CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (49,417)		$ 24,318
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of benefit plan costs	3,171		3,655
Unrealized gain on investments	(24)		401
Translation adjustments	(320)		7,214
Gain (loss) on derivatives	14,529		(17,566)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	17,356	[1]	(6,296)	[1]
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(32,061)		18,022
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	503		3,753
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to McDermott International, Inc.	$ (32,564)		$ 14,269

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