CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 21,805	$ 13,690	$ 19,361	$ 1,642
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gain on investments	12	4	17	16
Gain on derivatives	4,621	27,559	35,412	10,674
Foreign currency translation	(4,027)	(4,944)	(7,370)	(6,986)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	606	22,619	28,059	3,704
Total comprehensive income	22,411	36,309	47,420	5,346
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	1,140	2,117	855	4,543
Comprehensive income attributable to McDermott International, Inc.	$ 21,271	$ 34,192	$ 46,565	$ 803