Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income, including noncontrolling interests	$ 75,586	$ 45,392	$ 187,590	$ 75,784
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges arising during the period	(9,209)	1,117	(9,283)	(16,050)
Reclassification adjustments for loss included in net income	812	396	2,080	900
Income taxes on unrealized (gain) loss on hedges	2,939	(529)	2,521	5,303
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net of tax	(5,458)	984	(4,682)	(9,847)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(15,706)	11,311	(7,428)	12
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(21,164)	12,295	(12,110)	(9,835)
Comprehensive income	54,422	57,687	175,480	65,949
Less comprehensive income applicable to noncontrolling interests		(799)	(503)	(2,365)
Comprehensive income applicable to Helix	$ 54,422	$ 56,888	$ 174,977	$ 63,584