Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Deferred Financing Costs) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Helix Term Loan [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 15,318	$ 13,680
Accumulated Amortization	(11,595)	(10,257)
Net	3,723	3,423
2025 Notes [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	8,189	8,189
Accumulated Amortization	(8,189)	(7,340)
Net		849
2032 Notes [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	4,251	78
Accumulated Amortization	(534)
Net	3,717	78
Helix Revolving Loans [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	20,021	19,236
Accumulated Amortization	(12,466)	(9,640)
Net	7,555	9,596
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	10,643	10,643
Accumulated Amortization	(8,252)	(5,546)
Net	2,391	5,097
MARAD Debt [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	12,200	12,200
Accumulated Amortization	(5,248)	(4,760)
Net	6,952	7,440
Debt [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	70,622	64,026
Accumulated Amortization	(46,284)	(37,543)
Net	$ 24,338	$ 26,483