Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income, including noncontrolling interests	$ 45,392	$ 15,665	$ 75,784	$ 127,611
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges arising during the period	1,117	(30,532)	(16,050)	(24,439)
Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income	396	(293)	900	(8,112)
Income taxes on unrealized (gain) loss on hedges	(529)	10,789	5,303	11,393
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net of tax	984	(20,036)	(9,847)	(21,158)
Foreign currency translation gain	11,311	3,905	12	5,219
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	12,295	(16,131)	(9,835)	(15,939)
Comprehensive income (loss)	57,687	(466)	65,949	111,672
Less comprehensive income applicable to noncontrolling interests	(799)	(800)	(2,365)	(2,378)
Comprehensive income (loss) applicable to Helix	$ 56,888	$ (1,266)	$ 63,584	$ 109,294