v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Feb. 12, 2016
Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2015    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol NOV    
Entity Registrant Name NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0001021860    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   375,800,956  
Entity Public Float     $ 18.7