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	24,973		$	264		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	175,974		$	—		$	201,215

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 167,713	$ 113,343
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	206,156	171,077
Deferred income taxes	(2,735)	(4,075)
Amortization of share-based compensation	10,155	8,753
Net change in other assets and liabilities	(178,737)	(188,472)
Net cash from operating activities	202,552	100,626
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	(371,990)	(364,883)
Change in accrued capital expenditures	(66,312)	(127,393)
Net cash from investing activities	(438,302)	(492,276)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	209,680	(825,000)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs	0	1,186,636
Contributions from joint venture partners	0	40,000
Financing costs on credit facilities	(1,895)	0
Par value reduction/dividend payments	(33,335)	(36,370)
Proceeds from employee stock transactions	473	2,479
Repurchases of employee shares surrendered for taxes	(6,737)	(6,451)
Net cash from financing activities	168,186	361,294
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(67,564)	(30,356)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	282,092	239,196
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	214,528	208,840
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	187,197	127,820
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	205,751	170,573
Deferred income taxes	(2,735)	(4,075)
Capital contribution by parent-share-based compensation	5,960	5,070
Net change in other assets and liabilities	(181,915)	(190,502)
Net cash from operating activities	214,258	108,886
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	(371,953)	(364,243)
Change in accrued capital expenditures	(66,312)	(127,393)
Net cash from investing activities	(438,265)	(491,636)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities	209,680	(825,000)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs	0	1,186,636
Contributions from joint venture partners	0	40,000
Financing costs on credit facilities	(1,895)	0
Distributions to parent company, net	(53,110)	(52,727)
Net cash from financing activities	154,675	348,909
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(69,332)	(33,841)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	277,375	235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 208,043	$ 201,215

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	254,014	253,348
Treasury shares	755	589
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	261,246	261,246

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Note 9 — Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We periodically enter into derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivative instruments. We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes, nor are we a party to leveraged derivatives.

For foreign currency forward contracts, hedge effectiveness is evaluated at inception based on the matching of critical terms between derivative contracts and the hedged item. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings.

Cash Flow Hedges

Our North Sea and Brazil operations have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we periodically enter into forward contracts settling monthly in their respective local currencies, all of which have a maturity of less than 12 months. The forward contract settlements in the remainder of 2013 represent approximately 59 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. Dollars, was approximately $124 million at March 31, 2013. Total unrealized loss related to these forward contracts was approximately $1 million as of March 31, 2013 and was recorded as part of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”).

The balance of the net unrealized loss related to our cash flow hedges included in AOCL and related activity is as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Net unrealized loss at beginning of period	$	—		$	(3,061	)
Activity during period:
Settlement of foreign currency forward contracts during the period		—			2,118
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts		(1,202	)		299
Net unrealized loss at end of period	$	(1,202	)	$	(644	)

Financial Statement Presentation

The following tables, together with Note 10, summarize the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

		Estimated fair value
	Balance sheet classification	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Asset derivatives
Cash flow hedges
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	Other current assets	$	776	$	—
Liability derivatives
Cash flow hedges
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts	Other current liabilities	$	1,978	$	—

To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 10, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

	Gain/(loss)  recognized through AOCL					Gain/(loss)  reclassified from AOCL to “other income”				Gain/(loss)  recognized through “other income”
	2013			2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
Cash flow hedges
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(1,202	)	$	299	$	—	$	2,118	$	—	$	—

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Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 26, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	NE
Entity Registrant Name	Noble Corp / Switzerland
Entity Central Index Key	0001458891
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		253,273,925
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		261,245,693

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Note 10 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:

	March 31, 2013
			Estimated Fair Value Measurements
			Quoted		Significant
			Prices in		Other		Significant
			Active		Observable		Unobservable
	Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets—
Marketable securities	$	6,086	$	6,086	$	—	$	—
Foreign currency forward contracts		776		—		776		—
Liabilities—
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	1,978	$	—	$	1,978	$	—

	December 31, 2012
			Estimated Fair Value Measurements
			Quoted		Significant
			Prices in		Other		Significant
			Active		Observable		Unobservable
	Carrying		Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets—
Marketable securities	$	5,816	$	5,816	$	—	$	—

The derivative instruments have been valued using actively quoted prices and quotes obtained from the counterparties to the derivative instruments. Our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are by their nature short-term. As a result, the carrying values included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$ 928,737	$ 746,310
Reimbursables	21,174	35,141
Labor contract drilling services	21,054	16,008
Other	10	231
Total operating revenues	970,975	797,690
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	484,087	420,011
Reimbursables	14,922	30,601
Labor contract drilling services	12,249	9,232
Depreciation and amortization	206,156	171,077
General and administrative	25,570	23,126
Gain on contract extinguishment	(1,800)	0
Total operating costs and expenses	741,184	654,047
Operating income	229,791	143,643
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	(27,301)	(10,496)
Interest income and other, net	(425)	1,785
Income before income taxes	202,065	134,932
Income tax provision	(34,352)	(21,589)
Net income	167,713	113,343
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(17,653)	6,832
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	150,060	120,175
Net income per share
Basic	$ 0.59	$ 0.47
Diluted	$ 0.59	$ 0.47
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	928,737	746,310
Reimbursables	21,174	35,141
Labor contract drilling services	21,054	16,008
Other	10	231
Total operating revenues	970,975	797,690
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	476,561	415,146
Reimbursables	14,922	30,601
Labor contract drilling services	12,249	9,232
Depreciation and amortization	205,751	170,573
General and administrative	14,843	14,010
Gain on contract extinguishment	(1,800)	0
Total operating costs and expenses	722,526	639,562
Operating income	248,449	158,128
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	(27,301)	(10,496)
Interest income and other, net	63	1,399
Income before income taxes	221,211	149,031
Income tax provision	(34,014)	(21,211)
Net income	187,197	127,820
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(17,653)	6,832
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$ 169,544	$ 134,652

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Receivables from Customers

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Receivables from Customers

Note 4 — Receivables from Customers

At March 31, 2013, we had receivables of approximately $14 million related to the Noble Max Smith, which are being disputed by our customer, Pemex Exploracion y Produccion (“Pemex”). These receivables have been classified as long-term and are included in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The disputed amounts relate to lost revenues for downtime that occurred after our rig was damaged when one of Pemex’s supply boats collided with our rig in 2010. In January 2012, we filed a lawsuit against Pemex in Mexican court seeking recovery of these amounts. While we can make no assurances as to the outcome of this dispute, we believe we are entitled to the disputed amounts.

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Share Data

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Share Data

Note 3 — Share Data

Share capital

The following is a detail of Noble-Swiss’ share capital as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Shares outstanding and trading		253,259		252,759
Treasury shares		755		589
Total shares outstanding		254,014		253,348
Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans		12,136		12,802
Total shares authorized for issuance		266,150		266,150
Par value per share (in Swiss Francs)		3.15		3.15

Repurchased treasury shares are recorded at cost, and relate to shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock.

Our Board of Directors may further increase Noble-Swiss’ share capital through the issuance of up to 133.1 million authorized shares without obtaining shareholder approval. The issuance of these authorized shares is subject to certain conditions regarding their use.

In April 2012, our shareholders approved the payment of a dividend aggregating $0.52 per share to be paid in four equal installments. At March 31, 2013, we had $33 million of dividends payable outstanding on this obligation.

In April 2013, our shareholders approved the payment of a dividend aggregating $1.00 per share to be paid in four equal installments currently scheduled for August 2013, November 2013, February 2014 and May 2014. Our Board of Directors has the authority to accelerate the payment of any installment, or portions thereof, at its sole discretion at any time prior to payment of the final installment.

Earnings per share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for Noble-Swiss:

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Allocation of net income
Basic
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	150,060		$	120,175
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(1,667	)		(1,126	)
Net income to common shareholders—basic	$	148,393		$	119,049
Diluted
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	150,060		$	120,175
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards		(1,664	)		(1,125	)
Net income to common shareholders—diluted	$	148,396		$	119,050
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic		253,073			251,971
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		268			491
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted		253,341			252,462
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards		2,844			2,407
Earnings per share
Basic	$	0.59		$	0.47
Diluted	$	0.59		$	0.47

Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic earnings per share are included in diluted earnings per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, stock options representing approximately 1.0 million and 1.2 million shares, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share as they were not dilutive.

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Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities

Note 15 — Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities

The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:

	Noble-Swiss						Noble-Cayman
	Three months ended						Three months ended
	March 31,						March 31,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Accounts receivable	$	(125,192	)	$	(88,969	)	$	(125,192	)	$	(88,969	)
Other current assets		(47,920	)		(71,328	)		(49,017	)		(72,745	)
Other assets		1,101			(1,313	)		1,099			(1,315	)
Accounts payable		12,901			7,014			12,970			6,304
Other current liabilities		(18,947	)		(31,789	)		(21,095	)		(31,691	)
Other liabilities		(680	)		(2,087	)		(680	)		(2,086	)
	$	(178,737	)	$	(188,472	)	$	(181,915	)	$	(190,502	)

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Note 11 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table sets forth the changes in AOCL by component for the period ended March 31, 2013. All amounts within the table are shown net of tax.

				Defined
	Losses on			Benefit			Foreign
	Cash Flow			Pension			Currency
	Hedges(1)			Items(2)			Items			Total
Balance at beginning of period	$	—		$	(95,071	)	$	(20,378	)	$	(115,449	)
Activity during period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(1,202	)		—			2,657			1,455
Amounts reclassified from AOCL		—			1,642			—			1,642
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,202	)		1,642			2,657			3,097
Balance at end of period	$	(1,202	)	$	(93,429	)	$	(17,721	)	$	(112,352	)

(1) Losses on cash flow hedges are related to our foreign currency forward contracts. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized through “other income” on our Consolidated Statement of Income. See Note 9 for additional information.

(2) Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial losses and the amortization of prior service costs. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Consolidated Statement of Income through either “contract drilling services” or “general and administrative”. See Note 8 for additional information.

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Income Taxes

Note 7 — Income Taxes

At December 31, 2012, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $125 million (net of related tax benefits of $10 million). At March 31, 2013, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $125 million (net of related tax benefits of $11 million). If the March 31, 2013 reserves are not realized, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by $125 million.

It is possible that our existing liabilities related to our reserves for uncertain tax positions may increase or decrease in the next 12 months primarily due to the completion of open audits or the expiration of statutes of limitation. However, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of changes in our existing liabilities due to various uncertainties, such as the unresolved nature of various audits.

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Information about Noble-Cayman - Guarantor Obligations (Detail) (Noble-Cayman [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	Noble-Cayman
Guarantor(s)	NDC NHIL
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor(s)	Noble-Cayman
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor(s)	Noble-Cayman
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor(s)	Noble-Cayman
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor(s)	Noble-Cayman
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NDC
Guarantor(s)	Noble-Cayman
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor(s)	Noble-Cayman
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor(s)	Noble-Cayman
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor(s)	Noble-Cayman
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor(s)	Noble-Cayman
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor(s)	Noble-Cayman
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issuer (Co-Issuer(s))	NHIL
Guarantor(s)	Noble-Cayman

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Property and Equipment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Property and Equipment

Note 5 — Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, at cost, as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Drilling equipment and facilities	$	14,324,919	$	14,099,628
Construction in progress		2,817,564		2,677,385
Other		187,075		194,653
Property and equipment, at cost	$	17,329,558	$	16,971,666

Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $372 million and $365 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Capital expenditures for the first three months of 2013 consisted of the following:

• $138 million for newbuild construction;

• $153 million for major projects, including subsea related expenditures;

• $51 million for other capitalized expenditures, including upgrades and replacements to drilling equipment that generally have a useful life ranging from 3 to 5 years; and

• $30 million in capitalized interest.

Interest is capitalized on construction-in-progress at the weighted average cost of debt outstanding during the period of construction.

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Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Debt

Note 6 — Debt

Total debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Senior unsecured notes:
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013	$	299,994	$	299,985
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014		249,839		249,799
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015		350,000		350,000
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016		299,955		299,952
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017		299,861		299,852
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		201,695		201,695
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020		498,929		498,900
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021		399,539		399,527
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022		399,115		399,095
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040		399,892		399,891
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041		397,622		397,613
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042		498,263		498,257
Total senior unsecured notes		4,294,704		4,294,566
Commercial paper program		549,489		339,809
Total long-term debt	$	4,844,193	$	4,634,375

Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program

We currently have two separate credit facilities with an aggregate maximum available capacity of $2.3 billion, one credit facility matures in 2015 and the other matures in 2017 (together referred to as the “Credit Facilities”). In January 2013, we increased the maximum amount available under our credit facility maturing in 2015 from $600 million to $800 million and the maximum amount available under our credit facility maturing in 2017 from $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion. We have established a commercial paper program, which allows us to issue up to $1.8 billion in unsecured commercial paper notes. Amounts issued under the commercial paper program are supported by the unused capacity under our Credit Facilities and, as such, are classified as long-term on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  At March 31, 2013, we had approximately $1.75 billion of capacity under the Credit Facilities.

The Credit Facilities provide us with the ability to issue up to $375 million in letters of credit in the aggregate. The issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities, but it does reduce the amount available. At March 31, 2013, we had no letters of credit issued under the Credit Facilities.

Senior Unsecured Notes

In February 2012, we issued, through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”), $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in three separate tranches, with $300 million of 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017, $400 million of 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022, and $500 million of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042. The weighted average coupon of all three tranches is 4.13%. The net proceeds of approximately $1.19 billion, after expenses, were primarily used to repay the then outstanding balance on our Credit Facilities.

Our 5.875% Senior Notes mature during the second quarter of 2013. We anticipate using availability under our Credit Facilities or commercial paper program to repay the outstanding balance; therefore, we continue to report the balance as long-term at March 31, 2013.

Covenants

The Credit Facilities are guaranteed by our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, NHIL and Noble Drilling Corporation (“NDC”). The covenants and events of default under the Credit Facilities are substantially similar, and each facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the Credit Facilities, to 0.60. At March 31, 2013, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was approximately 0.36. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facilities as of March 31, 2013.

In addition to the covenants from the Credit Facilities noted above, the indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes contain covenants that place restrictions on certain merger and consolidation transactions, unless we are the surviving entity or the other party assumes the obligations under the indenture, and on the ability to sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, there are restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and sale and lease-back transactions. At March 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the covenants under our notes and, based on our expectations for 2013, expect to remain in compliance during the year.

Fair Value of Debt

Fair value represents the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The estimated fair value of our senior notes was based on the quoted market prices for similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of similar remaining maturities (Level 2 measurement).

The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively:

	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
	Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
Senior unsecured notes:
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013	$	299,994	$	301,860	$	299,985	$	305,594
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014		249,839		265,191		249,799		269,008
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015		350,000		366,445		350,000		368,824
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016		299,955		312,637		299,952		316,268
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017		299,861		307,512		299,852		309,846
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		201,695		251,615		201,695		249,358
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020		498,929		554,370		498,900		562,530
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021		399,539		435,232		399,527		442,776
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022		399,115		411,413		399,095		422,227
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040		399,892		448,844		399,891		477,327
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041		397,622		441,512		397,613		468,256
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042		498,263		503,988		498,257		533,422
Total senior unsecured notes		4,294,704		4,600,619		4,294,566		4,725,436
Commercial paper program		549,489		549,489		339,809		339,809
Total long-term debt	$	4,844,193	$	5,150,108	$	4,634,375	$	5,065,245

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Employee Benefit Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Employee Benefit Plans

Note 8 — Employee Benefit Plans

Pension costs include the following components:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013						2012
	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
Service cost	$	1,379		$	2,681		$	1,123		$	2,431
Interest cost		1,282			2,262			1,358			2,196
Return on plan assets		(1,471	)		(3,276	)		(1,346	)		(2,793	)
Amortization of prior service cost		—			57			—			57
Recognized net actuarial loss		405			1,910			200			1,885
Net pension expense	$	1,595		$	3,634		$	1,335		$	3,776

During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, we made contributions to our pension plans totaling $3 million and $4 million, respectively.

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Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$ 928,737	$ 746,310
Reimbursables	21,174	35,141
Labor contract drilling services	21,054	16,008
Other	10	231
Total operating revenues	970,975	797,690
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	484,087	420,011
Reimbursables	14,922	30,601
Labor contract drilling services	12,249	9,232
Depreciation and amortization	206,156	171,077
General and administrative	25,570	23,126
Gain on contract extinguishment	(1,800)	0
Total operating costs and expenses	741,184	654,047
Operating income (loss)	229,791	143,643
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(27,301)	(10,496)
Interest income and other, net	(425)	1,785
Income before income taxes	202,065	134,932
Income tax provision	(34,352)	(21,589)
Net income	167,713	113,343
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(17,653)	6,832
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	150,060	120,175
Other comprehensive income, net	3,097	3,761
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	153,157	123,936
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	919	1,183
General and administrative	625	357
Total operating costs and expenses	1,544	1,540
Operating income (loss)	(1,544)	(1,540)
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	202,765	155,412
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(33,307)	(20,606)
Interest income and other, net	1,630	1,386
Income before income taxes	169,544	134,652
Net income	169,544	134,652
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	169,544	134,652
Other comprehensive income, net	3,097	3,761
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	172,641	138,413
NHC and NDH Combined [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	46,957	42,991
Reimbursables	586	5,308
Total operating revenues	47,543	48,299
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	16,425	14,319
Reimbursables	334	5,087
Depreciation and amortization	14,862	14,839
General and administrative	1,892	1,346
Total operating costs and expenses	33,513	35,591
Operating income (loss)	14,030	12,708
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	96,943	134,585
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(7,562)	(14,914)
Interest income and other, net	10,814	7,824
Income before income taxes	114,225	140,203
Income tax provision	(4,556)	(8,776)
Net income	109,669	131,427
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	109,669	131,427
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	109,669	131,427
NDC [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	4,991	5,061
Total operating revenues	4,991	5,061
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	1,785	1,771
Depreciation and amortization	1,101	1,036
General and administrative	1
Total operating costs and expenses	2,887	2,807
Operating income (loss)	2,104	2,254
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	7,453	45,802
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(833)	(1,346)
Interest income and other, net	7	16
Income before income taxes	8,731	46,726
Net income	8,731	46,726
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	8,731	46,726
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	8,731	46,726
NHIL [Member]
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	24,213	17,633
General and administrative	8,713	8,819
Total operating costs and expenses	32,926	26,452
Operating income (loss)	(32,926)	(26,452)
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	225,457	179,928
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(34,560)	(20,972)
Interest income and other, net	39,761	29,254
Income before income taxes	197,732	161,758
Net income	197,732	161,758
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	197,732	161,758
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	197,732	161,758
NDS6 [Member]
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	116,028	75,861
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(11,721)	(7,783)
Interest income and other, net	6,305	3,110
Income before income taxes	110,612	71,188
Net income	110,612	71,188
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	110,612	71,188
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	110,612	71,188
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	897,239	718,076
Reimbursables	20,588	29,833
Labor contract drilling services	21,054	16,008
Other	10	231
Total operating revenues	938,891	764,148
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	453,669	400,058
Reimbursables	14,588	25,514
Labor contract drilling services	12,249	9,232
Depreciation and amortization	189,788	154,698
General and administrative	3,612	3,488
Gain on contract extinguishment	(1,800)
Total operating costs and expenses	672,106	592,990
Operating income (loss)	266,785	171,158
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(23,334)	(19,896)
Interest income and other, net	25,562	34,830
Income before income taxes	269,013	186,092
Income tax provision	(29,458)	(12,435)
Net income	239,555	173,657
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(27,538)	(1,196)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	212,017	172,461
Other comprehensive income, net	3,097	3,761
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	215,114	176,222
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	(20,450)	(19,818)
Total operating revenues	(20,450)	(19,818)
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	(20,450)	(19,818)
Total operating costs and expenses	(20,450)	(19,818)
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax	(648,646)	(591,588)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	84,016	75,021
Interest income and other, net	(84,016)	(75,021)
Income before income taxes	(648,646)	(591,588)
Net income	(648,646)	(591,588)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	9,885	8,028
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	(638,761)	(583,560)
Other comprehensive income, net	(3,097)	(3,761)
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	(641,858)	(587,321)
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	928,737	746,310
Reimbursables	21,174	35,141
Labor contract drilling services	21,054	16,008
Other	10	231
Total operating revenues	970,975	797,690
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	476,561	415,146
Reimbursables	14,922	30,601
Labor contract drilling services	12,249	9,232
Depreciation and amortization	205,751	170,573
General and administrative	14,843	14,010
Gain on contract extinguishment	(1,800)	0
Total operating costs and expenses	722,526	639,562
Operating income (loss)	248,449	158,128
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(27,301)	(10,496)
Interest income and other, net	63	1,399
Income before income taxes	221,211	149,031
Income tax provision	(34,014)	(21,211)
Net income	187,197	127,820
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(17,653)	6,832
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	169,544	134,652
Other comprehensive income, net	3,097	3,761
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$ 172,641	$ 138,413

XML

Information about Noble-Cayman - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 214,528	$ 282,092	$ 208,840	$ 239,196
Accounts receivable	887,759	743,673
Taxes receivable	115,720	112,423
Prepaid expenses	97,961	43,962
Other current assets	112,597	123,175
Total current assets	1,428,565	1,305,325
Property and equipment, at cost	17,329,558	16,971,666
Accumulated depreciation	(4,144,693)	(3,945,694)
Property and equipment, net	13,184,865	13,025,972
Other assets	276,528	276,477
Total assets	14,889,958	14,607,774	13,895,201
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	319,674	350,147
Accrued payroll and related costs	118,706	132,728
Taxes payable	147,557	135,257
Interest payable	23,701	68,436
Other current liabilities	169,207	158,512
Total current liabilities	812,185	911,449
Long-term debt	4,844,193	4,634,375
Deferred income taxes	223,500	226,045
Other liabilities	347,395	347,615
Total liabilities	6,227,273	6,119,484
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	7,879,908	7,723,166
Noncontrolling interest	782,777	765,124
Total equity	8,662,685	8,488,290	8,223,367	8,097,852
Total liabilities and equity	14,889,958	14,607,774
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	5	1,003	24,973	146
Accounts receivable from affiliates	822,677	664,375
Other current assets	94	235
Total current assets	822,776	665,613
Notes receivable from affiliates	3,816,463	3,816,463
Investments in affiliates	7,972,834	7,770,066
Other assets	7,061	5,798
Total assets	12,619,134	12,257,940
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	90,314	90,314
Accounts payable to affiliates	921,727	900,063
Interest payable	5,943	1,594
Total current liabilities	1,017,984	991,971
Long-term debt	849,483	639,794
Notes payable to affiliates	2,840,287	2,840,287
Other liabilities	19,931	19,930
Total liabilities	4,727,685	4,491,982
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	7,891,449	7,765,958
Total equity	7,891,449	7,765,958
Total liabilities and equity	12,619,134	12,257,940
NHC and NDH Combined [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	477	904	264	385
Accounts receivable	20,680	14,885
Taxes receivable	8,341	8,341
Prepaid expenses	422	396
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	119,476	119,476
Accounts receivable from affiliates	150,838	140,014
Other current assets	639	639
Total current assets	300,873	284,655
Property and equipment, at cost	2,898,924	2,735,223
Accumulated depreciation	(297,835)	(283,028)
Property and equipment, net	2,601,089	2,452,195
Notes receivable from affiliates	1,206,000	1,206,000
Investments in affiliates	9,496,533	9,170,923
Other assets	301	320
Total assets	13,604,796	13,114,093
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	125,587	51,054
Accounts payable	5,709	6,522
Accrued payroll and related costs	6,223	6,176
Accounts payable to affiliates	4,945,931	4,806,235
Taxes payable	11,316	9,152
Other current liabilities	522
Total current liabilities	5,095,288	4,879,139
Notes payable to affiliates	586,979	648,475
Deferred income taxes	(2,431)
Other liabilities	17,960	17,815
Total liabilities	5,697,796	5,545,429
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	7,907,000	7,568,664
Total equity	7,907,000	7,568,664
Total liabilities and equity	13,604,796	13,114,093
NDC [Member]
Current assets
Accounts receivable	3,226	3,335
Prepaid expenses	9	9
Accounts receivable from affiliates	1,062,522	1,015,204
Other current assets	196	196
Total current assets	1,065,953	1,018,744
Property and equipment, at cost	76,394	76,428
Accumulated depreciation	(59,403)	(58,411)
Property and equipment, net	16,991	18,017
Investments in affiliates	3,350,670	3,386,879
Other assets	452	543
Total assets	4,434,066	4,424,183
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	110,770	110,770
Accounts payable	805	1,183
Accrued payroll and related costs	8,304	7,611
Accounts payable to affiliates	6,277	5,444
Other current liabilities	240	240
Total current liabilities	126,396	125,248
Deferred income taxes	15,731	15,731
Total liabilities	142,127	140,979
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	4,291,939	4,283,204
Total equity	4,291,939	4,283,204
Total liabilities and equity	4,434,066	4,424,183
NHIL [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	2	2	4
Accounts receivable from affiliates	467,184	526,483
Total current assets	467,186	526,485
Notes receivable from affiliates	3,524,814	3,524,814
Investments in affiliates	7,638,820	7,413,361
Other assets	25,068	25,895
Total assets	11,655,888	11,490,555
Current liabilities
Accounts payable to affiliates	177,838	165,065
Interest payable	17,128	62,430
Total current liabilities	194,966	227,495
Long-term debt	3,793,015	3,792,886
Notes payable to affiliates	975,000	975,000
Total liabilities	4,962,981	4,995,381
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	6,692,907	6,495,174
Total equity	6,692,907	6,495,174
Total liabilities and equity	11,655,888	11,490,555
NDS6 [Member]
Current assets
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	586,769	586,769
Accounts receivable from affiliates	45,200	38,895
Total current assets	631,969	625,664
Notes receivable from affiliates	479,107	479,107
Investments in affiliates	1,865,269	1,977,906
Other assets	728	759
Total assets	2,977,073	3,083,436
Current liabilities
Accounts payable to affiliates	92,548	77,075
Interest payable	630	4,412
Total current liabilities	93,178	81,487
Long-term debt	201,695	201,695
Notes payable to affiliates	1,342,000	1,342,000
Total liabilities	1,636,873	1,625,182
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	1,340,200	1,458,254
Total equity	1,340,200	1,458,254
Total liabilities and equity	2,977,073	3,083,436
Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	207,559	275,466	175,974	234,525
Accounts receivable	863,853	725,453
Taxes receivable	107,226	103,969
Prepaid expenses	95,460	40,827
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	326,671	252,138
Accounts receivable from affiliates	6,009,283	5,855,066
Other current assets	111,619	121,579
Total current assets	7,721,671	7,374,498
Property and equipment, at cost	14,317,684	14,123,496
Accumulated depreciation	(3,779,874)	(3,597,079)
Property and equipment, net	10,537,810	10,526,417
Notes receivable from affiliates	2,110,379	2,171,875
Other assets	243,001	243,243
Total assets	20,612,861	20,316,033
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	706,245	706,245
Accounts payable	312,676	341,889
Accrued payroll and related costs	93,311	110,149
Accounts payable to affiliates	2,413,383	2,286,155
Taxes payable	131,753	121,692
Other current liabilities	168,435	158,259
Total current liabilities	3,825,803	3,724,389
Notes payable to affiliates	5,392,497	5,392,497
Deferred income taxes	210,200	210,314
Other liabilities	309,504	309,870
Total liabilities	9,738,004	9,637,070
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	9,677,699	9,509,343
Noncontrolling interest	1,197,158	1,169,620
Total equity	10,874,857	10,678,963
Total liabilities and equity	20,612,861	20,316,033
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Current assets
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	(1,032,916)	(958,383)
Accounts receivable from affiliates	(8,557,704)	(8,240,037)
Total current assets	(9,590,620)	(9,198,420)
Notes receivable from affiliates	(11,136,763)	(11,198,259)
Investments in affiliates	(30,324,126)	(29,719,135)
Total assets	(51,051,509)	(50,115,814)
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	(1,032,916)	(958,383)
Accounts payable to affiliates	(8,557,704)	(8,240,037)
Total current liabilities	(9,590,620)	(9,198,420)
Notes payable to affiliates	(11,136,763)	(11,198,259)
Total liabilities	(20,727,383)	(20,396,679)
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	(29,909,745)	(29,314,639)
Noncontrolling interest	(414,381)	(404,496)
Total equity	(30,324,126)	(29,719,135)
Total liabilities and equity	(51,051,509)	(50,115,814)
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	208,043	277,375	201,215	235,056
Accounts receivable	887,759	743,673
Taxes receivable	115,567	112,310
Prepaid expenses	95,891	41,232
Other current assets	112,548	122,649
Total current assets	1,419,808	1,297,239
Property and equipment, at cost	17,293,002	16,935,147
Accumulated depreciation	(4,137,112)	(3,938,518)
Property and equipment, net	13,155,890	12,996,629
Other assets	276,611	276,558
Total assets	14,852,309	14,570,426
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	319,190	349,594
Accrued payroll and related costs	107,838	123,936
Taxes payable	143,069	130,844
Interest payable	23,701	68,436
Other current liabilities	169,197	158,499
Total current liabilities	762,995	831,309
Long-term debt	4,844,193	4,634,375
Deferred income taxes	223,500	226,045
Other liabilities	347,395	347,615
Total liabilities	6,178,083	6,039,344
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity	7,891,449	7,765,958
Noncontrolling interest	782,777	765,124
Total equity	8,674,226	8,531,082	8,197,557	8,073,633
Total liabilities and equity	$ 14,852,309	$ 14,570,426

XML

Information about Noble-Cayman (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Guarantor Obligations

Noble-Cayman or one or more subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman are a co-issuer or guarantor or otherwise obligated as of March 31, 2013 as follows:

	Issuer
Notes	(Co-Issuer(s))	Guarantor(s)
$300 million 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013	Noble-Cayman	NDC
		NHIL
$250 million 7.375% Senior Notes due 2014	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$350 million 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$300 million 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$300 million 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019	NDC;	Noble-Cayman;
	Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)	Noble Holding (U.S.) Corporation (“NHC”);
		Noble Drilling Holding LLC (“NDH”)
$500 million 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$400 million 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
$500 million 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042	NHIL	Noble-Cayman

Summary of Impact of Change in Presentation on Historical Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

During the first quarter of 2013, we amended the presentation of this limited partnership interest in the Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble column to correctly present it as a noncontrolling interest and to record the income attributable to NDC as Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. We also made appropriate adjustments to the Consolidating Adjustments column. The following chart presents the impact of this change in presentation in the Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble and Consolidating Adjustments columns on the historical Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income. The revisions below did not impact our Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows.

	Other Non-Guarantor
	Subsidiaries of Noble						Consolidating Adjustments
	As reported			As amended			As reported			As amended
December 31, 2010
Income statement- Twelve months ended
Net income	$	1,023,782		$	1,023,782		$	(2,963,512	)	$	(2,963,512	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3	)		(41,889	)		—			41,886
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	1,023,779		$	981,893		$	(2,963,512	)	$	(2,921,626	)
December 31, 2011
Income statement- Twelve months ended
Net income	$	634,128		$	634,128		$	(1,758,285	)	$	(1,758,285	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		7,273			(15,808	)		—			23,081
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	641,401		$	618,320		$	(1,758,285	)	$	(1,735,204	)
Balance Sheet
Total shareholder equity	$	9,853,129		$	9,483,809		$	(28,268,572	)	$	(27,899,252	)
Noncontrolling interests		691,331			1,060,651			—			(369,320	)
Total equity	$	10,544,460		$	10,544,460		$	(28,268,572	)	$	(28,268,572	)
March 31, 2012
Income statement- Three months ended
Net income	$	173,657		$	173,657		$	(591,588	)	$	(591,588	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		6,832			(1,196	)		—			8,028
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	180,489		$	172,461		$	(591,588	)	$	(583,560	)
June 30, 2012
Income statement- Three months ended
Net income	$	253,086		$	253,086		$	(662,439	)	$	(662,439	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(18,857	)		(29,201	)		—			10,344
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	234,229		$	223,885		$	(662,439	)	$	(652,095	)
Income statement- Six months ended
Net income	$	426,743		$	426,743		$	(1,254,027	)	$	(1,254,027	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(12,025	)		(30,397	)		—			18,372
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	414,718		$	396,346		$	(1,254,027	)	$	(1,235,655	)

	Other Non-Guarantor
	Subsidiaries of Noble						Consolidating Adjustments
	As reported			As amended			As reported			As amended
September 30, 2012
Income statement- Three months ended
Net income	$	211,597		$	211,597		$	(569,368	)	$	(569,368	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(14,906	)		(22,246	)		—			7,340
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	196,691		$	189,351		$	(569,368	)	$	(562,028	)
Income statement- Nine months ended
Net income	$	638,340		$	638,340		$	(1,823,395	)	$	(1,823,395	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(26,931	)		(52,643	)		—			25,712
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	611,409		$	585,697		$	(1,823,395	)	$	(1,797,683	)
December 31, 2012
Income statement- Twelve months ended
Net income	$	280,763		$	280,763		$	(1,891,202	)	$	(1,891,202	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(33,793	)		(68,969	)		—			35,176

Condensed Financial Statements

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

March 31, 2013

(in thousands)

													Other
													Non-guarantor
	Noble-		NHC and NDH										Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman		Combined			NDC			NHIL		NDS6		of Noble			Adjustments			Total
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5	$	477		$	—		$	2	$	—	$	207,559		$	—		$	208,043
Accounts receivable		—		20,680			3,226			—		—		863,853			—			887,759
Taxes receivable		—		8,341			—			—		—		107,226			—			115,567
Prepaid expenses		—		422			9			—		—		95,460			—			95,891
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—		119,476			—			—		586,769		326,671			(1,032,916	)		—
Accounts receivable from affiliates		822,677		150,838			1,062,522			467,184		45,200		6,009,283			(8,557,704	)		—
Other current assets		94		639			196			—		—		111,619			—			112,548
Total current assets		822,776		300,873			1,065,953			467,186		631,969		7,721,671			(9,590,620	)		1,419,808
Property and equipment, at cost		—		2,898,924			76,394			—		—		14,317,684			—			17,293,002
Accumulated depreciation		—		(297,835	)		(59,403	)		—		—		(3,779,874	)		—			(4,137,112	)
Property and equipment, net		—		2,601,089			16,991			—		—		10,537,810			—			13,155,890
Notes receivable from affiliates		3,816,463		1,206,000			—			3,524,814		479,107		2,110,379			(11,136,763	)		—
Investments in affiliates		7,972,834		9,496,533			3,350,670			7,638,820		1,865,269		—			(30,324,126	)		—
Other assets		7,061		301			452			25,068		728		243,001			—			276,611
Total assets	$	12,619,134	$	13,604,796		$	4,434,066		$	11,655,888	$	2,977,073	$	20,612,861		$	(51,051,509	)	$	14,852,309
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	90,314	$	125,587		$	110,770		$	—	$	—	$	706,245		$	(1,032,916	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—		5,709			805			—		—		312,676			—			319,190
Accrued payroll and related costs		—		6,223			8,304			—		—		93,311			—			107,838
Accounts payable to affiliates		921,727		4,945,931			6,277			177,838		92,548		2,413,383			(8,557,704	)		—
Taxes payable		—		11,316			—			—		—		131,753			—			143,069
Interest payable		5,943		—			—			17,128		630		—			—			23,701
Other current liabilities		—		522			240			—		—		168,435			—			169,197
Total current liabilities		1,017,984		5,095,288			126,396			194,966		93,178		3,825,803			(9,590,620	)		762,995
Long-term debt		849,483		—			—			3,793,015		201,695		—			—			4,844,193
Notes payable to affiliates		2,840,287		586,979			—			975,000		1,342,000		5,392,497			(11,136,763	)		—
Deferred income taxes		—		(2,431	)		15,731			—		—		210,200			—			223,500
Other liabilities		19,931		17,960			—			—		—		309,504			—			347,395
Total liabilities		4,727,685		5,697,796			142,127			4,962,981		1,636,873		9,738,004			(20,727,383	)		6,178,083
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		7,891,449		7,907,000			4,291,939			6,692,907		1,340,200		9,677,699			(29,909,745	)		7,891,449
Noncontrolling interest		—		—			—			—		—		1,197,158			(414,381	)		782,777
Total equity		7,891,449		7,907,000			4,291,939			6,692,907		1,340,200		10,874,857			(30,324,126	)		8,674,226
Total liabilities and equity	$	12,619,134	$	13,604,796		$	4,434,066		$	11,655,888	$	2,977,073	$	20,612,861		$	(51,051,509	)	$	14,852,309

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2012

As Amended

(in thousands)

													Other
													Non-guarantor
	Noble-		NHC and NDH										Subsidiaries			Consolidating
	Cayman		Combined			NDC			NHIL		NDS6		of Noble			Adjustments			Total
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,003	$	904		$	—		$	2	$	—	$	275,466		$	—		$	277,375
Accounts receivable		—		14,885			3,335			—		—		725,453			—			743,673
Taxes receivable		—		8,341			—			—		—		103,969			—			112,310
Prepaid expenses		—		396			9			—		—		40,827			—			41,232
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates		—		119,476			—			—		586,769		252,138			(958,383	)		—
Accounts receivable from affiliates		664,375		140,014			1,015,204			526,483		38,895		5,855,066			(8,240,037	)		—
Other current assets		235		639			196			—		—		121,579			—			122,649
Total current assets		665,613		284,655			1,018,744			526,485		625,664		7,374,498			(9,198,420	)		1,297,239
Property and equipment, at cost		—		2,735,223			76,428			—		—		14,123,496			—			16,935,147
Accumulated depreciation		—		(283,028	)		(58,411	)		—		—		(3,597,079	)		—			(3,938,518	)
Property and equipment, net		—		2,452,195			18,017			—		—		10,526,417			—			12,996,629
Notes receivable from affiliates		3,816,463		1,206,000			—			3,524,814		479,107		2,171,875			(11,198,259	)		—
Investments in affiliates		7,770,066		9,170,923			3,386,879			7,413,361		1,977,906		—			(29,719,135	)		—
Other assets		5,798		320			543			25,895		759		243,243			—			276,558
Total assets	$	12,257,940	$	13,114,093		$	4,424,183		$	11,490,555	$	3,083,436	$	20,316,033		$	(50,115,814	)	$	14,570,426
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables from affiliates	$	90,314	$	51,054		$	110,770		$	—	$	—	$	706,245		$	(958,383	)	$	—
Accounts payable		—		6,522			1,183			—		—		341,889			—			349,594
Accrued payroll and related costs		—		6,176			7,611			—		—		110,149			—			123,936
Accounts payable to affiliates		900,063		4,806,235			5,444			165,065		77,075		2,286,155			(8,240,037	)		—
Taxes payable		—		9,152			—			—		—		121,692			—			130,844
Interest payable		1,594		—			—			62,430		4,412		—			—			68,436
Other current liabilities		—		—			240			—		—		158,259			—			158,499
Total current liabilities		991,971		4,879,139			125,248			227,495		81,487		3,724,389			(9,198,420	)		831,309
Long-term debt		639,794		—			—			3,792,886		201,695		—			—			4,634,375
Notes payable to affiliates		2,840,287		648,475			—			975,000		1,342,000		5,392,497			(11,198,259	)		—
Deferred income taxes		—		—			15,731			—		—		210,314			—			226,045
Other liabilities		19,930		17,815			—			—		—		309,870			—			347,615
Total liabilities		4,491,982		5,545,429			140,979			4,995,381		1,625,182		9,637,070			(20,396,679	)		6,039,344
Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholder equity		7,765,958		7,568,664			4,283,204			6,495,174		1,458,254		9,509,343			(29,314,639	)		7,765,958
Noncontrolling interest		—		—			—			—		—		1,169,620			(404,496	)		765,124
Total equity		7,765,958		7,568,664			4,283,204			6,495,174		1,458,254		10,678,963			(29,719,135	)		8,531,082
Total liabilities and equity	$	12,257,940	$	13,114,093		$	4,424,183		$	11,490,555	$	3,083,436	$	20,316,033		$	(50,115,814	)	$	14,570,426

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	46,957		$	4,991		$	—		$	—		$	897,239		$	(20,450	)	$	928,737
Reimbursables		—			586			—			—			—			20,588			—			21,174
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			21,054			—			21,054
Other		—			—			—			—			—			10			—			10
Total operating revenues		—			47,543			4,991			—			—			938,891			(20,450	)		970,975
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		919			16,425			1,785			24,213			—			453,669			(20,450	)		476,561
Reimbursables		—			334			—			—			—			14,588			—			14,922
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			12,249			—			12,249
Depreciation and amortization		—			14,862			1,101			—			—			189,788			—			205,751
General and administrative		625			1,892			1			8,713			—			3,612			—			14,843
Gain on contract extinguishment		—			—			—			—			—			(1,800	)		—			(1,800	)
Total operating costs and expenses		1,544			33,513			2,887			32,926			—			672,106			(20,450	)		722,526
Operating income (loss)		(1,544	)		14,030			2,104			(32,926	)		—			266,785			—			248,449
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		202,765			96,943			7,453			225,457			116,028			—			(648,646	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(33,307	)		(7,562	)		(833	)		(34,560	)		(11,721	)		(23,334	)		84,016			(27,301	)
Interest income and other, net		1,630			10,814			7			39,761			6,305			25,562			(84,016	)		63
Income before income taxes		169,544			114,225			8,731			197,732			110,612			269,013			(648,646	)		221,211
Income tax provision		—			(4,556	)		—			—			—			(29,458	)		—			(34,014	)
Net Income		169,544			109,669			8,731			197,732			110,612			239,555			(648,646	)		187,197
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(27,538	)		9,885			(17,653	)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		169,544			109,669			8,731			197,732			110,612			212,017			(638,761	)		169,544
Other comprehensive income, net		3,097			—			—			—			—			3,097			(3,097	)		3,097
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	172,641		$	109,669		$	8,731		$	197,732		$	110,612		$	215,114		$	(641,858	)	$	172,641

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

As Amended

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	42,991		$	5,061		$	—		$	—		$	718,076		$	(19,818	)	$	746,310
Reimbursables		—			5,308			—			—			—			29,833			—			35,141
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			16,008			—			16,008
Other		—			—			—			—			—			231			—			231
Total operating revenues		—			48,299			5,061			—			—			764,148			(19,818	)		797,690
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services		1,183			14,319			1,771			17,633			—			400,058			(19,818	)		415,146
Reimbursables		—			5,087			—			—			—			25,514			—			30,601
Labor contract drilling services		—			—			—			—			—			9,232			—			9,232
Depreciation and amortization		—			14,839			1,036			—			—			154,698			—			170,573
General and administrative		357			1,346			—			8,819			—			3,488			—			14,010
Total operating costs and expenses		1,540			35,591			2,807			26,452			—			592,990			(19,818	)		639,562
Operating income (loss)		(1,540	)		12,708			2,254			(26,452	)		—			171,158			—			158,128
Other income (expense)
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax		155,412			134,585			45,802			179,928			75,861			—			(591,588	)		—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(20,606	)		(14,914	)		(1,346	)		(20,972	)		(7,783	)		(19,896	)		75,021			(10,496	)
Interest income and other, net		1,386			7,824			16			29,254			3,110			34,830			(75,021	)		1,399
Income before income taxes		134,652			140,203			46,726			161,758			71,188			186,092			(591,588	)		149,031
Income tax provision		—			(8,776	)		—			—			—			(12,435	)		—			(21,211	)
Net Income		134,652			131,427			46,726			161,758			71,188			173,657			(591,588	)		127,820
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—			(1,196	)		8,028			6,832
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation		134,652			131,427			46,726			161,758			71,188			172,461			(583,560	)		134,652
Other comprehensive income, net		3,761			—			—			—			—			3,761			(3,761	)		3,761
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$	138,413		$	131,427		$	46,726		$	161,758		$	71,188		$	176,222		$	(587,321	)	$	138,413

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL		NDS6			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments		Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(24,033	)	$	21,420		$	2,894		$	(72,200)	$	(9,167	)	$	295,344		$	—	$	214,258
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(168,711	)		(18	)		—		—			(269,536	)		—		(438,265	)
Net cash from investing activities		—			(168,711	)		(18	)		—		—			(269,536	)		—		(438,265	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		209,680			—			—			—		—			—			—		209,680
Financing costs on credit facilities		(1,895	)		—			—			—		—			—			—		(1,895	)
Distributions to parent company, net		(53,110	)		—			—			—		—			—			—		(53,110	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(131,640	)		146,864			(2,876	)		72,200		9,167			(93,715	)		—		—
Net cash from financing activities		23,035			146,864			(2,876	)		72,200		9,167			(93,715	)		—		154,675
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(998	)		(427	)		—			—		—			(67,907	)		—		(69,332	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,003			904			—			2		—			275,466			—		277,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5		$	477		$	—		$	2	$	—		$	207,559		$	—	$	208,043

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

(in thousands)

	Noble- Cayman			NHC and NDH Combined			NDC			NHIL			NDS6			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities	$	(11,189	)	$	8,286		$	4,410		$	(53,966	)	$	(8,425	)	$	169,770		$	—		$	108,886
Cash flows from investing activities
New construction and capital expenditures		—			(136,849	)		(205	)		—			—			(354,582	)		—			(491,636	)
Notes receivable from affiliates		—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—			—			1,188,287			—
Net cash from investing activities		—			(136,849	)		(205	)		(1,188,287	)		—			(354,582	)		1,188,287			(491,636	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities		(825,000	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(825,000	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net		—			—			—			1,186,636			—			—			—			1,186,636
Contributions from joint venture partners		—			—			—			—			—			40,000			—			40,000
Distributions to parent		(52,727	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(52,727	)
Advances (to) from affiliates		(274,544	)		128,442			(4,205	)		55,621			8,425			86,261			—			—
Notes payable to affiliates		1,188,287			—			—			—			—			—			(1,188,287	)		—
Net cash from financing activities		36,016			128,442			(4,205	)		1,242,257			8,425			126,261			(1,188,287	)		348,909
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		24,827			(121	)		—			4			—			(58,551	)		—			(33,841	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		146			385			—			—			—			234,525			—			235,056
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	24,973		$	264		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	175,974		$	—		$	201,215

XML

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of forecasted local currency requirements of forward contract	59.00%
Notional amount of forward contracts outstanding	$ 124,000,000
Total unrealized loss related to forward contracts and recorded as part of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"	(1,202,000)	(644,000)	(3,061,000)
Forward contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total unrealized loss related to forward contracts and recorded as part of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"	$ 1,000,000

XML

Segment and Related Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Segment and Related Information

Note 13 — Segment and Related Information

We report our contract drilling operations as a single reportable segment, Contract Drilling Services, which reflects how we manage our business, and the fact that all of our drilling fleet is dependent upon the worldwide oil industry. The mobile offshore drilling units comprising our offshore rig fleet operate in a single, global market for contract drilling services and are often redeployed globally due to changing demands of our customers, which consist largely of major non-U.S. and government owned/controlled oil and gas companies throughout the world. Our contract drilling services segment conducts contract drilling operations in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia and Australia.

We evaluate the performance of our operating segment based on revenues from external customers and segment profit. Summarized financial information of our reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 is shown in the following table. The “Other” column includes results of labor contract drilling services in Canada and Alaska, as well as corporate related items. The consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-Swiss conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries. As a result, the summarized financial information for Noble-Cayman is substantially the same as Noble-Swiss.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013									2012
	Contract									Contract
	Drilling									Drilling
	Services			Other			Total			Services			Other			Total
Revenues from external customers	$	949,458		$	21,517		$	970,975		$	781,243		$	16,447		$	797,690
Depreciation and amortization		202,619			3,537			206,156			167,948			3,129			171,077
Segment operating income		225,134			4,657			229,791			140,267			3,376			143,643
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(120	)		(27,181	)		(27,301	)		(89	)		(10,407	)		(10,496	)
Income tax (provision)/ benefit		(38,241	)		3,889			(34,352	)		(22,600	)		1,011			(21,589	)
Segment profit/ (loss)		169,051			(18,991	)		150,060			125,484			(5,309	)		120,175
Total assets (at end of period)		14,212,435			677,523			14,889,958			13,248,321			646,880			13,895,201

XML

Property and Equipment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Property and Equipment, at Cost

Property and equipment, at cost, as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Drilling equipment and facilities	$	14,324,919	$	14,099,628
Construction in progress		2,817,564		2,677,385
Other		187,075		194,653
Property and equipment, at cost	$	17,329,558	$	16,971,666

XML

Employee Benefit Plans - Pension Costs (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,379	$ 1,123
Interest cost	1,282	1,358
Return on plan assets	(1,471)	(1,346)
Recognized net actuarial loss	405	200
Net pension expense	1,595	1,335
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	2,681	2,431
Interest cost	2,262	2,196
Return on plan assets	(3,276)	(2,793)
Amortization of prior service cost	57	57
Recognized net actuarial loss	1,910	1,885
Net pension expense	$ 3,634	$ 3,776

XML

Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment, at Cost (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 17,329,558	$ 16,971,666
Drilling equipment and facilities [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	14,324,919	14,099,628
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	2,817,564	2,677,385
Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 187,075	$ 194,653

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net income	$ 167,713	$ 113,343
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,657	(41)
Foreign currency forward contracts	(1,202)	2,417
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $730 in 2013 and $720 in 2012)	1,642	1,385
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,097	3,761
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(17,653)	6,832
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	153,157	123,936
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Net income	187,197	127,820
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,657	(41)
Foreign currency forward contracts	(1,202)	2,417
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $730 in 2013 and $720 in 2012)	1,642	1,385
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,097	3,761
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(17,653)	6,832
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation	$ 172,641	$ 138,413

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Consolidated Joint Ventures

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Consolidated Joint Ventures

Note 2 — Consolidated Joint Ventures

We maintain a 50 percent interest in two joint ventures, each with a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, PLC (“Shell”), that own and operate the two Bully-class drillships. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes. Accordingly, we consolidate the entities in our consolidated financial statements after eliminating intercompany transactions. Shell’s equity interests are presented as noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In April 2011, the Bully joint venture partners entered into capital contribution agreements whereby capital calls up to a total of $360 million could be made for funds needed to complete the construction of the drillships. All contributions under these agreements have been made.

The combined carrying amount of the Bully-class drillships at both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 totaled $1.4 billion. These assets were primarily funded through partner equity contributions. During 2012, these rigs commenced operations. Revenues related to these joint ventures for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $90 million and $6 million, respectively. Net income totaled $37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to a net loss of $14 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

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Segment and Related Information - Summarized Financial Information of Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	$ 970,975	$ 797,690
Depreciation and amortization	206,156	171,077
Segment operating income	229,791	143,643
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	(27,301)	(10,496)
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	(34,352)	(21,589)
Segment profit/ (loss)	150,060	120,175
Total assets (at end of period)	14,889,958	13,895,201	14,607,774
Contract Drilling Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	949,458	781,243
Depreciation and amortization	202,619	167,948
Segment operating income	225,134	140,267
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	(120)	(89)
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	(38,241)	(22,600)
Segment profit/ (loss)	169,051	125,484
Total assets (at end of period)	14,212,435	13,248,321
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	21,517	16,447
Depreciation and amortization	3,537	3,129
Segment operating income	4,657	3,376
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	(27,181)	(10,407)
Income tax (provision)/ benefit	3,889	1,011
Segment profit/ (loss)	(18,991)	(5,309)
Total assets (at end of period)	$ 677,523	$ 646,880

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Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of Debt

Total debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Senior unsecured notes:
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013	$	299,994	$	299,985
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014		249,839		249,799
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015		350,000		350,000
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016		299,955		299,952
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017		299,861		299,852
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		201,695		201,695
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020		498,929		498,900
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021		399,539		399,527
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022		399,115		399,095
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040		399,892		399,891
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041		397,622		397,613
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042		498,263		498,257
Total senior unsecured notes		4,294,704		4,294,566
Commercial paper program		549,489		339,809
Total long-term debt	$	4,844,193	$	4,634,375

Estimated Fair Value of Our Long-Term Debt

The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively:

	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
	Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
Senior unsecured notes:
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013	$	299,994	$	301,860	$	299,985	$	305,594
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014		249,839		265,191		249,799		269,008
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015		350,000		366,445		350,000		368,824
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016		299,955		312,637		299,952		316,268
2.50% Senior Notes due 2017		299,861		307,512		299,852		309,846
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019		201,695		251,615		201,695		249,358
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020		498,929		554,370		498,900		562,530
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021		399,539		435,232		399,527		442,776
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022		399,115		411,413		399,095		422,227
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040		399,892		448,844		399,891		477,327
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041		397,622		441,512		397,613		468,256
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042		498,263		503,988		498,257		533,422
Total senior unsecured notes		4,294,704		4,600,619		4,294,566		4,725,436
Commercial paper program		549,489		549,489		339,809		339,809
Total long-term debt	$	4,844,193	$	5,150,108	$	4,634,375	$	5,065,245

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Share Data - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified		3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013 Stock options [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Stock options [Member]	Apr. 30, 2013 Dividend [Member] Installment	Apr. 30, 2012 Dividend [Member] Installment	Mar. 31, 2013 Dividend [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Additional authorized shares without obtaining shareholder approval	133.1
Dividend to be paid, per share				$ 1.00	$ 0.52
Number of installments by which the installments of dividends paid				4	4
Dividends payable outstanding						$ 33
Stock options excluded from the diluted net income per share		1.0	1.2

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Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies

The Noble Homer Ferrington was under contract with a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”), which entered into an assignment agreement with BP for a two-well farmout of the rig in Libya after successfully drilling two wells with the rig for ExxonMobil. In August 2010, BP attempted to terminate the assignment agreement claiming that the rig was not in the required condition, and ExxonMobil informed us that we must look to BP for payment of the dayrate during the assignment period. In August 2010, we initiated arbitration proceedings under the drilling contract against both BP and ExxonMobil. We do not believe BP had the right to terminate the assignment agreement and believe the rig was ready to operate under the drilling contract. The rig operated under farmout arrangements from March 2011 to the conclusion of the contract in the second quarter of 2012. We believe we are owed dayrate by either or both of these clients. The operating dayrate was approximately $538,000 per day for the work in Libya. The arbitration process is proceeding, and we intend to vigorously pursue these claims. As a result of the uncertainties noted above, we have not recognized any revenue during the assignment period and the matter could have a material positive effect on our results of operations or cash flows in the period the matter is resolved should the arbitration panel ultimately rule in our favor.

In August 2007, we entered into a drilling contract with Marathon Oil Company (“Marathon”) for the Noble Jim Day to operate in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. On January 1, 2011, Marathon provided notice that it was terminating the contract. Marathon’s stated reason for the termination was that the rig had not been accepted by Marathon by December 31, 2010, and Marathon also maintained that a force majeure condition existed under the contract. The contract contained a provision allowing Marathon to terminate if the rig had not commenced operations by December 31, 2010. We believe the rig was ready to commence operations and should have been accepted by Marathon. The contract term was for four years. No revenue has been recognized under this contract. We have contracted the rig for much of the original term with other customers. In March 2011, we filed suit in Texas State District Court against Marathon seeking damages for its actions. The suit is proceeding and we expect the trial to occur in the third quarter of 2013. We cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit.

In November 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard in Alaska conducted an inspection of our drillship, the Noble Discoverer, and cited a number of deficiencies to be remediated, including issues relating to the main propulsion and safety management system. We initiated a comprehensive effort to address the deficiencies identified by the Coast Guard and commenced an ongoing dialogue with the agency to keep it apprised of our progress. We began an internal investigation in conjunction with the Coast Guard inspection, and the Coast Guard then began its own investigation. We reported certain potential violations of applicable law to the Coast Guard identified as a result of our internal investigation. These related to what we believe were certain unauthorized disposals of collected deck and sea water from the Noble Discoverer, collected, treated deck water from the Kulluk and potential record-keeping issues with the oil record books for the Noble Discoverer, Kulluk and other rigs and with the garbage log for the Kulluk. The Coast Guard referred the Noble Discoverer matter to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) for further investigation, and we have also been informed that the Coast Guard has referred the Kulluk matter to the DOJ. We are cooperating with the DOJ and Coast Guard in connection with their investigation. We cannot predict when the DOJ and Coast Guard will conclude the investigation and cannot provide any assurances with respect to the outcome. If the DOJ or Coast Guard determines that violations of applicable law have occurred, they could seek civil and criminal sanctions, including monetary penalties, against us and/or certain of our employees, as well as oversight of our operational compliance programs. Based on information obtained to date, we believe it is probable that we will have to pay an amount to resolve this matter. However, we are not in a position to estimate the potential liability that may result and have not made any accrual in our consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2013.

In January 2012, we were assessed a fine by the Brazilian government in the amount of R$1.8 million (approximately $889,000) in connection with the inadvertent discharge of drilling fluid from one of our rigs offshore Brazil in September 2011. We have accepted and paid the assessment.

In October 2011, we were assessed a fine by the Brazilian government in the amount of R$238,000 (approximately $118,000) in connection with the inadvertent discharge of approximately 200 barrels of drilling fluid from one of our vessels offshore Brazil in November 2010. We have accepted and paid the assessment.

We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits that are incidental to our operations in which the claimants seek an unspecified amount of monetary damages for personal injury, including injuries purportedly resulting from exposure to asbestos on drilling rigs and associated facilities. At March 31, 2013, there were 30 asbestos related lawsuits in which we are one of many defendants. These lawsuits have been filed in the United States in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We intend to vigorously defend against the litigation. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We are a defendant in certain claims and litigation arising out of operations in the ordinary course of business, including certain disputes with customers over receivables discussed in Note 4, the resolution of which, in the opinion of management, will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. There is inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these claims.

We operate in a number of countries throughout the world and our tax returns filed in those jurisdictions are subject to review and examination by tax authorities within those jurisdictions. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed its examination of our tax reporting for the taxable year ended December 31, 2008. The examination team has proposed adjustments with respect to certain items that were reported by us for the 2008 tax year. We believe that we have accurately reported all amounts included in our 2008 tax returns, and have filed protests with the IRS Appeals Office contesting the examination team’s proposed adjustments, and we are still waiting on a final resolution of these issues. We intend to vigorously defend our reported positions. The IRS has begun its examination of our tax reporting for the taxable year ended December 31, 2009. We believe that we have accurately reported all amounts in our 2009 tax returns. Furthermore, we are currently contesting several non-U.S. tax assessments and may contest future assessments when we disagree with those assessments based on the technical merits of the positions established at the time of the filing of the tax return. We believe the ultimate resolution of the outstanding assessments, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. We recognize uncertain tax positions that we believe have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained. We cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of the existing or future assessments.

Our Mexican income tax returns have been examined for the 2002 through 2007 periods and audit claims have been assessed for approximately $341 million (including interest and penalties). During 2011, we received from the Regional Chamber of the Federal Tax Court adverse decisions with respect to approximately $6 million in assessments related to depreciation deductions, which we are appealing. We are also contesting all other assessments in Mexico. Tax authorities in Mexico and other jurisdictions may issue additional assessments or pursue legal actions as a result of tax audits and we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of such assessments and legal actions.

Additional audit claims of approximately $126 million attributable to income, customs and other business taxes have been assessed against us in other jurisdictions. We have contested, or intend to contest, these assessments, including through litigation if necessary, and we believe the ultimate resolution, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

We maintain certain insurance coverage against specified marine perils, which includes physical damage and loss of hire. Damage caused by hurricanes has negatively impacted the energy insurance market, resulting in more restrictive and expensive coverage for U.S. named windstorm perils. Accordingly, we have elected to significantly reduce the named windstorm insurance on our rigs operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Presently, we insure the Noble Jim Thompson, Noble Amos Runner and Noble Driller for “total loss only” when caused by a named windstorm. For the Noble Bully I, our customer assumes the risk of loss due to a named windstorm event, pursuant to the terms of the drilling contract, through the purchase of insurance coverage (provided that we are responsible for any deductible under such policy) or, at its option, the assumption of the risk of loss up to the insured value in lieu of the purchase of such insurance. The remaining rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are self-insured for named windstorm perils. Our rigs located in the Mexico portion of the Gulf of Mexico remain covered by commercial insurance for windstorm damage. In addition, we maintain physical damage deductibles on our rigs ranging from $15 million to $25 million per occurrence, depending on location. The loss of hire coverage applies only to our rigs operating under contract with a dayrate equal to or greater than $200,000 a day and is subject to a 45-day waiting period for each unit and each occurrence.

Although we maintain insurance in the geographic areas in which we operate, pollution, reservoir damage and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. Our insurance policies and contractual rights to indemnity may not adequately cover our losses or may have exclusions of coverage for some losses. We do not have insurance coverage or rights to indemnity for all risks, including loss of hire insurance on most of the rigs in our fleet. Uninsured exposures may include expatriate activities prohibited by U.S. laws and regulations, radiation hazards, certain loss or damage to property on board our rigs and losses relating to shore-based terrorist acts or strikes. If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance or contractual indemnity, it could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, there can be no assurance that those parties with contractual obligations to indemnify us will necessarily be financially able to indemnify us against all these risks.

We carry protection and indemnity insurance covering marine third party liability exposures, which also includes coverage for employer’s liability resulting from personal injury to our offshore drilling crews. Our protection and indemnity policy currently has a standard deductible of $10 million per occurrence, with maximum liability coverage of $750 million.

In connection with our capital expenditure program, we had outstanding commitments, including shipyard and purchase commitments of approximately $2.6 billion at March 31, 2013.

We have entered into agreements with certain of our executive officers, as well as certain other employees. These agreements become effective upon a change of control of Noble-Swiss (within the meaning set forth in the agreements) or a termination of employment in connection with or in anticipation of a change of control, and remain effective for three years thereafter. These agreements provide for compensation and certain other benefits under such circumstances.

Nigerian Operations

During the fourth quarter of 2007, our Nigerian subsidiary received letters from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (“NIMASA”) seeking to collect a 2 percent surcharge on contract amounts under contracts performed by “vessels,” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws, engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade. Although we do not believe that these laws apply to our ownership of drilling units, NIMASA is seeking to apply a provision of the Nigerian cabotage laws (which became effective on May 1, 2004) to our offshore drilling units by considering these units to be “vessels” within the meaning of those laws and therefore subject to the surcharge, which is imposed only upon “vessels.” Our offshore drilling units are not engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade and are not in our view “vessels” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws. In January 2008, we filed an originating summons against NIMASA and the Minister of Transportation in the Federal High Court of Lagos, Nigeria seeking, among other things, a declaration that our drilling operations do not constitute “coastal trade” or “cabotage” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws and that our offshore drilling units are not “vessels” within the meaning of those laws. In February 2009, NIMASA filed suit against us in the Federal High Court of Nigeria seeking collection of the cabotage surcharge. In August 2009, the court issued a favorable ruling in response to our originating summons stating that drilling operations do not fall within the cabotage laws and that drilling rigs are not vessels for purposes of those laws. The court also issued an injunction against the defendants prohibiting their interference with our drilling rigs or drilling operations. NIMASA has appealed the court’s ruling, although the court dismissed NIMASA’s lawsuit filed against us in February 2009. We intend to take all further appropriate legal action to resist the application of Nigeria’s cabotage laws to our drilling units. The outcome of any such legal action and the extent to which we may ultimately be responsible for the surcharge is uncertain. If it is ultimately determined that offshore drilling units constitute vessels within the meaning of the Nigerian cabotage laws, we may be required to pay the surcharge and comply with other aspects of the Nigerian cabotage laws, which could adversely affect our operations in Nigerian waters and require us to incur additional costs of compliance.

NIMASA had previously informed the Nigerian Content Division of its position that we were not in compliance with the cabotage laws. The Nigerian Content Division makes determinations of companies’ compliance with applicable local content regulations for purposes of government contracting, including contracting for services in connection with oil and gas concessions where the Nigerian national oil company is a partner. The Nigerian Content Division had previously barred us from participating in new tenders as a result of NIMASA’s allegations, although the Division reversed its actions based on the favorable Federal High Court ruling. However, no assurance can be given with respect to our ability to bid for future work in Nigeria until our dispute with NIMASA is resolved.

Under the Nigerian Industrial Training Fund Act of 2004, as amended, (the “Act”), Nigerian companies with five or more employees must contribute annually 1 percent of their payroll to the Industrial Training Fund (“ITF”) established under the Act to be used for the training of Nigerian nationals with a view towards generating a pool of indigenously trained manpower. We have not paid this amount on our expatriate workers employed by our non-Nigerian employment entity in the past as we did not believe the contribution obligation was applicable to them. In October 2012, we received a demand from the ITF for payments going back to 2004 and associated penalties in respect of these expatriate employees. In February 2013, the ITF filed suit seeking payment of these amounts. We do not believe that we owe the amount claimed and that, in the event we were to have any liability, it would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or cash flows. We continue to investigate the matter and are also in discussions with the ITF to resolve the issue.