Leases [Abstract] Lease Obligations Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-based compensation awards, stock options, vested (percentage) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Stock options exercised, intrinsic value (in dollars) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Stock options exercised, proceeds (in dollars) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Equity [Abstract] Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Accounts Receivable [Member] Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Pacer [Member] Pacer [Member] Pacer Construction Holdings Corporation and its affiliated operating companies (business name). Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Canadian Dollars [Member] Canada, Dollars Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Backlog [Member] Order or Production Backlog [Member] Non-Compete Agreements [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Business Combinations [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-lived intangible assets, fair value (in dollars) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Restricted Shares [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Stock-Based Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items] Restricted Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Non-vested restricted shares, beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Canceled/forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Non-vested restricted shares, ending balance (in shares) Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Non-vested restricted shares, per share weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Canceled/forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested restricted shares, per share weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance (in dollars per share) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets [Table] ScheduleOfIntangibleAssets [Table] Schedule of intangible assets, excluding goodwill. Non-Amortizing Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Non-Amortizing Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Pre-Qualifications [Member] Contractual Rights [Member] Amortizing Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Amortizing Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer Relationships and Backlog [Member] Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] Other Amortizing Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible assets [Line Items] Line items for intangible assets, excluding goodwill. Other intangible assets, non-amortizing, carrying amount Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangible assets, amortizing, gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Other intangible assets, gross carrying amount Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Other Intangible Assets [Rollforward] Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Roll Forward] Rollforward of intangible assets, excluding goodwill. Other intangible assets, non-amortizing, beginning balance Other intangible assets, net, amortizing, beginning balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other intangible assets, net, beginning balance Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Currency translation adjustments, non-amortizing intangible assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Translation Adjustments Currency translation adjustments, amortizing intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Translation Adjustments Currency translation adjustments, other intangible assets Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill), Translation Adjustments Amount of increase (decrease) to intangible assets, excluding goodwill, for foreign currency translation adjustments. Other intangible assets, non-amortizing, ending balance Other intangible assets, net, amortizing, ending balance Other intangible assets, net, ending balance Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segments and Related Information [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Communications [Member] Communications [Member] Communications activities, including but not limited to: wireless, wireline/fiber, satellite communications and install-to-the-home activities. Oil and Gas [Member] Oil And Gas [Member] Engineering, construction and maintenance services on oil and natural gas pipelines and processing facilities for the energy and utilities industries. Electrical Transmission [Member] Electrical Transmission [Member] The engineering, construction and maintenance of electrical transmission lines and substations for the energy and utility industries. Power Generation and Industrial [Member] Power Generation and Industrial [Member] Power plant, renewable energy, industrial infrastructure and related facilities construction. Other [Member] Other Segments [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Revenue [Member] Sales Revenue, Services, Net [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Utilities [Member] Utilities [Member] Customers of the business entity whose end-market products or services are in the utilities industry. Segments and Related Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenue: Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Revenue (in dollars) Revenues Utilities customers, percentage of Communications segment revenue Concentration Risk, Percentage Schedule of Financial Information by Reportable Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of EBITDA to Consolidated (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Significant Customers, Revenue Concentration Information Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-Term Debt [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 4.875% Senior Notes [Member] Four Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] 4.875% Senior Notes Financing Receivable [Member] Financing Receivable [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Interest expense: Interest Expense [Abstract] Contractual and other interest expense Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Accretion of senior convertible note discount Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Financing Costs Total interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense, net Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Debt instrument, payments for consent fee, solicitation agent Payments for Consent Fee, Solicitation Agent The amount paid to a solicitation agent to obtain a consent pertaining to a financial instrument. Non-recourse financing arrangement, discount charge Gain (Loss) on Sale of Accounts Receivable Shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] 2011 4.25% Notes [Member] 2011 4.25% Notes [Member] 2011 4.25% senior convertible notes Convertible Debt [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Number of conversion shares, principal amount (in shares) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments Per share price, actual average (in dollars per share) Share Price During Period Price of a single share of a number of saleable stocks of a company over a period of time. Premium value (in dollars) Debt Instrument, Convertible, If-converted Value in Excess of Principal Premium shares (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Contingently Issuable Shares Multiemployer Plans [Abstract] Schedule of Covered Employees and Contributions, Multi-Employer Plans [Table] Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] Unionized Employees [Member] Unionized Employees Concentration Risk [Member] Low [Member] Minimum [Member] High [Member] Multi-Employer Plan Type [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Type [Axis] Multi-Employer Plans Type [Domain] Multiemployer Plans Type [Domain] Multi-Employer Plans, Pension [Member] Multiemployer Plans, Pension [Member] Multi-Employer Plans, Postretirement Benefit [Member] Multiemployer Plans, Postretirement Benefit [Member] Covered Employees and Contributions, Multi-Employer Plans [Line Items] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Multi-employer plans, covered employees (in number of employees) Defined Contribution Plan, Number of Employees Covered Multi-employer plans, contributions (in dollars) Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions WesTower [Member] WesTower [Member] WesTower Communications, Inc. (business name) Trade Name [Member] Schedule of Share Activity [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] Share repurchase plan authorized by the board of directors in December 2014. Schedule of Share Activity [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Share Activity: Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Common shares outstanding, beginning balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury shares, beginning balance Treasury Stock, Shares Shares issued: Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Stock option exercises Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Restricted share awards Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Common stock repurchases Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury shares, common stock repurchases Other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Shares Common shares outstanding, ending balance Treasury shares, ending balance Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements, Supplemental Guarantor Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Corporate [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Depreciation and Amortization: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] April 2014 Acquisition [Member] April 2014 Acquisitions [Member] Acquisitions completed during the month ended April 30, 2014. January 2014 Acquisition [Member] January 2014 Acquisitions [Member] Acquisitions completed during the month ended January 31, 2014. Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Earn-Out Arrangements [Member] Earn-out Arrangements [Member] Additional future payments to sellers of an acquired business, contingent upon the acquired business's future earnings performance. Business Combinations [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business combinations, effective date Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition Business combinations, percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business combinations, description of acquired entity Business Acquisition, Description of Acquired Entity Business combinations, payments in cash (in dollars) Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business combinations, contingent consideration, earn-out period (in years) Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Business combinations, contingent consideration, fair value of earn-out (in dollars) Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Executive Officers [Member] Executive Officer [Member] Major Customers [Axis] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Related Customer [Member] Related Customer [Member] Customer that has a related party relationship with the entity, either by ownership or management affiliation. Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Employee Leasing Arrangements [Member] Employment Contracts [Member] Satellite Communication Services [Member] Service Agreements [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Charges to related party Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Due from related party Due from Other Related Parties Revenue from related party Revenue from Related Parties Accounts receivable, related party Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Segments [Domain] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, balance as of September 30, 2015 Goodwill Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Non-Recurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Other Income [Member] Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Fair Value, Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value measurements, valuation techniques Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques ASC 805 contingent consideration, fair value Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Additions from new business combinations, ASC 805 contingent consideration Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases Payments of ASC 805 contingent consideration Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Reduction in ASC 805 contingent consideration, gain included in earnings Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Foreign currency translation gains, other comprehensive income, ASC 805 contingent consideration Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Carrying Values of Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Interest Expense, Net Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block] Employee Stock Purchase Plans [Member] Employee Stock [Member] Stock-based compensation plans, description Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Description Credit Facility [Member] Domestic Line of Credit [Member] Debt instrument, guarantees Debt Instrument, Collateral Debt instrument, interest rate (percentage) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue Costs of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization Cost of Services, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Interest expense, net Other expense (income), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Discontinued operations: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Net loss from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to MasTec, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per share (See Note 2): Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic earnings (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Total basic earnings (loss) per share Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Total diluted earnings (loss) per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States [Member] UNITED STATES Foreign Operations [Member] Non-US [Member] Accounts Receivable, Net, Less Billings in Excess of Costs and Earnings [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Foreign Customers [Member] Foreign Customers [Member] Foreign customers, which represent customers in countries other than the United States. Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Intangible assets and goodwill, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Concentration risk, percentage of total Schedule of Activity, Restricted Shares Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Activity, Stock Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Activity, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation Expense and Related Tax Benefits Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Accrued Expenses [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Debt instrument, accrued interest payable Interest Payable, Current Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Other Significant Non-Cash Transaction [Axis] Other Significant Noncash Transaction [Axis] Other Significant Non-Cash Transaction, Name [Domain] Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Name [Domain] Equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Debt Conversion Description [Axis] Debt Conversion Description [Axis] Debt Conversion, Name [Domain] Debt Conversion, Name [Domain] 2011 Convertible Notes [Member] 2011 Senior Convertible Notes [Member] 2011 Senior Convertible Notes Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net (loss) income Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Non-cash interest expense Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities (Benefit from) provision for deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other non-cash items Other Noncash Income (Expense) Gains on sales of assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Non-cash change in estimated fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other assets, current and long-term portion Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Billings in excess of costs and earnings Increase (Decrease) in Billing in Excess of Cost of Earnings Book overdrafts Increase (Decrease) in Book Overdrafts Other liabilities, current and long-term portion Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows used in investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Payments for other investments, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from credit facilities Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayments of credit facilities Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Repayments of senior convertible notes Repayments of Senior Debt Repayments of other borrowings Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Payments of capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from stock-based awards, net of tax withholdings Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Payments of acquisition-related contingent consideration Payments of Merger Related Costs, Financing Activities Payments of financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of currency translation on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents - end of period Supplemental cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Equipment acquired under capital lease Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Equipment acquired under financing arrangements Notes Issued Acquisition-related contingent consideration, new business combinations Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Premium shares, conversion of convertible notes Schedule of Goodwill by Segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Rollforward of Other Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Master Service and Other Service Agreements [Member] Concentration Risk from Type of Arrangement [Member] Product Concentration Risk [Member] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Contracts Accounted for under Percentage-of-Completion [Member] Contracts Accounted for under Percentage of Completion [Member] Joint Venture [Member] Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Revenue Recognition [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Project losses (in dollars) Loss on Contracts Change in accounting estimate, percentage-of-completion projects, financial effect on project profit, percentage Change In Accounting Estimate, Percentage Of Completion Projects, Financial Effect, Percentage Disclosure of the percentage effect on project profit (defined as project revenue less project costs of revenue, including depreciation) during the reporting period of changes in contract estimates for projects that were in process as of the end of the prior year. Fixed price contract, term within which generally completed (in years) Fixed Price Contracts, Term Expected length of time within which a fixed price contract is completed, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Unapproved change orders, description Unapproved Change Orders, Description Unapproved change orders, expected to be billed and collected within one year, amount (in dollars) Unbilled Change Orders, Amount Expected to be Collected within One Year Change order approval process, term within which expected to be completed (in years) Unapproved Change Orders, Expected Term For Approval Expected length of time within which an unapproved change order is approved by the customer, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Continuing Operations [Member] Continuing Operations [Member] Net income (loss) attributable to MasTec: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Diluted [Abstract] Net income (loss), continuing operations - basic (in dollars) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Interest expense, net of tax, convertible notes (in dollars) Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax Net income (loss) attributable to MasTec - diluted (in dollars) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Diluted Net loss from discontinued operations - basic and diluted (in dollars) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding - basic Dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive shares, convertible notes Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] PPL [Member] PPL [Member] PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (“PPL”) Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Settled Litigation [Member] Settled Litigation [Member] Other Expense [Member] Other Expense [Member] Nature of Expense [Axis] Nature of Expense [Axis] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain] Audit Committee Independent Investigation [Member] Audit Committee Investigation [Member] Audit Committee investigation related costs. Segment reporting information, factors used to identify entity's reportable segments Segment Reporting, Factors Used to Identify Entity's Reportable Segments Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Segment reporting information, description of products and services Segment Reporting Information, Description of Products and Services Segment reporting, description of all other segments Segment Reporting, Description of All Other Segments Business combinations, acquisition integration costs (in dollars) Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Court mandated mediation settlement, charge (in dollars) Loss Contingency, Loss in Period General and administrative expenses (in dollars) General and Administrative Expenses [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member] Current Liabilities [Member] Current Liabilities [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing total current liabilities. Business combinations, name of acquired entity Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity Business combinations, goodwill recognized, description Business Combination, Goodwill Recognized, Description Business combinations, goodwill, expected tax deductible amount Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Business combinations, acquisition integration costs Business combinations, acquisition integration costs, current liabilities Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Liabilities Recognized Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Contract billings Contract Receivable, Due in Next Twelve Months Retainage Contract Receivable Retainage, Next Twelve Months Costs and earnings in excess of billings Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Accounts receivable, gross Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Less allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock, shares Condensed Income Statement [Table] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] MasTec, Inc. [Member] Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Costs of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization Interest expense (income), net Other expense (income), net Benefit from (provision for) income taxes Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries, net of tax Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Net of Tax Comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] EBITDA - Continuing Operations: Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract] EBITDA - Continuing operations EBITDA Earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure of profitability. Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business combinations, pro forma information, description Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Description Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information and Results of Businesses Acquired Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Business combinations, pro forma revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business combinations, pro forma net income from continuing operations Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business combinations, actual of acquirees, revenue (year-over-year impact) Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business combinations, actual of acquirees, net income (loss) from continuing operations (year-over-year impact) Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Project losses Business combinations, acquisition and integration-related costs Business Combination, Acquisition And Integration Related Costs This element represents acquisition-related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs include finder’s fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities, as well as business integration costs, systems integration and conversion costs, and severance and other employee related costs. Business combinations, other acquisition-related costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Property and Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Property and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Capitalized internal-use software, gross Capitalized Computer Software, Gross Capitalized internal-use software, net Capitalized Computer Software, Net Investment [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Cross Country Pipeline [Member] Cross Country Pipeline [Member] Cross Country Pipeline Supply, Inc. (business name) Immediate Family Member of Management or Principal Owner [Member] Immediate Family Member of Management or Principal Owner [Member] Cost Method Investment [Member] Cost-method Investments [Member] Lease and Rental Agreements [Member] Lease Agreements [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Cost method investment, original cost Cost Method Investments, Original Cost Expenses from transactions with related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Other Credit Facilities [Member] Foreign Line of Credit [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Notes Payable [Member] Loans Payable [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Loans [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Term Loan [Member] Bridge Loan [Member] Line of credit facility, maturity date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Debt instrument, maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Capital lease obligations, expiration date, range, end Lease Expiration Date Notes payable, maturity date, range, end Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End Carrying value of debt Long-term Debt Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Total debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Less current maturities Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Weighted Average [Member] Weighted Average [Member] Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity (in dollars) Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, amount outstanding (in dollars) Line of credit facility, interest rate (percentage) Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Line of credit facility, rationale for classification as long-term debt Line of Credit Facility, Rationale for Classification as Long-term Debt Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Capital Leases [Table] Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Capital Leases [Line Items] Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] Assets held under capital lease, gross Capital Leased Assets, Gross Assets held under capital lease, net Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net EBITDA Reconciliation: Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract] Interest expense, net Depreciation and amortization Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Accumulated other comprehensive losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Unrealized foreign currency translation losses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Business combinations, provisional information, initial accounting incomplete, items Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Items Business combinations, provisional information, initial accounting incomplete, reasons Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Reasons Schedule of Covered Employees and Contributions, Multi-Employer Plans Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] Cash proceeds (in dollars) Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options Common shares issued (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Weighted average price per share (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average per share grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Goodwill, currency translation losses Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Goodwill, additions from new business combinations Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill, accruals of acquisition-related contingent consideration Goodwill, Other Changes Amortization expense, intangible assets Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net of allowance Inventories, net Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Other long-term assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current maturities of long-term debt Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued salaries and wages Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Acquisition-related contingent consideration, current Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Billings in excess of costs and earnings Billings in Excess of Cost, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Acquisition-related contingent consideration, net of current portion Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (See Note 15) Commitments and Contingencies Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $1.00 par value: authorized shares - 5,000,000; issued and outstanding shares – none Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.10 par value: authorized shares - 145,000,000; issued shares - 87,951,049 and 87,614,955 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital surplus Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Treasury stock, at cost: 8,094,004 and 2,876,311 shares as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total MasTec, Inc. shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-controlling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Letters of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Option to Increase Revolving Commitments and/or Establish Additional Term Loan Tranches [Member] Additional Funding Agreement Terms [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Plan [Member] Scenario, Plan [Member] Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Performance Guarantees [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Financial Standby [Member] Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member] Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of credit facility, revolving loan sublimit, Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos Line Of Credit, Revolving Loan Sublimit, Canadian Dollars Or Mexican Pesos Sublimit or portion of maximum borrowing capacity available on an existing line of credit in Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos. Line of credit facility, term loan, frequency of payments Line of Credit Facility, Frequency of Payments Line of credit facility, term loan, amount of quarterly principal installment payments Line of Credit Facility, Periodic Payment, Principal Line of credit facility, term loan, date of first required payment Line of Credit Facility, Date of First Required Payment Line of credit facility, capacity available for letters of credit Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases Line of credit facility, capacity available for letters of credit sublimit, Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos Line Of Credit, Letter Of Credit Sublimit, Canadian Dollars Or Mexican Pesos The portion of the maximum amount of borrowing capacity under a line of credit that is available as of the balance sheet date for letters of credit that is available in Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos. Line of credit facility, revolving loan sublimit Line of Credit, Revolving Loan Sublimit Sublimit or portion of maximum borrowing capacity available on an existing line of credit. Line of credit facility, deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization Deferred Finance Costs, Net Line of credit facility, letters of credit issued Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, unused facility fee (percentage) Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of credit facility, collateral Line of Credit Facility, Collateral Line of credit facility, consolidated leverage ratio Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Line of credit facility, payments for consent fee Payments For Consent Fee, Note Holders The amount paid to debt holders to obtain a consent pertaining to a debt instrument. Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reportable Segment [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] AT&T (including DIRECTV) [Member] AT&T1 [Member] AT&T, including DIRECTV (business name). Enbridge, Inc. [Member] Enbridge, Inc. [Member] Enbridge, Inc. (business name) Revenue, Significant Customers [Line Items] Significant customers, percentage of total consolidated revenue Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Provision For Income Taxes [Table] Provision For Income Taxes [Table] A summary of the components of an entity's provision for income taxes, including the current and deferred portions. Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Alberta [Member] ALBERTA Income Taxes [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Quarterly provision for income taxes, description Quarterly Financial Information, Income Taxes, Significant Variation, Description Income tax expense, cumulative revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability Current deferred tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net Property and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Multi-employer plans, general nature Multiemployer Plans, General Nature Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Balance Sheets Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Equity Method Investments [Member] Equity Method Investments [Member] Acquisition consideration: Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract] Cash Fair value of contingent consideration (earn-out liability) Total consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Current assets, including $3.4 million of cash acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Business combinations, cash acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Pre-qualifications Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Finite-lived intangible assets Current liabilities, including current portion of capital lease obligations and long-term debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Net equity method investment obligations Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities Long-term debt, including capital lease obligations Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Deferred income taxes Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Total identifiable net assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Total net assets acquired, including goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Segments and Related Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Stock-based compensation awards, unearned compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Stock-based compensation awards, unearned compensation, weighted average expected recognition period (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Stock-based compensation, vested awards, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Property and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Land [Member] Building and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Office Furniture and Equipment [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Common Stock Equivalents Excluded Due To Net Loss [Member] Common Stock Equivalents Excluded Due To Net Loss [Member] The number of weighted average common stock equivalents excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. 4.0% Convertible Notes [Member] 4.0% Notes [Member] 4.0% senior convertible notes 2011 4.0% Notes [Member] 2011 4.0% Notes [Member] 2011 4.0% senior convertible notes 2009 4.0% Notes [Member] 2009 4.0% Notes [Member] 2009 4.0% senior convertible notes 4.25% Convertible Notes [Member] 4.25% Notes [Member] 4.25% senior convertible notes 2009 4.25% Notes [Member] 2009 4.25% Notes [Member] 2009 4.25% senior convertible notes Weighted average anti-dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Debt instrument, convertible, matured and converted (in dollars) Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Debt instrument, convertible, interest rate (percentage) Debt instrument, convertible, repayments (in dollars) Repayments of Convertible Debt Debt instrument, convertible, common shares issued (in shares) Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price per share (in dollars per share) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount (in dollars) Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, cure period (in days) Debt Instrument, Cure Period The maximum period of time within which the cause of a potential event of default on a debt instrument can be cured by the debt holder, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Debt instrument, consent fee, percentage of principal amount, note holders Consent Fee, Percentage Of Principal Amount, Note Holders The amount, expressed in terms of basis points, or percentage points, paid to debt holders to obtain a consent pertaining to a debt instrument. Debt instrument, payments for consent fee, note holders (in dollars) Debt instrument, consent fee, percentage of principal amount, solicitation agent Consent Fee, Percentage Of Principal Amount, Solicitation Agent The amount, expressed in terms of basis points, or percentage points, paid to a solicitation agent to obtain a consent pertaining to a financial instrument. Debt instrument, payments for consent fee, solicitation agent (in dollars) Schedule of Earnings Per Share Information Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Convertible Notes Premium Share Information Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities: Payments for investments, net Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities: Repayments of other borrowings and capital lease obligations Repayments of Other Debt Net financing activities and advances from (to) consolidated affiliates Net Financing Activities And Advances From (To) Consolidated Affiliates Net financing activities and advances from (to) consolidated affiliates. Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Equity, Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Share repurchase program, amount authorized, value Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Common stock repurchases (in shares) Treasury stock acquired, value Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Schedule of Share Activity Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income (loss) Other comprehensive (loss) income (See Note 12): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to MasTec, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Stock Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Options outstanding, vested, beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options exercisable, beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercised (in shares) Options outstanding, vested, ending balance (in shares) Options exercisable, ending balance (in shares) Per Share Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Options outstanding, vested, per share weighted average exercise price, beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options exercisable, per share weighted average exercise price, beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Options outstanding, vested, per share weighted average exercise price, ending balance (in dollars per share) Options exercisable, per share weighted average exercise price, ending balance (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life and Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Options outstanding, vested, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options outstanding, vested, aggregate intrinsic value (in dollars) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Options exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value (in dollars) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate (percentage) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Other Guarantees [Table] Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiaries [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Warranty [Member] Warranty Obligations [Member] Minimum [Member] Other Guarantees [Line Items] Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] Other guarantees, description Guarantor Obligations, Origin and Purpose General warranty, description Standard Product Warranty Description General warranty, period (in years) General warranty, accrued reserve (in dollars) Product Warranty Accrual Schedule of Consideration Paid and Net Assets Acquired, Business Acquisitions Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired, Business Acquisitions Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block] Schedule of Pro Forma Information, Business Acquisitions Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Income Tax Effects: Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Income tax benefit from non-cash stock-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Excess tax benefit from non-cash stock-based compensation Fair Value, Measurements, Non-Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Carrying Amount [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Pipeline Joint Ventures [Member] Pipeline Joint Ventures [Member] Pipeline joint ventures Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Equity Contributions and/or Loan Guarantees [Member] Equity Contributions And/Or Loan Guarantees [Member] Equity contributions committed and/or loan guarantees provided. Fair Value, Financial Instruments Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis [Line Items] 4.875% Senior Notes (in dollars) Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Cost and equity method investments, including long-term receivables from investees and contractual joint ventures, aggregate carrying value (in dollars) Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Equity method investment, amount of investment (in dollars) Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost Unconsolidated affiliates, outstanding commitments (in dollars) Other Commitment Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Number of equity method investments acquired Number Of Equity Method Investments Acquired Number of investments in which the Company has invested during the period that are accounted for under the equity method. Number of pipelines to be constructed Number Of Pipelines To Be Constructed Number of pipelines to be constructed. Other Retirement Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Performance and Payment Bonds [Member] Performance Guarantee [Member] Financial Guarantees [Member] Surety Bond [Member] Surety Bond [Member] Estimate [Member] Uninsured Risk [Member] Uninsured Risk [Member] Insurance Policies By Type [Axis] Insurance Product Line [Axis] Insurance Policies By Type [Domain] Insurance Product Line [Domain] Workers Compensation, General and Automobile Policies [Member] Property, Liability and Casualty Insurance Product Line [Member] Employee Group Medical Claims Policies [Member] Group Insurance Policies [Member] Workers Compensation [Member] Accident and Health Insurance Product Line [Member] Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Long-Term Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Letters of credit issued Outstanding bonds, amount Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Bonded projects, costs to complete Contract Revenue Cost Self insurance reserve Self Insurance Reserve Self insurance reserve, non-current Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent Cash collateral held by insurance carriers Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Other Assets Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value Other Postretirement Benefits, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Other Postretirement Benefits, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain] Split Dollar Life Insurance [Member] Postretirement Life Insurance [Member] Chief Executive Officer [Member] Chief Executive Officer [Member] Chairman, Board of Directors [Member] Board of Directors Chairman [Member] Payments for life insurance policies Payments to Acquire Life Insurance Policies Proceeds from life insurance policies, net of premiums paid Payments for (Proceeds from) Life Insurance Policies Life insurance assets, carrying amount Bank Owned Life Insurance Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Multi-Employer Plan Name [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis] Multi-Employer Plan Name [Domain] Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain] Plans from Which the Company Terminated Participation in 2014 [Member] Plans From Which The Company Terminated Participation In 2014 [Member] Defined benefit multi-employer pension plans from which the Company terminated its participation in 2014. Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund [Member] Central States Southeast And Southwest Areas Pension Fund [Member] Central States Southeast And Southwest Areas Pension Fund Withdrawal from Multi-Employer Defined Benefit Plan [Member] Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Multi-employer plans, collective bargaining agreements, description Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Description Multi-employer plans, withdrawal liability Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation Loss contingency, evaluation of estimated loss Loss Contingency, Management's Assessment and Process Loss contingency, damages sought, value Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss contingency, maximum loss Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Sunlight Entities [Member] Sunlight Entities [Member] Sunlight Entities (combined Sunlight business entities). Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Contract price, litigation (in dollars) Construction Contracts, Gross Contract Amount Represents the gross amount of a contract award under which construction services will be provided. Construction contract, number of miles of transmission line Number Of Miles Of Transmission Line, Contract To Construct Number of miles of the transmission line to be constructed under the terms of the contract. Claims sought, litigation (in dollars) Number of public solar projects Number Of Projects Number of projects for which construction services have been provided or will be provided. Number of arbitration proceedings Number Of Litigation Proceedings Number of legal cases, claims or other disputes, that are subject to, or are in the process of, arbitration or other legal action. Arbitration award, litigation (in dollars) Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Financial Information [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Uncollectible Receivables [Member] Uncollectible Receivables [Member] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Provisions for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Change in estimate, provision for doubtful accounts Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount Increase in cash collections from non-recourse financing arrangement Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Reclassification Adjustment [Member] Reclassification Adjustment [Member] Adjustment that relates to a reclassification between financial statement line items. Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Income tax expense Net income from continuing operations Continuing operations, basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Continuing operations, diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Total basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Total diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Current taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Customer with Highest Net Accounts Receivable Position Subsequent to AT&T's Acquisition of DIRECTV [Member] Customer With Highest Net Accounts Receivable Position1 [Member] Customer who accounted for the highest net accounts receivable position, subsequent to AT&T's acquisition of DIRECTV, which represents accounts receivable, net, less billings in excess of costs and earnings. Ten Largest Customers Subsequent to AT&T's Acquisition of DIRECTV [Member] Ten Largest Customers1 [Member] Ten largest customers, subsequent to AT&T acquisition of DIRECTV. Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Number of customers Number Of Customers1 Number of customers Acquisition consideration Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Other current assets, including $18.0 million of cash acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Property, equipment and other long-term assets, including deferred tax asset Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Billings in excess of costs and earnings Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Deferred Revenue Other current liabilities, including current portion of capital lease obligations Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other Long-term liabilities, including capital lease obligations Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Translation of Foreign Currencies Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments in Affiliates and Other Entities Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Unincorporated Joint Ventures, Proportionate Consolidation Interest in Unincorporated Joint Ventures or Partnerships, Policy [Policy Text Block] Management Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Percentage-of-Completion Method Revenue Recognition, Percentage-of-Completion Method [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Balance Sheets [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Current assets Goodwill and other intangible assets, net Investments in and advances to consolidated affiliates, net Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent Other long-term assets Total current liabilities Advances from consolidated affiliates, net Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Total equity Computation of earnings per share, methodology Earnings Per Share Reconciliation Disclosure Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Term in Excess of One Year [Member] Lease Term In Excess Of One Year [Member] Lease term in excess of one year. Lease Term of One Year or Less [Member] Lease Term Less Than One Year [Member] Lease term of one year or less. Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating leases, term of contract (in years) Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Operating leases, rent expense (in dollars) Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Performance Guarantees [Member] Other Financial Guarantees [Member] Financial Guarantee [Member] Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member] Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member] Financial Support [Member] Capital Support Agreement [Member] Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Long-Term Deferred Tax Liabilities [Member] Noncurrent Deferred Taxation Liabilities [Member] Long-term deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences. Pacer Equity Method Investee in Receivership [Member] Pacer Equity Method Investee In Receivership [Member] Equity method investee of Pacer that was placed under receivership in 2015. Additional Pacer Equity Method Investee in Receivership [Member] Additional Pacer Equity Method Investee In Receivership [Member] Additional equity method investee of Pacer that was placed under receivership in 2015. Construction projects, percentage complete Construction Projects, Percentage Complete For a construction project, represents the percentage of completion of the project as of a point in time. Revenue, related parties, affiliates Receivables, related parties, unincorporated joint venture Due from Joint Ventures Guarantees issued, related parties Financing commitments, amounts paid Payments to Acquire Other Investments Net equity method investment obligations, financing arrangements Unconsolidated affiliates, outstanding commitments Business combinations, provisional information, initial accounting incomplete, adjustment, assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Assets Receivables, related parties, equity method investee Due from Related Parties Other current liabilities, equity method investments (in dollars) Unconsolidated affiliates, financing commitments, amounts repaid Proceeds from Collection of Advance to Affiliate Prepaid expenses and other current assets, equity method investments Equity method investment, expected collection period (in years) ExpectedCollectionPeriod Period during which outstanding amounts owing to the Company are expected to be collected, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Equity method investment, net assets Net Assets Business combinations, provisional information, initial accounting Incomplete, adjustment, property and equipment Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business combinations, provisional information, initial accounting incomplete, adjustment, liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Business combinations, provisional information, initial accounting incomplete, adjustment, goodwill Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Business combinations, contingent consideration arrangements, basis for amount Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis for Amount Business combinations, contingent consideration, percentage of excess EBITDA Business Combinations Contingent Consideration Percentage of Excess EBITDA For an acquisition-related contingent consideration arrangement, this element represents the percentage applied to EBITDA above a minimum threshold for purposes of calculating the earn-out liability. Business combinations, contingent consideration, fair value measurements, significant assumptions Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, low Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, high Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, maximum unlimited Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Maximum Unlimited