Helmerich & Payne (HP) 10-Q 2 May 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HELMERICH & PAYNE INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000046765	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	108,143,213
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$584,979	$447,868
Accounts receivable, less reserve of $4,601 at March 31, 2014 and $4,795 September 30, 2013	624,108	621,420
Inventories	99,829	88,866
Deferred income taxes	13,998	16,414
Prepaid expenses and other	59,091	79,938
Current assets of discontinued operations	6,979	3,705
Total current assets	1,388,984	1,258,211
Investments	284,670	316,154
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,801,236	4,676,103
Other assets	13,391	14,359
Total assets	6,488,281	6,264,827
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	135,300	144,379
Accrued liabilities	184,847	189,684
Long-term debt due within one year	115,000	115,000
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	3,341	3,210
Total current liabilities	438,488	452,273
Noncurrent liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	80,000	80,000
Deferred income taxes	1,220,624	1,222,981
Other	57,458	65,351
Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations	3,638	495
Total noncurrent liabilities	1,361,720	1,368,827
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.10 par value, 160,000,000 shares authorized, 110,323,930 shares and 108,738,577 shares issued as of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively and 108,065,638 shares and 106,716,970 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively	11,032	10,874
Preferred stock, no par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	359,995	288,758
Retained earnings	4,314,571	4,102,663
Accumulated other comprehensive income	113,425	132,530
Treasury stock, at cost	-110,950	-91,098
Total shareholders' equity	4,688,073	4,443,727
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$6,488,281	$6,264,827

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_BALANCE1

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Accounts receivable, reserve (in dollars)	$4,601	$4,795
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	160,000,000	160,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	110,323,930	108,738,577
Common stock, shares outstanding	108,065,638	106,716,970
Preferred stock, no par value (in dollars per share)	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating revenues:	'	'	'	'
Drilling - U.S. Land	$741,791	$685,710	$1,473,465	$1,381,740
Drilling - Offshore	63,276	55,605	122,330	113,323
Drilling - International Land	85,533	94,092	180,874	181,359
Other	2,830	2,902	5,913	6,459
Total operating revenues	893,430	838,309	1,782,582	1,682,881
Operating costs and other:	'	'	'	'
Operating costs, excluding depreciation	480,167	461,737	954,215	928,608
Depreciation	123,963	112,433	244,200	219,032
General and administrative	34,431	32,836	66,674	65,257
Research and development	3,625	3,696	7,882	7,049
Income from asset sales	-4,098	-5,313	-9,762	-10,532
Total operating costs and other	638,088	605,389	1,263,209	1,209,414
Operating income from continuing operations	255,342	232,920	519,373	473,467
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest and dividend income	490	315	943	741
Interest expense	-1,725	-1,186	-2,919	-2,494
Gain from sale of investment securities	21,352	'	21,352	8,752
Other	-32	103	-377	-1,981
Total other income (expense)	20,085	-768	18,999	5,018
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	275,427	232,152	538,372	478,485
Income tax provision	100,838	81,085	190,601	167,807
Income from continuing operations	174,589	151,067	347,771	310,678
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	2,786	-472	2,786	-480
Income tax provision	2,805	-485	2,805	-485
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-19	13	-19	5
NET INCOME	$174,570	$151,080	$347,752	$310,683
Basic earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$1.61	$1.41	$3.22	$2.91
Net income (in dollars per share)	$1.61	$1.41	$3.22	$2.91
Diluted earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$1.59	$1.39	$3.17	$2.87
Net income (in dollars per share)	$1.59	$1.39	$3.17	$2.87
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	107,692	106,326	107,417	106,094
Diluted (in shares)	109,081	107,786	108,945	107,640
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.63	$0.15	$1.25	$0.30

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME1

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'	'	'	'
Net income	$174,570	$151,080	$347,752	$310,683
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities, net of income taxes of ($2.3) million and ($4.3) million at March 31, 2014 and $21.9 million and $21.8 million at March 31, 2013	-3,552	37,516	-6,513	37,382
Reclassification of realized gains in net income, net of income taxes of ($8.5) million at March 31, 2014	-12,884	'	-12,884	'
Minimum pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes of $0.1 million and $0.2 million at March 31, 2014 and $0.3 million and $0.5 million at March 31, 2013	145	432	292	865
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-16,291	37,948	-19,105	38,247
Comprehensive income	$158,279	$189,028	$328,647	$348,930

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME2

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'	'	'	'
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities, income taxes	($2.30)	$21.90	($4.30)	$21.80
Reclassification of realized gains in net income, income taxes	8.5	'	8.5	'
Minimum pension liability adjustments, income taxes	$0.10	$0.30	$0.20	$0.50

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME3

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$347,752	$310,683
Adjustment for (income) loss from discontinued operations	19	-5
Income from continuing operations	347,771	310,678
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	244,200	219,032
Provision for bad debt	-194	3,792
Stock-based compensation	12,804	11,726
Other	'	772
Gain on sale of investment securities	-21,352	-8,752
Income from asset sales	-9,762	-10,532
Deferred income tax expense	13,751	20,127
Change in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-2,494	13,459
Inventories	-10,963	-6,148
Prepaid expenses and other	21,815	31,046
Accounts payable	-25,337	-70,000
Accrued liabilities	-19,017	-7,826
Deferred income taxes	-1,109	-1,211
Other noncurrent liabilities	-10,083	-11,855
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	540,030	494,308
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations	-19	5
Net cash provided by operating activities	540,011	494,313
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-356,753	-438,473
Proceeds from sale of investment securities	23,338	18,102
Proceeds from asset sales	13,321	16,151
Net cash used in investing activities	-320,094	-404,220
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Dividends paid	-121,545	-23,469
Exercise of stock options	19,701	4,906
Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock	-3,049	-1,677
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	22,087	7,045
Net cash used in financing activities	-82,806	-13,195
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	137,111	76,898
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	447,868	96,095
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$584,979	$172,993

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME4

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Treasury Stock
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$4,443,727	$10,874	$288,758	$4,102,663	$132,530	($91,098)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	'	'	'	'	2,022,000
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	108,738,577	108,739,000	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	347,752	'	'	347,752	'	'
Other comprehensive loss	-19,105	'	'	'	-19,105	'
Cash dividends ($1.25 per share)	-135,844	'	'	-135,844	'	'
Exercise of stock options	19,701	142	36,362	'	'	-16,803
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	1,428,000	'	'	'	198,000
Tax benefit of stock-based awards, including excess tax benefits of $22.1 million	22,087	'	22,087	'	'	'
Stock issued for vested restricted stock, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	-3,049	16	-16	'	'	-3,049
Stock issued for vested restricted stock, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	'	157,000	'	'	'	38,000
Stock-based compensation	12,804	'	12,804	'	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$4,688,073	$11,032	$359,995	$4,314,571	$113,425	($110,950)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	'	'	'	'	'	2,258,000
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	110,323,930	110,324,000	'	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME5

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
Cash dividends, per share (in dollars per share)	$1.25
Tax benefit of stock-based awards, excess tax benefits	$22.10

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1.              Basis of Presentation
	Unless the context otherwise requires, the use of the terms “the Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” in these Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements refers to Helmerich & Payne, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
	The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pertaining to interim financial information.  Accordingly, these interim financial statements do not include all information or footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, and other current filings with the Commission.  In the opinion of management all adjustments, consisting of those of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the results of the periods presented have been included.  The results of operations for the interim periods presented may not necessarily be indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	As more fully described in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, our contract drilling revenues are comprised of daywork drilling contracts for which the related revenues and expenses are recognized as services are performed.  For contracts that are terminated by customers prior to the expirations of their fixed terms, contractual provisions customarily require early termination amounts to be paid to us. Revenues from early terminated contracts are recognized when all contractual requirements have been met.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	2.              Discontinued Operations
	Current assets of discontinued operations consist of restricted cash to meet remaining in-country current obligations.  Current and noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations consist of municipal and income taxes payable and social obligations due within the country of Venezuela.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings per Share	'
Earnings per Share	'
	3.              Earnings per Share
	Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260, Earnings per Share, requires companies to treat unvested share-based payment awards that have non-forfeitable rights to dividend or dividend equivalents as a separate class of securities in calculating earnings per share.  We have granted and expect to continue to grant to employees restricted stock grants that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends.  Such grants are considered participating securities under ASC 260.  As such, we are required to include these grants in the calculation of our basic earnings per share and calculate basic earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.
	Basic earnings per share is computed utilizing the two-class method and is calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented.
	Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the periods utilizing the two-class method for stock options and nonvested restricted stock.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	174,589		$	151,067		$	347,771		$	310,678
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(19		)	13			(19		)	5
	Net income	174,570			151,080			347,752			310,683
	Adjustment for basic earnings per share:
	Earnings allocated to unvested shareholders	(1,035		)	(820		)	(2,027		)	(1,553		)
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	From continuing operations	173,554			150,247			345,744			309,125
	From discontinued operations	(19		)	13			(19		)	5
		173,535			150,260			345,725			309,130
	Adjustment for diluted earnings per share:
	Effect of reallocating undistributed earnings of unvested shareholders	8			10			17			19
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	From continuing operations	173,562			150,257			345,761			309,144
	From discontinued operations	(19		)	13			(19		)	5
		$	173,543		$	150,270		$	345,742		$	309,149
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted-average shares	107,692			106,326			107,417			106,094
	Effect of dilutive shares from stock options and restricted stock	1,389			1,460			1,528			1,546
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share — adjusted weighted-average shares	109,081			107,786			108,945			107,640
	Basic earnings per common share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	1.61		$	1.41		$	3.22		$	2.91
	Income from discontinued operations	—			—			—			—
	Net income	$	1.61		$	1.41		$	3.22		$	2.91
	Diluted earnings per common share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	1.59		$	1.39		$	3.17		$	2.87
	Income from discontinued operations	—			—			—			—
	Net income	$	1.59		$	1.39		$	3.17		$	2.87
	The following shares attributable to outstanding equity awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Shares excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share	215			752			256			365
	Weighted-average price per share	$	79.67		$	57.3		$	79.67		$	54.18

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement	'
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement	'
	4.              Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement
	The estimated fair value of our available-for-sale securities, reflected on our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as Investments, is based on market quotes.  The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities, which excludes assets held in a Non-qualified Supplemental Savings Plan:
				Gross		Gross		Estimated
				Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
		(in thousands)
	Equity securities March 31, 2014	$	66,448	$	205,068	$	—	$	271,516
	Equity securities September 30, 2013	$	68,434	$	237,214	$	—	$	305,648
	On an ongoing basis we evaluate the marketable equity securities to determine if a decline in fair value below cost is other-than-temporary.  If a decline in fair value below cost is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded and a new cost basis established.  We review several factors to determine whether a loss is other-than-temporary.  These factors include, but are not limited to, (i) the length of time a security is in an unrealized loss position, (ii) the extent to which fair value is less than cost, (iii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (iv) our intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The cost of securities used in determining realized gains and losses is based on the average cost basis of the security sold.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, marketable equity available-for-sale securities with a fair value at the date of sale of $23.3 million were sold.  The gross realized gain on such sales of available-for-sale securities totaled $21.4 million.  We had no sales of marketable equity available-for-sale securities during the six months ended March 31, 2013.  During the six months ended March 31, 2013, we sold our shares in three limited partnerships that were primarily invested in international equities realizing a gain of $8.8 million which is included in gain from sale of investment securities in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income.
	Assets held in the Non-qualified Supplemental Savings Plan are carried at fair value based on level 1 inputs described below.  The fair value totaled $13.2 million at March 31, 2014 and $10.5 million at September 30, 2013.
	The majority of cash equivalents are invested in highly liquid money-market mutual funds invested primarily in direct or indirect obligations of the U.S. Government.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short maturity of those investments.
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  We use the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820-10 to measure fair value to prioritize the inputs:
	·                  Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date.
	·                  Level 2 — Observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	·                  Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.  This includes pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
	At March 31, 2014, our financial instruments utilizing Level 1 inputs include cash equivalents, equity securities with active markets, restricted cash included in other current assets and money market funds we have elected to classify as restricted assets that are included in other current assets and other assets.  Also included is cash denominated in a foreign currency that we have elected to classify as restricted to be used to settle the remaining liabilities of discontinued operations.  For these items, quoted current market prices are readily available.
	At March 31, 2014, financial instruments utilizing level 2 inputs include a bank certificate of deposit included in other current assets.
	Currently, we do not have any financial instruments utilizing Level 3 inputs.
	The following table summarizes our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis presented in our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2014:
				Quoted Prices
		Total		in Active		Significant
		Measure		Markets for		Other		Significant
		at		Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		Fair		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	584,979	$	584,979	$	—	$	—
	Equity securities	271,516		271,516		—		—
	Other current assets	31,174		30,924		250		—
	Other assets	2,000		2,000		—		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	889,669	$	889,419	$	250	$	—
	The following information presents the supplemental fair value information about fixed-rate debt at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
		March 31,		September 30,
		2014		2013
		(in millions)
	Carrying value of fixed-rate debt	$	195	$	195
	Fair value of fixed-rate debt	$	203.6	$	205.4
	The fair value for fixed-rate debt was estimated using cash flows discounted at rates reflecting current interest rates at similar maturities plus a credit spread which was estimated using market information on debt instruments with a similar credit profile to us.  The debt was valued using a Level 2 input.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	5.              Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		March 31,			September 30,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Pre-tax amounts:
	Unrealized appreciation on securities	$	205,068		$	237,214
	Unrecognized actuarial loss	(18,752		)	(19,210		)
		$	186,316		$	218,004
	After-tax amounts:
	Unrealized appreciation on securities	$	124,764		$	144,161
	Unrecognized actuarial loss	(11,339		)	(11,631		)
		$	113,425		$	132,530
	The following is a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Unrealized
		Appreciation
		(Depreciation) on			Defined
		Available-for-sale			Benefit
		Securities			Pension Plan			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balances at January 1, 2014	$	141,200		$	(11,484	)	$	129,716
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(3,552		)	—			(3,552		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,884		)	145			(12,739		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(16,436		)	145			(16,291		)
	Balances at March 31, 2014	$	124,764		$	(11,339	)	$	113,425
		Six Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Unrealized
		Appreciation
		(Depreciation) on			Defined
		Available-for-sale			Benefit
		Securities			Pension Plan			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at October 1, 2013	$	144,161		$	(11,631	)	$	132,530
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(6,513		)	—			(6,513		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(12,884		)	292			(12,592		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	(19,397		)	292			(19,105		)
	Balances at March 31, 2014	$	124,764		$	(11,339	)	$	113,425
	The following provides detail about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components which were reclassified to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income during the three and six months ended March 31, 2014:
		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated
		Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Details About Accumulated Other	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended						Affected Line Item in the
	Comprehensive Income	March 31,						March 31,						Condensed Consolidated
	(Loss) Components	2014			2013			2014			2013			Statement of Income
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	$	(21,352	)	$	—		$	(21,352	)	$	—		Gain on sale of investment securities
		8,468			—			8,468			—			Income tax provision
		$	(12,884	)	$	—		$	(12,884	)	$	—		Net of tax
	Defined Benefit Pension Items
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	$	229		$	685		$	458		$	1,370		General and administrative
		(84		)	(253		)	(166		)	(505		)	Income tax provision
		$	145		$	432		$	292		$	865		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	(12,739	)	$	432		$	(12,592	)	$	865

Cash_Dividends

Cash Dividends	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash Dividends	'
Cash Dividends	'
	6.              Cash Dividends
	The $0.625 per share cash dividend declared December 3, 2013, was paid March 3, 2014.  On March 5, 2014, a cash dividend of $0.625 per share was declared for shareholders of record on May 15, 2014, payable June 2, 2014. The dividend payable is included in accounts payable in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	7.              Stock-Based Compensation
	On March 2, 2011, the 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”) was approved by our stockholders.  The 2010 Plan, among other things, authorizes the Human Resources Committee of the Board to grant non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards and stock appreciation rights to selected employees and to non-employee Directors.  Restricted stock may be granted for no consideration other than prior and future services.  The purchase price per share for stock options may not be less than market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant.  Stock options expire 10 years after the grant date.  There were 261,438 non-qualified stock options and 230,375 shares of restricted stock awards granted in the six months ended March 31, 2014.  Awards outstanding in the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and one prior equity plan remain subject to the terms and conditions of those plans.
	A summary of compensation cost for stock-based payment arrangements recognized in general and administrative expense is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Compensation expense
	Stock options	$	1,989		$	2,649		$	5,642		$	6,132
	Restricted stock	3,805			3,049			7,162			5,594
		$	5,794		$	5,698		$	12,804		$	11,726
	STOCK OPTIONS
	The following summarizes the weighted-average assumptions utilized in determining the fair value of options granted during the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.6	%	0.7	%
	Expected stock volatility	52.6	%	53.9	%
	Dividend yield	3.1	%	1.1	%
	Expected term (in years)	5.5		5.5
	Risk-Free Interest Rate.  The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury securities for the expected term of the option.
	Expected Volatility Rate.  Expected volatility is based on the daily closing price of our stock based upon historical experience over a period which approximates the expected term of the option.
	Expected Dividend Yield.  The expected dividend yield is based on our current dividend yield.
	Expected Term.  The expected term of the options granted represents the period of time that they are expected to be outstanding.  We estimate the expected term of options granted based on historical experience with grants and exercises.
	A summary of stock option activity under the Plan for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 is presented in the following tables:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
							Weighted-
				Weighted-			Average		Aggregate
				Average			Remaining		Intrinsic
		Shares		Exercise			Contractual Term		Value
	Options	(in thousands)		Price			(in years)		(in millions)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	3,524		$	39.69
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(701	)	27.71
	Forfeited/Expired	(5	)	79.67
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	2,818		$	42.59		5.6		$	183.1
	Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014	2,810		$	42.55		5.6		$	182.7
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014	2,070		$	35.41		4.6		$	149.3
		Six Months Ended
		March 31, 2014
				Weighted-
				Average
		Shares		Exercise
	Options	(in thousands)		Price
	Outstanding at October 1, 2013	3,991		$	34.12
	Granted	261		79.67
	Exercised	(1,428	)	25.57
	Forfeited/Expired	(6	)	75.11
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	2,818		$	42.59
	The weighted-average fair value of options granted in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was $29.44.  No options were granted in the second quarter of fiscal 2014.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 was $47.4 million and $85.7 million, respectively.
	As of March 31, 2014 the unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options was $11.4 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.
	RESTRICTED STOCK
	Restricted stock awards consist of our common stock and are time-vested over three to six years.  We recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  The fair value of restricted stock awards under the 2010 Plan is determined based on the closing price of our shares on the grant date.  As of March 31, 2014, there was $27.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.
	A summary of the status of our restricted stock awards as of March 31, 2014 and changes in restricted stock outstanding during the six months then ended is presented below:
		Six Months Ended
		March 31, 2014
				Weighted-
				Average
		Shares		Grant-Date
	Restricted Stock Awards	(in thousands)		Fair Value
	Unvested at October 1, 2013	576		$	55.17
	Granted	230		79.67
	Vested (1)	(157	)	54.08
	Forfeited	(6	)	70.39
Unvested at March 31, 2014	643		$	64.08
(1)         The number of restricted stock awards vested includes shares that we withheld on behalf of our employees to satisfy the statutory tax withholding requirements.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt	'
Debt	'
	8.              Debt
	At March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, we had the following unsecured long-term debt outstanding:
		March 31,		September 30,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Unsecured intermediate debt issued August 15, 2002:
	Series D, due August 15, 2014, 6.56%	$	75,000	$	75,000
	Unsecured senior notes issued July 21, 2009:
	Due July 21, 2014, 6.10%	40,000		40,000
	Due July 21, 2015, 6.10%	40,000		40,000
	Due July 21, 2016, 6.10%	40,000		40,000
		$	195,000	$	195,000
	Less long-term debt due within one year	115,000		115,000
	Long-term debt	$	80,000	$	80,000
	The intermediate unsecured debt outstanding at March 31, 2014 matures August 15, 2014 and carries an interest rate of 6.56 percent, which is paid semi-annually.  The terms require that we maintain a ratio of debt to total capitalization of less than 55 percent.  The debt is held by various entities.
	We have $120 million in senior unsecured fixed-rate notes outstanding at March 31, 2014 that mature over a period from July 2014 to July 2016.  Interest on the notes is paid semi-annually based on an annual rate of 6.10 percent.  Annual principal repayments of $40 million are due July 2014 through July 2016.  We have complied with our financial covenants which require us to maintain a funded leverage ratio of less than 55 percent and an interest coverage ratio (as defined) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00.
	We have a $300 million unsecured revolving credit facility that will mature May 25, 2017.  The credit facility has $100 million available to use for letters of credit.  We anticipate that the majority of any borrowings under the facility will accrue interest at a spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR).  We will also pay a commitment fee based on the unused balance of the facility.  Borrowing spreads as well as commitment fees are determined according to a scale based on a ratio of our total debt to total capitalization.  The spread over LIBOR ranges from 1.125 percent to 1.75 percent per annum and commitment fees range from .15 percent to .35 percent per annum.  Based on our debt to total capitalization on March 31, 2014, the spread over LIBOR and commitment fees would be 1.125 percent and .15 percent, respectively.  Financial covenants in the facility require us to maintain a funded leverage ratio (as defined) of less than 50 percent and an interest coverage ratio (as defined) of not less than 3.00 to 1.00.  The credit facility contains additional terms, conditions, restrictions, and covenants that we believe are usual and customary in unsecured debt arrangements for companies of similar size and credit quality.  At March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.  As of March 31, 2014, there were no borrowings, but there were three letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $30.7 million.  At March 31, 2014, we had $269.3 million available to borrow under our $300 million unsecured credit facility.
	At March 31, 2014, we had three letters of credit outstanding, totaling $12 million that were issued to support international operations.  These letters of credit were issued separately from the $300 million credit facility so they do not reduce the available borrowing capacity discussed in the previous paragraph.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'
	9.     Income Taxes
	Our effective tax rate for the first six months of fiscal 2014 and 2013 was 35.4 percent and 35.1 percent, respectively.  Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 36.6 percent and 34.9 percent, respectively.  Effective tax rates differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent primarily due to state and foreign income taxes and the tax benefit from the Internal Revenue Code Section 199 deduction for domestic production activities.
	For the next 12 months, we cannot predict with certainty whether we will achieve ultimate resolution of any uncertain tax positions associated with our U.S. and international operations that could result in increases or decreases of our unrecognized tax benefits.  However, we believe it is reasonably possible that the reserve for uncertain tax positions may increase by approximately $8.0 million to $10.7 million during the next 12 months due to international matters.  We provided for uncertain tax positions of $3.1 million related to discontinued operations during the six months ended March 31, 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	10.  Commitments and Contingencies
	In conjunction with our current drilling rig construction program, purchase commitments for equipment, parts and supplies of approximately $189.7 million are outstanding at March 31, 2014.
	Various legal actions, the majority of which arise in the ordinary course of business, are pending.  We maintain insurance against certain business risks subject to certain deductibles.  None of these legal actions are expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
	We are contingently liable to sureties in respect of bonds issued by the sureties in connection with certain commitments entered into by us in the normal course of business.  We have agreed to indemnify the sureties for any payments made by them in respect of such bonds.
	During the ordinary course of our business, contingencies arise resulting from an existing condition, situation or set of circumstances involving an uncertainty as to the realization of a possible gain contingency.  We account for gain contingencies in accordance with the provisions of ASC 450, Contingencies, and, therefore, we do not record gain contingencies or recognize income until realized.  The property and equipment of our Venezuelan subsidiary was seized by the Venezuelan government on June 30, 2010.  Our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co. and Helmerich & Payne de Venezuela, C.A., filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on September 23, 2011 against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (“PDVSA”) and PDVSA Petroleo, S.A. (“Petroleo”).  Our subsidiaries seek damages for the taking of their Venezuelan drilling business in violation of international law and for breach of contract.  While there exists the possibility of realizing a recovery, we are currently unable to determine the timing or amounts we may receive, if any, or the likelihood of recovery.  No gain contingencies are recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	On November 8, 2013, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana approved the previously disclosed October 30, 2013 plea agreement between our wholly owned subsidiary, Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co., and the United States Department of Justice, United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana (“DOJ”).  The court’s approval of the plea agreement resolved the DOJ’s investigation into certain choke manifold testing irregularities that occurred in 2010 at one of Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co.’s offshore platform rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.  In November 2013, we paid a $5.4 million monetary penalty and made a $1.0 million organizational community service payment which were included in accrued liabilities on the September 30, 2013 Consolidated Balance Sheet and in operating costs, excluding depreciation in the September 30, 2013 Consolidated Statement of Income.  We are also currently engaged in discussions with the Inspector General’s office of the Department of Interior regarding the same events that were the subject of the DOJ’s investigation.  Although we presently believe that the outcome of our discussions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company, we can provide no assurances as to the timing or eventual outcome of these discussions.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information	'
Segment Information	'
	11.      Segment Information
	We operate principally in the contract drilling industry. Our contract drilling business includes the following reportable operating segments: U.S. Land, Offshore and International Land.  The contract drilling operations consist mainly of contracting Company-owned drilling equipment primarily to large oil and gas exploration companies.  To provide information about the different types of business activities in which we operate, we have included Offshore and International Land, along with our U.S. Land reportable operating segment, as separate reportable operating segments.  Additionally, each reportable operating segment is a strategic business unit that is managed separately.  Our primary international areas of operation include Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Tunisia, Bahrain, U.A.E. and other South American countries.  Other includes additional non-reportable operating segments.  Revenues included in Other consist primarily of rental income.  Consolidated revenues and expenses reflect the elimination of all material intercompany transactions.
	We evaluate segment performance based on income or loss from continuing operations (segment operating income) before income taxes which includes:
	·                  revenues from external and internal customers
	·                  direct operating costs
	·                  depreciation and
	·                  allocated general and administrative costs
	but excludes corporate costs for other depreciation, income from asset sales and other corporate income and expense.
	General and administrative costs are allocated to the segments based primarily on specific identification and, to the extent that such identification is not practical, on other methods which we believe to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided.
	Segment operating income for all segments is a non-GAAP financial measure of our performance, as it excludes certain general and administrative expenses, corporate depreciation, income from asset sales and other corporate income and expense.  We consider segment operating income to be an important supplemental measure of operating performance by presenting trends in our core businesses.  We use this measure to facilitate period-to-period comparisons in operating performance of our reportable segments in the aggregate by eliminating items that affect comparability between periods.  We believe that segment operating income is useful to investors because it provides a means to evaluate the operating performance of the segments on an ongoing basis using criteria that are used by our internal decision makers.  Additionally, it highlights operating trends and aids analytical comparisons.  However, segment operating income has limitations and should not be used as an alternative to operating income or loss, a performance measure determined in accordance with GAAP, as it excludes certain costs that may affect our operating performance in future periods.
	Summarized financial information of our reportable segments for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is shown in the following tables:
											Segment
		External			Inter-			Total			Operating
	(in thousands)	Sales			Segment			Sales			Income (Loss)
	March 31, 2014
	Contract Drilling:
	U.S. Land	$	1,473,465		$	—		$	1,473,465		$	496,014
	Offshore	122,330			—			122,330			37,841
	International Land	180,874			—			180,874			23,919
		1,776,669			—			1,776,669			557,774
	Other	5,913			431			6,344			(5,249		)
		1,782,582			431			1,783,013			552,525
	Eliminations	—			(431		)	(431		)	—
	Total	$	1,782,582		$	—		$	1,782,582		$	552,525
											Segment
		External			Inter-			Total			Operating
	(in thousands)	Sales			Segment			Sales			Income (Loss)
	March 31, 2013
	Contract Drilling:
	U.S. Land	$	1,381,740		$	—		$	1,381,740		$	460,386
	Offshore	113,323			—			113,323			28,656
	International Land	181,359			—			181,359			22,280
		1,676,422			—			1,676,422			511,322
	Other	6,459			429			6,888			(4,174		)
		1,682,881			429			1,683,310			507,148
	Eliminations	—			(429		)	(429		)	—
	Total	$	1,682,881		$	—		$	1,682,881		$	507,148
	Summarized financial information of our reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is shown in the following tables:
											Segment
		External			Inter-			Total			Operating
	(in thousands)	Sales			Segment			Sales			Income (Loss)
	March 31, 2014
	Contract Drilling:
	U.S. Land	$	741,791		$	—		$	741,791		$	245,062
	Offshore	63,276			—			63,276			19,343
	International Land	85,533			—			85,533			11,168
		890,600			—			890,600			275,573
	Other	2,830			211			3,041			(2,244		)
		893,430			211			893,641			273,329
	Eliminations	—			(211		)	(211		)	—
	Total	$	893,430		$	—		$	893,430		$	273,329
											Segment
		External			Inter-			Total			Operating
	(in thousands)	Sales			Segment			Sales			Income (Loss)
	March 31, 2013
	Contract Drilling:
	U.S. Land	$	685,710		$	—		$	685,710		$	225,998
	Offshore	55,605			—			55,605			13,650
	International Land	94,092			—			94,092			13,169
		835,407			—			835,407			252,817
	Other	2,902			214			3,116			(2,539		)
		838,309			214			838,523			250,278
	Eliminations	—			(214		)	(214		)	—
Total	$	838,309		$	—		$	838,309		$	250,278
The following table reconciles segment operating income per the table above to income from continuing operations before income taxes as reported on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income.
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 31,						March 31,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Segment operating income	$	273,329		$	250,278		$	552,525		$	507,148
Income from asset sales	4,098			5,313			9,762			10,532
Corporate general and administrative costs and corporate depreciation	(22,085		)	(22,671		)	(42,914		)	(44,213		)
Operating income	255,342			232,920			519,373			473,467
Other income (expense):
Interest and dividend income	490			315			943			741
Interest expense	(1,725		)	(1,186		)	(2,919		)	(2,494		)
Gain on sale of investment securities	21,352			—			21,352			8,752
Other	(32		)	103			(377		)	(1,981		)
Total other income (expense)	20,085			(768		)	18,999			5,018
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	275,427		$	232,152		$	538,372		$	478,485
The following table presents total assets by reportable segment.
	March 31,			September 30,
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Total assets
U.S. Land	$	4,880,865		$	4,743,644
Offshore	132,504			149,128
International Land	476,812			486,914
Other	35,628			32,789
	5,525,809			5,412,475
Investments and corporate operations	955,493			848,647
Total assets from continued operations	6,481,302			6,261,122
Discontinued operations	6,979			3,705
	$	6,488,281		$	6,264,827
The following table presents revenues from external customers by country based on the location of service provided.
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 31,						March 31,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Operating revenues
United States	$	800,775		$	742,635		$	1,589,466		$	1,499,120
Argentina	26,695			17,572			53,054			31,168
Colombia	21,064			24,069			47,794			51,474
Ecuador	16,822			15,611			34,622			32,241
Other foreign	28,074			38,422			57,646			68,878
Total	$	893,430		$	838,309		$	1,782,582		$	1,682,881

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem

Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits	'
Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits	'
	12.       Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits
	The following provides information at March 31, 2014 and 2013 related to the Company-sponsored domestic defined benefit pension plan.
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Interest cost	$	1,201		$	1,105		$	2,402		$	2,210
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,664		)	(1,496		)	(3,328		)	(2,992		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	229			685			458			1,370
	Net pension expense	$	(234	)	$	294		$	(468	)	$	588
	Employer Contributions
	We contributed $2.5 million to the Pension Plan during the six months ended March 31, 2014.  We estimate making additional contributions up to $2.0 million for the remainder of fiscal 2014 to fund distributions.

International_Risk_Factors

International Risk Factors	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
International Risk Factors	'
International Risk Factors	'
	13.  International Risk Factors
	International operations are subject to certain political, economic and other uncertainties not encountered in U.S. operations, including increased risks of terrorism, kidnapping of employees, expropriation of drilling rigs, equipment, land and other property, as well as expropriation of a particular oil company operator’s property and drilling rights, taxation policies, foreign exchange restrictions, currency rate fluctuations and general hazards associated with foreign sovereignty over certain areas in which operations are conducted. There can be no assurance that there will not be changes in local laws, regulations and administrative requirements or the interpretation thereof which could have a material adverse effect on the profitability of our operations or on our ability to continue operations in certain areas.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	14.  Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	On October 1, 2013, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-02, Other Comprehensive Income.  ASU No. 2013-02 amended ASC 220, Comprehensive Income, and superseded and replaced ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, and ASU 2011-12, Comprehensive Income. The standard did not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements.  However, the guidance does require an entity to provide enhanced disclosures to present separately by component reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.   The adoption had no impact on the amount of OCI reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings per Share	'
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	174,589		$	151,067		$	347,771		$	310,678
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(19		)	13			(19		)	5
	Net income	174,570			151,080			347,752			310,683
	Adjustment for basic earnings per share:
	Earnings allocated to unvested shareholders	(1,035		)	(820		)	(2,027		)	(1,553		)
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	From continuing operations	173,554			150,247			345,744			309,125
	From discontinued operations	(19		)	13			(19		)	5
		173,535			150,260			345,725			309,130
	Adjustment for diluted earnings per share:
	Effect of reallocating undistributed earnings of unvested shareholders	8			10			17			19
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	From continuing operations	173,562			150,257			345,761			309,144
	From discontinued operations	(19		)	13			(19		)	5
		$	173,543		$	150,270		$	345,742		$	309,149
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted-average shares	107,692			106,326			107,417			106,094
	Effect of dilutive shares from stock options and restricted stock	1,389			1,460			1,528			1,546
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share — adjusted weighted-average shares	109,081			107,786			108,945			107,640
	Basic earnings per common share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	1.61		$	1.41		$	3.22		$	2.91
	Income from discontinued operations	—			—			—			—
	Net income	$	1.61		$	1.41		$	3.22		$	2.91
	Diluted earnings per common share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	1.59		$	1.39		$	3.17		$	2.87
	Income from discontinued operations	—			—			—			—
	Net income	$	1.59		$	1.39		$	3.17		$	2.87
Schedule of shares attributable to outstanding equity awards excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	'
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Shares excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share	215			752			256			365
	Weighted-average price per share	$	79.67		$	57.3		$	79.67		$	54.18

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair1

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement	'
Summary of available-for-sale securities	'
				Gross		Gross		Estimated
				Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
		(in thousands)
	Equity securities March 31, 2014	$	66,448	$	205,068	$	—	$	271,516
	Equity securities September 30, 2013	$	68,434	$	237,214	$	—	$	305,648
Summary of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
				Quoted Prices
		Total		in Active		Significant
		Measure		Markets for		Other		Significant
		at		Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		Fair		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	584,979	$	584,979	$	—	$	—
	Equity securities	271,516		271,516		—		—
	Other current assets	31,174		30,924		250		—
	Other assets	2,000		2,000		—		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	889,669	$	889,419	$	250	$	—
Summary of supplemental fair value information about fixed-rate debt	'
		March 31,		September 30,
		2014		2013
		(in millions)
	Carrying value of fixed-rate debt	$	195	$	195
	Fair value of fixed-rate debt	$	203.6	$	205.4

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
		March 31,			September 30,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Pre-tax amounts:
	Unrealized appreciation on securities	$	205,068		$	237,214
	Unrecognized actuarial loss	(18,752		)	(19,210		)
		$	186,316		$	218,004
	After-tax amounts:
	Unrealized appreciation on securities	$	124,764		$	144,161
	Unrecognized actuarial loss	(11,339		)	(11,631		)
		$	113,425		$	132,530
Summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component	'
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Unrealized
		Appreciation
		(Depreciation) on			Defined
		Available-for-sale			Benefit
		Securities			Pension Plan			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balances at January 1, 2014	$	141,200		$	(11,484	)	$	129,716
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(3,552		)	—			(3,552		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,884		)	145			(12,739		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(16,436		)	145			(16,291		)
	Balances at March 31, 2014	$	124,764		$	(11,339	)	$	113,425
		Six Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Unrealized
		Appreciation
		(Depreciation) on			Defined
		Available-for-sale			Benefit
		Securities			Pension Plan			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at October 1, 2013	$	144,161		$	(11,631	)	$	132,530
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(6,513		)	—			(6,513		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(12,884		)	292			(12,592		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	(19,397		)	292			(19,105		)
	Balances at March 31, 2014	$	124,764		$	(11,339	)	$	113,425
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components which were reclassified to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income	'
		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated
		Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Details About Accumulated Other	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended						Affected Line Item in the
	Comprehensive Income	March 31,						March 31,						Condensed Consolidated
	(Loss) Components	2014			2013			2014			2013			Statement of Income
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	$	(21,352	)	$	—		$	(21,352	)	$	—		Gain on sale of investment securities
		8,468			—			8,468			—			Income tax provision
		$	(12,884	)	$	—		$	(12,884	)	$	—		Net of tax
	Defined Benefit Pension Items
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	$	229		$	685		$	458		$	1,370		General and administrative
		(84		)	(253		)	(166		)	(505		)	Income tax provision
		$	145		$	432		$	292		$	865		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	(12,739	)	$	432		$	(12,592	)	$	865

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation	'
Summary of compensation cost for stock-based payment arrangements recognized in general and administrative expense	'
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Compensation expense
	Stock options	$	1,989		$	2,649		$	5,642		$	6,132
	Restricted stock	3,805			3,049			7,162			5,594
		$	5,794		$	5,698		$	12,804		$	11,726
Summary of weighted-average assumptions utilized in determining the fair value of options granted	'
		2014		2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.6	%	0.7	%
	Expected stock volatility	52.6	%	53.9	%
	Dividend yield	3.1	%	1.1	%
	Expected term (in years)	5.5		5.5
Summary of stock option activity	'
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
							Weighted-
				Weighted-			Average		Aggregate
				Average			Remaining		Intrinsic
		Shares		Exercise			Contractual Term		Value
	Options	(in thousands)		Price			(in years)		(in millions)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	3,524		$	39.69
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(701	)	27.71
	Forfeited/Expired	(5	)	79.67
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	2,818		$	42.59		5.6		$	183.1
	Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014	2,810		$	42.55		5.6		$	182.7
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014	2,070		$	35.41		4.6		$	149.3
		Six Months Ended
		March 31, 2014
				Weighted-
				Average
		Shares		Exercise
	Options	(in thousands)		Price
	Outstanding at October 1, 2013	3,991		$	34.12
	Granted	261		79.67
	Exercised	(1,428	)	25.57
	Forfeited/Expired	(6	)	75.11
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	2,818		$	42.59
Summary of restricted stock awards and changes in restricted stock outstanding	'
		Six Months Ended
		March 31, 2014
				Weighted-
				Average
		Shares		Grant-Date
	Restricted Stock Awards	(in thousands)		Fair Value
	Unvested at October 1, 2013	576		$	55.17
	Granted	230		79.67
	Vested (1)	(157	)	54.08
	Forfeited	(6	)	70.39
	Unvested at March 31, 2014	643		$	64.08
	(1)         The number of restricted stock awards vested includes shares that we withheld on behalf of our employees to satisfy the statutory tax withholding requirements.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt	'
Schedule of components of unsecured long-term debt outstanding	'
		March 31,		September 30,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Unsecured intermediate debt issued August 15, 2002:
	Series D, due August 15, 2014, 6.56%	$	75,000	$	75,000
	Unsecured senior notes issued July 21, 2009:
	Due July 21, 2014, 6.10%	40,000		40,000
	Due July 21, 2015, 6.10%	40,000		40,000
	Due July 21, 2016, 6.10%	40,000		40,000
		$	195,000	$	195,000
	Less long-term debt due within one year	115,000		115,000
	Long-term debt	$	80,000	$	80,000

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information	'
Summary of financial information of the entity's reportable segments	'
	Summarized financial information of our reportable segments for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is shown in the following tables:
											Segment
		External			Inter-			Total			Operating
	(in thousands)	Sales			Segment			Sales			Income (Loss)
	March 31, 2014
	Contract Drilling:
	U.S. Land	$	1,473,465		$	—		$	1,473,465		$	496,014
	Offshore	122,330			—			122,330			37,841
	International Land	180,874			—			180,874			23,919
		1,776,669			—			1,776,669			557,774
	Other	5,913			431			6,344			(5,249		)
		1,782,582			431			1,783,013			552,525
	Eliminations	—			(431		)	(431		)	—
	Total	$	1,782,582		$	—		$	1,782,582		$	552,525
											Segment
		External			Inter-			Total			Operating
	(in thousands)	Sales			Segment			Sales			Income (Loss)
	March 31, 2013
	Contract Drilling:
	U.S. Land	$	1,381,740		$	—		$	1,381,740		$	460,386
	Offshore	113,323			—			113,323			28,656
	International Land	181,359			—			181,359			22,280
		1,676,422			—			1,676,422			511,322
	Other	6,459			429			6,888			(4,174		)
		1,682,881			429			1,683,310			507,148
	Eliminations	—			(429		)	(429		)	—
	Total	$	1,682,881		$	—		$	1,682,881		$	507,148
	Summarized financial information of our reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is shown in the following tables:
											Segment
		External			Inter-			Total			Operating
	(in thousands)	Sales			Segment			Sales			Income (Loss)
	March 31, 2014
	Contract Drilling:
	U.S. Land	$	741,791		$	—		$	741,791		$	245,062
	Offshore	63,276			—			63,276			19,343
	International Land	85,533			—			85,533			11,168
		890,600			—			890,600			275,573
	Other	2,830			211			3,041			(2,244		)
		893,430			211			893,641			273,329
	Eliminations	—			(211		)	(211		)	—
	Total	$	893,430		$	—		$	893,430		$	273,329
											Segment
		External			Inter-			Total			Operating
	(in thousands)	Sales			Segment			Sales			Income (Loss)
	March 31, 2013
	Contract Drilling:
	U.S. Land	$	685,710		$	—		$	685,710		$	225,998
	Offshore	55,605			—			55,605			13,650
	International Land	94,092			—			94,092			13,169
		835,407			—			835,407			252,817
	Other	2,902			214			3,116			(2,539		)
		838,309			214			838,523			250,278
	Eliminations	—			(214		)	(214		)	—
	Total	$	838,309		$	—		$	838,309		$	250,278
Schedule of reconciliation of segment operating income to income from continuing operations before income taxes	'
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Segment operating income	$	273,329		$	250,278		$	552,525		$	507,148
	Income from asset sales	4,098			5,313			9,762			10,532
	Corporate general and administrative costs and corporate depreciation	(22,085		)	(22,671		)	(42,914		)	(44,213		)
	Operating income	255,342			232,920			519,373			473,467
	Other income (expense):
	Interest and dividend income	490			315			943			741
	Interest expense	(1,725		)	(1,186		)	(2,919		)	(2,494		)
	Gain on sale of investment securities	21,352			—			21,352			8,752
	Other	(32		)	103			(377		)	(1,981		)
	Total other income (expense)	20,085			(768		)	18,999			5,018
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	275,427		$	232,152		$	538,372		$	478,485
Schedule of total assets by reportable segments	'
		March 31,			September 30,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Total assets
	U.S. Land	$	4,880,865		$	4,743,644
	Offshore	132,504			149,128
	International Land	476,812			486,914
	Other	35,628			32,789
		5,525,809			5,412,475
	Investments and corporate operations	955,493			848,647
	Total assets from continued operations	6,481,302			6,261,122
	Discontinued operations	6,979			3,705
		$	6,488,281		$	6,264,827
Schedule of revenues from external customers by country based on the location of service provided	'
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Operating revenues
	United States	$	800,775		$	742,635		$	1,589,466		$	1,499,120
	Argentina	26,695			17,572			53,054			31,168
	Colombia	21,064			24,069			47,794			51,474
	Ecuador	16,822			15,611			34,622			32,241
	Other foreign	28,074			38,422			57,646			68,878
	Total	$	893,430		$	838,309		$	1,782,582		$	1,682,881

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits	'
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost	'
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Interest cost	$	1,201		$	1,105		$	2,402		$	2,210
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,664		)	(1,496		)	(3,328		)	(2,992		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	229			685			458			1,370
	Net pension expense	$	(234	)	$	294		$	(468	)	$	588
	Employer Contributions

Earnings_per_Share_Details

Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$174,589	$151,067	$347,771	$310,678
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-19	13	-19	5
NET INCOME	174,570	151,080	347,752	310,683
Adjustment for basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings allocated to unvested shareholders	-1,035	-820	-2,027	-1,553
Numerator for basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
From continuing operations	173,554	150,247	345,744	309,125
From discontinued operations	-19	13	-19	5
Net income (loss) attributable to parent, basic	173,535	150,260	345,725	309,130
Adjustment for diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Effect of reallocating undistributed earnings of unvested shareholders	8	10	17	19
Numerator for diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
From continuing operations	173,562	150,257	345,761	309,144
From discontinued operations	-19	13	-19	5
Net income (loss) attributable to parent, diluted	$173,543	$150,270	$345,742	$309,149
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares	107,692	106,326	107,417	106,094
Effect of dilutive shares from stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	1,389	1,460	1,528	1,546
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares	109,081	107,786	108,945	107,640
Basic earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$1.61	$1.41	$3.22	$2.91
Net income (in dollars per share)	$1.61	$1.41	$3.22	$2.91
Diluted earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$1.59	$1.39	$3.17	$2.87
Net income (in dollars per share)	$1.59	$1.39	$3.17	$2.87
Outstanding equity awards	'	'	'	'
Shares excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share	215	752	256	365
Weighted-average price per share (in dollars per share)	$79.67	$57.30	$79.67	$54.18

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair2

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Available-for-sale securities	'	'	'
Number of limited partnerships in which the entity sold its shares	'	3	'
Realized gain on shares sold in three limited partnerships	'	$8,800,000	'
Level1	'	'	'
Non-qualified Supplemental Savings Plan	'	'	'
Assets held in Non-qualified Supplement Savings Plan, at Fair Value	13,200,000	'	10,500,000
Equity securities	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	'	'	'
Cost	66,448,000	'	68,434,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	205,068,000	'	237,214,000
Estimated Fair Value	271,516,000	'	305,648,000
Equity available-for-sale securities sold, fair value	23,300,000	0	'
Total gross realized gain on such sales of available-for-sale securities	$21,400,000	'	'

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair3

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental fair value information about fixed-rate debt	'	'
Carrying value of fixed-rate debt	$195,000,000	$195,000,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Supplemental fair value information about fixed-rate debt	'	'
Carrying value of fixed-rate debt	195,000,000	195,000,000
Fair value of fixed-rate debt	203,600,000	205,400,000
Recurring basis | Total Measure at Fair Value	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	584,979,000	'
Equity securities	271,516,000	'
Other current assets	31,174,000	'
Other assets	2,000,000	'
Total assets measured at fair value	889,669,000	'
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	584,979,000	'
Equity securities	271,516,000	'
Other current assets	30,924,000	'
Other assets	2,000,000	'
Total assets measured at fair value	889,419,000	'
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Other current assets	250,000	'
Total assets measured at fair value	$250,000	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
After-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, after-tax	$113,425	$129,716	$132,530
Unrealized appreciation on securities	'	'	'
Pre-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-tax	205,068	'	237,214
After-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, after-tax	124,764	141,200	144,161
Unrecognized actuarial loss	'	'	'
Pre-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-tax	-18,752	'	-19,210
After-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, after-tax	-11,339	'	-11,631
Total	'	'	'
Pre-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-tax	186,316	'	218,004
After-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, after-tax	$113,425	'	$132,530

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	$129,716	'	$132,530	'	'
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-3,552	'	-6,513	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-12,739	'	-12,592	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-16,291	37,948	-19,105	38,247	132,530
Balance at the end of the period	113,425	'	113,425	'	132,530
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	141,200	'	144,161	'	'
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-3,552	'	-6,513	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-12,884	'	-12,884	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-16,436	'	-19,397	'	'
Balance at the end of the period	124,764	'	124,764	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Plan	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	-11,484	'	-11,631	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	145	'	292	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	145	'	292	'	'
Balance at the end of the period	($11,339)	'	($11,339)	'	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components which were reclassified to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	$34,431	$32,836	$66,674	$65,257
Income tax provision	100,838	81,085	190,601	167,807
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components which were reclassified to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income	'	'	'	'
Net of tax	-12,739	432	-12,592	865
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components which were reclassified to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of investment securities	-21,352	'	-21,352	'
Income tax provision	8,468	'	8,468	'
Net of tax	-12,884	'	-12,884	'
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Defined Benefit Pension Items Amortization of net actuarial loss	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components which were reclassified to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	229	685	458	1,370
Income tax provision	-84	-253	-166	-505
Net of tax	$145	$432	$292	$865

Cash_Dividends_Details

Cash Dividends (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 05, 2014	Mar. 03, 2014	Dec. 03, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash Dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash dividends declared, per share (in dollars per share)	$0.63	'	$0.63	$0.63	$0.15	$1.25	$0.30
Cash dividend paid, per share (in dollars per share)	'	$0.63	'	'	'	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Common-stock based award plan	'	'	'	'	'
Number of prior equity plans	'	'	'	1	'
Compensation expense (in dollars)	$5,794,000	'	$5,698,000	$12,804,000	$11,726,000
Stock options	'	'	'	'	'
Common-stock based award plan	'	'	'	'	'
The period from the grant date after which options expire	'	'	'	'10 years	'
Compensation expense (in dollars)	1,989,000	'	2,649,000	5,642,000	6,132,000
Weighted-average assumptions utilized in determining the fair value of options	'	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	'	'	'	1.60%	0.70%
Expected stock volatility (as a percent)	'	'	'	52.60%	53.90%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	'	'	'	3.10%	1.10%
Expected term	'	'	'	'5 years 6 months	'5 years 6 months
Options	'	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	3,524,000	3,991,000	'	3,991,000	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	'	261,438	'
Exercised (in shares)	-701,000	'	'	-1,428,000	'
Forfeited/Expired (in shares)	-5,000	'	'	-6,000	'
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	2,818,000	3,524,000	'	2,818,000	'
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares)	2,810,000	'	'	2,810,000	'
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	2,070,000	'	'	2,070,000	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$39.69	$34.12	'	$34.12	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$79.67	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$27.71	'	'	$25.57	'
Forfeited/Expired (in dollars per share)	$79.67	'	'	$75.11	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$42.59	$39.69	'	$42.59	'
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$42.55	'	'	$42.55	'
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$35.41	'	'	$35.41	'
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period	'5 years 7 months 6 days	'	'	'	'
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period	'5 years 7 months 6 days	'	'	'	'
Exercisable at the end of the period	'4 years 7 months 6 days	'	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars)	183,100,000	'	'	183,100,000	'
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars)	182,700,000	'	'	182,700,000	'
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars)	149,300,000	'	'	149,300,000	'
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$0	$29.44	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in dollars)	47,400,000	'	'	85,700,000	'
Unrecognized compensation cost (in dollars)	11,400,000	'	'	11,400,000	'
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized	'	'	'	'2 years 9 months 18 days	'
Restricted stock	'	'	'	'	'
Common-stock based award plan	'	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense (in dollars)	3,805,000	'	3,049,000	7,162,000	5,594,000
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost (in dollars)	$27,800,000	'	'	$27,800,000	'
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized	'	'	'	'2 years 9 months 18 days	'
Restricted Stock Awards, Shares	'	'	'	'	'
Unvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	'	576,000	'	576,000	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	'	230,375	'
Vested (in shares)	'	'	'	-157,000	'
Forfeited (in shares)	'	'	'	-6,000	'
Unvested at the end of the period (in shares)	643,000	'	'	643,000	'
Restricted Stock Awards, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'
Unvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	'	$55.17	'	$55.17	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$79.67	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$54.08	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$70.39	'
Unvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$64.08	'	'	$64.08	'
Restricted stock | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'	'3 years	'
Restricted stock | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'	'6 years	'

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Issued to support international operations

Unsecured revolving credit facility mature May 25, 2017

Unsecured revolving credit facility mature May 25, 2017

Unsecured revolving credit facility mature May 25, 2017

Unsecured revolving credit facility mature May 25, 2017

Unsecured revolving credit facility mature May 25, 2017

Unsecured revolving credit facility mature May 25, 2017

Unsecured revolving credit facility mature May 25, 2017

Series D, due August 15, 2014, 6.56%

Series D, due August 15, 2014, 6.56%

Series D, due August 15, 2014, 6.56%

Unsecured senior notes issued July 21, 2009

Unsecured senior notes issued July 21, 2009

Unsecured senior notes issued July 21, 2009

Due July 21, 2014, 6.10%

Due July 21, 2014, 6.10%

Due July 21, 2015, 6.10%

Due July 21, 2015, 6.10%

Due July 21, 2016, 6.10%

Due July 21, 2016, 6.10%

LetterOfCredit

Maximum

Minimum

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Letter of credit

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

LetterOfCredit

Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt outstanding

$195,000,000

$195,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$75,000,000

$75,000,000

'

$120,000,000

'

'

$40,000,000

$40,000,000

$40,000,000

$40,000,000

$40,000,000

$40,000,000

Less long-term debt due within one year

115,000,000

115,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

80,000,000

80,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt stated interest rate percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.56%

6.56%

'

6.10%

'

'

6.10%

6.10%

6.10%

6.10%

6.10%

6.10%

Ratio of debt to total capitalization (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual principal repayments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Funded leverage ratio (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest coverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowing amount

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available borrowing capacity to use for letters of credit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Base rate for the variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

LIBOR spread on borrowings (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.13%

1.75%

1.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitment fee (as a percent)

'

'

'

0.15%

0.35%

0.15%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowing amount outstanding

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of letters of credit outstanding

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit outstanding/issued

'

'

12,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available borrowing capacity excluding letters of credit transaction

'

'

'

$269,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	36.60%	34.90%	35.40%	35.10%
Effective income tax rates as compared to the U.S. Federal income tax rate	'	'	'	'
U.S. federal statutory rate (as a percent)	'	'	35.00%	'
Reasonably possible increase in the reserve for uncertain tax positions, low range	$8	'	$8	'
Reasonably possible increase in the reserve for uncertain tax positions, high range	10.7	'	10.7	'
Uncertain tax positions related to discontinued operations	$3.10	'	$3.10	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Purchase orders outstanding for drilling equipment	'	$189.70
Gain contingencies recognized in consolidated financial statements	'	0
Monetary penalty paid	5.4	'
Organizational community service payment	$1	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	$893,430	$838,309	$1,782,582	$1,682,881
Segment Operating Income (Loss)	273,329	250,278	552,525	507,148
Reconciliation of segment operating income to income from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income	273,329	250,278	552,525	507,148
Income from asset sales	4,098	5,313	9,762	10,532
Corporate general and administrative costs and corporate depreciation	-22,085	-22,671	-42,914	-44,213
Operating income from continuing operations	255,342	232,920	519,373	473,467
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest and dividend income	490	315	943	741
Interest expense	-1,725	-1,186	-2,919	-2,494
Gain on sale of investment securities	21,352	'	21,352	8,752
Other	-32	103	-377	-1,981
Total other income (expense)	20,085	-768	18,999	5,018
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	275,427	232,152	538,372	478,485
Other	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	2,830	2,902	5,913	6,459
Segment Operating Income (Loss)	-2,244	-2,539	-5,249	-4,174
Reconciliation of segment operating income to income from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income	-2,244	-2,539	-5,249	-4,174
Operating Segment	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	893,641	838,523	1,783,013	1,683,310
Operating Segment | Other	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	3,041	3,116	6,344	6,888
Inter-Segment	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	-211	-214	-431	-429
Inter-Segment | Other	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	-211	-214	-431	-429
Contract Drilling:	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	890,600	835,407	1,776,669	1,676,422
Segment Operating Income (Loss)	275,573	252,817	557,774	511,322
Reconciliation of segment operating income to income from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income	275,573	252,817	557,774	511,322
Contract Drilling: | U.S. Land	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	741,791	685,710	1,473,465	1,381,740
Segment Operating Income (Loss)	245,062	225,998	496,014	460,386
Reconciliation of segment operating income to income from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income	245,062	225,998	496,014	460,386
Contract Drilling: | Offshore	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	63,276	55,605	122,330	113,323
Segment Operating Income (Loss)	19,343	13,650	37,841	28,656
Reconciliation of segment operating income to income from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income	19,343	13,650	37,841	28,656
Contract Drilling: | International Land	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	85,533	94,092	180,874	181,359
Segment Operating Income (Loss)	11,168	13,169	23,919	22,280
Reconciliation of segment operating income to income from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income	11,168	13,169	23,919	22,280
Contract Drilling: | Operating Segment	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	890,600	835,407	1,776,669	1,676,422
Contract Drilling: | Operating Segment | U.S. Land	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	741,791	685,710	1,473,465	1,381,740
Contract Drilling: | Operating Segment | Offshore	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	63,276	55,605	122,330	113,323
Contract Drilling: | Operating Segment | International Land	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Sales	$85,533	$94,092	$180,874	$181,359

Segment_Information_Details_2

Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	$6,488,281	'	$6,488,281	'	$6,264,827
Operating revenues	893,430	838,309	1,782,582	1,682,881	'
United States	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	800,775	742,635	1,589,466	1,499,120	'
Argentina	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	26,695	17,572	53,054	31,168	'
Colombia	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	21,064	24,069	47,794	51,474	'
Ecuador	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	16,822	15,611	34,622	32,241	'
Other foreign	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	28,074	38,422	57,646	68,878	'
Continued operations	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	6,481,302	'	6,481,302	'	6,261,122
Discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	6,979	'	6,979	'	3,705
Other	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	2,830	2,902	5,913	6,459	'
Operating segment	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	5,525,809	'	5,525,809	'	5,412,475
Operating revenues	893,641	838,523	1,783,013	1,683,310	'
Operating segment | U.S. Land	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	4,880,865	'	4,880,865	'	4,743,644
Operating segment | Offshore	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	132,504	'	132,504	'	149,128
Operating segment | International Land	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	476,812	'	476,812	'	486,914
Operating segment | Other	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	35,628	'	35,628	'	32,789
Operating revenues	3,041	3,116	6,344	6,888	'
Investments and corporate operations	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	$955,493	'	$955,493	'	$848,647

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem2

Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	$1,201,000	$1,105,000	$2,402,000	$2,210,000
Expected return on plan assets	-1,664,000	-1,496,000	-3,328,000	-2,992,000
Recognized net actuarial loss	229,000	685,000	458,000	1,370,000
Net pension expense	-234,000	294,000	-468,000	588,000
Plan assets	'	'	'	'
Employer contribution	'	'	2,500,000	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'
Plan assets	'	'	'	'
Estimated additional contribution in remainder of fiscal 2014	'	'	$2,000,000	'