Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss), including noncontrolling interests	$ 115,570	$ (75,128)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss), including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	239,540	222,730
Asset impairment charge and dry hole expense	32,736	171,626
Amortization of deferred financing costs	7,197	5,731
Stock compensation expense	6,835	6,889
Amortization of debt discount	6,693	6,272
Deferred income taxes	31,707	(53,335)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	805	2,376
Gain on investment in Cal Dive common stock	(753)
Loss on early extinguishment of Senior Unsecured Notes	2,354
(Gain) loss on sale or acquisition of assets	6	(6,246)
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative contracts	433	2,304
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(24,205)	(29,256)
Other current assets	(11,100)	3,947
Income tax payable	9,129	4,896
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(28,668)	38,662
Oil and gas asset retirement costs	(34,836)	(52,244)
Other noncurrent, net	(2,312)	(7,458)
Net cash provided by operating activities	351,131	241,766
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(167,849)	(179,018)
Investments in equity investments	(2,699)	(7,768)
Distributions from equity investments, net	3,437	9,876
Proceeds from sale of Cal Dive common stock	3,588
Insurance recovery for capital items		16,106
Proceeds from sales of property		852
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	703	(133)
Net cash used in investing activities	(162,820)	(160,085)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowing under revolving credit facility	109,400
Repayment of revolving credit facility	(109,400)
Repayment of Helix Term Loan	(111,941)	(3,245)
Early extinguishment of Senior Unsecured Notes	(77,394)
Repayment of MARAD borrowings	(4,645)	(4,866)
Loan notes repayment	(1,215)	(1,842)
Deferred financing costs	(9,224)	(2,864)
Repurchases of common stock and preferred dividends paid	(1,102)	(11,763)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(805)	(2,376)
Exercise of stock options, net	2,018	335
Net cash used in financing activities	(204,308)	(26,621)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	267	(253)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(15,730)	54,807
Cash and cash equivalents:
Balance, beginning of year	391,085	270,673
Balance, end of period	$ 375,355	$ 325,480