v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
May 02, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001021860  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2012  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   426,213,862