Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2010 item	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011
Operating results from discontinued operations
Loss before income taxes		$ (18)	$ (2)	$ (154)	$ (393)
Income tax provision				(81)	(5)
Loss from discontinued operations		(18)	(2)	(73)	(388)
Assets and liabilities from discontinued operations
Other current assets		7,578		7,578		7,529
Current liabilities		5,156		5,156		4,979
Noncurrent liabilities		2,422		2,422		2,550
Venezuelan subsidiary
Discontinued Operations, Additional Disclosures
Number of rigs owned subject to forceful acquisition	11
Operating results from discontinued operations
Loss before income taxes		(18)	(2)	(154)	(393)
Income tax provision				(81)	(5)
Loss from discontinued operations		(18)	(2)	(73)	(388)
Assets and liabilities from discontinued operations
Other current assets		7,578		7,578		7,529
Total assets		7,578		7,578		7,529
Current liabilities		5,156		5,156		4,979
Noncurrent liabilities		2,422		2,422		2,550
Total liabilities		$ 7,578		$ 7,578		$ 7,529