COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 12, 2015 item	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) ft² item	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Number of new FlexRigs to build and operate (in rigs) | item		6
Number of new FlexRigs under construction (in rigs) | item	6
Purchase orders outstanding for drilling equipment		$ 81,100
LEASES
Area of leased office space (in square feet) | ft²		215,600
Fiscal Year
2016		$ 7,803
2017		6,246
2018		4,304
2019		4,236
2020		3,711
Thereafter		12,335
Total		38,635
Rent expense
Total rent expense		13,600	$ 12,100	$ 9,900
CONTINGENCIES
Gain contingencies recognized in consolidated financial statements		$ 0
Proceeds from settlement of arbitration disputes with third parties not affiliated with the Venezuelan government, Petroleo or PDVSA related to seizure of property in Venezuela				$ 15,000	$ 7,500