CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 16,392	$ 7,534	$ 35,753	$ 9,176
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	(3)	(27)	14	(11)
Gain (loss) on derivatives	3,566	(701)	38,978	9,973
Foreign currency translation	(5,031)	(9,333)	(12,401)	(16,319)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,468)	(10,061)	26,591	(6,357)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	14,924	(2,527)	62,344	2,819
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	273	3,868	1,128	8,411
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to McDermott International, Inc.	$ 14,651	$ (6,395)	$ 61,216	$ (5,592)