Information about Operations in Different Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 686,856	$ 1,028,745	$ 2,141,594	$ 2,645,671
Operating income	(52,654)	82,481	(149,157)	242,039
Capital expenditures	80,922	47,623	225,397	179,284
Depreciation and amortization	20,796	20,082	60,114	65,956
Drydock amortization	4,248	7,999	14,179	21,606
Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	190,231	468,200	746,122	1,103,699
Operating income	(37,663)	52,192	17,894	156,231
Capital expenditures	42,568	14,908	87,753	53,139
Depreciation and amortization	4,667	5,375	14,204	15,467
Drydock amortization	1,927	2,241	6,976	8,230
Atlantic
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	116,871	125,317	451,609	335,225
Operating income	(32,390)	(10,714)	(97,451)	(36,749)
Capital expenditures	4,023	16,454	60,336	80,944
Depreciation and amortization	5,999	3,554	17,985	16,849
Drydock amortization	1,801	4,971	5,617	11,284
Middle East
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	379,754	435,228	943,863	1,206,747
Operating income	17,399	41,003	(69,600)	122,557
Capital expenditures	25,516	15,286	63,459	41,997
Depreciation and amortization	8,293	6,929	22,319	21,977
Drydock amortization	520	787	1,586	2,092
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	8,815	975	13,849	3,204
Depreciation and amortization	$ 1,837	$ 4,224	$ 5,606	$ 11,663