Information about Operations in Different Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 807,488	$ 727,678
Operating income	53,033	80,176
Capital expenditures	37,649	44,751
Depreciation and amortization	20,222	23,276
Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	326,062	297,035
Operating income	87,952	57,434
Capital expenditures	3,755	16,565
Depreciation and amortization	5,030	4,857
Atlantic
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	148,184	99,604
Operating income	(16,410)	(11,993)
Capital expenditures	22,010	11,875
Depreciation and amortization	6,805	7,184
Middle East
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	333,242	331,039
Operating income	(18,509)	34,735
Capital expenditures	10,552	15,776
Depreciation and amortization	6,510	7,494
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	1,332	535
Depreciation and amortization	1,877	3,741
Drydock
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	5,550	7,112
Drydock | Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	2,961	2,992
Drydock | Atlantic
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	1,908	3,436
Drydock | Middle East
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 681	$ 684