CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Loss	$ (8,839)	$ (65,394)	$ (489,910)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain on investments	6	3	2,554
Gain (loss) on derivatives	18,480	(37,537)	(57,176)
Foreign currency translation	(14,713)	(12,653)	804
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,773	(50,187)	(53,818)
Total Comprehensive Loss	(5,066)	(115,581)	(543,728)
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests	9,064	10,511	18,903
Comprehensive Loss Attributable to McDermott International, Inc.	$ (14,130)	$ (126,092)	$ (562,631)