Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Ten Largest Customers [Member] Ten Largest Customers [Member] Ten largest customers 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] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Number of customers Number Of Customers1 Number of customers Significant customers, percentage of total consolidated revenue Concentration Risk, Percentage 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] Restricted Share Awards [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Stock-Based Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Restricted Share Awards, Activity [Roll Forward] 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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Canceled/forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Non-vested restricted shares, ending balance Restricted Share Awards, Activity, Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Per share weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested 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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per share weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] 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. 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] 237120 Oil and Gas Pipeline and Related Structures Construction [Member] Electrical Transmission [Member] Electric Transmission [Member] Power Generation and Industrial [Member] Power Generation and Industrial [Member] Power plant, renewable energy, industrial infrastructure and related facilities construction. Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill Additions from new business combinations, goodwill Goodwill, Acquired During Period Accruals of acquisition-related contingent consideration, net Goodwill, Other Changes Currency translation adjustments, goodwill Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Goodwill, ending balance Debt Disclosure [Abstract] 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 Rollforward of Goodwill by Segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Rollforward of Other Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Disclosures [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Globetec [Member] Globetec Business [Member] Globetec Construction, LLC (business name). Discontinued Operations Disclosures [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Summary of Assets, Liabilities and Results of Operations from Discontinued Operations Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Available-for-Sale-Securities [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive (loss) income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive (loss) income (See Note 13) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to MasTec, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of Long-Term Debt [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Credit Facility [Member] Domestic Line of Credit [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] 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] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [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 2011 4.0% Notes [Member] 2011 4.0% Notes [Member] 2011 4.0% senior convertible notes 2011 4.25% Notes [Member] 2011 4.25% Notes [Member] 2011 4.25% senior convertible notes 2009 4.0% Notes [Member] 2009 4.0% Notes [Member] 2009 4.0% senior convertible notes 2009 4.25% Notes [Member] 2009 4.25% Notes [Member] 2009 4.25% senior convertible notes Debt Conversion Description [Axis] Debt Conversion Description [Axis] Debt Conversion, Name [Domain] Debt Conversion, Name [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] 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 Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements, Supplemental Guarantor Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Financial Information [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Guarantor subsidiaries, percentage of voting interests owned Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Leases [Abstract] 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. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating leases, term of contract Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Operating leases, rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Debt instrument, interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Long-term debt instrument, weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Condensed Income Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] MasTec, Inc. [Member] Parent Company [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Revenue Revenues Costs of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization Cost of Services, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Interest expense, net Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Other (income) expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Benefit from (provision for) income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity in income from subsidiaries, net of tax Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Net of Tax Net income Net income attributable to non-controlling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to MasTec, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) Accounting Policies [Abstract] Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Activity, Restricted Share Awards Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary 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] Summary of Activity, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of 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] 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] Multi-Employer Plan Type [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Type [Axis] Multi-Employer Plans Type [Domain] Multiemployer Plans Type [Domain] Multi-Employer Plans, Pension And Postretirement Benefit [Member] Multiemployer Plans Pension And Postretirement Benefit [Member] Pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans to which two or more unrelated employers contribute where assets contributed by one participating employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. 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 Defined Contribution Plan, Number of Employees Covered Multi-employer plans, contributions Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions 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 Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Big Country [Member] Big Country [Member] Big Country Energy Services, Inc. and its affiliated operating companies (business name). April 2013 Acquisition [Member] April 2013 Acquisitions [Member] Acquisitions completed during the month ended April 30, 2013. August 2013 Acquisition [Member] August 2013 Acquisitions [Member] Acquisitions completed during the month ended August 31, 2013. 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, name of acquired entity Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity Business combinations, description of acquired entity Business Acquisition, Description of Acquired Entity Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] As Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Measurement Period Adjustments [Member] Scenario, Adjustment [Member] 2013 Acquisitions [Member] 2013 Acquisitions [Member] Acquisitions completed during the calendar year ended December 31, 2013. Measurement Period Adjustments [Line Items] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Current assets Assets, Current Goodwill Current liabilties Liabilities, Current Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Amortization expense, intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective income tax rate, continuing operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Quarterly provision for income taxes, description Quarterly Financial Information, Income Taxes, Significant Variation, Description Current deferred tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Schedule of Carrying Values of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Interest Expense, Net Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block] 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 Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] WesTower [Member] WesTower Communications, Inc. (business name) Accordion [Member] Additional Funding Agreement Terms [Member] Plan [Member] Scenario, Plan [Member] Subsequent Events [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Business combinations, payments in cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, term loan Bridge Loan Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] 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 [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] 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 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Debt instrument, guarantees Debt Instrument, Collateral Debt instrument, covenant compliance Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance Weighted Average [Member] Weighted Average [Member] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Canadian Dollars and Mexican Pesos [Member] CurrencyCADandMXN [Member] Canadian Dollars and Mexican Pesos Canadian Dollars [Member] Canada, Dollars Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letters of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Performance Standby [Member] Performance Guarantee [Member] Financial Standby [Member] Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member] 4.25% Convertible Notes [Member] 4.25% Notes [Member] 4.25% senior convertible notes 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, amount outstanding Line of credit facility, interest rate Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End 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, capacity available for letters of credit Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases Line of credit facility, reduction in remaining borrowing capacity Line Of Credit Facility, Reduction In Remaining Borrowing Capacity Reduction in amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the terms of the credit facility as a result of upcoming debt maturities. Line of credit facility, unused facility fee Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Share Activity [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] 4.0% Convertible Notes [Member] 4.0% Notes [Member] 4.0% senior convertible notes Schedule of Share Activity [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Rollforward of 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 Convertible notes, common shares issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Convertible notes, treasury shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Shares Common shares outstanding, ending balance Treasury shares, ending balance Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] General and Administrative Expense [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Income Tax Effects: Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Financial Information by Reportable Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of EBITDA to Consolidated 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] Receivables [Abstract] Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table] Pacer [Member] Pacer [Member] Pacer Construction Holdings Corporation and its affiliated operating companies (business name). 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] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-lived intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] 2009 Convertible Notes [Member] 2009 Senior Convertible Notes [Member] 2009 Senior Convertible Notes 2011 Convertible Notes [Member] 2011 Senior Convertible Notes [Member] 2011 Senior Convertible Notes Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Computation of earnings per share, methodology Earnings Per Share Reconciliation Disclosure Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Covered Employees and Contributions, Multi-Employer Plans Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] 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] Management [Member] Management [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 Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, convertible, interest rate Debt instrument, convertible, matured and converted Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Debt instrument, settlement in cash Repayments of Unsecured Debt Debt instrument, convertible, common shares issued Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price per share Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Premium shares Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Contingently Issuable Shares Weighted average anti-dilutive common stock equivalents, shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Income Statement [Abstract] Costs of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization Other income, net Provision for income taxes Discontinued operations: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Net loss from discontinued operations, including loss on disposal and impairment charges (See Note 4) 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 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 per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Schedule of Segments and Related Information [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Reportable Geographical Components [Member] Reportable Geographical Components [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States [Member] UNITED STATES Foreign Operations [Member] Foreign Operations [Member] Foreign operations, which represent operations other than the entity's domestic/U.S. based operations. Segments and Related Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Property and equipment, net Intangible assets and goodwill, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows (used in) provided by 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 Proceeds from disposal of business, net of cash divested Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested (Payments for) proceeds from other investments, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from credit facility Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayments of credit facility Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit (Repayments of) proceeds from senior notes, including convertible notes Proceeds from (Repayments of) Notes Payable Repayments of other borrowings and capital lease obligations Repayments of Other Debt Proceeds from (payments for) other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Payments of financing costs, including call premiums on extinguishment of debt Payments of Financing Costs Net financing activities and advances (to) from consolidated affiliates Net Financing Activities And Advances From (To) Consolidated Affiliates Net financing activities and advances from (to) consolidated affiliates. Net cash 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, Including Discontinued Operations Cash and cash equivalents - end of period Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Continuing Operations [Member] Continuing Operations [Member] Corporate [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Other [Member] Other Segments [Member] EBITDA EBITDA1 Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure of profitability. Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reportable Segment [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] AT&T [Member] AtT [Member] AT&T (business name) DIRECTV [Member] DirectTv [Member] DIRECTV (business name) Enbridge, Inc. [Member] Enbridge, Inc. [Member] Enbridge, Inc. (business name) Revenue, Significant Customers [Line Items] Segment reporting, disclosure of significant customers Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Major Customers Nature of the Business Nature of Operations [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] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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 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, gross 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) Additions from new business combinations, non-amortizing intangible assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Additions from new business combinations, amortizing intangible assets Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Additions from new business combinations, other intangible assets Intangible Assets Acquired, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Amount of increase in intangible assets, excluding goodwill, resulting from a business combination. Amortization expense 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 Other Retirement Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Segments and Related Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net of allowance Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories, net Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other current assets, including discontinued operations (See Note 4) Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Other intangible assets, net Other long-term assets, including discontinued operations (See Note 4) 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, including discontinued operations (See Note 4) Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Acquisition-related contingent consideration, net of current portion Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (See Note 16) 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 - 87,106,042 and 86,725,372 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital surplus Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Contributed shares Other Additional Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, at cost; 5,262,831 and 9,467,286 shares as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 Debt instrument, convertible, maturity date Debt instrument, convertible, conversion ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Debt instrument, convertible, conversion rate denominator Principal Amount Per Note Used In Conversion Ratio The principal amount per note used in the conversion ratio to calculate the number of shares into which the debt instrument is convertible. Debt instrument, convertible, common shares issued, value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Debt instrument, convertible, shares reissued from treasury Debt instrument, convertible, intent to refinance, description Short-term Debt, Refinanced, Description Debt instrument, convertible, unamortized debt discount and financing costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Equity Method Investments [Member] Equity Method Investments [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Acquisition consideration: Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract] Cash Fair value of contingent consideration (earn-out liability) Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred 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 Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Equity method investments Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Assets Other long-term assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets 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 Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Long-term debt 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 Schedule of Fair Values of Selected Financial Instruments Measured On A Non-Recurring Basis Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 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] Operating Expense [Member] Operating Expense [Member] Other Significant Non-Cash Transaction [Axis] Other Significant Noncash Transaction [Axis] Other Significant Non-Cash Transaction, Name [Domain] Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Name [Domain] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net 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, including write-off of deferred financing costs on redeemed debt Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Provision for deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for losses on construction projects, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Provision for losses on operating assets Provision for Other Losses (Gains) losses on sales of assets, including impairment charges on discontinued operations Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other assets, current and non-current 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 non-current portion Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Proceeds from issuance of senior notes Proceeds from Unsecured Notes Payable Repayment of senior notes, including convertible notes Repayments of other borrowings Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Payments of capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Proceeds from stock-based awards, net of tax withholdings Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Payments of acquisition-related contingent consideration 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 Premium shares, conversion of convertible notes Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Segments [Domain] Segment reporting information, factors used to identify entity's reportable segments Segment Reporting, Factors Used to Identify Entity's Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable 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 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] Board of Directors Chairman [Member] Board of Directors Chairman [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Long-Term Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Life insurance, face amount Life Insurance, Corporate or Bank Owned, Amount Payments for life insurance policies Payments to Acquire Life Insurance Policies Carrying amount, life insurance policies Bank Owned Life Insurance Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Net income attributable to MasTec: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract] Net income, continuing operations - basic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Interest expense, net of tax, 2009 Convertible Notes Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax Net income attributable to MasTec - diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Net loss from discontinued operations - basic and diluted 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 Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive premium shares, 2011 Convertible Notes Dilutive shares, 2009 Convertible Notes Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted Discontinued operation, description Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Description and Timing of Disposal Discontinued operation, disposal date Disposal Date Discontinued operation, membership interests remaining Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segments and Related Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Less: Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract] Interest expense, net Depreciation and amortization 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] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [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] 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] Fair Value, Measurements, Non-Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Liability [Member] Liability [Member] Fair Value, Selected Financial Instruments Measured on A Recurring and Non-Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] ASC 805 contingent consideration, fair value Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value measurements, valuation techniques Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques 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 Foreign currency translation gains (losses), 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) Cost and equity method investments, including long-term receivables from investees and joint ventures, aggregate carrying value Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures 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 Measurement Period Adjustments, Business Acquisitions Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table Text Block] Schedule of Pro Forma Information, Business Acquisitions Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] April 2014 Acquisitions [Member] April 2014 Acquisitions [Member] Acquisitions completed during the month ended April 30, 2014. January 2014 Acquisitions [Member] January 2014 Acquisitions [Member] Acquisitions completed during the month ended January 31, 2014. Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Other Non-Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Investee [Member] Investee [Member] Infrastructure Construction Services [Member] Financing Receivables [Member] Financing Receivable [Member] Performance Guarantees [Member] Other Financial Guarantees [Member] Financial Guarantee [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Beneficial Ownership [Member] Beneficial Owner [Member] Business combination, provisional information, initial accounting incomplete, adjustment, assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Assets 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, intangible assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Business combinations, provisional information, initial accounting incomplete, adjustment, goodwill Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Business combinations, goodwill recognized, description Business Combination, Goodwill Recognized, Description Business combinations, goodwill, expected tax deductible amount Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Revenue, related parties Receivables, related parties Other receivables, due from related parties Due from Related Parties Guarantees issued, related parties Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted 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, earn-out period (in years) Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Business combinations, contingent consideration, fair value measurements, significant assumptions Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions Business combinations, contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, low Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low Business combinations, contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, high Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Business combinations, contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, maximum unlimited Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Maximum Unlimited Other Guarantees [Table] Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Subsidiary [Member] Subsidiaries [Member] Warranty [Member] Warranty Obligations [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 Schedule of Property And Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Preferred stock, par value 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 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 Investment, Name [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) Cost Method Investment [Member] Cost-method Investments [Member] Lease And Rental Agreements [Member] Lease Agreements [Member] 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 Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] Carrying Amount [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Senior notes Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Convertible notes Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Financial Guarantee [Member] Surety Bond [Member] Surety Bond [Member] Projected Estimate [Member] Unconsolidated Affiliates [Member] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Financial Support [Member] Capital Support Agreement [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] Group Insurance Policies [Member] Group Insurance Policies [Member] Workers Compensation [Member] Accident and Health Insurance Product Line [Member] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Medical Insurance [Member] Health Insurance Product Line [Member] Other Non-Current Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Letters of credit, outstanding amount Outstanding bonds, amount Bonded projects, costs to complete Contract Revenue Cost Unconsolidated affiliates, outstanding commitments Other Commitment 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 Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Unapproved Change Orders [Member] Unapproved Change Orders [Member] Contract modifications that have been requested by the client and upon which costs have been incurred. Unbilled Revenue [Member] Unbilled Revenues [Member] Revenue Recognition [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Unapproved change orders, description Unapproved Change Orders, Description Unapproved change orders, amount Unapproved Change Orders, Amount Unapproved change orders, period expected to be outstanding New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share Activity Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Sunlight Entities [Member] Sunlight Entities [Member] Sunlight Entities (combined Sunlight business entities). Sunlight General Somerset [Member] Sunlight General Somerset [Member] Sunlight General Somerset (business name). Sunlight General Morris [Member] Sunlight General Morris [Member] Sunlight General Morris (business name). Sunlight General Sussex [Member] Sunlight General Sussex [Member] Sunlight General Sussex (business name). Project [Axis] Project [Axis] Project [Domain] Project [Domain] Construction Contracts [Member] Construction Contracts [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Projects or proceedings, number or quantity of Number1 Number of, or count of, a particular item that is disclosed. Contract price, pending litigation Contracts Receivable, Claims and Uncertain Amounts Litigation award, pending litigation Litigation Settlement, Amount Liens sought, pending litigation Liens Sought Legal rights sought to possess property or other collateral in satisfaction of an outstanding collectible amount in the event of customer or borrower default or dispute. Damages sought, pending litigation Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Debt instrument, intent to refinance, description Schedule of Earnings Per Share Information Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Convertible Note Premium Share Information Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Number of conversion shares, principal amount Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments Per share price, actual average 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 Debt Instrument, Convertible, If-converted Value in Excess of Principal Multi-employer plans, general nature Multiemployer Plans, General Nature Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Loss from operations, before tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Impairment of assets, before tax Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, before Income Tax Income tax benefit Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Net loss from discontinued operations Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign Currency [Member] Other [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance Activity before reclassifications, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassifications, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Activity, net of tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance Stock Options [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Employee Stock [Member] Shares available for grant or issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant 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 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 Stock-based compensation awards, percentage vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Stock options exercised Stock options exercised, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Stock options exercised, proceeds Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Stock-based compensation plan, description Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Description Stock-based compensation, purchase price of common stock, percentage of fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Stock-based compensation, fair value assumptions, method used Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Business Combinations, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] General and Administrative Costs [Member] Business combinations, pro forma information, description Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Description 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, acquiree revenue, year over year incremental impact Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business combinations, acquiree net income from continuing operations, year over year incremental impact Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business combinations, acquisition costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs 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] Cash proceeds (in millions) Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options Common shares issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Weighted average per share price 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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Long-term assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Current liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current 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, including discontinued operations Goodwill and other intangible assets, net Investments in and advances to consolidated affiliates, net Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent Other long-term assets, including disontinued operations Total current liabilities Advances from consolidated affiliates, net Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Other liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Total equity Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Utilities [Member] 220000 to 229999 Utilities [Member] Utilities customers, percentage of consolidated Communications segment revenue Withdrawal from Multi-Employer Defined Benefit Plan [Member] Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan [Member] Multi-Employer Plan Name [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis] Multi-Employer Plan Name [Domain] Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain] 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 Multi-employer plans, collective bargaining agreements, description Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Description Loss contingency, evaluation of estimated loss Loss Contingency, Management's Assessment and Process Withdrawal liability Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation Maximum loss Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Property and Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Lease Obligations Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Conversion [Table] Debt Conversion [Table] Debt Conversion [Line Items] Debt Conversion [Line Items] Share reissuances, treasury stock, value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Outstanding Stock Options, Activity [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Options outstanding, vested, beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Exercised Canceled/forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Options outstanding, vested, ending balance Outstanding Stock Options, Per Share Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Per share weighted average exercise price, vested, beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised Canceled/forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per share weighted average exercise price, vested, ending balance Outstanding Stock Options, Additional Disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Options exercisable, per share weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price 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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Options exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Contract billings Billed Contracts Receivable Retainage Contract Receivable Retainage Costs and earnings in excess of billings Costs in Excess of Billings Accounts receivable, gross Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Less allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accounts receivable, net