Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
REVENUES:
Contract drilling	$ 264,925	$ 261,489	$ 798,544	$ 738,604
Revenues related to reimbursable expenses	27,852	11,199	52,036	32,338
Total revenues	292,777	272,688	850,580	770,942
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Contract drilling	128,586	109,502	388,715	314,001
Reimbursable expenses	23,493	8,461	41,095	23,351
Depreciation	37,601	30,352	107,376	86,412
General and administrative	12,844	13,663	47,688	44,152
(Gain)/loss on sale of equipment	7	0	(34,072)	0
Other, net	(212)	(55)	(1,815)	(68)
Total costs and expenses	202,319	161,923	548,987	467,848
OPERATING INCOME	90,458	110,765	301,593	303,094
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	(11,219)	(5,692)	(30,932)	(16,647)
Interest income	126	57	247	202
Other income (expense) total	(11,093)	(5,635)	(30,685)	(16,445)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	79,365	105,130	270,908	286,649
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	7,440	15,149	42,286	38,318
NET INCOME	$ 71,925	$ 89,981	$ 228,622	$ 248,331
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (NOTE 2):
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.12	$ 1.38	$ 3.56	$ 3.79
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.11	$ 1.37	$ 3.52	$ 3.75
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (NOTE 2):
Basic (in shares)	64,309	65,062	64,204	65,441
Diluted (in shares)	65,060	65,858	65,023	66,180