CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Net income	$ 54,291		$ 16,241		$ 173,644		$ 162,104
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of benefit plan costs	2,864		4,080		8,590		14,136
Unrealized gain on benefit plan revaluation							9,883
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	580		(753)		1,708		(117)
Realized loss on investments							20
Translation adjustments	4,286		(11,277)		10,725		(7,246)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	19,324		(6,536)		(4,779)		4,842
Realized (gain) loss on derivatives	2,978		288		5,379		142
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	30,032	[1]	(14,198)	[1]	21,623	[1]	21,660	[1]
Total Comprehensive Income	84,323		2,043		195,267		183,764
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	3,679		4,703		7,636		14,328
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to McDermott International, Inc.	$ 80,644		$ (2,660)		$ 187,631		$ 169,436

[1] The tax impact on amounts presented in other comprehensive income is not significant