Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss), including noncontrolling interests	$ 113,049	$ (43,156)	$ 133,037
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges arising during the period	(16,847)	(22,773)	22,551
Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income	1,476	(2,661)	23,669
Reclassification adjustments for loss from derivatives de-designated as cash flow hedges included in net income		5,524
Income taxes on unrealized (gain) loss on hedges	5,380	6,969	(16,177)
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net of tax	(9,991)	(12,941)	30,043
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	4,970	7,291	(1,002)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(5,021)	(5,650)	29,041
Comprehensive income (loss)	108,028	(48,806)	162,078
Less comprehensive income applicable to noncontrolling interests	(3,127)	(3,178)	(3,098)
Comprehensive income (loss) applicable to Helix	$ 104,901	$ (51,984)	$ 158,980