Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
REVENUES:
Contract drilling	$ 178,603	$ 162,147	$ 534,896	$ 467,518
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Contract drilling	87,374	53,004	245,060	161,750
Depreciation	15,650	10,395	46,419	27,991
General and administrative	11,856	9,742	37,502	34,480
Other, net	274	0	1,137	(77)
Total costs and expenses	115,154	73,141	330,118	224,144
OPERATING INCOME	63,449	89,006	204,778	243,374
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	(1,517)	(1,900)	(1,623)	(3,037)
Interest income	58	97	258	592
Other income (expense) total	(1,459)	(1,803)	(1,365)	(2,445)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	61,990	87,203	203,413	240,929
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	10,279	11,918	26,768	42,182
NET INCOME	$ 51,711	$ 75,285	$ 176,645	$ 198,747
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (NOTE 2):
Basic	$ 0.79	$ 1.16	$ 2.71	$ 3.07
Diluted	$ 0.79	$ 1.15	$ 2.69	$ 3.04
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (NOTE 2):
Basic	65,362	64,820	65,221	64,689
Diluted	65,823	65,470	65,715	65,355