Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
REVENUES:
Contract drilling	$ 184,672	$ 146,286
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Contract drilling	78,344	58,344
Depreciation	15,363	8,803
General and administrative	14,094	15,664
Other, net		(61)
Total costs and expenses	107,801	82,750
OPERATING INCOME	76,871	63,536
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	(603)	(678)
Interest income	86	382
Other	1,577
Other income (expense) total	1,060	(296)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	77,931	63,240
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	12,463	10,390
NET INCOME	$ 65,468	$ 52,850
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (NOTE 3):
Basic	$ 1.01	$ 0.82
Diluted	$ 1.00	$ 0.81
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (NOTE 3):
Basic	65,024	64,528
Diluted	65,541	65,184