Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 21, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000866829
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		147,660,932
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 707.1