COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments – In 2013, we executed a contract to purchase six new heavy helicopters for our Oil and Gas segment, with deliveries scheduled throughout 2014, with an option to purchase six additional heavy aircraft for delivery in 2015 and 2016. One aircraft was delivered in the first quarter of 2014. In the first quarter of 2014, we exercised our option to purchase six additional new heavy helicopters for our Oil and Gas segment with deliveries scheduled in 2015 and 2016. Total aircraft deposits of $15.9 million were included in Other Assets as of March 31, 2014. This amount represents deposits paid by us as required under aircraft purchase contracts. As of March 31, 2014, we had options to purchase aircraft under lease becoming exercisable in 2014 through 2019. The aggregate option purchase prices are $88.9 million in 2014, $33.5 million in 2016, $89.8 million in 2017, and $19.5 million in 2019. Subject to market conditions and available cash, we currently intend to exercise these options as they become exercisable. Environmental Matters – We have recorded an aggregate estimated probable liability of $0.2 million as of March 31, 2014 for environmental response costs. We have conducted environmental surveys of our former Lafayette facility located at the Lafayette Regional Airport, which we vacated in 2001, and have determined that limited soil and groundwater contamination exists at two parcels of land at the former facility. We submitted an assessment report for both sites in 2003, updated it in 2006, and received approvals of our remediation plan from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (“LDEQ”) and Louisiana Department of Natural Resources in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Since such time, we have installed groundwater monitoring wells at these sites, and furnished periodic reports on contamination levels to the LDEQ. Pursuant to our agreement with the LDEQ, we are currently providing samples twice a year for both sites. Based upon our working relationships and agreements with the LDEQ and the results of our ongoing site monitoring, we believe, based on current circumstances, that our ultimate remediation costs for these sites will not be material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Legal Matters – We are named as a defendant in various legal actions that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and have not been finally adjudicated. In the opinion of management, after considering available defenses and any insurance coverage or indemnification rights, the amount of the liability with respect to these actions will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Operating Leases – We lease certain aircraft, facilities, and equipment used in our operations. The related lease agreements, which include both non-cancelable and month-to-month terms, generally provide for fixed monthly rentals, and certain real estate leases also include renewal options. We generally pay all insurance, taxes, and maintenance expenses associated with these leases. All aircraft leases contain purchase options exercisable at certain dates in the lease agreements. At March 31, 2014, we had approximately $251.5 million in aggregate commitments under operating leases of which approximately $36.2 million is payable through December 31, 2014. The total lease commitments include $234.1 million for aircraft and $17.4 million for facility lease commitments.

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments – In 2013, we executed a contract to purchase six new heavy helicopters for our Oil and Gas segment, with deliveries scheduled throughout 2014, with an option to purchase six additional heavy aircraft for delivery in 2015 and 2016. One aircraft was delivered in the first quarter of 2014. In the first quarter of 2014, we exercised our option to purchase six additional new heavy helicopters for our Oil and Gas segment with deliveries scheduled in 2015 and 2016.

Total aircraft deposits of $15.9 million were included in Other Assets as of March 31, 2014. This amount represents deposits paid by us as required under aircraft purchase contracts.

As of March 31, 2014, we had options to purchase aircraft under lease becoming exercisable in 2014 through 2019. The aggregate option purchase prices are $88.9 million in 2014, $33.5 million in 2016, $89.8 million in 2017, and $19.5 million in 2019. Subject to market conditions and available cash, we currently intend to exercise these options as they become exercisable.

Environmental Matters – We have recorded an aggregate estimated probable liability of $0.2 million as of March 31, 2014 for environmental response costs. We have conducted environmental surveys of our former Lafayette facility located at the Lafayette Regional Airport, which we vacated in 2001, and have determined that limited soil and groundwater contamination exists at two parcels of land at the former facility. We submitted an assessment report for both sites in 2003, updated it in 2006, and received approvals of our remediation plan from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (“LDEQ”) and Louisiana Department of Natural Resources in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Since such time, we have installed groundwater monitoring wells at these sites, and furnished periodic reports on contamination levels to the LDEQ. Pursuant to our agreement with the LDEQ, we are currently providing samples twice a year for both sites. Based upon our working relationships and agreements with the LDEQ and the results of our ongoing site monitoring, we believe, based on current circumstances, that our ultimate remediation costs for these sites will not be material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Legal Matters – We are named as a defendant in various legal actions that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and have not been finally adjudicated. In the opinion of management, after considering available defenses and any insurance coverage or indemnification rights, the amount of the liability with respect to these actions will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Operating Leases – We lease certain aircraft, facilities, and equipment used in our operations. The related lease agreements, which include both non-cancelable and month-to-month terms, generally provide for fixed monthly rentals, and certain real estate leases also include renewal options. We generally pay all insurance, taxes, and maintenance expenses associated with these leases. All aircraft leases contain purchase options exercisable at certain dates in the lease agreements.

At March 31, 2014, we had approximately $251.5 million in aggregate commitments under operating leases of which approximately $36.2 million is payable through December 31, 2014. The total lease commitments include $234.1 million for aircraft and $17.4 million for facility lease commitments.