Long-Term Debt (Maturities Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012 Helix Term Loan [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 Helix Revolving Loans [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Convertible Senior Notes 2025 [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 MARAD Debt [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Convertible Senior Notes 2032 [Member]		Mar. 31, 2012 Convertible Senior Notes 2032 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Helix [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Helix [Member]
Less than one year	$ 12,997			$ 8,000	[1]						$ 4,997
One to two years	13,247			8,000	[1]						5,247
Two to three years	13,508			8,000	[1]						5,508
Three to four years	733,743			353,000	[1]	100,000	274,960				5,783
Four to five years	6,072										6,072
Over five years	437,980								157,830	[2]	80,150	200,000	[3]
Total debt	1,217,547			377,000	[1]	100,000	274,960		157,830	[2]	107,757	200,000	[3]
Current maturities	(12,997)		(7,877)	(8,000)	[1]						(4,997)				(8,000)	(3,000)
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,204,550			369,000	[1]	100,000	274,960		157,830	[2]	102,760	200,000	[3]
Unamortized debt discount	(36,642)	[4]							(2,482)	[2],[4]		(34,160)	[3],[4]	(35,400)
Long-term debt	$ 1,167,908		$ 1,147,444	$ 369,000	[1]	$ 100,000	$ 274,960	$ 475,000	$ 155,348	[2]	$ 102,760	$ 165,840	[3]		$ 1,065,148	$ 1,042,155

[1] Amounts reflect both our Term Loan and Term Loan A.

[2] Beginning in December 2012, the holders of these Convertible Senior Notes may require us to repurchase these notes or we may at our own option elect to repurchase notes. These notes will mature in March 2025.

[3] Beginning in March 2018, the holders of these Convertible Senior Notes may require us to repurchase these notes or we may at our own option elect to repurchase the notes. These notes will mature in March 2032.

[4] The notes will increase to their principal amount through accretion of non-cash interest charges through December 2012 for the Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 and March 2018 for the Convertible Senior Notes due 2032.