Vantage Drilling 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013
Document - Document and Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'VTG	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Vantage Drilling CO	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001419428	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	303,643,681

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$67,729	$502,726
Restricted cash	3,353	3,515
Trade receivables	144,915	119,452
Inventory	53,090	37,944
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	12,828	25,208
Total current assets	281,915	688,845
Property and equipment	'	'
Property and equipment	3,457,772	2,893,837
Accumulated depreciation	-250,571	-176,331
Property and equipment, net	3,207,201	2,717,506
Other assets	'	'
Investment in joint venture	32,650	31,320
Other assets	96,010	92,536
Total other assets	128,660	123,856
Total assets	3,617,776	3,530,207
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	56,624	50,909
Accrued liabilities	120,090	123,484
Revolving credit agreement	10,000	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	53,500	31,250
Total current liabilities	240,214	205,643
Long-term debt, net of discount of $42,243 and $11,940	2,862,507	2,710,559
Other long-term liabilities	41,548	45,520
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders’ equity	'	'
Preferred shares, $0.001 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	'	'
Ordinary shares, $0.001 par value, 500,000 shares authorized; 303,644 and 299,647 shares issued and outstanding	303	299
Additional paid-in capital	895,296	878,137
Accumulated deficit	-422,092	-309,951
Total shareholders’ equity	473,507	568,485
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$3,617,776	$3,530,207

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, discount	$42,243	$11,940
Preferred shares, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred shares, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Preferred shares, shares issued	'	'
Preferred shares, shares outstanding	'	'
Ordinary shares, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Ordinary shares, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Ordinary shares, shares issued	303,644	299,647
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	303,644	299,647

Consolidated_Statement_of_Oper

Consolidated Statement of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Contract drilling services	$158,887	$105,521	$449,354	$310,202
Management fees	3,903	966	9,511	4,644
Reimbursables	13,095	5,047	34,658	33,662
Total revenues	175,885	111,534	493,523	348,508
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Operating costs	84,132	52,004	236,566	171,358
General and administrative	8,891	6,622	23,372	18,586
Depreciation	24,886	16,575	74,727	49,519
Total operating costs and expenses	117,909	75,201	334,665	239,463
Income from operations	57,976	36,333	158,858	109,045
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest income	26	15	195	48
Interest expense and other financing charges	-47,379	-31,583	-158,296	-104,518
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	-2,528	-98,327	-2,528
Other, net	305	-61	2,195	800
Total other income (expense)	-47,048	-34,157	-254,233	-106,198
Income (loss) before income taxes	10,928	2,176	-95,375	2,847
Income tax provision	4,084	2,714	16,766	14,541
Net income (loss)	$6,844	($538)	($112,141)	($11,694)
Earnings (loss) per share	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.02	$0	($0.37)	($0.04)
Diluted	$0.02	$0	($0.37)	($0.04)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net loss	($112,141)	($11,694)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation expense	74,727	49,519
Amortization of debt financing costs	9,425	12,617
Amortization of debt discount (premium)	4,605	-3,473
Non-cash loss on debt extinguishment	6,070	2,528
Share-based compensation expense	5,431	5,808
Deferred income tax expense	858	2,978
Equity in loss of joint venture	345	'
Loss on disposal of assets	114	502
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	162	1,150
Trade receivables	-25,463	-9,382
Inventory	-15,146	-9,948
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,709	1,509
Other assets	-6,866	2,074
Accounts payable	5,715	14,090
Accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities	-25,146	-105,126
Net cash used in operating activities	-65,601	-46,848
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-548,621	-848,939
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	2	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-548,619	-848,939
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured notes, net	775,000	837,000
Proceeds from issuance of term loan, net	344,750	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior convertible notes	100,000	50,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-1,020,499	'
Proceeds from revolving credit agreement, net	10,000	'
Debt issuance costs	-30,028	-38,768
Net cash provided by financing activities	179,223	848,232
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-434,997	-47,555
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	502,726	110,031
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	67,729	62,476
Cash paid for:	'	'
Interest	164,955	185,592
Taxes	15,478	11,675
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:	'	'
Interest capitalized	-17,592	-55,731
Trade-in value on equipment upgrades	'	-2,955
Reclassification of receivable in Titanium Explorer acquisition	'	33,664
Fair value of embedded conversion option of Convertible Notes	$11,732	$2,920

Organization_and_Recent_Events

Organization and Recent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization and Recent Events	'
	1. Organization and Recent Events
	Vantage Drilling Company is a holding company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands on November 14, 2007 with no significant operations or assets, other than its interests in its subsidiaries. Through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, Vantage Drilling Company is an international offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry focused on operating a fleet of modern, high-specification mobile offshore drilling units (“MODUs”). Our operating fleet currently consists of four ultra-premium jackup rigs and three ultra-deepwater drillships. Our global fleet is currently located in India, Southeast Asia, West Africa and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
	In July 2013, we executed a turnkey construction contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. (“DSME”) to construct a fourth ultra-deepwater drillship, to be named the Cobalt Explorer, at the DSME yard in South Korea. The agreement is a fixed price turnkey contract for the construction of the drillship with a scheduled delivery date of August 2015. The Cobalt Explorer will be a dual activity drillship equipped with two seven-ram BOPs and will be capable of operating in water depths up to 12,000 feet.
	In July 2013, we issued $100.0 million principal amount of 5.50% Convertible Senior Notes (the “5.50% Convertible Notes”) which mature in 2043, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased, and bears interest at 5.50%, payable semi-annually in arrears commencing on January 15, 2014. The net proceeds from the 5.50% Convertible Notes were used to fund the initial payment of $59.5 million under the Cobalt Explorer construction contract and the remainder was raised for general corporate purposes.
	In March 2013 Offshore Group Investment Limited, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries (“OGIL”), entered into a 6-year, $350.0 million term loan (the “2019 Term Loan”) and completed an offering of $775.0 million of 7.125% Senior Secured First Lien Notes (the “7.125% Senior Notes”) which mature in 2023. The proceeds from the 2019 Term Loan and 7.125% Senior Notes were used to retire approximately $1.0 billion of OGIL’s existing 11.5% Senior Secured Notes (the “11.5% Senior Notes”) for total consideration of approximately $1.1 billion, including $92.3 million paid for the early redemption and consent fees and $18.2 million for accrued and unpaid interest. The balance of the proceeds was used for transaction expenses and general corporate purposes. At the same time, we amended and restated our secured revolving credit agreement to increase the aggregate principal amount available thereunder to $200 million.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Consolidation: The accompanying interim consolidated financial information as of September 30, 2013 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 has been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and include our accounts and those of our majority owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. They reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to provide for fair presentation. The balance sheet at December 31, 2012 is derived from our December 31, 2012 audited financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents: Includes deposits with financial institutions as well as short-term money market instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.
	Restricted Cash: Consists of cash and cash equivalents established as debt reserves and posted as collateral for bid tenders and performance bonds.
	Inventory: Consists of materials, spare parts, consumables and related supplies for our drilling rigs and is carried at the lower of average cost or market.
	Property and Equipment: Consists primarily of the costs of our drilling rigs, furniture and fixtures, computer equipment and capitalized costs for computer software. Drilling rigs are depreciated on a component basis over estimated useful lives ranging from five to thirty-five years on a straight-line basis as of the date placed in service. Other assets are depreciated upon placement in service over estimated useful lives ranging from three to seven years on a straight-line basis. When assets are sold, retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss is recognized.
	Interest costs and the amortization of debt financing costs related to the financings of our MODUs are capitalized as part of the cost while they are under construction and prior to the commencement of each vessel’s first contract. Total interest and amortization costs capitalized for assets under construction for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $9.5 million and $15.9 million, respectively as compared to $29.8 million and $55.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. We evaluate the realization of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss on our property and equipment exists when estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Any impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the estimated fair value.
	Debt Financing Costs: Costs incurred with debt financings are deferred and amortized over the term of the related financing facility on a straight line basis which approximates the interest method.
	Investment in Joint Venture: In November 2012, we acquired 41.9% of Sigma Drilling, Ltd. (“Sigma”), which has contracted to build a next generation ultra-deepwater drillship, to be known as the Palladium Explorer, at STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.’s (“STX”) shipyard in Korea. We are currently accounting for our interest in Sigma as an equity method investment. Accordingly, we recognize 41.9% of the profit or loss of Sigma as other income in our statement of operations with a corresponding adjustment to our investment in joint venture account. As the purpose of Sigma is to construct the Palladium Explorer and it has no other significant operations, we capitalized interest on our investment in Sigma until September 2013 when STX suspended construction of the drillship as a result of their negotiations to restructure their operations and finances with their lenders. We are currently involved in discussions with STX about alternatives for completing the construction contract. If the construction contract is terminated, we may claim third-party refund guarantees along with other available remedies. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, Sigma recognized a loss from operations consisting primarily of general administrative expenses.
	The change in our investment in joint venture account was composed of the following (in thousands):
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$		31,320
	Our share of joint venture net losses			(345	)
	Capitalized interest			1,675
	Balance, September 30, 2013	$		32,650
	Revenue: Revenue is recognized as services are performed based on contracted dayrates and the number of operating days during the period.
	In connection with a customer contract, we may receive lump-sum fees for the mobilization of equipment and personnel or the demobilization of equipment and personnel upon completion. Mobilization fees received and costs incurred to mobilize a rig from one geographic market to another are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of such contract, excluding any option periods. Costs incurred to mobilize a rig without a contract are expensed as incurred. Fees or lump-sum payments received for capital improvements to rigs are deferred and amortized to income over the term of the related drilling contract. The costs of such capital improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the useful lives of the assets. Upon completion of drilling contracts, any demobilization fees received are recorded as revenue. We record reimbursements from customers for rebillable costs and expenses as revenue and the related direct costs as operating expenses.
	Rig and Equipment Certifications: We are required to obtain regulatory certifications to operate our drilling rigs and certain specified equipment and must maintain such certifications through periodic inspections and surveys. The costs associated with these certifications, including drydock costs, are deferred and amortized over the corresponding certification periods.
	Income Taxes: Income taxes have been provided based upon the tax laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted and income is earned. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible amounts and are based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes in income tax expense.
	Earnings per Share: Basic earnings (loss) per share have been based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share has been computed based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding in the applicable period, as if all potentially dilutive securities were converted into ordinary shares (using the treasury stock method).
	The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares used for the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) computations:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013				2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding for basic EPS		302,682				293,085		301,962		292,158
	Options		—				—		—		—
	Warrants		—				—		—		—
	Adjusted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding for diluted EPS		302,682				293,085		301,962		292,158
	For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and both the three months and the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the calculation of diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding excludes 81.5 million and 35.1 million ordinary shares, respectively, issuable pursuant to outstanding warrants, share options and convertible notes because their effect is anti-dilutive. The warrants and share options are anti-dilutive as the exercise or conversion price of such securities exceeded the average market price of our shares for the applicable periods. The ordinary shares issuable for the convertible notes, if converted, are excluded as the effect of including convertible debt and the related adjustments to income under the “if-converted” method of computing diluted earnings per share is anti-dilutive for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012.
	Concentration of Credit Risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and accounts receivable. We maintain deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. We monitor the credit ratings and our concentration of risk with these financial institutions on a continuing basis to safeguard our cash deposits. Some of our restricted cash is invested in certificates of deposit. We have a limited number of key customers, who are primarily large international oil and gas operators, national oil companies and other international oil and gas companies. Our contracts provide for monthly billings as services are performed and we monitor compliance with contract payment terms on an ongoing basis. Outstanding receivables beyond payment terms are promptly investigated and discussed with the specific customer. We do not have an allowance for doubtful accounts as of September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012.
	Share-Based Compensation: We account for employee share-based compensation using the fair value method as prescribed under U.S. GAAP. Restricted share grants are valued based on the market price of our ordinary shares on the date of grant and the fair value attributable to share options is calculated based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair values are amortized to expense over the service period which is equivalent to the time required to vest the share options and share grants. We recognized approximately $1.8 million and $1.4 million of share-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $5.4 million and $5.8 million, respectively, of share-based compensation expense.
	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. While management believes current estimates are appropriate and reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The fair value of our short-term financial assets and liabilities approximates the carrying amounts represented in the balance sheet principally due to the short-term or floating rate nature of these instruments. At September 30, 2013, the fair value of the 7.125% Senior Notes, the 7.5% Senior Secured First Lien Notes (the “7.5% Senior Notes”) and the 7.875% Senior Convertible Notes (the “7.875% Convertible Notes”) discussed below under “Note 5. Debt” was approximately $756.8 million, $1.2 billion and $64.0 million based on quoted market prices, a Level 1 measurement. There have been no trades of our 5.50% Convertible Notes and we believe the carrying value of the 5.50% Convertible Notes approximates their face value primarily due to the recent issuance of the notes in mid-July 2013.
	Derivative Financial Instruments: We may use derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to various market risks, primarily interest rate risk. We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivatives. We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had no outstanding derivative instruments.

Transactions_with_F3_Capital_a

Transactions with F3 Capital and Affiliates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Transactions with F3 Capital and Affiliates	'
	3. Transactions with F3 Capital and Affiliates
	F3 Capital Note
	As part of the purchase price for the acquisition of the remaining interest in the entity that owned the construction contract for the Platinum Explorer (the “Mandarin Acquisition”), we issued a promissory note to F3 Capital (the “F3 Capital Note”). The F3 Capital Note accrues interest at 5% per annum and matures in January 2018. If we do not repay the F3 Capital Note on its scheduled maturity date or upon the occurrence of certain customary default provisions, the interest rate on any amounts outstanding under the F3 Capital Note will rise to 10% per annum. In connection with the issuance of the 7.875% Convertible Notes, F3 Capital elected to apply $6.5 million aggregate principal amount of the F3 Capital Note as consideration for an equivalent amount of 7.875% Convertible Notes. We did not receive any cash proceeds from this direct placement. As a result of this transaction, we recognized a charge of approximately $2.5 million related to the early extinguishment of the debt.
	We originally valued the F3 Capital Note based on our weighed average cost of capital which resulted in a discounted present value of $27.8 million. As of September 30, 2013, if we were to value the F3 Capital Note at our current weighted average cost of capital, the current discounted present value would be approximately $43.1 million, a Level 3 measurement.
	The F3 Capital Note contains a preemptive right covenant that provides F3 Capital with the right to purchase a pro-rata portion of any equity or convertible debt that we offer at a price per share less than the contingent conversion price of the F3 Capital Note so long as the F3 Capital Note is outstanding.
	Lawsuit
	On August 21, 2012, we filed a lawsuit against Mr. Hsin-Chi Su, a former member of our Board of Directors and the owner of F3 Capital, our largest shareholder, asserting breach of fiduciary duties, fraud, fraudulent inducement and negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment based on Mr. Su’s conduct in his dealings with the Company both immediately prior to and during his tenure as one of our directors. The lawsuit, styled Vantage Drilling Company vs. Hsin-Chi Su a/k/a Nobu Su, is currently pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. In the lawsuit, we are seeking to recover actual and punitive damages as well as other relief, in each case, relating to our past transactions with Mr. Su and F3 Capital, including our joint venture with Mandarin Drilling Corporation, an entity formerly owned and controlled by Mr. Su, our acquisition of the Platinum Explorer from Mandarin Drilling Corporation and the financing thereof, and the acquisition of the Titanium Explorer. We intend to vigorously pursue our claims, but we can provide no assurance as to the outcome of this legal action.
	In late July 2013, F3 Capital delivered formal notice to us that it believes we have breached the F3 Capital Note. Among its claims, F3 Capital has alleged that we failed to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain shareholder approval for the issuance of shares upon the conversion of the F3 Capital Note. In connection with its claims, F3 Capital may attempt to accelerate the maturity of the F3 Capital Note in an amount totaling approximately $63.0 million of principal and interest, plus F3 Capital’s claims for penalties and additional interest in excess of $35.0 million. We believe we have met our obligations under the F3 Capital Note to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain shareholder approvals, and have instituted an action for declaratory relief in the English High Court for purposes of obtaining a judicial determination on F3 Capital’s claims. We intend to vigorously defend our position. In recognition that the standards of what constitutes commercially reasonable efforts may be subject to interpretation, there can be no assurances that the court will agree with our interpretation.
	Titanium Explorer Acquisition
	In April 2012, we completed the acquisition of the ultra-deepwater drillship, Titanium Explorer, from Valencia Drilling Corporation, an affiliate of F3 Capital. In December 2012, the Titanium Explorer commenced drilling operations under an eight year drilling contract.
	Drillship Construction Supervision Agreement
	We had a construction supervision agreement with an affiliate of F3 Capital that entitled us to payments for supervising the construction of Hull 3608, an ultra-deepwater drillship. In November 2009, pursuant to the terms of the construction supervision agreement, the affiliate of F3 Capital cancelled the agreement. Management fee revenue of approximately $3.0 million for construction services rendered by us in 2009 prior to the suspension and cancellation has not been paid as of September 30, 2013, and remains currently due and payable. In August 2012, we issued a demand letter regarding payment of the overdue amount. We will continue to pursue all remedies, including legal remedies, to collect this outstanding amount.

Construction_Supervision_and_O

Construction Supervision and Operations Management Agreements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Construction Supervision and Operations Management Agreements	'
	4. Construction Supervision and Operations Management Agreements
	In September 2013, we signed an agreement to supervise and manage the construction of two ultra-deepwater drillships for a third party. We will receive management fees and reimbursable costs during the construction phase of the two drillships, subject to a maximum amount on each drillship.
	In connection with our November 2012 investment of $31 million for a 41.9% ownership interest in Sigma, we entered into an agreement to supervise and manage the construction of the Palladium Explorer. Pursuant to the term of the construction management agreement, we are receiving a fixed monthly management fee during the expected thirty-six month construction period for the vessel. In September 2013, we received notice from STX that they were suspending construction of the Palladium Explorer as a result of their negotiations to restructure their operations and finances with their lenders. We are discussing with STX possible alternatives for completing the construction contract. If the contract with STX is terminated, we may claim third-party refund guarantees along with other available remedies.
	In October 2012, we reached an understanding with a contractor in Mexico to manage the construction and operations of a newbuild jackup rig. The contractor subsequently acquired a second jackup rig and ordered two additional rigs. The contractor awarded us construction management contracts for each of the first four rigs. In August 2013, the contractor notified us that effective September 30, 2013, it would manage the remaining construction for the third and fourth rigs. Pursuant to the terms of the construction management contracts, we will continue to receive our management fees until mid-November. We are managing the operations of the first two rigs in Mexico, which were delivered in the first and second quarters of 2013, respectively. Under the terms of our operations management agreements, we are entitled to receive a fixed fee per day plus a performance fee based on the operational results of the rigs. Our counterparties may terminate the operations management agreements upon ninety days written notice following the satisfaction of a minimum term. Additionally, the operations management agreements may also be terminated if: (i) we fail to meet our obligations under the agreement after being given notice and time to cure, (ii) we go into liquidation or cease to carry on our business, (iii) the rig is damaged to the point of being inoperable, or (iv) the rig is sold and no outstanding payments are owed to us.
	In July 2010, we signed an agreement to supervise and manage the construction and marketing of the ultra-deepwater drillship the Dalian Developer. We are receiving management fees and reimbursable costs during the construction phase of the drillship. In September 2013, the agreement was modified to increase the management fees effective October 2013 and notice was given by the owner of the Dalian Developer to us that the contract would terminate in six months. We will receive the increased fees over the remaining life of the agreement.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt	'
	5. Debt
	Our long-term debt was composed of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	7.5% Senior Notes, issued at par	$	1,150,000	$	1,150,000
	7.125% Senior Notes, issued at par		775,000		—
	$500 million 2017 Term Loan, net of discount of $7,707 and $9,539		467,293		484,211
	$350 million 2019 Term Loan, net of discount of $4,788		343,462		—
	11.5% Senior Notes, net of premium of $19,726		—		1,019,725
	5.50% Convertible Notes, net of discount of $10,908		89,092		—
	7.875% Convertible Notes, net of discount of $2,227 and $2,709		54,223		53,791
	F3 Capital Note, net of discount of $16,563 and $19,418		36,937		34,082
			2,916,007		2,741,809
	Less current maturities of long-term debt		53,500		31,250
	Long-term debt	$	2,862,507	$	2,710,559
	7.125% Senior Notes and $350 Million 2019 Term Loan
	In March 2013, OGIL issued $775.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.125% Senior Notes under an indenture. The 7.125% Senior Notes were issued at par, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior secured basis, by us and certain of our subsidiaries. The 7.125% Senior Notes mature on April 1, 2023, and bear interest from the date of their issuance at the rate of 7.125% per year. Interest on outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears, commencing on October 1, 2013. Interest is computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
	Additionally during March 2013, we entered into the $350 million 2019 Term Loan. The 2019 Term Loan was issued at 98.5% of the face value and bears interest at LIBOR plus 4.5%, with a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. The 2019 Term Loan has annual scheduled debt maturities of 1% of the original principal amount that are payable quarterly commencing in June 2013. The maturity date of the 2019 Term Loan is March 28, 2019. The original issue discount, reported as a direct deduction from the face amount of the 2019 Term Loan, will be recognized over the life of the 2019 Term Loan using the effective interest rate method. The 2019 Term Loan is secured on a senior secured basis by us and certain of our subsidiaries.
	The net proceeds, after fees and expenses, from the 7.125% Senior Notes and the 2019 Term Loan of approximately $1.1 billion were used to retire approximately $1.0 billion of OGIL’s existing 11.5% Senior Notes for total consideration of approximately $1.1 billion, including $92.3 million paid for the early redemption and consent fees and $18.2 million for accrued and unpaid interest. The balance of the proceeds was used for payment of transaction expenses and general corporate purposes.
	7.5% Senior Notes and $500 Million 2017 Term Loan
	In October 2012, OGIL issued $1.150 billion in aggregate principal amount of 7.5% Senior Notes under an indenture. The 7.5% Senior Notes were issued at par, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior secured basis, by us and certain of our subsidiaries. The 7.5% Senior Notes mature on November 1, 2019, and bear interest from the date of their issuance at the rate of 7.5% per year. Interest on outstanding 7.5% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears, commencing on May 1, 2013. Interest is computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
	Concurrently with the closing of the 7.5% Senior Notes, we entered into a $500 million 2017 Term Loan (the “2017 Term Loan”). The 2017 Term Loan was issued at 98% of the face value and bears interest at LIBOR plus 5%, with a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. The 2017 Term Loan has scheduled debt maturities, payable quarterly, of 5% in the first year and 10% in subsequent years with final maturity in 2017. The original issue discount, reported as a direct deduction from the face amount of the 2017 Term Loan, will be recognized over the life of the 2017 Term Loan using the effective interest rate method. The 2017 Term Loan is secured on a senior secured basis by us and certain of our subsidiaries.
	The net proceeds from the above described financings, after fees and expenses, of approximately $1.6 billion were used (i) to pay the total consideration and accrued and unpaid interest on a concurrent tender offer of $1.0 billion of our 11.5% Senior Notes and related consent solicitation, (ii) for general corporate purposes, including to fund the final construction payment for the Tungsten Explorer drillship pursuant to the construction contract with DSME, and (iii) to pay fees and expenses related to both of the financings, consent solicitation and related transactions.
	11.5% Senior Secured Notes
	In July 2010, OGIL issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 11.5% Senior Notes. These 11.5% Senior Notes were fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior secured basis, by us and certain of our subsidiaries. The 11.5% Senior Notes were scheduled to mature on August 1, 2015 and interest on outstanding 11.5% Senior Notes was payable semi-annually in arrears.
	In June 2011 and April 2012, OGIL issued $225.0 million and $775.0 million, respectively, aggregate principal amount of additional 11.5% Senior Notes at a price equal to 107% and 108%, respectively, of their face value. In October 2012, we completed a tender offer for $1.0 billion of 11.5% Senior Notes. In March 2013, we completed a tender offer for the remaining $1.0 billion of 11.5% Senior Notes outstanding. In connection with the retirement of the remaining 11.5% Senior Notes, we recognized a $98.3 million loss on debt extinguishment in March 2013.
	5.50% Senior Convertible Notes
	In July 2013, we issued $100 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Convertible Notes under an indenture. The 5.50% Convertible Notes will mature on July 15, 2043, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased, and bear interest at a rate of 5.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing on January 15, 2014. The 5.50% Convertible Notes are our senior, unsecured obligations, and rank senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness and equal in right of payment with any of our other existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness, including our 7.875% Convertible Notes. The 5.50% Convertible Notes are structurally subordinated to all debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries and are effectively junior to our secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt.
	The 5.50% Convertible Notes are convertible into our ordinary shares, cash or a combination of ordinary shares and cash, at our election, based upon an initial conversion rate of 418.6289 ordinary shares per $1,000 principal amount of 5.50% Convertible Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $2.39 per ordinary share). In addition, for conversions by holders after July 15, 2013 and prior to July 15, 2016, converting holders are entitled to a conversion make whole payment upon conversion.
	The 5.50% Convertible Notes contain an embedded conversion option related to the cash settlement provisions and under U.S. GAAP is required to be separated into liability and equity components. We evaluated the 5.50% Convertible Notes based on the market terms of new, nonconvertible debt issuances made by companies with similar credit ratings, adjusting for the unsecured nature of the 5.50% Convertible Notes. Based on this evaluation, we determined that the fair value of the 5.50% Convertible Notes absent the conversion feature was approximately $88.3 million at issuance. The difference between the par value of the 5.50% Convertible Notes and the fair value at date of issuance is recorded as equity and as a discount to the face amount of the 5.50% Convertible Notes and is being amortized to interest expense over the expected life using the effective interest rate method.
	The 5.50% Convertible Notes are subject to redemption at our option on or after July 15, 2016 and before July 15, 2018 if the volume weighted average price of our ordinary shares is greater than or equal to 150% of the applicable conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending within five trading days prior to the notice of redemption. In addition, we may redeem the 5.50% Convertible Notes at any time on and after July 15, 2018. In each case, the redemption purchase price is equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.50% Convertible Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.
	The 5.50% Convertible Notes are subject to repurchase by us at the option of holders of the Notes on July 15, 2016 and on July 15, 2018 for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.50% Convertible Notes being repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date.
	7.875% Senior Convertible Notes
	In August 2012, we issued $56.5 million aggregate principal amount of 7.875% Convertible Notes under an indenture. The 7.875% Convertible Notes will mature on September 1, 2042, unless earlier converted, repurchased or redeemed, and bear interest at a rate of 7.875% per annum, payable semiannually, in arrears, on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing on March 1, 2013. The 7.875% Convertible Notes are our senior unsecured obligation and rank equal in payment with our other senior unsecured debt but are structurally subordinated to the debt of our subsidiaries as the 7.875% Convertible Notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. We issued $6.5 million of the 7.875% Convertible Notes to F3 Capital. The net proceeds, after fees and expenses, of approximately $48.3 million were used to fund capital expenditures and working capital needs, and for general corporate purposes.
	The 7.875% Convertible Notes are convertible into our ordinary shares, or a combination of cash and ordinary shares, if any, at our election, based upon an initial conversion rate of 476.1905 ordinary shares per $1,000 principal amount of 7.875% Convertible Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $2.10 per ordinary share). Holders of the 7.875% Convertible Notes may voluntarily elect to convert all, or any portion, of their holdings at any time. In addition, for any conversions prior to September 1, 2017, holders will be entitled to a make-whole payment upon conversion.
	Due to the embedded conversion option related to the cash settlement provisions, we evaluated the 7.875% Convertible Notes based on the market terms of new, nonconvertible debt issuances made by companies with similar credit ratings, adjusting for the unsecured nature of the 7.875% Convertible Notes. Based on this evaluation, we determined that the fair value of the 7.875% Convertible Notes absent the conversion feature was approximately $53.6 million at issuance. The difference between the par value and the fair value at date of issuance of the 7.875% Convertible Notes was recorded as equity and as a debt discount, and is being amortized to interest expense over the expected life of the 7.875% Convertible Notes using the effective interest rate method
	The 7.875% Convertible Notes are subject to redemption at our option on or after September 1, 2015 and before September 1, 2017 if the volume weighted average price of our ordinary shares is greater than or equal to 125% of the applicable conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period. Further, the 7.875% Convertible Notes are subject to mandatory conversion at our option on or before September 1, 2015 if the volume weighted average price of our ordinary shares is greater than or equal to 150% of the applicable conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period.
	Credit Agreement
	In June 2012, we entered into a secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) to provide us with advances and letters of credit up to an aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million. In March 2013, in connection with the issuance of the 7.125% Senior Notes and the 2019 Term Loan, we amended the Credit Agreement to increase the aggregate principal amount to $200.0 million, of which $32.0 million is reserved for letters of credit. The Credit Agreement will now mature on April 25, 2017. Advances under the Credit Agreement bear interest at the adjusted base rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a margin of 2.50% or LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50%, at our option. We may prepay outstanding advances subject to certain prepayment minimums at any time.
	The Credit Agreement includes customary covenants and events of default, including covenants that, among other things, restrict the granting of liens on certain assets, restrict the incurrence of indebtedness and the conveyance of and modification to vessels and require us to maintain certain financial ratios and provide periodic financial reports. Advances under the Credit Agreement are secured by a lien on certain of our assets, which are substantially similar to those assets pledged in connection with the 7.125% Senior Notes, the 7.5% Senior Notes, the 2017 Term Loan and the 2019 Term Loan. We believe we were in compliance with all financial covenants of the Credit Agreement at September 30, 2013. As of September 30, 2013, we had $10 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement and we had issued a letter of credit for $50,000.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Shareholders' Equity	'
	6. Shareholders’ Equity
	Preferred Shares
	We have 10,000,000 authorized preferred shares, par value $0.001 per share. As of September 30, 2013, no preferred shares were issued and outstanding.
	Ordinary Shares
	We have 500,000,000 authorized ordinary shares, par value $0.001 per share. In March 2013, our shareholders approved a proposal to amend our 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) to increase the maximum number of ordinary shares that we may issue under the LTIP from 25 million to 45 million ordinary shares.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we granted to employees and directors 3,605,949 time-vested restricted shares and 1,621,893 performance unit awards under our LTIP. Time-vested restricted share awards issued to employees vest ratably over four years, while awards to directors vest one year from date of grant. Performance unit awards vest over a three-year period based on the level of attainment of pre-determined criteria; upon vesting, each performance unit award may be converted to ordinary shares at a ratio ranging from 0 to 1.5. The time-vested restricted share awards and performance units are amortized to expense over the respective vesting period based on the fair value of the awards at the grant dates, which was approximately $10.0 million, based on an average share price of $1.82 per share. For purposes of calculating the grant date fair value of the performance units, the target conversion ratio of one ordinary share for one performance unit was used. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 2,677,814 of previously granted time-vested share awards vested and 1,028,336, performance unit awards vested at an approximate 1.28 ratio, or a total of 1,318,930 ordinary shares.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	7. Income Taxes
	We are a Cayman Islands entity. The Cayman Islands does not impose corporate income taxes. Consequently, income taxes have been provided based on the laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted, or in which we or our subsidiaries are considered resident for income tax purposes. We operate in multiple countries under different legal forms. As a result, we are subject to the jurisdiction of numerous domestic and foreign tax authorities, as well as to tax agreements and treaties among these governments. Our operations in these different jurisdictions are taxed on various bases including, (i) actual income before taxes, (ii) deemed profits (which are generally determined by applying a tax rate to revenues rather than profits) and (iii) withholding taxes based on revenue. Determination of taxable income in any jurisdiction requires the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and the use of estimates and assumptions regarding significant future events, such as the amount, timing and character of deductions, permissible revenue recognition methods under the tax law and the sources and character of income and tax credits. Changes in tax laws, regulations, agreements and treaties, foreign currency exchange restrictions or our level of operations or profitability in each tax jurisdiction could have an impact on the amount of income taxes that we provide during any given year.
	We account for deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We provide for deferred taxes on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets using the enacted tax rates which are expected to apply to taxable income when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are also provided for certain tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets is established when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	In certain jurisdictions we are taxed under preferential tax regimes, which may require our compliance with specified requirements to sustain the tax benefits. We believe we are in compliance with the specified requirements and will continue to make all reasonable efforts to comply, however, our ability to meet the requirements of the preferential tax regimes may be affected by changes in laws, our business operations and other factors affecting our company and industry, many of which are beyond our control.
	Our periodic tax returns are subject to examination by taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate in accordance with the normal statutes of limitations in the applicable jurisdiction. These examinations may result in assessments of additional taxes that are resolved with the authorities or through the courts. Resolution of these matters involves uncertainties and there are no assurances as to the outcome. Our tax years 2008 through 2013 remain open to examination in many of our jurisdictions and we are currently involved in several tax examinations in jurisdictions where we are operating or have previously operated. As information becomes available during the course of these examinations, we may increase or decrease our estimates of tax assessments and accruals.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	8. Commitments and Contingencies
	On August 21, 2012, we filed a lawsuit against Mr. Hsin-Chi Su, a former member of our Board of Directors and the owner of F3 Capital, our largest shareholder, asserting breach of fiduciary duties, fraud, fraudulent inducement and negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment based on Mr. Su’s conduct in his dealings with the Company both immediately prior to, and during his tenure as one of our directors. See above under “Note 3. Transactions with F3 Capital and Affiliates—Lawsuit” for additional information.
	We are subject to litigation, claims and disputes in the ordinary course of business, some of which may not be covered by insurance. There is an inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of any claims. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of any existing litigation, claims or disputes will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business for office space, housing, vehicles and specified operating equipment. Some of these leases contain renewal options which would cause our future cash payments to change if we exercised those renewal options.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa

Supplemental Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Financial Information	'
	9. Supplemental Financial Information
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	Prepaid insurance	$	2,417		$	13,951
	Sales tax receivable		3,965			2,438
	Income tax receivable		1,612			303
	Current deferred tax asset		1,791			2,461
	Other receivables		370			206
	Deferred mobilization costs		576			3,683
	Other		2,097			2,166
		$	12,828		$	25,208
	Property and Equipment, net
	Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		September 30,					December 31,
		2013					2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	Drilling equipment	$	3,366,616			$		2,736,074
	Assets under construction		75,261					145,088
	Office and technology equipment		14,633					11,096
	Leasehold improvements		1,262					1,579
			3,457,772					2,893,837
	Accumulated depreciation		(250,571	)				(176,331	)
		$	3,207,201			$		2,717,506
	Other Assets
	Other assets consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	Deferred financing costs, net	$	57,916		$	61,309
	Performance bond collateral		24,878			21,262
	Deposits		1,163			1,269
	Deferred mobilization costs		1,044			—
	Deferred survey costs		3,589			504
	Deferred agent fees		7,420			8,192
		$	96,010		$	92,536
	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	Interest	$	75,616		$	78,713
	Compensation		19,536			17,817
	Insurance premiums		—			12,694
	Deferred revenue		16,366			8,047
	Property, service and franchise taxes		1,610			1,610
	Income taxes payable		3,204			2,216
	Other		3,758			2,387
		$	120,090		$	123,484
	Other Long-Term Liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	Deferred revenue	$	33,821		$	38,368
	Deferred income taxes		2,319			2,131
Other		5,408			5,021
	$	41,548		$	45,520

Business_Segment_and_Significa

Business Segment and Significant Customer Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Segment and Significant Customer Information	'
	10. Business Segment and Significant Customer Information
	We aggregate our contract drilling operations into one reportable segment even though we provide contract drilling services with different types of MODUs, including jackup rigs and drillships, and in different geographic regions. Our operations are dependent on the global oil and gas industry and our MODUs are relocated based on demand for our services and customer requirements. Our customers consist primarily of large international oil and gas companies, national or government-controlled oil and gas companies and other international exploration and production companies. We also provide construction supervision and operations management services for drilling units owned by others.
	For 2013 and 2012, a significant portion of our revenue was from countries outside of the United States. Consequently, we are exposed to the risk of changes in economic, political and social conditions inherent in foreign operations. Three customers accounted for approximately 31%, 30% and 10%, respectively of consolidated revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, three customers accounted for 32%, 26% and 11 %, respectively of consolidated revenue. Four customers accounted for approximately 47%, 28%, 11% and 11% of consolidated revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, four customers accounted for approximately 44%, 27%, 11% and 10%, respectively of consolidated revenue.

Supplemental_Condensed_Consoli

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'
	11. Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
	The 7.125% Senior Notes and 7.5% Senior Notes were issued under separate indentures and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by us and certain of our subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”). Our other subsidiaries have not guaranteed or pledged assets to secure the 7.125% Senior Notes or the 7.5% Senior Notes (collectively, the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”).
	The following tables present the condensed consolidating financial information as of September 30, 2013 and 2012 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 of (i) Vantage Drilling Company (the “Parent”), (ii) OGIL, (iii) the Subsidiary Guarantors, (iv) the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries and (v) consolidating and elimination entries representing adjustments to eliminate (a) investments in our subsidiaries and (b) intercompany transactions.
	The financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in management’s opinion, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position as of September 30, 2013 and 2012 and results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (in thousands)
		As of September 30, 2013
		Parent			OGIL								Subsidiary								Non-								Eliminations						Consolidated
													Guarantors								Guarantors
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,386		$	8,817					$				25,902				$			5,624					$			—				$		67,729
	Other current assets		443			2,125									198,799							12,819								—						214,186
	Total current assets		27,829			10,942									224,701							18,443								—						281,915
	Property and equipment, net		—			1,227									3,119,328							86,646								—						3,207,201
	Investment in and advances to subsidiaries		654,624			1,437,787									1,056,395							1,804								(3,150,610	)					—
	Investment in joint venture		—			—									—							32,650								—						32,650
	Other assets		12,112			53,224									26,938							3,736								—						96,010
	Total assets	$	694,565		$	1,503,180					$				4,427,362				$			143,279					$			(3,150,610	)			$		3,617,776
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	15,732		$	64,159					$				67,992				$			28,831					$			—				$		176,714
	Current maturities of long-term debt and revolving credit agreement		—			63,500									—							—								—						63,500
	Intercompany (receivable) payable		(285,369	)		(1,131,153	)								1,335,985							80,537								—						—
	Total current liabilities		(269,637	)		(1,003,494	)								1,403,977							109,368								—						240,214
	Long-term debt		180,252			2,682,255									—							—								—						2,862,507
	Other long-term liabilities		—			—									34,756							6,792								—						41,548
	Shareholders’ equity (deficit)		783,950			(175,581	)								2,988,629							27,119								(3,150,610	)					473,507
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	694,565		$	1,503,180					$				4,427,362				$			143,279					$			(3,150,610	)			$		3,617,776
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (in thousands)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent						OGIL									Subsidiary							Non-								Consolidated
																	Guarantors							Guarantors
	Revenues	$	—			$				—					$			163,506				$				12,379				$			175,885
	Operating costs and expenses		4,752							(137	)							102,597								10,697							117,909
	Income (loss) from operations		(4,752	)						137								60,909								1,682							57,976
	Other, net		(4,446	)						(42,916	)							199								115							(47,048	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(9,198	)						(42,779	)							61,108								1,797							10,928
	Income tax provision		—							59								2,943								1,082							4,084
	Net income (loss)	$	(9,198	)		$				(42,838	)				$			58,165				$				715				$			6,844
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent						OGIL									Subsidiary							Non-								Consolidated
																	Guarantors							Guarantors
	Revenues	$	—			$				—					$			462,035				$				31,488				$			493,523
	Operating costs and expenses		11,608							(438	)							295,370								28,125							334,665
	Income (loss) from operations		(11,608	)						438								166,665								3,363							158,858
	Other, net		(10,687	)						(245,782	)							(1,647	)							3,883							(254,233	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(22,295	)						(245,344	)							165,018								7,246							(95,375	)
	Income tax provision		—							138								15,041								1,587							16,766
	Net income (loss)	$	(22,295	)		$				(245,482	)				$			149,977				$				5,659				$			(112,141	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			OGIL								Subsidiary								Non-								Consolidated
													Guarantors								Guarantors
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(37,152	)	$	(244,448	)				$				206,052				$			9,947					$			(65,601	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		—			(658	)								(473,474	)						(74,487	)							(548,619	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		49,067			(168,544	)								235,381							63,319								179,223
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		11,915			(413,650	)								(32,041	)						(1,221	)							(434,997	)
	Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period		15,471			422,467									57,943							6,845								502,726
	Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	27,386		$	8,817					$				25,902				$			5,624					$			67,729
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (in thousands)
		As of September 30, 2012
		Parent			Issuer								Subsidiary								Non-								Eliminations						Consolidated
													Guarantors								Guarantors
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	44,886		$	106					$				13,857				$			3,627					$			—				$		62,476
	Other current assets		320			—									122,437							6,445								—						129,202
	Total current assets		45,206			106									136,294							10,072								—						191,678
Property and equipment, net		—			281									2,683,147							9,961								—						2,693,389
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries		644,344			1,417,787									1,038,740							1,467								(3,102,338	)					—
Other assets		1,741			58,442									21,194							920								—						82,297
Total assets	$	691,291		$	1,476,616					$				3,879,375				$			22,420					$			(3,102,338	)			$		2,967,364
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	13,390		$	38,425					$				44,616				$			33,440					$			—				$		129,871
Intercompany (receivable) payable		(184,886	)		(837,915	)								1,057,027							(34,226	)							—						—
Total current liabilities		(171,496	)		(799,490	)								1,101,643							(786	)							—						129,871
Long-term debt		86,770			2,042,793									—							—								—						2,129,563
Other long term liabilities		—			—									10,807							3,943								—						14,750
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)		776,017			233,313									2,766,925							19,263								(3,102,338	)					693,180
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	691,291		$	1,476,616					$				3,879,375				$			22,420					$			(3,102,338	)			$		2,967,364
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (in thousands)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Parent			Issuer						Subsidiary							Non-							Consolidated
										Guarantors							Guarantors
Revenues	$	—		$	—						$		108,100					$		3,434					$		111,534
Operating costs and expenses		3,466			(27		)						69,271							2,491							75,201
Income (loss) from operations		(3,466	)		27								38,829							943							36,333
Other, net		(4,976	)		(29,129		)						(92		)					40							(34,157		)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(8,442	)		(29,102		)						38,737							983							2,176
Income tax provision		—			—								2,585							129							2,714
Net income (loss)	$	(8,442	)	$	(29,102		)				$		36,152					$		854					$		(538		)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (in thousands)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Parent			Issuer				Subsidiary					Non-				Consolidated
								Guarantors					Guarantors
Revenues	$	—		$	—			$		318,270			$		30,238		$		348,508
Operating costs and expenses		9,635			(182	)				203,765					26,245				239,463
Income (loss) from operations		(9,635	)		182					114,505					3,993				109,045
Other, net		(8,816	)		(98,190	)				465					343				(106,198	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(18,451	)		(98,008	)				114,970					4,336				2,847
Income tax provision		—			8					13,617					916				14,541
Net income (loss)	$	(18,451	)	$	(98,016	)		$		101,353			$		3,420		$		(11,694	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Parent						Issuer									Subsidiary							Non-								Consolidated
																Guarantors							Guarantors
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(13,786	)		$				(168,108	)				$			101,317				$				33,729				$			(46,848	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(22	)						(289	)							(851,374	)							2,746							(848,939	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		43,745							168,491								673,019								(37,023	)						848,232
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		29,937							94								(77,038	)							(548	)						(47,555	)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period		14,949							12								90,895								4,175							110,031
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	44,886			$				106					$			13,857				$				3,627				$			62,476

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Consolidation	'
	Basis of Consolidation: The accompanying interim consolidated financial information as of September 30, 2013 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 has been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and include our accounts and those of our majority owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. They reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to provide for fair presentation. The balance sheet at December 31, 2012 is derived from our December 31, 2012 audited financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents: Includes deposits with financial institutions as well as short-term money market instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Restricted Cash	'
	Restricted Cash: Consists of cash and cash equivalents established as debt reserves and posted as collateral for bid tenders and performance bonds.
Inventory	'
	Inventory: Consists of materials, spare parts, consumables and related supplies for our drilling rigs and is carried at the lower of average cost or market.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment: Consists primarily of the costs of our drilling rigs, furniture and fixtures, computer equipment and capitalized costs for computer software. Drilling rigs are depreciated on a component basis over estimated useful lives ranging from five to thirty-five years on a straight-line basis as of the date placed in service. Other assets are depreciated upon placement in service over estimated useful lives ranging from three to seven years on a straight-line basis. When assets are sold, retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss is recognized.
	Interest costs and the amortization of debt financing costs related to the financings of our MODUs are capitalized as part of the cost while they are under construction and prior to the commencement of each vessel’s first contract. Total interest and amortization costs capitalized for assets under construction for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $9.5 million and $15.9 million, respectively as compared to $29.8 million and $55.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. We evaluate the realization of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss on our property and equipment exists when estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Any impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the estimated fair value.
Debt Financing Costs	'
	Debt Financing Costs: Costs incurred with debt financings are deferred and amortized over the term of the related financing facility on a straight line basis which approximates the interest method.
Investment in Joint Venture	'
	Investment in Joint Venture: In November 2012, we acquired 41.9% of Sigma Drilling, Ltd. (“Sigma”), which has contracted to build a next generation ultra-deepwater drillship, to be known as the Palladium Explorer, at STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.’s (“STX”) shipyard in Korea. We are currently accounting for our interest in Sigma as an equity method investment. Accordingly, we recognize 41.9% of the profit or loss of Sigma as other income in our statement of operations with a corresponding adjustment to our investment in joint venture account. As the purpose of Sigma is to construct the Palladium Explorer and it has no other significant operations, we capitalized interest on our investment in Sigma until September 2013 when STX suspended construction of the drillship as a result of their negotiations to restructure their operations and finances with their lenders. We are currently involved in discussions with STX about alternatives for completing the construction contract. If the construction contract is terminated, we may claim third-party refund guarantees along with other available remedies. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, Sigma recognized a loss from operations consisting primarily of general administrative expenses.
	The change in our investment in joint venture account was composed of the following (in thousands):
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$		31,320
	Our share of joint venture net losses			(345	)
	Capitalized interest			1,675
	Balance, September 30, 2013	$		32,650
Revenue	'
	Revenue: Revenue is recognized as services are performed based on contracted dayrates and the number of operating days during the period.
	In connection with a customer contract, we may receive lump-sum fees for the mobilization of equipment and personnel or the demobilization of equipment and personnel upon completion. Mobilization fees received and costs incurred to mobilize a rig from one geographic market to another are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of such contract, excluding any option periods. Costs incurred to mobilize a rig without a contract are expensed as incurred. Fees or lump-sum payments received for capital improvements to rigs are deferred and amortized to income over the term of the related drilling contract. The costs of such capital improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the useful lives of the assets. Upon completion of drilling contracts, any demobilization fees received are recorded as revenue. We record reimbursements from customers for rebillable costs and expenses as revenue and the related direct costs as operating expenses.
Rig and Equipment Certifications	'
	Rig and Equipment Certifications: We are required to obtain regulatory certifications to operate our drilling rigs and certain specified equipment and must maintain such certifications through periodic inspections and surveys. The costs associated with these certifications, including drydock costs, are deferred and amortized over the corresponding certification periods.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes: Income taxes have been provided based upon the tax laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted and income is earned. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible amounts and are based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes in income tax expense.
Earnings per Share	'
	Earnings per Share: Basic earnings (loss) per share have been based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share has been computed based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding in the applicable period, as if all potentially dilutive securities were converted into ordinary shares (using the treasury stock method).
	The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares used for the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) computations:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013				2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding for basic EPS		302,682				293,085		301,962		292,158
	Options		—				—		—		—
	Warrants		—				—		—		—
	Adjusted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding for diluted EPS		302,682				293,085		301,962		292,158
	For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and both the three months and the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the calculation of diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding excludes 81.5 million and 35.1 million ordinary shares, respectively, issuable pursuant to outstanding warrants, share options and convertible notes because their effect is anti-dilutive. The warrants and share options are anti-dilutive as the exercise or conversion price of such securities exceeded the average market price of our shares for the applicable periods. The ordinary shares issuable for the convertible notes, if converted, are excluded as the effect of including convertible debt and the related adjustments to income under the “if-converted” method of computing diluted earnings per share is anti-dilutive for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012.
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and accounts receivable. We maintain deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. We monitor the credit ratings and our concentration of risk with these financial institutions on a continuing basis to safeguard our cash deposits. Some of our restricted cash is invested in certificates of deposit. We have a limited number of key customers, who are primarily large international oil and gas operators, national oil companies and other international oil and gas companies. Our contracts provide for monthly billings as services are performed and we monitor compliance with contract payment terms on an ongoing basis. Outstanding receivables beyond payment terms are promptly investigated and discussed with the specific customer. We do not have an allowance for doubtful accounts as of September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation: We account for employee share-based compensation using the fair value method as prescribed under U.S. GAAP. Restricted share grants are valued based on the market price of our ordinary shares on the date of grant and the fair value attributable to share options is calculated based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair values are amortized to expense over the service period which is equivalent to the time required to vest the share options and share grants. We recognized approximately $1.8 million and $1.4 million of share-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $5.4 million and $5.8 million, respectively, of share-based compensation expense.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. While management believes current estimates are appropriate and reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The fair value of our short-term financial assets and liabilities approximates the carrying amounts represented in the balance sheet principally due to the short-term or floating rate nature of these instruments. At September 30, 2013, the fair value of the 7.125% Senior Notes, the 7.5% Senior Secured First Lien Notes (the “7.5% Senior Notes”) and the 7.875% Senior Convertible Notes (the “7.875% Convertible Notes”) discussed below under “Note 5. Debt” was approximately $756.8 million, $1.2 billion and $64.0 million based on quoted market prices, a Level 1 measurement. There have been no trades of our 5.50% Convertible Notes and we believe the carrying value of the 5.50% Convertible Notes approximates their face value primarily due to the recent issuance of the notes in mid-July 2013.
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments: We may use derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to various market risks, primarily interest rate risk. We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivatives. We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had no outstanding derivative instruments.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign2

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Change in Investment in Joint Venture	'
	The change in our investment in joint venture account was composed of the following (in thousands):
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$		31,320
	Our share of joint venture net losses			(345	)
	Capitalized interest			1,675
	Balance, September 30, 2013	$		32,650
Reconciliation of Number of Shares used for Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share ("EPS") Computations	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares used for the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) computations:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013				2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding for basic EPS		302,682				293,085		301,962		292,158
	Options		—				—		—		—
	Warrants		—				—		—		—
	Adjusted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding for diluted EPS		302,682				293,085		301,962		292,158

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-term Debt	'
	Our long-term debt was composed of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	7.5% Senior Notes, issued at par	$	1,150,000	$	1,150,000
	7.125% Senior Notes, issued at par		775,000		—
	$500 million 2017 Term Loan, net of discount of $7,707 and $9,539		467,293		484,211
	$350 million 2019 Term Loan, net of discount of $4,788		343,462		—
	11.5% Senior Notes, net of premium of $19,726		—		1,019,725
	5.50% Convertible Notes, net of discount of $10,908		89,092		—
	7.875% Convertible Notes, net of discount of $2,227 and $2,709		54,223		53,791
	F3 Capital Note, net of discount of $16,563 and $19,418		36,937		34,082
			2,916,007		2,741,809
	Less current maturities of long-term debt		53,500		31,250
	Long-term debt	$	2,862,507	$	2,710,559

Supplemental_Financial_Informa1

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	'
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	Prepaid insurance	$	2,417		$	13,951
	Sales tax receivable		3,965			2,438
	Income tax receivable		1,612			303
	Current deferred tax asset		1,791			2,461
	Other receivables		370			206
	Deferred mobilization costs		576			3,683
	Other		2,097			2,166
		$	12,828		$	25,208
Property and Equipment, Net	'
	Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		September 30,					December 31,
		2013					2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	Drilling equipment	$	3,366,616			$		2,736,074
	Assets under construction		75,261					145,088
	Office and technology equipment		14,633					11,096
	Leasehold improvements		1,262					1,579
			3,457,772					2,893,837
	Accumulated depreciation		(250,571	)				(176,331	)
		$	3,207,201			$		2,717,506
Other Assets	'
	Other assets consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	Deferred financing costs, net	$	57,916		$	61,309
	Performance bond collateral		24,878			21,262
	Deposits		1,163			1,269
	Deferred mobilization costs		1,044			—
	Deferred survey costs		3,589			504
	Deferred agent fees		7,420			8,192
		$	96,010		$	92,536
Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	Interest	$	75,616		$	78,713
	Compensation		19,536			17,817
	Insurance premiums		—			12,694
	Deferred revenue		16,366			8,047
	Property, service and franchise taxes		1,610			1,610
	Income taxes payable		3,204			2,216
	Other		3,758			2,387
		$	120,090		$	123,484
Other Long-term Liabilities	'
	Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
	Deferred revenue	$	33,821		$	38,368
	Deferred income taxes		2,319			2,131
	Other		5,408			5,021
		$	41,548		$	45,520

Supplemental_Condensed_Consoli1

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (in thousands)
		As of September 30, 2013
		Parent			OGIL								Subsidiary								Non-								Eliminations						Consolidated
													Guarantors								Guarantors
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,386		$	8,817					$				25,902				$			5,624					$			—				$		67,729
	Other current assets		443			2,125									198,799							12,819								—						214,186
	Total current assets		27,829			10,942									224,701							18,443								—						281,915
	Property and equipment, net		—			1,227									3,119,328							86,646								—						3,207,201
	Investment in and advances to subsidiaries		654,624			1,437,787									1,056,395							1,804								(3,150,610	)					—
	Investment in joint venture		—			—									—							32,650								—						32,650
	Other assets		12,112			53,224									26,938							3,736								—						96,010
	Total assets	$	694,565		$	1,503,180					$				4,427,362				$			143,279					$			(3,150,610	)			$		3,617,776
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	15,732		$	64,159					$				67,992				$			28,831					$			—				$		176,714
	Current maturities of long-term debt and revolving credit agreement		—			63,500									—							—								—						63,500
	Intercompany (receivable) payable		(285,369	)		(1,131,153	)								1,335,985							80,537								—						—
	Total current liabilities		(269,637	)		(1,003,494	)								1,403,977							109,368								—						240,214
	Long-term debt		180,252			2,682,255									—							—								—						2,862,507
	Other long-term liabilities		—			—									34,756							6,792								—						41,548
	Shareholders’ equity (deficit)		783,950			(175,581	)								2,988,629							27,119								(3,150,610	)					473,507
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	694,565		$	1,503,180					$				4,427,362				$			143,279					$			(3,150,610	)			$		3,617,776
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (in thousands)
		As of September 30, 2012
		Parent			Issuer								Subsidiary								Non-								Eliminations						Consolidated
													Guarantors								Guarantors
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	44,886		$	106					$				13,857				$			3,627					$			—				$		62,476
	Other current assets		320			—									122,437							6,445								—						129,202
	Total current assets		45,206			106									136,294							10,072								—						191,678
	Property and equipment, net		—			281									2,683,147							9,961								—						2,693,389
	Investment in and advances to subsidiaries		644,344			1,417,787									1,038,740							1,467								(3,102,338	)					—
	Other assets		1,741			58,442									21,194							920								—						82,297
	Total assets	$	691,291		$	1,476,616					$				3,879,375				$			22,420					$			(3,102,338	)			$		2,967,364
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	13,390		$	38,425					$				44,616				$			33,440					$			—				$		129,871
	Intercompany (receivable) payable		(184,886	)		(837,915	)								1,057,027							(34,226	)							—						—
	Total current liabilities		(171,496	)		(799,490	)								1,101,643							(786	)							—						129,871
	Long-term debt		86,770			2,042,793									—							—								—						2,129,563
	Other long term liabilities		—			—									10,807							3,943								—						14,750
	Shareholders’ equity (deficit)		776,017			233,313									2,766,925							19,263								(3,102,338	)					693,180
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	691,291		$	1,476,616					$				3,879,375				$			22,420					$			(3,102,338	)			$		2,967,364
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (in thousands)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent						OGIL									Subsidiary							Non-								Consolidated
																	Guarantors							Guarantors
	Revenues	$	—			$				—					$			163,506				$				12,379				$			175,885
	Operating costs and expenses		4,752							(137	)							102,597								10,697							117,909
	Income (loss) from operations		(4,752	)						137								60,909								1,682							57,976
	Other, net		(4,446	)						(42,916	)							199								115							(47,048	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(9,198	)						(42,779	)							61,108								1,797							10,928
	Income tax provision		—							59								2,943								1,082							4,084
	Net income (loss)	$	(9,198	)		$				(42,838	)				$			58,165				$				715				$			6,844
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent						OGIL									Subsidiary							Non-								Consolidated
																	Guarantors							Guarantors
	Revenues	$	—			$				—					$			462,035				$				31,488				$			493,523
	Operating costs and expenses		11,608							(438	)							295,370								28,125							334,665
	Income (loss) from operations		(11,608	)						438								166,665								3,363							158,858
	Other, net		(10,687	)						(245,782	)							(1,647	)							3,883							(254,233	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(22,295	)						(245,344	)							165,018								7,246							(95,375	)
	Income tax provision		—							138								15,041								1,587							16,766
	Net income (loss)	$	(22,295	)		$				(245,482	)				$			149,977				$				5,659				$			(112,141	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (in thousands)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			Issuer						Subsidiary							Non-							Consolidated
											Guarantors							Guarantors
	Revenues	$	—		$	—						$		108,100					$		3,434					$		111,534
	Operating costs and expenses		3,466			(27		)						69,271							2,491							75,201
	Income (loss) from operations		(3,466	)		27								38,829							943							36,333
	Other, net		(4,976	)		(29,129		)						(92		)					40							(34,157		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(8,442	)		(29,102		)						38,737							983							2,176
	Income tax provision		—			—								2,585							129							2,714
	Net income (loss)	$	(8,442	)	$	(29,102		)				$		36,152					$		854					$		(538		)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			Issuer				Subsidiary					Non-				Consolidated
									Guarantors					Guarantors
	Revenues	$	—		$	—			$		318,270			$		30,238		$		348,508
	Operating costs and expenses		9,635			(182	)				203,765					26,245				239,463
	Income (loss) from operations		(9,635	)		182					114,505					3,993				109,045
	Other, net		(8,816	)		(98,190	)				465					343				(106,198	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(18,451	)		(98,008	)				114,970					4,336				2,847
	Income tax provision		—			8					13,617					916				14,541
	Net income (loss)	$	(18,451	)	$	(98,016	)		$		101,353			$		3,420		$		(11,694	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			OGIL								Subsidiary								Non-								Consolidated
													Guarantors								Guarantors
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(37,152	)	$	(244,448	)				$				206,052				$			9,947					$			(65,601	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		—			(658	)								(473,474	)						(74,487	)							(548,619	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		49,067			(168,544	)								235,381							63,319								179,223
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		11,915			(413,650	)								(32,041	)						(1,221	)							(434,997	)
	Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period		15,471			422,467									57,943							6,845								502,726
	Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	27,386		$	8,817					$				25,902				$			5,624					$			67,729
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent						Issuer									Subsidiary							Non-								Consolidated
																	Guarantors							Guarantors
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(13,786	)		$				(168,108	)				$			101,317				$				33,729				$			(46,848	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(22	)						(289	)							(851,374	)							2,746							(848,939	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		43,745							168,491								673,019								(37,023	)						848,232
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		29,937							94								(77,038	)							(548	)						(47,555	)
	Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period		14,949							12								90,895								4,175							110,031
	Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	44,886			$				106					$			13,857				$				3,627				$			62,476

Organization_and_Recent_Events1

Organization and Recent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended					1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
	ft	2019 Term Loan	7.125% Senior Notes	Cobalt Explorer Construction Contract	5.50% Convertible Notes	Secured Revolving Credit Agreement	OGIL	OGIL	OGIL
	Rigs						2019 Term Loan	11.5 % Senior Secured Notes	7.125% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of ultra-premium jackup rigs	4	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of ultra-deepwater drillship	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operational depth	12,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, face amount	'	$350,000,000	$775,000,000	'	$100,000,000	'	$350,000,000	'	$775,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	'	28-Mar-19	1-Apr-23	'	15-Jul-43	'	'	'	'
Payment of construction contract charges	'	'	'	59,500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate on notes	'	'	7.13%	'	5.50%	'	'	11.50%	7.13%
Term loan period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'6 years	'	'
Payment of accrued and unpaid interest on a concurrent tender offer	2,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,000,000,000	'
Cash paid to retire debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,100,000,000	'
Debt instrument, fee amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	92,300,000	'
Accrued and unpaid Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18,200,000	'
Maturity date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2023
Credit agreement aggregate principal amount	'	'	'	'	'	$200,000,000	'	'	'

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign3

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Capitalized interest and amortization cost	$9.50	$29.80	$15.90	$55.70
Equity method investments ownership percentage	41.90%	'	41.90%	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount	81.5	35.1	81.5	35.1
Share-based compensation expense	1.8	1.4	5.4	5.8
Minimum | Drilling Equipment	'	'	'	'
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives	'	'	'5 years	'
Minimum | Office Equipment	'	'	'	'
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives	'	'	'3 years	'
Maximum | Drilling Equipment	'	'	'	'
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives	'	'	'35 years	'
Maximum | Office Equipment	'	'	'	'
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives	'	'	'7 years	'
7.125% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fair value of notes outstanding	756.8	'	756.8	'
Interest rate on notes	7.13%	'	7.13%	'
7.5% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fair value of notes outstanding	1,200	'	1,200	'
Interest rate on notes	7.50%	'	7.50%	'
7.875% Convertible Notes	'	'	'	'
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fair value of notes outstanding	$64	'	$64	'
Interest rate on notes	7.88%	'	7.88%	'

Change_in_Investment_in_Joint_

Change in Investment in Joint Venture (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Beginning Balance	$31,320
Vantage's share of joint venture net losses	-345
Capitalized interest	1,675
Ending Balance	$32,650

Reconciliation_of_Number_of_Sh

Reconciliation of Number of Shares Used for Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Computations (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding for basic EPS	302,682	293,085	301,962	292,158
Options	'	'	'	'
Warrants	'	'	'	'
Adjusted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding for diluted EPS	302,682	293,085	301,962	292,158

Transactions_with_F_Three_Capi

Transactions with F Three Capital and Affiliates - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]	'
Extinguishment of debt	$2.50
Promissory note maturity period	'January 2018
Contract expiration period	'8 years
F3 Capital Note	'
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on notes	5.00%
Outstanding interest amount of F3 Capital Note	10.00%
Additional aggregate principal amount of convertible notes	6.5
Discounted present value of weighted average cost of capital at the time of issue	27.8
F3 Capital Note | Principal and Interest	'
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]	'
Acceleration of maturity value	63
F3 Capital Note | Minimum | Penalties and Additional Interest	'
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]	'
Acceleration of maturity value	35
F3 Capital Note | Level 3 Measurement	'
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]	'
Current discounted present value of weighted average cost of capital	43.1
Drillship Construction Supervision Agreement	'
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]	'
Outstanding constructions supervision fee	$3
7.875% Convertible Notes	'
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on notes	7.88%

Construction_Supervision_and_O1

Construction Supervision and Operations Management Agreements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
		Drillship
Construction Contracts [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of ultra-deepwater drillships for supervise and manage construction	'	2	'
Cost method investments	$31	'	'
Equity method investments ownership percentage	'	41.90%	'
Fixed monthly management fee receiving period during construction	'36 months	'	'
Agreement termination period after written notice	'	'	'90 days
Orders	'	'	'
Construction Contracts [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of jackup rigs	'	'	2
Sigma Drilling Ltd	'	'	'
Construction Contracts [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investments ownership percentage	41.90%	'	'

LongTerm_Debt_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	$2,916,007	$2,741,809	'
Less current maturities of long-term debt	53,500	31,250	'
Long-term debt	2,862,507	2,710,559	2,129,563
7.5% Senior Notes	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	1,150,000	1,150,000	'
7.125% Senior Notes	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	775,000	'	'
2017 Term Loan	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	467,293	484,211	'
2019 Term Loan	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	343,462	'	'
11.5 % Senior Notes	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	1,019,725	'
5.50% Convertible Notes	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	89,092	'	'
Seven Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Convertible Notes	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	54,223	53,791	'
F3 Capital Note	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	$36,937	$34,082	'

LongTerm_Debt_Parenthetical_De

Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Discount on senior secured notes	$42,243,000	$11,940,000
2017 Term Loan	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Discount on senior secured notes	7,707,000	9,539,000
Debt instrument, face amount	500,000,000	500,000,000
2019 Term Loan	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Discount on senior secured notes	4,788,000	'
Debt instrument, face amount	350,000,000	'
11.5 % Senior Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Premium on senior secured notes	'	19,726,000
Seven Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Convertible Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Discount on senior secured notes	2,227,000	2,709,000
5.50% Convertible Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Discount on senior secured notes	10,908,000	'
F3 Capital Note	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Discount on senior secured notes	$16,563,000	$19,418,000

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Letter of Credit

Secured Revolving Credit Agreement

Secured Revolving Credit Agreement

Secured Revolving Credit Agreement

Secured Revolving Credit Agreement

7.125% Senior Notes

7.125% Senior Notes

2019 Term Loan

2019 Term Loan

11.5 % Senior Notes

11.5 % Senior Notes

11.5 % Senior Notes

11.5 % Senior Notes

11.5 % Senior Notes

11.5 % Senior Notes

7.5% Senior Notes

2017 Term Loan

2017 Term Loan

2017 Term Loan

Seven Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Convertible Notes

Seven Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Convertible Notes

Seven Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Convertible Notes

Seven Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Convertible Notes

Seven Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Convertible Notes

5.50% Convertible Notes

5.50% Convertible Notes

LIBOR

Minimum

First Year

Subsequent Years

Redemption on or after September 1, 2015 and before September 1, 2017

Redemption on or before September 1, 2015

F3 Capital Note

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$775,000,000

'

$350,000,000

'

'

'

$1,000,000,000

'

$775,000,000

$225,000,000

$1,150,000,000

$500,000,000

'

'

$56,500,000

'

'

'

$6,500,000

$100,000,000

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Apr-23

'

28-Mar-19

'

'

'

1-Aug-15

'

'

'

1-Nov-19

'

'

'

1-Sep-42

'

'

'

'

15-Jul-43

'

Debt instrument, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.13%

'

'

'

'

'

11.50%

'

'

'

7.50%

'

'

'

7.88%

'

'

'

'

5.50%

'

Debt instrument, issuance rate of the face value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

98.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

98.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, basis spread

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.50%

1.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of debt maturities payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceed from issuance of long term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000,000

'

'

'

1,600,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of accrued and unpaid interest on a concurrent tender offer

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000,000

1,000,000,000

'

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount Paid to retire debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, fee amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

92,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued and unpaid Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest in term loan above LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Libor floor rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.13%

'

'

'

'

'

11.50%

'

'

'

7.50%

'

'

'

7.88%

'

'

'

'

5.50%

'

Debt instrument, issuance rate of the face value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

108.00%

107.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on debt extinguishment

-2,528,000

-98,327,000

-2,528,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

98,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion rate of ordinary shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

476.1905

'

'

'

'

418.6289

Conversion rate of amount of notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

1,000

Initial conversion price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2.10

'

'

'

'

$2.39

Percent of applicable conversion price required for redemption

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125.00%

150.00%

'

'

150.00%

Policy for redemption

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'At least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period

'

'

'

'

'At least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending within five trading days prior to the notice of redemption

Revolving credit, maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advances and letter of credit maturity date

'

'

'

'

25-Apr-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Margin of credit agreement

'

'

'

'

2.50%

'

'

3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit agreement aggregate principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reserve for Letter of credit

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

'

'

'

50,000

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$53,600,000

'

'

'

'

$88,300,000

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage

'

'

'

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'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

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100.00%

Shareholders_Equity_Additional

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified			Restricted Shares	Restricted Shares	Performance Share	Ordinary Shares	Minimum	Minimum	Maximum	Maximum
				Director				Long Term Incentive Plan		Long Term Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred shares, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred shares, par value	$0.00	$0.00	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred shares, shares issued	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred shares, shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ordinary shares, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	25,000,000	'	45,000,000
Ordinary shares, par value	$0.00	$0.00	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted shares granted	'	'	3,605,949	'	1,621,893	'	'	'	'	'
Time-vested restricted share awards	'	'	'4 years	'1 year	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares of target level	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	1.5	'
Share compensation award date value vested	'	'	$10	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Average share price	'	'	$1.82	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Performance unit target conversion ratio	'	'	'	'	1	'	'	'	'	'
Shares vested	'	'	2,677,814	'	1,028,336	1,318,930	'	'	'	'
Target conversion ratio	'	'	'	'	1.28	'	'	'	'	'

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Prepaid insurance	$2,417	$13,951
Sales tax receivable	3,965	2,438
Income tax receivable	1,612	303
Current deferred tax asset	1,791	2,461
Other receivables	370	206
Deferred mobilization costs	576	3,683
Other	2,097	2,166
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$12,828	$25,208

Property_and_Equipment_Net_Det

Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment	$3,457,772	$2,893,837	'
Accumulated depreciation	-250,571	-176,331	'
Property and equipment, net	3,207,201	2,717,506	2,693,389
Drilling Equipment	'	'	'
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment	3,366,616	2,736,074	'
Asset under Construction	'	'	'
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment	75,261	145,088	'
Office Equipment	'	'	'
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment	14,633	11,096	'
Leasehold Improvements	'	'	'
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment	$1,262	$1,579	'

Other_Assets_Detail

Other Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	$57,916	$61,309	'
Performance bond collateral	24,878	21,262	'
Deposits	1,163	1,269	'
Deferred mobilization costs	1,044	'	'
Deferred survey costs	3,589	504	'
Deferred agent fees	7,420	8,192	'
Total other assets	$96,010	$92,536	$82,297

Accrued_Liabilities_Detail

Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Interest	$75,616	$78,713
Compensation	19,536	17,817
Insurance premiums	'	12,694
Deferred revenue	16,366	8,047
Property, service and franchise taxes	1,610	1,610
Income taxes payable	3,204	2,216
Other	3,758	2,387
Accrued liabilities	$120,090	$123,484

Other_Longterm_Liabilities_Det

Other Long-term Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Noncurrent [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred revenue	$33,821	$38,368	'
Deferred income taxes	2,319	2,131	'
Other	5,408	5,021	'
Other long-term liabilities Total	$41,548	$45,520	$14,750

Business_Segment_and_Significa1

Business Segment and Significant Customer Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	Customer	Customer	Segment	Customer
			Customer
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	1	'
Number of customers accounted for revenues	3	4	3	4
Customer One	'	'	'	'
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue from outside customers	31.00%	47.00%	32.00%	44.00%
Customer Two	'	'	'	'
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue from outside customers	30.00%	28.00%	26.00%	27.00%
Customer Three	'	'	'	'
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue from outside customers	10.00%	11.00%	11.00%	11.00%
Customer Four	'	'	'	'
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue from outside customers	'	11.00%	'	10.00%

Supplemental_Condensed_Consoli2

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2013
7.125% Senior Notes	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on notes	7.13%
7.5% Senior Notes	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate on notes	7.50%

Condensed_Consolidating_Balanc

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$67,729	$502,726	$62,476	$110,031
Other current assets	214,186	'	129,202	'
Total current assets	281,915	688,845	191,678	'
Property and equipment, net	3,207,201	2,717,506	2,693,389	'
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Investment in joint venture	32,650	31,320	'	'
Other assets	96,010	92,536	82,297	'
Total assets	3,617,776	3,530,207	2,967,364	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	176,714	'	129,871	'
Current maturities of long-term debt and revolving credit agreement	63,500	'	'	'
Intercompany (receivable) payable	'	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	240,214	205,643	129,871	'
Long-term debt	2,862,507	2,710,559	2,129,563	'
Other long-term liabilities	41,548	45,520	14,750	'
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)	473,507	568,485	693,180	'
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	3,617,776	3,530,207	2,967,364	'
Parent	'	'	'	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	27,386	15,471	44,886	14,949
Other current assets	443	'	320	'
Total current assets	27,829	'	45,206	'
Property and equipment, net	'	'	'	'
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	654,624	'	644,344	'
Investment in joint venture	'	'	'	'
Other assets	12,112	'	1,741	'
Total assets	694,565	'	691,291	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	15,732	'	13,390	'
Current maturities of long-term debt and revolving credit agreement	'	'	'	'
Intercompany (receivable) payable	-285,369	'	-184,886	'
Total current liabilities	-269,637	'	-171,496	'
Long-term debt	180,252	'	86,770	'
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	'	'
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)	783,950	'	776,017	'
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	694,565	'	691,291	'
OGIL	'	'	'	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	8,817	422,467	106	12
Other current assets	2,125	'	'	'
Total current assets	10,942	'	106	'
Property and equipment, net	1,227	'	281	'
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	1,437,787	'	1,417,787	'
Investment in joint venture	'	'	'	'
Other assets	53,224	'	58,442	'
Total assets	1,503,180	'	1,476,616	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	64,159	'	38,425	'
Current maturities of long-term debt and revolving credit agreement	63,500	'	'	'
Intercompany (receivable) payable	-1,131,153	'	-837,915	'
Total current liabilities	-1,003,494	'	-799,490	'
Long-term debt	2,682,255	'	2,042,793	'
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	'	'
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)	-175,581	'	233,313	'
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,503,180	'	1,476,616	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	25,902	57,943	13,857	90,895
Other current assets	198,799	'	122,437	'
Total current assets	224,701	'	136,294	'
Property and equipment, net	3,119,328	'	2,683,147	'
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	1,056,395	'	1,038,740	'
Investment in joint venture	'	'	'	'
Other assets	26,938	'	21,194	'
Total assets	4,427,362	'	3,879,375	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	67,992	'	44,616	'
Current maturities of long-term debt and revolving credit agreement	'	'	'	'
Intercompany (receivable) payable	1,335,985	'	1,057,027	'
Total current liabilities	1,403,977	'	1,101,643	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	34,756	'	10,807	'
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)	2,988,629	'	2,766,925	'
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	4,427,362	'	3,879,375	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	5,624	6,845	3,627	4,175
Other current assets	12,819	'	6,445	'
Total current assets	18,443	'	10,072	'
Property and equipment, net	86,646	'	9,961	'
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	1,804	'	1,467	'
Investment in joint venture	32,650	'	'	'
Other assets	3,736	'	920	'
Total assets	143,279	'	22,420	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	28,831	'	33,440	'
Current maturities of long-term debt and revolving credit agreement	'	'	'	'
Intercompany (receivable) payable	80,537	'	-34,226	'
Total current liabilities	109,368	'	-786	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	6,792	'	3,943	'
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)	27,119	'	19,263	'
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	143,279	'	22,420	'
Consolidation, Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'
Other current assets	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	'	'	'	'
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	-3,150,610	'	-3,102,338	'
Investment in joint venture	'	'	'	'
Other assets	'	'	'	'
Total assets	-3,150,610	'	-3,102,338	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt and revolving credit agreement	'	'	'	'
Intercompany (receivable) payable	'	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	'	'
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)	-3,150,610	'	-3,102,338	'
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	($3,150,610)	'	($3,102,338)	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$175,885	$111,534	$493,523	$348,508
Operating costs and expenses	117,909	75,201	334,665	239,463
Income (loss) from operations	57,976	36,333	158,858	109,045
Other, net	-47,048	-34,157	-254,233	-106,198
Income (loss) before income taxes	10,928	2,176	-95,375	2,847
Income tax provision	4,084	2,714	16,766	14,541
Net income (loss)	6,844	-538	-112,141	-11,694
Parent	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses	4,752	3,466	11,608	9,635
Income (loss) from operations	-4,752	-3,466	-11,608	-9,635
Other, net	-4,446	-4,976	-10,687	-8,816
Income (loss) before income taxes	-9,198	-8,442	-22,295	-18,451
Income tax provision	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-9,198	-8,442	-22,295	-18,451
OGIL	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses	-137	-27	-438	-182
Income (loss) from operations	137	27	438	182
Other, net	-42,916	-29,129	-245,782	-98,190
Income (loss) before income taxes	-42,779	-29,102	-245,344	-98,008
Income tax provision	59	'	138	8
Net income (loss)	-42,838	-29,102	-245,482	-98,016
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	163,506	108,100	462,035	318,270
Operating costs and expenses	102,597	69,271	295,370	203,765
Income (loss) from operations	60,909	38,829	166,665	114,505
Other, net	199	-92	-1,647	465
Income (loss) before income taxes	61,108	38,737	165,018	114,970
Income tax provision	2,943	2,585	15,041	13,617
Net income (loss)	58,165	36,152	149,977	101,353
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	12,379	3,434	31,488	30,238
Operating costs and expenses	10,697	2,491	28,125	26,245
Income (loss) from operations	1,682	943	3,363	3,993
Other, net	115	40	3,883	343
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,797	983	7,246	4,336
Income tax provision	1,082	129	1,587	916
Net income (loss)	$715	$854	$5,659	$3,420

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem1

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flow (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Cash Flow Statements Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	($65,601)	($46,848)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-548,619	-848,939
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	179,223	848,232
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-434,997	-47,555
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	502,726	110,031
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	67,729	62,476
Parent	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-37,152	-13,786
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	'	-22
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	49,067	43,745
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,915	29,937
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	15,471	14,949
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	27,386	44,886
OGIL	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-244,448	-168,108
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-658	-289
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-168,544	168,491
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-413,650	94
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	422,467	12
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	8,817	106
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	206,052	101,317
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-473,474	-851,374
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	235,381	673,019
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-32,041	-77,038
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	57,943	90,895
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	25,902	13,857
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	9,947	33,729
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-74,487	2,746
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	63,319	-37,023
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,221	-548
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	6,845	4,175
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	$5,624	$3,627