Loss on Impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss on impairment	$ 802,133	$ 121,639	$ 1,458,749
Proceeds from disposal of assets	5,402	2,382	24,808
Noble Amos Runner, Noble Clyde Boudreaux And Noble Dave Beard
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Impairment related charges			1,000,000
Noble Homer Ferrington
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Impairment related charges			120,100
Capital Spare Equipment
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Impairment related charges			$ 170,500
Noble Max Smith
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Impairment related charges		164,800
Proceeds from disposal of assets		$ 1,200
Bully Joint Venture
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss on impairment	250,300
Bully Joint Venture | Drillships
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss on impairment	$ 550,300