Information about Operations in Different Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended														12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 517,338	[1]	$ 686,856	[2]	$ 647,250	[3]	$ 807,488	$ 995,953	[4]	$ 1,028,745	[5]	$ 889,248	[6]	$ 727,678	$ 2,658,932	$ 3,641,624	$ 3,445,110
Operating income	(315,633)	[1]	(52,654)	[2]	(149,536)	[3]	53,033	77,288	[4]	82,481	[5]	79,382	[6]	80,176	(464,790)	319,327	250,723
Capital expenditures															283,962	286,310	282,621
Depreciation and amortization															84,580	86,440	82,391
Drydock amortization															18,467	25,545	24,567
Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues															953,838	1,575,682	1,898,033
Operating income															(75,513)	242,148	202,969
Capital expenditures															117,060	219,920	86,081
Depreciation and amortization															18,693	23,797	25,698
Drydock amortization															8,917	9,487	10,831
Atlantic
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues															534,431	474,061	267,019
Operating income															(177,025)	(66,883)	(174,152)
Capital expenditures															21,757	32,699	147,062
Depreciation and amortization															26,674	24,589	15,348
Drydock amortization															7,417	13,569	11,165
Middle East
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues															1,170,663	1,591,881	1,280,058
Operating income															(212,252)	144,062	221,906
Capital expenditures															127,918	29,736	35,762
Depreciation and amortization															31,813	31,119	28,740
Drydock amortization															2,133	2,489	2,571
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures															17,227	3,955	13,716
Depreciation and amortization															$ 7,400	$ 6,935	$ 12,605

[1] Operating income for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 was influenced by increased cost estimates, impairment losses and restructuring charges.

[2] Operating income for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 was influenced by increased project losses.

[3] Operating income for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 was influenced by increased cost estimates on projects in our Middle East and Asia Pacific segments, as well as restructuring charges.

[4] Operating income for the quarter ended December 31, 2012 was influenced by significant cost savings on marine installation activities on an EPCI project, partially offset by project losses of approximately $52.0 million.

[5] Revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 were influenced by increased marine activity on certain of our Asia Pacific projects.

[6] Operating income for the quarter ended June 30 2012 was influenced by increased fabrication activities, partially offset by lower project close-outs and settlements.