Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income, including noncontrolling interests	$ 28,000	$ 45,430	$ 30,392	$ 111,946
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges arising during the period	(5,882)	27,411	(17,167)	6,093
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	354	(7,903)	504	(7,819)
Income taxes on unrealized (gain) loss on hedges	1,935	(6,828)	5,832	604
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net of tax	(3,593)	12,680	(10,831)	(1,122)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(218)	(2,838)	(11,299)	1,314
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(3,811)	9,842	(22,130)	192
Comprehensive income (loss)	24,189	55,272	8,262	112,138
Less comprehensive income applicable to noncontrolling interests	(789)	(789)	(1,566)	(1,578)
Comprehensive income (loss) applicable to Helix	$ 23,400	$ 54,483	$ 6,696	$ 110,560