Segments - Information Regarding Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 256,734	$ 186,195
Income (Loss) from Operations	57,672	18,187
Depreciation and Amortization	40,083	34,938
Total Assets	2,375,439		2,301,448
Domestic Offshore
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	143,265	121,115
Income (Loss) from Operations	51,546	39,955
Depreciation and Amortization	17,371	19,844
Total Assets	815,510		783,652
International Offshore
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	80,938	31,774
Income (Loss) from Operations	14,642	(12,169)
Depreciation and Amortization	16,626	10,020
Total Assets	1,310,433		1,290,122
International Liftboats
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	32,531	33,306
Income (Loss) from Operations	5,564	5,152
Depreciation and Amortization	5,126	4,352
Total Assets	201,218		180,356
All Segments Excluding Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	256,734	186,195
Income (Loss) from Operations	71,752	32,938
Depreciation and Amortization	39,123	34,216
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
Income (Loss) from Operations	(14,080)	(14,751)
Depreciation and Amortization	960	722
Total Assets	$ 48,278		$ 47,318