v3.6.0.2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Guarantor Subsidiaries - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Jun. 30, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues, net |  | $ 144,853 | $ 158,093 | $ 167,136 | $ 164,016 | $ 186,751 | $ 214,733 | $ 198,547 | $ 204,197 | $ 634,098 | $ 804,228 | $ 836,270
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Direct expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 592,550 | 687,050 | 670,007
Selling, general, and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 44,418 | 46,422 | 43,171
Total operating expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 636,968 | 733,472 | 713,178
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets, net |  | 504 | 85 | (4,298) | 359 | 577 | (165) | (66) | (7) | (3,350) | 339 | 848
Impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 407 |  | 10,508
Equity in profit (loss) of unconsolidated affiliate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (151) | 306 | 96
Operating (loss) income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 224 | 70,111 | 111,640
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 30,644 | 29,066 | 29,510
Loss on debt extinguishment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 29,833
Other income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (3,271) | (2,211) | (818)
Total expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 27,373 | 26,855 | 58,525
(Loss) earnings before income taxes |  | (12,012) | (7,766) | 117 | (7,488) | 938 | 14,290 | 11,044 | 16,984 | (27,149) | 43,256 | 53,115
Income tax (benefit) expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (469) | 16,332 | 20,427
Net (loss) earnings |  | $ (17,058) | $ (4,967) | $ 4,277 | $ (8,932) | $ 2,438 | $ 7,669 | $ 6,454 | $ 10,363 | (26,680) | 26,924 | 32,688
Parent Company Only (issuer) [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 339,829 | 476,969 | 504,180
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Direct expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 347,532 | 426,239 | 411,398
Selling, general, and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 32,911 | 35,694 | 32,985
Total operating expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 380,443 | 461,933 | 444,383
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (3,350) | 339 | 848
Impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 407 |  | 10,508
Equity in profit (loss) of unconsolidated affiliate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (151) | 306 | 96
Operating (loss) income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (37,520) | 14,391 | 48,345
Equity in net earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (22,182) | (31,225) | (38,740)
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 30,585 | 28,946 | 29,510
Loss on debt extinguishment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 29,833
Other income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (3,284) | (2,222) | (819)
Total expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,119 | (4,501) | 19,784
(Loss) earnings before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (42,639) | 18,892 | 28,561
Income tax (benefit) expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (15,959) | (8,032) | (4,127)
Net (loss) earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (26,680) | 26,924 | 32,688
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues, net | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 294,269 | 327,259 | 332,090
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Direct expenses | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 245,018 | 260,829 | 258,627
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 11,525 | 10,728 | 10,186
Total operating expenses | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 256,543 | 271,557 | 268,813
Operating (loss) income | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 37,726 | 55,702 | 63,277
Interest expense | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 59 | 120 |
Other income, net | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (5) | (7) | (17)
Total expenses | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 54 | 113 | (17)
(Loss) earnings before income taxes | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 37,672 | 55,589 | 63,294
Income tax (benefit) expense | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15,490 | 24,364 | 24,554
Net (loss) earnings | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 22,182 | 31,225 | 38,740
Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Direct expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (18) | (18)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (18) |  |
Total operating expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (18) | (18) | (18)
Operating (loss) income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 18 | 18 | 18
Equity in net earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 22,182 | 31,225 | 38,740
Other income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 18 | 18 | 18
Total expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 22,200 | 31,243 | 38,758
(Loss) earnings before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (22,182) | (31,225) | (38,740)
Net (loss) earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (22,182) | $ (31,225) | $ (38,740)
[1] | Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantor subsidiaries' amounts.

X
- Definition Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | phii_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix: | phii_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68055307&loc=d3e2420-110228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment assets, excluding oil and gas property and timber property. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64827811&loc=d3e1361-107760 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64862545&loc=d3e2941-110230 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170532&loc=d3e12317-112629 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170532&loc=d3e12355-112629 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations, including income (loss) from equity method investments, before deduction of income tax expense (benefit), and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 940 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68072869&loc=d3e41242-110953 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(10)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(15)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(8)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(12)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(10)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66022249&loc=d3e33749-111570 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(13)(f)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a),(b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65882285&loc=d3e32639-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Income Tax Expense (or Benefit) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515339 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28555-108399 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Net Income -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51831255 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(18)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Other Comprehensive Income -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51831270 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(20)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate amount of income or expense from ancillary business-related activities (that is to say, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Excludes Selling, General and Administrative Expense. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (expense) related to nonoperating activities, classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate revenue during the period from services rendered in the normal course of business, after deducting allowances and discounts. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Section 30 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68048583&loc=d3e3636-108311 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |