Earnings Per Share (Computations Of Basic And Diluted EPS) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income applicable to Helix	$ 53,719	$ 1,615
Income from discontinued operations		(1,058)
Net income from continuing operations	53,719	557
Less: Undistributed net income allocable to participating securities	(286)	(5)
Net income applicable to common shareholders - continuing operations	53,433	552
Less: Undistributed net income from discontinued operations allocable to participating securities		(8)
Net income applicable to common shareholders - discontinued operations		1,050
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic	105,126	105,032
Share-based awards other than participating securities, Shares	249	133
Undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities, value	1
Net income applicable to Helix - Diluted	53,434	552
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted, total	105,375	105,165
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		$ 1,058