Atwood Oceanics (ATW) 10-Q 6 Feb 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ATWOOD OCEANICS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000008411	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	64,209
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'
Trading Symbol	'atw	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

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

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$83,397	$72,831
Other comprehensive gains (losses), net of tax:	'	'
Unrealized holding gain (loss)	-743	-66
Loss reclassified to net income	381	438
Total other comprehensive gain (loss)	-362	372
Comprehensive income	$83,035	$73,203

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$132,326	$88,770
Accounts receivable	172,821	199,689
Income tax receivable	5,531	4,672
Inventories of materials and supplies	110,561	121,833
Prepaid expenses and deferred costs	30,721	38,796
Total current assets	451,960	453,760
Property and equipment, net	3,583,267	3,164,724
Other receivables	11,831	11,831
Deferred costs and other assets	31,661	26,951
Total assets	4,078,719	3,657,266
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Accounts payable	71,179	95,827
Accrued liabilities	17,578	17,653
Notes payable	2,025	8,071
Interest payable	19,404	7,945
Income tax payable	12,787	16,554
Deferred credits	21,714	10,822
Total current liabilities	144,687	156,872
LONG TERM LIABILITIES:	'	'
Long-term debt	1,602,961	1,263,232
Deferred income taxes	681	485
Deferred credits	5,356	1,176
Other	30,451	28,130
Total long-term liabilities	1,639,449	1,293,023
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, no par value, 1,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 90,000 shares authorized with 64,208 and 64,057 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively	64,208	64,057
Paid-in capital	187,416	183,390
Retained earnings	2,044,802	1,961,405
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,843	-1,481
Total shareholders' equity	2,294,583	2,207,371
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$4,078,719	$3,657,266

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	90,000,000	90,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	64,208,000	64,057,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	64,208,000	64,057,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$2,207,371	$64,057	$183,390	$1,961,405	($1,481)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	64,057	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	83,397	'	'	83,397	'
Other comprehensive loss	-362	'	'	'	-362
Restricted stock awards	0	127	-127	'	'
Restricted stock awards (in shares)	'	127	'	'	'
Exercise of employee stock options	823	24	799	'	'
Exercise of employee stock options (in shares)	24	24	'	'	'
Stock option and restricted stock award compensation expense	3,354	'	3,354	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$2,294,583	$64,208	$187,416	$2,044,802	($1,843)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	64,208	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$83,397	$72,831
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	32,544	27,578
Amortization of debt issuance costs and bond premium, net	1,176	1,036
Amortization of deferred items	-4	-32
Provision for doubtful accounts	0	1,871
Provision for inventory obsolescence	430	181
Deferred income tax expense/(benefit)	196	-220
Share-based compensation expense	3,354	3,048
Other, net	392	7
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	26,868	22,388
Income tax receivable	-859	141
Inventory	10,842	-257
Prepaid expenses	6,458	5,470
Deferred costs and other assets	-8,167	-4,039
Accounts payable	-13,556	-27,978
Accrued liabilities	11,195	4,937
Income tax payable	-3,767	3,603
Deferred credits and other liabilities	9,695	6,354
Net cash provided by operating activities	160,194	116,919
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-462,620	-321,995
Installment proceeds from pending sale of asset	11,200	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	77	41
Net cash used in investing activities	-451,343	-321,954
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from bank credit facilities	340,000	240,000
Principal payments on notes payable	-6,046	-5,148
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	823	653
Debt issuance costs paid	-72	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	334,705	235,505
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	43,556	30,470
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period	88,770	77,871
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period	$132,326	$108,341

Unaudited_Interim_Information

Unaudited Interim Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unaudited Interim Information	'
	UNAUDITED INTERIM INFORMATION
	The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013, and for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, included herein, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Unless otherwise indicated, references to “we”, “us”, “our” and the “Company” refer collectively to Atwood Oceanics, Inc. and subsidiaries. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements as of September 30, 2013. Although these financial statements and related information have been prepared without audit, and certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted, we believe that the note disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. The interim financial results may not be indicative of results that could be expected for a full fiscal year. It is suggested that these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2013. In our opinion, the unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Net Income		Shares	Per Share
					Amount
	December 31, 2013
	Basic earnings per share	$	83,397	64,112	$	1.3
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—		307	$	(0.01	)
	Restricted stock	—		607	$	(0.01	)
	Diluted earnings per share	$	83,397	65,026	$	1.28
	December 31, 2012
	Basic earnings per share	$	72,831	65,528	$	1.11
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—		409	$	(0.01	)
	Restricted stock	—		155	$	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	72,831	66,092	$	1.1
	For the three months ended December 31, 2013, there were no anti-dilutive options. The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2012 excludes 296,000 anti-dilutive options.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the equity award. As of December 31, 2013, unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock options and restricted stock awards was approximately $2.8 million and $27.4 million, respectively, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of approximately 2.3 years.
	Stock Options
	Under our stock incentive plans, the exercise price of each stock option must be equal to or greater than the fair market value of one share of our common stock on the date of grant, with all outstanding options having a maximum term of 10 years. Options vest ratably over a period ranging from the end of the first to the fourth year from the date of grant for stock options. Each option is for the purchase of one share of our common stock.
	A summary of stock option activity during the three months ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
		Number of Options (000s)		Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price		Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000s)
	Outstanding at October 1, 2013	989		$	33.21	5.9	$	21,592
	Granted	—		$	—
	Exercised	-24		$	34.63		$	476
	Forfeited	-17		$	40.26
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	948		$	33.04	5.6	$	19,178
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	761		$	31.29	5.1	$	15,355
	Restricted Stock
	We have awarded restricted stock to certain employees and to our non-employee directors. All current awards of restricted stock to employees are subject to a vesting and restriction period ranging from three to four years, subject to acceleration upon certain events as set forth in the terms of the grant. In addition, certain awards of restricted stock to employees are subject to market-based performance conditions. The number of shares that vest based on market-based performance conditions will depend on the degree of achievement of specified corporate performance criteria which are strictly market-based. All awards of restricted stock to non-employee directors are subject to a vesting and restriction period of a minimum of 13 months, subject to acceleration upon certain events as set forth in the terms of the grant. We value restricted stock awards based on the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and also adjust to fair market value for any awards subject to market-based performance conditions, where applicable.
	A summary of restricted stock activity for the three months ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
		Number of Shares (000s)	Wtd. Avg. Fair Value
	Unvested at October 1, 2013	849	$	42.42
	Granted	297	$	54.62
	Vested	-132	$	37.29
	Forfeited	-34	$	41.17
	Unvested at December 31, 2013	980	$	46.85

Property_And_Equipment

Property And Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	A summary of property and equipment by classification is as follows:
	(In thousands)	December 31,			September 30,
		2013			2013
	Drilling vessels and equipment	$	3,632,897		$	2,979,503
	Construction work in progress	501,486			715,320
	Drill pipe	32,804			26,743
	Office equipment and other	29,672			24,439
	Cost	4,196,859			3,746,005
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(613,592		)	(581,281		)
	Drilling and other property and equipment, net	$	3,583,267		$	3,164,724
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Interest incurred related to property under construction is capitalized as a component of construction costs. Interest capitalized during the three months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $9.8 million and $9.0 million, respectively.
	Recently Completed Construction Projects
	Our first ultra-deepwater drillship, Atwood Advantage, was delivered from the Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. yard in South Korea in December 2013.
	Ongoing Construction Projects
	As of December 31, 2013, we had expended approximately $500 million towards our three ultra-deepwater drillships under construction. Total remaining firm commitments for these three drilling units under construction were approximately $1.2 billion at December 31, 2013.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	LONG-TERM DEBT
	A summary of long-term debt is as follows:
	(In thousands)	December 31,		September 30,
		2013		2013
	6.5% Senior Notes due 2020, bearing fixed interest at 6.5% per annum, net of unamortized premium	$	657,961	$	658,232
	Revolving Credit Facility, bearing interest at approximately 2.8%(1) per annum at December 31, 2013 and 3.0%(1) per annum at September 30, 2013	945,000		605,000
	(1) After the impact of our interest rate swaps.	$	1,602,961	$	1,263,232
	Revolving Credit Facility
	As of December 31, 2013, we had $945 million of outstanding borrowings under our five-year $1.1 billion senior secured revolving credit facility. The credit facility was entered into in May 2011 and matures in May 2016. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Atwood Offshore Worldwide Limited, is the borrower under the credit facility, and we and certain of our other subsidiaries are guarantors under the facility. Except as described below, borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at the Eurodollar rate plus a margin ranging from 2.00% to 2.50% based on our corporate credit ratings. Currently, certain borrowings effectively bear interest at a fixed rate due to our interest rate swaps. See Note 6. The average interest rate for borrowings under the credit facility was approximately 2.8% per annum at December 31, 2013, after considering the impact of our interest rate swaps. Subsequent to December 31, 2013, we made $90 million in prepayments and incurred no additional borrowings under the credit facility.
	As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the credit facility.
	Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent and the agreement by the lenders, the credit facility accordion may be exercised to increase commitments by up to an additional $200 million for a total commitment of up to $1.3 billion.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Interest Rate Swap Contracts
	Our credit facility exposes us to short-term changes in market interest rates as our interest obligations on these instruments are periodically re-determined based on the prevailing Eurodollar rate. We enter into interest rate swaps to limit our exposure to fluctuations and volatility in interest rates.
	At December 31, 2013, we had interest rate swaps that effectively fix the interest rate on $250 million of borrowings under the credit facility at a weighted average interest rate of 3.4% through September 2014. In December 2013, we entered into additional interest rate swaps which extend the Company's current hedging program and effectively fix the interest rate on $250 million of borrowings at a weighted average interest rate of 3.1% from September 2014 to March 2016. As of December 31, 2013, these interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
	Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts
	We conduct business in numerous foreign countries. Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar and thus our international operations expose us to foreign currency risk associated with cash flows from transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currency. We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to limit our exposure to fluctuations and volatility in the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate.
	In December 2013, we executed foreign currency forward exchange contracts for a portion of our anticipated euro receipts associated with revenues earned on a drilling contract from December 2013 through November 2015. These forward contracts effectively fix the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate at 1.365905 on an aggregate notional amount of 72 million euro and settle monthly from March 2014 through February 2016. As of December 31, 2013, these forward contracts are designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
	We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes and we are not a party to leveraged derivatives.
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
	We record our derivative contracts at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 8. The following table presents the fair value of our derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013:
		Asset Derivatives										Liability Derivatives
	(In thousands)			31-Dec-13				30-Sep-13						31-Dec-13				30-Sep-13
	Derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value
	Short-term interest rate swaps	Prepaid expenses and deferred costs		$	—			$	—			Accrued liabilities		$	1,361			$	1,586
	Long-term interest rate swaps	Deferred costs and other assets		255				—				Other long-term liabilities		—				—
	Short-term foreign exchange forward currency contracts	Prepaid expenses and deferred costs		—				—				Accrued liabilities		309				—
	Long-term foreign exchange forward currency contracts	Deferred costs and other assets		—				—				Other long-term liabilities		455				—
	Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments			$	255			$	—					$	2,125			$	1,586
	We do not have any derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments.
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operation and Statements of Comprehensive Income
	The following table presents the gains and losses on our derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for three months ended December 31, 2013 and the three months ended December 31, 2012:
	Derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative								Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI in Income		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
		(Effective Portion)								(Effective Portion)		(Effective Portion)
	(In thousands)	Three Months Ended December 31,										Three Months Ended December 31,
		2013				2012						2013				2012
	Interest rate swaps	$	21			$	(66	)		Interest expense, net of capitalized interest		$	(354	)		$	(438	)
	Foreign exchange forward currency contracts	(764		)		—				Contract drilling revenue		(27		)		—
	Total	$	(743	)		$	(66	)				$	(381	)		$	(438	)
	Each quarter, changes in the fair values of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments will adjust the balance sheet asset or liability, with an offset to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) for the effective portion of the hedge. The effective portion of the cash flow hedge will remain in AOCI until it is reclassified into earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings or when it is probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period.
	Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings. For the quarters ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, no loss was recognized on our Consolidated Statement of Operations due to hedge ineffectiveness. Additionally, there were no gains or losses recognized in income as a result of excluding amounts from the assessment of hedge effectiveness or as a result of reclassifications to earnings following the discontinuance of any cash flow hedges.
	As of December 31, 2013, the estimated amount of unrealized losses associated with our interest rate derivative contracts that will be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months totals $1.4 million. As of December 31, 2013, the estimated amount of unrealized losses associated with our foreign exchange forward currency contracts that will be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months is approximately $0.3 million.
	Derivative Contract Agreements
	None of our derivative contracts contain credit-risk related contingent features, and no amounts of cash collateral were posted by us related to net liability positions as of December 31, 2013. Our derivative contracts are secured by the collateral package of our revolving credit facility.
	We report the fair value of our derivative contracts on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a gross basis by type of contract as either short-term or long-term. We determine the short-term and long-term classification based on the timing of expected future cash flows. The following table represents our gross and net derivative assets and liabilities:
	(In thousands)	Gross Amount Presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Netting Adjustments (a)				Net Amount
	December 31, 2013
	Derivative assets	$	255			$	(255	)		$	—
	Derivative liabilities	(2,125		)		255				(1,870		)
	September 30, 2013
	Derivative assets	$	—			$	—			$	—
	Derivative liabilities	(1,586		)		—				(1,586		)
	(a) We have agreements in place with some of our financial trading counterparties that allow for the financial right of offset for derivative assets and derivative liabilities under the agreements.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	INCOME TAXES
	Our consolidated effective income tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2013 was approximately 12%, compared to 13% for the three months ended December 31, 2012. The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2013 was lower than the rate for the three months ended December 31, 2012 primarily due to a change in the geographical mix of our operations as well as the beneficial impact of discrete tax benefits recognized during the three months ended December 31, 2013. Our effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% as a result of working in certain lower tax jurisdictions outside the United States. We record estimated accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense. At December 31, 2013, we had approximately $8.6 million of reserves for uncertain tax positions, including estimated accrued interest and penalties of $2.8 million, which are included in Other Long Term Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. None of our reserves for uncertain tax positions relate to timing differences. All $8.6 million of the net uncertain tax liabilities would affect the effective tax rate if realized.
	Our United States tax returns for fiscal year 2010 and subsequent years remain subject to examination by tax authorities. As we conduct business globally, we have various tax years that remain open to examination in certain international tax jurisdictions, including tax returns in Australia for fiscal years 2008 through 2013 and tax returns in Equatorial Guinea for calendar years 2010 through 2013. Although we cannot predict the outcome of ongoing or future tax examinations, we do not anticipate that the ultimate resolution of these examinations will have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	FAIR VALUE
	We have certain assets and liabilities that are required to be measured and disclosed at fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for 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 on the measurement date.
	The established GAAP fair value hierarchy prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. Priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, which may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The determination of the fair values, stated below, takes into account the market for our financial assets and liabilities, the associated credit risk and other considerations.
	We have classified and disclosed fair value measurements using the following levels of the fair value hierarchy:
	Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
	Level 3: Measurement based on prices or valuation models that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and less observable for objective sources (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
	Fair value of Certain Assets and Liabilities
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term notes payable approximate fair value because of their short term maturities.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of financial instruments is determined by using quoted market prices when available. When quoted prices are not available, independent third party services may be used to determine the fair value with reference to observable inputs used.
	The following table sets forth the estimated fair value of certain financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, which are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis:
			December 31, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements
	(In thousands)	(Asset)/Liability	Carrying			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Estimated
			Amount										Fair  Value
	Type of Contract	Balance Sheet Classification
	Short-term interest rate swaps	Accrued liabilities	$	1,361		$	—	$	1,361		$	—	$	1,361
	Long-term interest rate swaps	Deferred costs and other assets	$	(255	)	—		$	(255	)	—		$	(255	)
	Short-term foreign exchange forward currency contracts	Accrued liabilities	$	309				$	309				$	309
	Long-term foreign exchange forward currency contracts	Other long term liabilities	$	455				$	455				$	455
	Total derivative contracts, net		$	1,870		$	—	$	1,870		$	—	$	1,870
			September 30, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements
	(In thousands)	(Asset)/Liability	Carrying			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Estimated
			Amount										Fair  Value
	Type of Contract	Balance Sheet Classification
	Short-term interest rate swaps	Accrued liabilities	$	1,586		$	—	$	1,586		$	—	$	1,586
	Total derivative contracts, net		$	1,586		$	—	$	1,586		$	—	$	1,586
	Derivative financial instruments - Our derivative financial instruments consist of our interest rate swap contracts and our foreign currency forward exchange contracts.
	The fair values of our interest rate swaps and our foreign currency forward exchange contracts are based upon valuations calculated by an independent third party. The derivatives were valued according to the "Market approach" where possible, and the "Income approach" otherwise. A third party independently valued each instrument using forward price data obtained from reputable data providers (e.g., Bloomberg and Reuters) and reviewed market activity and similarity of pricing terms to determine appropriate reliability level assertions for each instrument. It was determined that the contribution of the credit valuation adjustment to total fair value is less than 1% for all derivatives and is therefore not significant. Based on valuation inputs for fair value measurement and independent review performed by third party consultants, we have classified our derivative contracts as Level 2 as they were valued based upon observable inputs from dealer markets.
	Long-term Debt – Our long-term debt consists of both our 6.5% Senior Notes due 2020 ("Senior Notes") and our revolving credit facility.
	Revolving Credit Facility – The carrying amounts of our variable-rate debt approximates fair value because such debt bears short-term, market-based interest rates. We have classified this instrument as Level 2 as valuation inputs for purposes of determining our fair value disclosure are readily available published Eurodollar rates.
	Senior Notes – The carrying value of our Senior Notes, net of unamortized premium, is $658.0 million ($650 million principal amount) while the fair value of those Senior Notes is $698.8 million. The fair value is determined by a market approach using quoted period-end bond prices. We have classified this instrument as Level 2 as valuation inputs for fair value measurements are quoted market prices as of December 31, 2013 that can only be obtained from independent third party sources. The fair value amount has been calculated using these quoted prices. However, no assurance can be given that the fair value would be the amount realized in an active market exchange.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Litigation
	We are party to a number of lawsuits which are ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business, the outcome of which is not expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Other Matters
	The Atwood Beacon operated in India from early December 2006 to the end of July 2009. A service tax was enacted in India in 2004 on revenues derived from seismic and exploration activities. This service tax law was subsequently amended in June 2007 and again in May 2008 to state that revenues derived from mining services and drilling services were specifically subject to this service tax. The contract terms with our customer in India provided that any liability incurred by us related to any taxes pursuant to laws not in effect at the time the contract was executed in 2005 was to be reimbursed by our customer. We believe any service taxes assessed by the Indian tax authorities under the 2007 or 2008 amendments are an obligation of our customer. Our customer is disputing this obligation on the basis of its contention that revenues derived from drilling services were taxable under the initial 2004 law, and are, therefore, our obligation.
	After reviewing the status of the drilling services we provided to our customer, the Indian tax authorities assessed service tax obligations on revenues derived from the Atwood Beacon commencing on June 1, 2007. The relevant Indian tax authority issued an extensive written ruling setting forth the application of the June 1, 2007 service tax regulation and confirming the position that drilling services, including the services performed under our contract with our customer prior to June 1, 2007, were not covered by the 2004 service tax law. In August 2012, the Indian Custom Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal issued an Order in our favor confirming our position that service tax did not apply to drilling services performed prior to June 1, 2007. The Indian Service Tax Authority has appealed this ruling to the Indian Supreme Court.
	As of December 31, 2013, we had paid to the Indian government $10.1 million in service taxes and have accrued $1.8 million of additional service tax obligations in accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, for a total of $11.9 million relating to service taxes. We recorded a corresponding $11.9 million long-term other receivable due from our customer relating to service taxes due under the contract. We continue to pursue collection of such amounts from our customer and expect to collect the amount recorded as receivable.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On January 17, 2014, we completed the sale of our standard jackup drilling unit, the Vicksburg, for a sales price of $55.4 million pursuant to a definitive sales agreement entered into on October 3, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, the carrying value of the rig and its related inventory was approximately $21.3 million.

Unaudited_Interim_Information_

Unaudited Interim Information (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Share-based Compensation	'
	Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the equity award.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Interest incurred related to property under construction is capitalized as a component of construction costs.
Income Taxes	'
	We record estimated accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense.
Fair Value Measurement	'
	We have certain assets and liabilities that are required to be measured and disclosed at fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for 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 on the measurement date.
	The established GAAP fair value hierarchy prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. Priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, which may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The determination of the fair values, stated below, takes into account the market for our financial assets and liabilities, the associated credit risk and other considerations.
	We have classified and disclosed fair value measurements using the following levels of the fair value hierarchy:
	Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
	Level 3: Measurement based on prices or valuation models that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and less observable for objective sources (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Each quarter, changes in the fair values of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments will adjust the balance sheet asset or liability, with an offset to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) for the effective portion of the hedge. The effective portion of the cash flow hedge will remain in AOCI until it is reclassified into earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings or when it is probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Net Income		Shares	Per Share
					Amount
	December 31, 2013
	Basic earnings per share	$	83,397	64,112	$	1.3
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—		307	$	(0.01	)
	Restricted stock	—		607	$	(0.01	)
	Diluted earnings per share	$	83,397	65,026	$	1.28
	December 31, 2012
	Basic earnings per share	$	72,831	65,528	$	1.11
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—		409	$	(0.01	)
	Restricted stock	—		155	$	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	72,831	66,092	$	1.1

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'
	A summary of stock option activity during the three months ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
		Number of Options (000s)		Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price		Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000s)
	Outstanding at October 1, 2013	989		$	33.21	5.9	$	21,592
	Granted	—		$	—
	Exercised	-24		$	34.63		$	476
	Forfeited	-17		$	40.26
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	948		$	33.04	5.6	$	19,178
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	761		$	31.29	5.1	$	15,355
Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity	'
	A summary of restricted stock activity for the three months ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
		Number of Shares (000s)	Wtd. Avg. Fair Value
	Unvested at October 1, 2013	849	$	42.42
	Granted	297	$	54.62
	Vested	-132	$	37.29
	Forfeited	-34	$	41.17
	Unvested at December 31, 2013	980	$	46.85

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
A Summary of Property and Equipment by Classification	'
	A summary of property and equipment by classification is as follows:
	(In thousands)	December 31,			September 30,
		2013			2013
	Drilling vessels and equipment	$	3,632,897		$	2,979,503
	Construction work in progress	501,486			715,320
	Drill pipe	32,804			26,743
	Office equipment and other	29,672			24,439
	Cost	4,196,859			3,746,005
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(613,592		)	(581,281		)
	Drilling and other property and equipment, net	$	3,583,267		$	3,164,724

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Long-Term Debt	'
	A summary of long-term debt is as follows:
	(In thousands)	December 31,		September 30,
		2013		2013
	6.5% Senior Notes due 2020, bearing fixed interest at 6.5% per annum, net of unamortized premium	$	657,961	$	658,232
	Revolving Credit Facility, bearing interest at approximately 2.8%(1) per annum at December 31, 2013 and 3.0%(1) per annum at September 30, 2013	945,000		605,000
	(1) After the impact of our interest rate swaps.	$	1,602,961	$	1,263,232

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	'
	The following table represents our gross and net derivative assets and liabilities:
	(In thousands)	Gross Amount Presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Netting Adjustments (a)				Net Amount
	December 31, 2013
	Derivative assets	$	255			$	(255	)		$	—
	Derivative liabilities	(2,125		)		255				(1,870		)
	September 30, 2013
	Derivative assets	$	—			$	—			$	—
	Derivative liabilities	(1,586		)		—				(1,586		)
	(a) We have agreements in place with some of our financial trading counterparties that allow for the financial right of offset for derivative assets and derivative liabilities under the agreements.
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Fair Value of Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Contracts Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
	The following table presents the fair value of our derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013:
		Asset Derivatives										Liability Derivatives
	(In thousands)			31-Dec-13				30-Sep-13						31-Dec-13				30-Sep-13
	Derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value
	Short-term interest rate swaps	Prepaid expenses and deferred costs		$	—			$	—			Accrued liabilities		$	1,361			$	1,586
	Long-term interest rate swaps	Deferred costs and other assets		255				—				Other long-term liabilities		—				—
	Short-term foreign exchange forward currency contracts	Prepaid expenses and deferred costs		—				—				Accrued liabilities		309				—
	Long-term foreign exchange forward currency contracts	Deferred costs and other assets		—				—				Other long-term liabilities		455				—
	Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments			$	255			$	—					$	2,125			$	1,586
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following table presents the gains and losses on our derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for three months ended December 31, 2013 and the three months ended December 31, 2012:
	Derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative								Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI in Income		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
		(Effective Portion)								(Effective Portion)		(Effective Portion)
	(In thousands)	Three Months Ended December 31,										Three Months Ended December 31,
		2013				2012						2013				2012
	Interest rate swaps	$	21			$	(66	)		Interest expense, net of capitalized interest		$	(354	)		$	(438	)
	Foreign exchange forward currency contracts	(764		)		—				Contract drilling revenue		(27		)		—
	Total	$	(743	)		$	(66	)				$	(381	)		$	(438	)

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Estimated Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	'
	The following table sets forth the estimated fair value of certain financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, which are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis:
			December 31, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements
	(In thousands)	(Asset)/Liability	Carrying			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Estimated
			Amount										Fair  Value
	Type of Contract	Balance Sheet Classification
	Short-term interest rate swaps	Accrued liabilities	$	1,361		$	—	$	1,361		$	—	$	1,361
	Long-term interest rate swaps	Deferred costs and other assets	$	(255	)	—		$	(255	)	—		$	(255	)
	Short-term foreign exchange forward currency contracts	Accrued liabilities	$	309				$	309				$	309
	Long-term foreign exchange forward currency contracts	Other long term liabilities	$	455				$	455				$	455
	Total derivative contracts, net		$	1,870		$	—	$	1,870		$	—	$	1,870
			September 30, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements
	(In thousands)	(Asset)/Liability	Carrying			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Estimated
			Amount										Fair  Value
	Type of Contract	Balance Sheet Classification
	Short-term interest rate swaps	Accrued liabilities	$	1,586		$	—	$	1,586		$	—	$	1,586
	Total derivative contracts, net		$	1,586		$	—	$	1,586		$	—	$	1,586

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Comp

Earnings Per Common Share (Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Income	'	'
Basic earnings per share	$83,397	$72,831
Stock options	0	0
Restricted stock	0	0
Diluted earnings per share	$83,397	$72,831
Shares	'	'
Basic earnings per share (in shares)	64,112	65,528
Stock options (in shares)	307	409
Restricted stock (in shares)	607	155
Diluted earnings per share (in shares)	65,026	66,092
Per Share Amount	'	'
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$1.30	$1.11
Stock options (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	($0.01)
Restricted stock (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	$0
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$1.28	$1.10
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding stock options, excluded in the calculation of earnings per share	0	296

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Weighted average recognition period	'2 years 3 months 4 days
Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation cost, stock options	2.8
Outstanding options, maximum term	'10 years
Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee, vesting period	'1 year
Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee, vesting period	'4 years
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation cost, restricted stock awards	27.4
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee, vesting period	'3 years
Employee, restriction period	'3 years
Non-employee directors, award vesting period	'13 months
Non-employee directors, award recognition period	'13 months
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee, vesting period	'4 years
Employee, restriction period	'4 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Number of Options:	'	'
Outstanding at October 1, 2013 (shares)	989	'
Granted (shares)	0	'
Exercised (shares)	-24	'
Forfeited (shares)	-17	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 (shares)	948	989
Exercisable at December 31, 2013 (shares)	761	'
Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share):	'	'
Outstanding at October 1, 2013 (dollars per share)	$33.21	'
Granted (dollars per share)	$0	'
Exercised (dollars per share)	$34.63	'
Forfeited (dollars per share)	$40.26	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 (dollars per share)	$33.04	$33.21
Exercisable at December 31, 2013 (dollars per share)	$31.29	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	'5 years 7 months 6 days	'5 years 10 months 24 days
Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Exercisable at December 31, 2013	'5 years 1 month 6 days	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$19,178	$21,592
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised	476	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at December 31, 2013	$15,355	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar1

Share-Based Compensation (Summary of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Number of Shares:	'
Unvested at October 1, 2013 (shares)	849
Granted (shares)	297
Vested (shares)	-132
Forfeited (shares)	-34
Unvested at December 31, 2013 (shares)	980
Wtd. Avg. Fair Value (in dollars per share):	'
Unvested at October 1, 2013 (dollars per share)	$42.42
Granted (dollars per share)	$54.62
Vested (dollars per share)	$37.29
Forfeited (dollars per share)	$41.17
Unvested at December 31, 2013 (dollars per share)	$46.85

Property_and_Equipment_A_Summa

Property and Equipment (A Summary of Property and Equipment by Classification) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	$4,196,859	$3,746,005
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-613,592	-581,281
Drilling and other property and equipment, net	3,583,267	3,164,724
Drilling vessels and equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	3,632,897	2,979,503
Construction work in progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	501,486	715,320
Drill pipe [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	32,804	26,743
Office equipment and other [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	$29,672	$24,439

Property_and_Equipment_Narrati

Property and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Interest capitalized	$9,800,000	$9,000,000
Construction in Progress, Newbuild Drilling Units [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Expenditure towards construction of drilling units currently under construction	500,000,000	'
Number of drilling units	3	'
Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] | Construction in Progress, Newbuild Drilling Units [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Commitments on drilling units under construction	$1,200,000,000	'

LongTerm_Debt_Summary_of_LongT

Long-Term Debt (Summary of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term debt	$1,602,961		$1,263,232
Senior Notes [Member] | 6.5% Senior Notes [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term debt	657,961		658,232
Stated interest rate	6.50%		6.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term debt	$945,000		$605,000
Market adjustable interest rate (per annum)	2.80%	[1]	3.00%	[1]
[1]	After the impact of our interest rate swaps.

LongTerm_Debt_Credit_Facility_

Long-Term Debt (Credit Facility Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Feb. 06, 2014
			Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
			2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
				Eurodollar [Member]	Eurodollar [Member]	Eurodollar [Member]	2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
					Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding credit facility	'	'	$945,000,000	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility, term	'	'	'5 years	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	1,100,000,000	'	'	'	'
Credit facility variable rate	'	'	'	'Eurodollar	'	'	'
Credit facility basis spread on variable rate	'	'	'	'	2.00%	2.50%	'
Interest rate at period end	'	'	2.80%	'	'	'	'
Repayments of credit facility	'	'	'	'	'	'	90,000,000
Proceeds from credit facility	340,000,000	240,000,000	'	'	'	'	0
Amount of accordion feature remaining	'	'	200,000,000	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity, including accordion feature	'	'	$1,300,000,000	'	'	'	'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
			Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member]	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
			EUR (€)	Interest rate swap one [Member]	Interest rate swap two [Member]
				USD ($)	USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of hedged item	'	'	'	$250,000,000	$250,000,000
Interest rate fixed as result of interest rate swap hedges	'	'	'	3.40%	3.10%
Exchange rate	'	'	1.365905	'	'
Notional amount	'	'	72,000,000	'	'
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	0	0	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in income as a result of excluding amounts from the assessment of hedge effectiveness or as a result of reclassifications to earnings following the discontinuance of any cash flow hedges	0	0	'	'	'
Interest rate derivative contracts that will be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months	1,400,000	'	'	'	'
Foreign exchange forward currency contracts that will be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months	$300,000	'	'	'	'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	$255	$0
Liability Derivatives	2,125	1,586
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	255	0
Liability Derivatives	2,125	1,586
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Prepaid expenses and deferred costs [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Deferred costs and other assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	255	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives	1,361	1,586
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Other long-term liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member] | Prepaid expenses and deferred costs [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member] | Deferred costs and other assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives	309	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member] | Other long-term liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives	$455	$0

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments (Consolidated Statements of Operation and Statements of Comprehensive Income) (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	($743)	($66)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-381	-438
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-354	-438
Contract drilling revenue [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-27	0
Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	21	-66
Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	($764)	$0

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments (Balance Sheet Offsetting) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract]	'		'
Derivative assets, Gross Amount Presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets	$255		$0
Derivative assets, Netting Adjustments	-255	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative assets, Net Amount	0		0
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'
Derivative liabilities, Gross Amount Presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets Fair Value, Gross Liability	-2,125		-1,586
Derivative liabilities, Netting Adjustments	255	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative liabilities, Net Amount	($1,870)		($1,586)
[1]	We have agreements in place with some of our financial trading counterparties that allow for the financial right of offset for derivative assets and derivative liabilities under the agreements.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'
Effective income tax rate	12.00%	13.00%
Statutory income tax rate	35.00%	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$8.60	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate	8.6	'
Other long-term liabilities [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated accrued interest and penalties	$2.80	'

Fair_Value_Estimated_Fair_Valu

Fair Value (Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative contracts, liability (asset), net	$0	'
Level 1 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative contracts, liability (asset), net	'	0
Level 1 [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Deferred costs and other assets [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	0	'
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative contracts, liability (asset), net	1,870	'
Level 2 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative contracts, liability (asset), net	'	1,586
Level 2 [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	1,361	1,586
Level 2 [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	309	'
Level 2 [Member] | Deferred costs and other assets [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	-255	'
Level 2 [Member] | Other long-term liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	455	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative contracts, liability (asset), net	0	'
Level 3 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative contracts, liability (asset), net	'	0
Level 3 [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Deferred costs and other assets [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	0	'
Estimated Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative contracts, liability (asset), net	1,870	'
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative contracts, liability (asset), net	'	1,586
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	1,361	1,586
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	309	'
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Deferred costs and other assets [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	-255	'
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Other long-term liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	455	'
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative contracts, liability (asset), net	1,870	'
Carrying Amount [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative contracts, liability (asset), net	'	1,586
Carrying Amount [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	1,361	1,586
Carrying Amount [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	309	'
Carrying Amount [Member] | Deferred costs and other assets [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	-255	'
Carrying Amount [Member] | Other long-term liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange forward currency contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	$455	'

Fair_Value_Narrative_Details

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, carrying value	$1,602,961,000	$1,263,232,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 6.5% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate	6.50%	6.50%
Long-term debt, carrying value	657,961,000	658,232,000
Principal amount	650,000,000	'
Long-term debt, fair value	$698,800,000	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Credit valuation adjustment to total fair value percentage (less than 1%)	1.00%	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Long-term other receivable related to service taxes	$11.90
Indian Tax Authority [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Service taxes paid	10.1
Accrued additional service tax	1.8
Total service taxes	$11.90

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Standard Jackup Drilling Unit [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 17, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Sales price	'	$55.40
Inventory and property and equipment, carrying value	$21.30	'