Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income, including noncontrolling interests	$ 54,222	$ 2,392
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges arising during the period	4,055	(11,285)
Reclassification adjustments for loss included in net income	658	150
Income taxes on unrealized (gain) loss on hedges	(1,650)	3,897
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net of tax	3,063	(7,238)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	1,347	(11,081)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,410	(18,319)
Comprehensive income (loss)	58,632	(15,927)
Less comprehensive income applicable to noncontrolling interests	(503)	(777)
Comprehensive income (loss) applicable to Helix	$ 58,129	$ (16,704)