Information about Operations in Different Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 647,250	$ 889,248	$ 1,454,738	$ 1,616,926
Operating income	(149,536)	79,382	(96,503)	159,558
Capital expenditures	106,826	86,910	144,475	131,661
Depreciation and amortization	19,096	22,598	39,318	45,874
Drydock amortization	4,381	6,495	9,931	13,607
Operating Segments | Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	229,829	338,464	555,891	635,499
Operating income	(32,395)	46,605	55,557	104,039
Capital expenditures	41,430	21,666	45,185	38,231
Depreciation and amortization	4,507	5,235	9,537	10,092
Drydock amortization	2,088	2,997	5,049	5,989
Operating Segments | Atlantic
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	186,554	110,304	334,738	209,908
Operating income	(48,651)	(14,042)	(65,061)	(26,035)
Capital expenditures	34,303	52,615	56,313	64,490
Depreciation and amortization	5,181	6,111	11,986	13,295
Drydock amortization	1,908	2,877	3,816	6,313
Operating Segments | Middle East Project
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	230,867	440,480	564,109	771,519
Operating income	(68,490)	46,819	(86,999)	81,554
Capital expenditures	27,391	10,935	37,943	26,711
Depreciation and amortization	7,516	7,554	14,026	15,048
Drydock amortization	385	621	1,066	1,305
Operating Segments | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	3,702	1,694	5,034	2,229
Depreciation and amortization	$ 1,892	$ 3,698	$ 3,769	$ 7,439