Supplemental Financial Information (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accrued Liabilities
Rig operating expenses	$ 108,342	$ 77,995
Payroll and benefits	77,055	79,866
Deferred revenue	67,894	69,825
Accrued capital expenditure	22,725	28,947
Interest payable	21,406	21,219
Construction milestone payments	14,600	154,427
Personal injury and other claims	10,536	11,758
Other	13,842	25,153
Total	$ 336,400	$ 469,190