v3.19.2
Document And Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2019
Jul. 22, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000866829  
Entity File Number 001-32936  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code MN  
Entity Tax Identification Number 95-3409686  
Entity Address, Address Line One 3505 West Sam Houston Parkway North  
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 400   
Entity Address, City or Town Houston  
Entity Address, State or Province TX  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 77043  
City Area Code 281  
Local Phone Number 618–0400  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock  
Trading Symbol HLX  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   148,767,307