XML 87 R84.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Income Taxes - Domestic and Foreign Components of Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |
Income before income taxes, Domestic | $ 1,362 | $ 1,697 | $ 1,193
Income before income taxes, Foreign | 1,762 | 1,643 | 1,601
Income before income taxes | $ 3,124 | $ 3,340 | $ 2,794

X
- Definition Income before income taxes. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nov_IncomeBeforeIncomeTaxes
Namespace Prefix: | nov_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Income before income taxes domestic. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nov_IncomeBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic
Namespace Prefix: | nov_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Income before income taxes foreign. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nov_IncomeBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign
Namespace Prefix: | nov_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration