Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Balance, end of period Balance, beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Accounts Receivable Net Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Accounts receivable - Trade, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $4,067 Unbilled revenue Costs in excess of billing Costs in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts or Programs, Total Other Assets Current Other current assets Other current assets Total current assets Total current assets Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total Less - accumulated depreciation Less - accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Other assets: Equity Method Investments Equity investments Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Total Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates Goodwill, net Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, net Goodwill, Total Goodwill Other assets, net Other assets, net Total assets Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accrued liabilities Accrued liabilities Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Current maturities of long-term debt Current maturities Current maturities Debt, Current, Total Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Long Term Debt Noncurrent Long-term debt, noncurrent Long-term debt Long-term debt Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Asset retirement obligations Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Total liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Convertible preferred stock Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Ending Balance Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Beginning Balance Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Total Commitments And Contingencies 2009 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders' equity: Common stock, no par, 240,000 shares authorized, [0] and 105,592 shares issued, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock, no par, 240,000 shares authorized, 105,636 and 105,530 shares issued, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total controlling interest shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Total controlling interest shareholders' equity Total controlling interest shareholders' equity Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Total equity Balance Balance Total equity Liabilities and shareholders' equity, total Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Accounts receivable - Trade, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $4,445 and $4,527, respectively Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Allowance for uncollectible accounts Common stock, authorized (in shares) Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, issued (in shares) Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Net revenues: Contracts Revenue Contracting services Oil and gas Net revenues Oil and gas revenue Total net revenues Net revenues Total net revenues Revenues Cost of sales: Contracting services Exploration And Production Costs Oil and gas Total cost of revenue Cost of sales Total cost of sales Gross profit Gross profit (loss) Gross profit Intercompany segment revenues Gain on sale or acquisition of assets, net (Gain) loss on sale or acquisition of assets Gain (loss) on sale or acquisition of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets, Total Gain (loss) on sale or acquisition of assets, net Gain (Loss) on Sale of Commodity Contracts Loss on oil & gas derivative contracts Loss on oil and gas derivative contracts Selling and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total Selling, general and administrative expenses Income (loss) from operations Income from operations Equity in earnings of investments Equity in earnings of affiliates Equity in earnings of affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Equity in earnings of equity investments Net interest expense Net interest expense Interest expense, net Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on early extinguishment of debt Loss on early extinguishment of long term debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, Total Premium on the notes Other income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Approximate pre-tax loss Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Net income (loss), including noncontrolling interests Net income (loss), including noncontrolling interests Net income, including noncontrolling interests Net income, including noncontrolling interests Net income applicable to noncontrolling interests Less net income applicable to noncontrolling interests Less net income applicable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Net income applicable to Helix Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders Net income applicable to Helix Preferred stock dividends Preferred stock dividends Preferred stock dividends Net income (loss) applicable to Helix common shareholders Net income applicable to Helix common shareholders Net income applicable to common shareholders Net income applicable to Helix common shareholders Net income (loss) per common share - Basic Basic earnings (loss) per share of common stock: Earnings (loss) per share of common stock: Earnings Per Share Basic Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Net income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share) Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total Weighted average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Basic Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic Diluted (in shares) Diluted Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted, total Net income (loss) per common share - Diluted, Shares Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income (Note 9) Total accumulated comprehensive income Total other comprehensive income (loss) Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss), including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value. And, dry hole costs from oil and gas producing activities Asset Impairment Charges And Dry Hole Expense Asset impairment charge and dry hole expense Amortization of deferred financing costs Stock compensation expense Share-based Compensation, Total Amortization of debt discount Accelerated amortization of debt discount Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Operating Activities Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Gain (loss) on investment in Cal Dive common stock Gain on investment in Cal Dive common stock Gain on sale of Cal Dive common stock Gain (Loss) on Sale of Stock in Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Total Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative contracts Unrealized loss (gain) and ineffectiveness on derivative contracts, net Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable, net Other current assets Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets, Total Income tax payable Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Total Oil and gas asset retirement costs Other noncurrent, net Other noncurrent, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net, Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Expected capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Total Distributions from equity investments, net Payments of distributions to affiliates Proceeds from sale of Cal Dive common stock Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Total Decrease (increase) in restricted cash Decrease (increase) in restricted cash Decrease (increase) in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash, Total Decrease in restricted cash Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Payment On Senior Unsecured Notes Early extinguishment of Senior Unsecured Notes Aggregate amount of debt payment Extinguishment of Senior Unsecured Notes Borrowing under revolving credit facility Borrowing under revolving credit facility Proceeds from Convertible Debt Issuance of Convertible Senior Notes due 2032 Repayments of Convertible Debt Repurchase of Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 Repurchase of Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt Proceeds from Term Loan A Repayment of Helix Term Notes Repayment of Term Loan Repayments of debt The cash outflows from the payment of collateralized debt obligation (backed by a lien on the entity's assets) to MARAD, a U.S. governmental agency. Repayments Of Long Term Secured Debt Repayment of MARAD borrowings Repayment of MARAD borrowings Deferred financing costs Deferred financing costs Payments of Financing Costs, Total Repurchase of common stock Repurchases of common stock Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Financing Activities Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Exercise of stock options, net Exercise of stock options, net and other Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net cash used in financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents: Basis Of Presentation [Abstract] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure Text Block Basis Of Presentation Company Overview [Abstract] Company Overview [Abstract] Nature Of Operations Company Overview Details of Certain Accounts [Abstract] Details Of Certain Accounts [Abstract] Details Of Certain Accounts [Text Block] Details Of Certain Accounts Oil And Gas Properties [Abstract] Disclosure of material oil and gas activities. Oil And Gas Activities Disclosures [Text Block] Oil And Gas Properties Statement Of Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures Text Block Statement Of Cash Flow Information Equity Investments [Abstract] Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Investments Long-Term Debt [Abstract] Long Term Debt Text Block Long-Term Debt Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure Text Block Income Taxes Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Note Text Block Comprehensive Income (Loss) Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Text Block Earnings Per Share Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Plans Business Segment Information [Abstract] Business Segment Information (in thousands) Business Segment Information Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Disclosure Text Block Related Party Transactions Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure Text Block Commitments And Contingencies Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Abstract] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure Text Block Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Condensed Consolidated Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Financial Information [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Financial Information [Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Financial Information [Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Financial Information Schedule of Other Current Assets [Table Text Block] Other Current Assets Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block] Other Assets, Net Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Accrued Liabilities Schedule Of Components Of Exploration Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Components Of Exploration Expense [Table Text Block] Components Of Exploration Expenses Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Changes In Asset Retirement Obligations Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Maturities Of Long-Term Debt Schedule Of Interest Expenses And Capitalized Interest [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Interest Expenses And Capitalized Interest [Table Text Block] Interest Expense And Capitalized Interest Schedule Of Redemption Price By Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Redemption Price By Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Redemption Price By Maturity Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Components Of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Computations Of Basic And Diluted EPS Schedule Of Restricted Shares Granted To Executive Officers Management Employees And Non Employee Members Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Restricted Shares Granted To Executive Officers Management Employees And Non Employee Members Table [Text Block] Restricted Shares Granted Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment Summary Of Intercompany Segment Revenues [Table Text Block] Summary Of Intercompany Segment Revenues [Table Text Block] Summary Of Intercompany Segment Revenues Summary Of Identifiable Assets [Table Text Block] Summary Of Identifiable Assets Intercompany Segment Profits [Table Text Block]. Intercompany Segment Profits [Table Text Block] Intercompany Segment Profits Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Fair Value Of Long Term Debt Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Volumes Under Derivative Contracts Related To Oil And Gas Producing Activities Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position Location Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments Effect on Other Comprehensive Income Loss Impact Of Derivative Instruments On Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Gain (Loss) Reclassified From Accumulated OCI Into Income Schedule Of Non Designated Derivative Instruments Effect On Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Non Designated Derivative Instruments Effect On Income Statement [Table Text Block] Impact Of Non Designated Derivative Instruments On Income Statement Other Receivables Other Receivables, Net, Current, Total Other receivables Prepaid Insurance Prepaid insurance Prepaid insurance Other Prepaid Expense, Current Other prepaids Supplies Spare parts inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Current deferred tax assets Hedging Assets, Current Hedging Assets, Current, Total Hedging assets Other Assets Current Gas Imbalances Other Assets Current Gas Imbalances Gas and oil imbalance Income Taxes Receivable, Current Income taxes receivable Income tax receivable Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Other Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted cash and cash equivalents, noncurrent Restricted cash Deferred Drydock Expenses, Net Deferred Drydock Expenses, Net Deferred drydock expenses, net Deferred Finance Costs, Net Deferred financing costs Deferred Finance Costs, Net, Total Deferred financing costs, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Ending Balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Beginning Balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total Intangible assets with finite lives, net Other Assets, Miscellaneous Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Total Other Employee-related Liabilities, Current Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued payroll and related benefits Accrued Royalties, Current Royalties payable Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Asset Retirement Obligation, Current, Ending Balance Asset Retirement Obligation, Current, Beginning Balance Current asset retirement obligations Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Unearned revenue Billings in Excess of Cost Billings in Excess of Cost, Total Billing in excess of cost Interest Payable, Current Accrued interest Hedging Liabilities, Current Hedging liability Hedging liability Gas Balancing Payable, Current Gas and oil imbalance Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Asset retirement obligation Asset retirement obligations at March 31, 2012 Asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2011 Asset Retirement Obligation, Total Capitalized Costs, Uncompleted Wells, Equipment and Facilities Capitalized exploration cost Delay Rental And Geological And Geophysical Costs Delay Rental And Geological And Geophysical Costs Delay rental and geological and geophysical costs Impairment of Leasehold Impairment of unproved properties Dry Hole Expense Dry hole expense Dry hole expense Costs Incurred, Exploration Costs Total exploration expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Liability incurred during the period Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Liability settled during the period Liability settled during the period Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Other revision in estimated cash flows Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Accretion expense (included in depreciation and amortization) Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Accruals for capital expenditures Capital expenditures Interest Paid Interest paid, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Total Accrued interest on notes Income Taxes Paid Income taxes paid Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee Name [Domain] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Deepwater Gateway, L.L.C [Member] Deepwater Gateway L L C [Member] Deepwater Gateway, L.L.C. [Member] Independence Hub, LLC [Member] Independence Hub Llc [Member] Independence Hub, LLC [Member] Clough Helix JV [Member] Clough Helix Jv [Member] Clough Helix JV [Member] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity method investment, ownership percentage The balance of interest capitalized, net, related to the Company's equity method investments or property, plant and equipment. Capitalized Interest Capitalized interest Capitalized interest Business Exit Costs Exit Fee Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Convertible Senior Notes 2032 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes2032 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes 2032 [Member] Helix Term Loan [Member] Helix Term Loan [Member] Helix Term Loan [Member] Line Of Credit [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Helix Revolving Loans [Member] Helix Revolving Loans [Member] Helix Revolving Loans [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Convertible Senior Notes 2025 [Member] MARAD Debt [Member] Marad Debt [Member] MARAD Debt [Member] Letter Of Credit [Member] Letters Of Credit [Member] The conversion premium percentage over the closing price of common stock on specified date used in calculating the initial conversion price. DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPremiumPercentage Original issuance percentage for Helix's 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes IssuanceOfNotesPercentage Issuance of notes percentage Convertible senior notes conversion rate into shares of common stock Convertbile Senior Notes Shares Of Common Stock Convertible Senior Notes, shares of common stock Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Unsecured letters of credit Long-term Debt, Gross Accretion of non-cash interest charges Long-term debt, Carrying Value Long Term Debt Total debt Long term debt Long-term debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt instrument interest rate Debt Instrument Maturity Year Debt Instrument Maturity Year Stated maturity Year Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Payment on senior notes Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs Premium on debt extinguishment Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Original borrowing capacity Debt Instrument Margin Range Debt Instrument Margin Range Margin range Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Revolving credit facility, outstanding Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Average interest rate Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Revolving credit facility available Debt Instrument Annual Amortization Of Principal Debt Instrument Annual Amortization Of Principal Credit facility, annual amortization of principal balance Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Interest rate swap Term loans payable Debt Instrument Issued Percentage To Principal Amount Debt Instrument Issued Percentage To Principal Amount Debt instrument issued percentage Debt Instrument, Convertible, Effective Interest Rate Effective interest rate Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Per share conversion price Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Debt instrument collateral percentage guaranteed DebtInstrumentPercentageGuaranteed Debt percentage guaranteed Share Price Closing price per share Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Unamortized debt discount Unamortized debt discount Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Less than one year Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two One to two years Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Two to three years Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Three to four years Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Four to five years Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Over five years Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Total debt Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, before deducting unamortized discount or premium. Debt Instrument Noncurrent Long-term debt, less current maturities Long-term debt, less current maturities Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt, Total Interest and Other Income Interest income Interest income Interest and Other Income, Total Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period Capitalized interest Senior Secured Notes Redemption Price In Current Fiscal Year Senior Secured Notes Redemption Price In Current Fiscal Year Redemption Price, 2012 Senior Secured Notes Redemption Price In Next Fiscal Year Senior Secured Notes Redemption Price In Next Fiscal Year Redemption Price, 2013 Senior Secured Notes Redemption Price In Year Three And Thereafter Senior Secured Notes Redemption Price In Year Three And Thereafter Redemption Price, 2014 and thereafter Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation gain (loss) Foreign currency translation gain Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Unrealized loss on hedges, net Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities Less: Undistributed net income allocable to participating securities Less: Undistributed net income allocable to participating securities Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic Net Of Distributions To Securities Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic Net Of Distributions To Securities Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders Net income (loss) per common share - Basic Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Call Options and Warrants Stock options, Shares Undistributed Earnings Reallocated To Participating Securities Value Undistributed Earnings Reallocated To Participating Securities Value Undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities, value Convertible Preferred Stock Converted to Other Securities Convertible preferred stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Preferred Stock Convertible preferred stock Convertible preferred stock, Shares Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Net income (loss) per common share - Diluted Net income per common share - Diluted Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Shares available for grant Restricted Stock or Unit Expense Compensation cost related to restricted shares Share based payment award value Share Based Payment Award Value Share Based Payment Award Value Compensation Arrangement Cash Incentive Expense Compensation Arrangement Cash Incentive Expense Compensation expense Liability long term incentive compensation plan. Liability long-term incentive compensation plan Liability long term incentive compensation plan variable portion. Liability long-term incentive compensation plan variable portion Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments, by Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Type Of Deferred Compensation [Domain] Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain] Grant Share Amount A [Member] Grant Share Amount [Member] Grant Share Amount A [Member] Grant Share Amount B [Member] Grant Share Amount B [Member] Grant Share Amount B [Member] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Date Of Grant Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Date Of Grant Restricted share grants, Date of Grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Restricted share grants, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased Restricted share grants, Market Value Per Share Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Vesting Percentage Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Vesting Percentage Restricted share grants, vesting percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Restricted share grants Vesting Period, in years Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Contracting Services [Member] Contracting Services [Member] Contracting Services [Member] Production Facilities [Member] Production Facilities [Member] Production Facilities [Member] Oil and Gas [Member] Oil And Gas [Member] Oil and Gas [Member] Intersegment Elimination [Member] Intercompany Elimination [Member] Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue Intercompany segment revenues Gross profit (loss) with other operating segments of same entity. Gross profit (loss) with other operating segments of same entity Percentage of working interests acquired. Percentage Of Working Interests Acquired Percentage of working interests acquired Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs, Ending Balance Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs, Beginning Balance Total exploration expense Total exploration expense Financing exploratory costs Related Party Transaction, Rate Royalty interest Payments made to related parties. Payments To Related Parties Related party payments Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest Partnership interests Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Receivables Trade receivables collected Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Receivables, Total Value added tax assessment Value Added Tax Assessment Value added tax assessment Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total Aggregate fair value of properties Fair Value by Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value By Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value By Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value By Liability Class [Domain] Oil Contracts [Member] Oil Contracts [Member] Oil Contracts [Member] Long Term Debt Fair Value [Member] Long Term Debt Fair Value [Member] Fair Value Of Long Term Debt [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swaps [Member] Fair Value by Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value By Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value By Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value By Asset Class [Domain] Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Total Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value Net Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value Net Total net liability Total net liability Total net liability Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Convertible Senior Notes, Maturing March Two Thousand And Twenty Five [Member] Convertible Senior Notes Maturing March Two Thousand And Twenty Five [Member] Convertible Senior Notes (Matures March 2025) [Member] Convertible Senior Notes, Maturing March Two Thousand And Thirty Two [Member] Convertible Senior Notes Maturing March Two Thousand And Thirty Two [Member] Convertible Senior Notes (Matures March 2032) [Member] Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term debt, Fair Value Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Oil And Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member] Oil And Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member] Oil And Natural Gas Commodity Contracts [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contracts [Member] Total volume of oil units under contract Total Volume Of Oil Units Total volume of oil units Total Volume Of Gas Units. Total Volume Of Gas Units Derivative, Floor Price Floor price Derivative, Average Cap Price Ceiling price Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred Future amount to be re-classified to earnings Derivative, Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain (Loss) Derivative [Table] Current Remaining Year [Member] Current Remaining Year [Member] Current Remaining Year [Member] Next Year [Member] Next Year [Member] Next Year [Member] Instrument [Axis] Instrument Type [Member] Instrument Type [Domain] Crude Oil [Member] Crude Oil [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Brent [Member] Brent [Member] Brent [Member] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Swap [Member] Swap [Member] Collar [Member] Collar [Member] Collar [Member] Oil and gas average monthly production volumes which are under contract. Oil And Gas Average Monthly Production Volumes Average Monthly Volumes Derivative, Swap Type, Average Fixed Price Weighted Average Price Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets, Net [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Oil Contract [Member] Oil Contract [Member] Oil Contract [Member] Natural Gas Contracts [Member] Natural Gas Contracts [Member] Natural Gas Contracts [Member] Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value Asset derivatives designated as hedging instruments Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value, Total Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value Liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value, Total Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value Asset derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value Liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net, Total Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain] Oil And Gas Revenue [Member] Oil And Gas Revenue [Member] Oil And Gas Revenue [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Net Interest Expense And Other [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net, Total Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] Other Expense [Member] Other Expense [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net, Total Parent Company [Member] Helix [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantors [Member] Non Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantors [Member] Consolidation Eliminations [Member] Consolidating Entries [Member] Unbilled Revenue Including Costs In Excess Of Billings Unbilled Revenue Including Costs In Excess Of Billings Unbilled revenue Other Assets Current Excluding Income Tax Receivables Other Assets Current Excluding Income Tax Receivables Other current assets Contributions and advances between the parent companies, subsidiary issuers or subsidiary guarantors' the following subsidiaries: (a) non-guarantor subsidiaries; (b) subsidiary issuers or subsidiary guarantors that are not 100% owned or whose guarantee is not full and unconditional; (c) subsidiary guarantors whose guarantee is not joint and several with the guarantees of the other subsidiaries; and (d) subsidiary guarantors. Intercompany Contributions and Advances Intercompany Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Equity investments in affiliates Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Total Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent Due from subsidiaries/parent Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Due to parent Net Interest Expense and Other Net Interest Expense and Other Net interest expense and other Net interest expense and other Equity in earnings of affiliates. Equity in earnings of affiliates Equity in earnings of affiliates Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other adjustments Other adjustments Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total Borrowings of debt Borrowings of debt Repayments of Debt Repayments of debt Repayments of debt Intercompany Financing Intercompany Financing Intercompany financing Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Corporate [Member] Corporate [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member]