COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent expense under operating leases	$ 8,300	$ 10,100	$ 11,500
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term other receivable	4,127,696	$ 4,172,132
Indian Government Tax Authority [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Service taxes paid	10,500
Accrued service taxes	1,300
Total service taxes	$ 11,800
Building [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease term	10 years
Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] | Construction work in progress [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitments on drilling units under construction	$ 399,800
Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] | Construction work in progress [Member] | Atwood Condor [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitments on drilling units under construction	$ 15,200