Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income	$ 83,316	$ 850,406	$ 556,137
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(118)	(3,188)	(8,076)
Net pension plan gain (loss) (net of tax provision (benefit) of ($21,429) in 2014, $14,155 in 2013 and ($3,777) in 2012 )	(41,608)	29,861	(41,658)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $1,102 in 2014, $2,924 in 2013 and $2,841 in 2012)	2,764	6,612	5,545
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense (net of tax provision of $9,902 in 2014)	18,389
Prior service cost arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $317 in 2014)	(1,159)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(21,732)	33,285	(41,128)
Total comprehensive income	61,584	883,691	515,009
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(74,825)	(67,709)	(33,793)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc	(13,241)	815,982	481,216
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated			3,061
Noble-Cayman [Member]
Net income	199,053	935,523	614,716
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(118)	(3,188)	(8,076)
Net pension plan gain (loss) (net of tax provision (benefit) of ($21,429) in 2014, $14,155 in 2013 and ($3,777) in 2012 )	(41,608)	29,861	(41,658)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $1,102 in 2014, $2,924 in 2013 and $2,841 in 2012)	2,764	6,612	5,545
Net pension plan curtailment and settlement expense (net of tax provision of $9,902 in 2014)	18,389
Prior service cost arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $317 in 2014)	(1,159)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(21,732)	33,285	(41,128)
Total comprehensive income	177,321	968,808	573,588
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(74,825)	(67,709)	(33,793)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc	102,496	901,099	539,795
Noble-Cayman [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Gain (loss) from derivatives instruments designated			$ 3,061