Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income, including noncontrolling interests	$ 2,392	$ 66,516
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized loss on hedges arising during the period	(11,285)	(21,318)
Reclassification adjustments for loss included in net income	150	84
Income taxes on unrealized losses on hedges	3,897	7,432
Unrealized loss on hedges, net of tax	(7,238)	(13,802)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(11,081)	4,152
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(18,319)	(9,650)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(15,927)	56,866
Less comprehensive income applicable to noncontrolling interests	(777)	(789)
Comprehensive income (loss) applicable to Helix	$ (16,704)	$ 56,077