Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income, including noncontrolling interests	$ 57,782	$ 28,000	$ 112,004	$ 30,392
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized loss on hedges arising during the period	(4,129)	(5,882)	(74)	(17,167)
Reclassification adjustments for loss included in net income	610	354	1,268	504
Income taxes on unrealized (gain) loss on hedges	1,232	1,935	(418)	5,832
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net of tax	(2,287)	(3,593)	776	(10,831)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	6,931	(218)	8,278	(11,299)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,644	(3,811)	9,054	(22,130)
Comprehensive income	62,426	24,189	121,058	8,262
Less comprehensive income applicable to noncontrolling interests		(789)	(503)	(1,566)
Comprehensive income applicable to Helix	$ 62,426	$ 23,400	$ 120,555	$ 6,696