CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 13,690	$ (5,698)	$ 1,642	$ (51,682)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain on investments	4	31	16	7
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(4,944)	(939)	(6,986)	(1,260)
Gain on derivatives	27,559	737	10,674	15,266
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	22,619	(171)	3,704	14,013
Total comprehensive income (loss)	36,309	(5,869)	5,346	(37,669)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	2,117	1,701	4,543	2,204
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to McDermott International, Inc.	$ 34,192	$ (7,570)	$ 803	$ (39,873)