v2.4.0.6
Document And Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Apr. 19, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2013  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013  
Entity Registrant Name HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000866829  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   105,935,517