| Document and Entity Information Document | May 13, 2020 |
| Cover Page [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 13, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-10945 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-2628227 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 11911 FM 529 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77041 |
| City Area Code | 713 |
| Local Phone Number | 329-4500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.25 per share |
| Trading Symbol | OII |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000073756 |
