CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 24,195	$ (2,444)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain on investments	19	5
Gain on derivatives	2,135	30,791
Foreign currency translation	239	(3,343)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	2,393	27,453
Total comprehensive income	26,588	25,009
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,261	(285)
Comprehensive income attributable to McDermott International, Inc.	$ 24,327	$ 25,294