CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (2,444)	$ (12,048)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain on investments	5	12
Gain (loss) on derivatives	30,791	(16,885)
Foreign currency translation	(3,343)	(2,042)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	27,453	(18,915)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	25,009	(30,963)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	(285)	2,426
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to McDermott International, Inc.	$ 25,294	$ (33,389)