Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
REVENUES:
Contract drilling	$ 245,093	$ 184,672
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Contract drilling	111,916	78,344
Depreciation	27,578	15,363
General and administrative	17,221	14,094
Other, net	7	0
Total costs and expenses	156,722	107,801
OPERATING INCOME	88,371	76,871
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	(4,408)	(603)
Interest income	124	86
Other	0	1,577
Other income (expense) total	(4,284)	1,060
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	84,087	77,931
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	11,256	12,463
NET INCOME	$ 72,831	$ 65,468
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (NOTE 2):
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.11	$ 1.01
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.10	$ 1.00
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (NOTE 2):
Basic (in shares)	65,528	65,024
Diluted (in shares)	66,092	65,541