Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
REVENUES:
Contract drilling	$ 273,557	$ 234,760
Revenues related to reimbursable expenses	11,149	10,333
Total revenues	284,706	245,093
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Contract drilling	123,162	105,938
Reimbursable expenses	8,414	5,978
Depreciation	32,544	27,578
General and administrative	19,822	17,221
Other, net	(1,637)	7
Total costs and expenses	182,305	156,722
OPERATING INCOME	102,401	88,371
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	(8,211)	(4,408)
Interest income	70	124
Other income (expense) total	(8,141)	(4,284)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	94,260	84,087
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	10,863	11,256
NET INCOME	$ 83,397	$ 72,831
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (NOTE 2):
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.30	$ 1.11
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.28	$ 1.10
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (NOTE 2):
Basic (in shares)	64,112	65,528
Diluted (in shares)	65,026	66,092