CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (9,131)		$ (146,137)		$ (58,548)		$ (121,819)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of benefit plan costs	3,695		3,215		6,866		6,870
Unrealized gain on investments	31		40		7		441
Translation adjustments	(939)		(6,734)		(1,259)		480
Gain (loss) on derivatives	737		(52,512)		15,266		(70,078)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,524	[1]	(55,991)	[1]	20,880	[1]	(62,287)	[1]
Total Comprehensive Loss	(5,607)		(202,128)		(37,668)		(184,106)
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests.	1,701		3,271		2,204		7,024
Comprehensive Loss Attributable to McDermott International, Inc.	$ (7,308)		$ (205,399)		$ (39,872)		$ (191,130)

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