CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ (497,955)		$ 217,423		$ 151,355
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of benefit plan costs	17,587		11,633		18,538
Unrealized gain (loss) on benefit plan revaluation	(9,542)		(23,821)		44,828
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	920		2,087		(93)
Realized loss on investments	1,634				20
Translation adjustments	804		9,072		(5,550)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives	(52,836)		1,576		4,505
Realized (loss) gain on derivatives	(4,340)		7,135		171
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(45,773)	[1]	7,682	[1]	62,419	[1]
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(543,728)		225,105		213,774
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	18,903		10,835		13,357
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to McDermott International, Inc.	$ (562,631)		$ 214,270		$ 200,417

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