Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss), including noncontrolling interests	$ (43,119)	$ 133,077	$ (124,153)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation gain	8,368	(1,118)	(11,108)
Income taxes on foreign currency translation gain	(1,077)	116	1,103
Foreign currency translation gain, net of tax	7,291	(1,002)	(10,005)
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges arising during the period	(33,078)	69,889	(35,571)
Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income	2,661	(23,669)	23,726
Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss from derivatives de-designated as cash flow hedges included in net income	10,507
Income taxes on unrealized gain (loss) on hedges	6,969	(16,177)	4,146
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net	(12,941)	30,043	(7,699)
Unrealized gain on investment held for sale			1,220
Income taxes on unrealized gain on investment held for sale			(333)
Unrealized gain on investment held for sale, net of tax			887
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(5,650)	29,041	(16,817)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(48,769)	162,118	(140,970)
Less comprehensive income applicable to noncontrolling interests	(3,178)	(3,098)	(2,835)
Comprehensive income (loss) applicable to Helix	(51,947)	159,020	(143,805)
Preferred stock dividends	(37)	(40)	(114)
Comprehensive income (loss) applicable to Helix common shareholders	$ (51,984)	$ 158,980	$ (143,919)