Business Segment Information (Summary Of Intercompany Segment Revenues) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 232,178	$ 197,461	$ 429,607	$ 427,303
Intercompany Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	(17,352)	(32,059)	(38,370)	(66,783)
Contracting Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	225,356	209,557	423,410	454,101
Contracting Services [Member] | Intercompany Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	(17,352)	(20,538)	(33,697)	(43,739)
Production Facilities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	24,174	19,963	44,567	39,985
Production Facilities [Member] | Intercompany Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues		(11,521)	(4,673)	(23,044)
Intercompany Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	(17,352)	(32,059)	(38,370)	(66,783)
Helix [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 24,173	$ 19,963	$ 44,567	$ 39,985