Income Statement [Abstract] 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 Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other expense (income), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 Earnings per share (Note 2): Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segments and Related Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [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] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Performance and Payment Bonds [Member] Performance Guarantee [Member] Financial Guarantees [Member] Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member] Surety Bond [Member] Surety Bond [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Estimate [Member] Scenario, Plan [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Joint Ventures [Member] Corporate Joint Venture [Member] 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 ("Pacer") (business name). Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Joint Venture A That Provides Electrical Transmission Infrastructure Services [Member] Joint Venture A That Provides Electrical Transmission Infrastructure Services [Member] Joint venture A that provides electrical transmission infrastructure services. Joint Venture B That Provides Electrical Transmission Infrastructure Services [Member] Joint Venture B That Provides Electrical Transmission Infrastructure Services [Member] Joint venture B that provides electrical transmission infrastructure services. Joint Venture C That Provides Electrical Transmission Infrastructure Services [Member] Joint Venture C That Provides Electrical Transmission Infrastructure Services [Member] Joint venture C that provides electrical transmission infrastructure services. Joint Ventures That Provide Infrastructure Construction Services For Electrical Transmission Projects [Member] Joint Ventures That Provide Electrical Transmission Infrastructure Services [Member] Joint venture(s) that provide(s) electrical transmission infrastructure services. Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Self-Insurance [Member] Uninsured Risk [Member] Insurance Policies By Type [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Insurance Policies By Type [Domain] Products and Services [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] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Long-Term Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Collateral [Axis] Collateral [Domain] Cash [Member] Cash [Member] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Letters of credit issued Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Outstanding bonds, amount Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Bonded projects, costs to complete Contract Revenue Cost Proportionately consolidated non-controlled joint venture, ownership percentage Proportionately Consolidated Joint Venture Ownership Percentage The percentage interest in a proportionately consolidated joint venture. Number of joint ventures Number Of Joint Ventures Number of joint ventures in which the Company has an interest. Self-insurance reserve Self Insurance Reserve Self-insurance reserve, non-current Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent Cash collateral deposited with insurance carriers Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Other Assets Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill, Gross [Member] Goodwill [Member] Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment Losses [Member] Reserve for Impairment of Intangible Assets [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. Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, additions from new business combinations Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill, currency translation gains (losses) Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Accruals of acquisition-related contingent consideration Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease) Amortization expense, intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets 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] 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] Shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Other Credit Facilities [Member] Foreign Line of Credit [Member] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Canadian Dollars [Member] Canada, Dollars Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Weighted Average [Member] Weighted Average [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity (in dollars) Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Long-term debt obligations (in dollars) Long-term Debt, Gross Line of credit facility, interest rate (percentage) Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Debt instrument, rationale for classification as long-term debt Line of Credit Facility, Rationale for Classification as Long-term Debt Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share Information Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements, Supplemental Guarantor Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) 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] Receivables [Abstract] 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 Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation gains, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized losses on equity investee activity, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, 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 Stock-based compensation awards, stock options, outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Stock options exercised, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Stock options exercised, proceeds Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [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] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Chief Executive Officer [Member] Chief Executive Officer [Member] Chairman, Board of Directors [Member] Board of Directors Chairman [Member] Executive Officers [Member] Executive Officer [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Payments for life insurance policies Payment to Acquire Life Insurance Policy, Investing Activities Life insurance assets, carrying amount Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance 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 Inventories, net Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill, net Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other long-term assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued salaries and wages Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, 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 Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) 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 - 90,825,531 and 90,634,771 (including 1,802,346 and 1,927,286 of unvested restricted shares) as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital surplus Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, at cost: 8,094,004 shares as of both June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 Treasury Stock, Common, 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 Condensed Income Statement [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [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 (Loss) [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Interest expense (income), net Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates Net income (loss) before equity in income from subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity in income (losses) from subsidiaries, net of tax Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Guarantees and Product Warranties [Abstract] Other Guarantees [Table] Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiaries [Member] Warranty [Member] Warranty Obligations [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [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) Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Joint Venture [Member] Equity Investees [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Management [Member] Management [Member] April 2017 Acquisition [Member] April 2017 Acquisition [Member] Acquisition completed during April 2017. Performance Guarantees [Member] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Financing Support [Member] Capital Support Agreement [Member] Cost-method Investments [Member] Cost-method Investments [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Subcontracting Arrangements [Member] Subcontracting Arrangements [Member] The performance of services under a subcontracting arrangement. Financing Arrangements [Member] Financing Arrangements [Member] The performance of services under a financing arrangement. Plan [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Revenue, related party Revenue from Related Parties Receivables, related party Due from Joint Ventures Guarantees issued, related parties Payments to affiliate, related party Payments for Advance to Affiliate Amounts committed, related party Other Commitment Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Net investment, equity investees Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Payments, related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Payables, related party Accounts Payable, Related Parties Financing arrangement payments, related party Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Cost method investment, ownership percentage Cost Method Investment Ownership Percentage The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [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. Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating leases, term of contract (in years) Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Operating leases, rent and related expense (in dollars) Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Segments and Related Information [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Reportable Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Corporate [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Communications [Member] Communications [Member] Engineering, construction, maintenance and customer fulfillment activities related to communications infrastructure primarily for wireless and wireline/fiber communications and install-to-the-home customers, and, to a lesser extent, distribution infrastructure for electrical utilities, among others. 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 primarily for the energy and utility industries. Power Generation and Industrial [Member] Power Generation and Industrial [Member] Installation and construction of conventional and renewable power facilities, related electrical transmission infrastructure, ethanol/biofuel facilities and various types of industrial infrastructure, primarily for the energy, utility and other end-markets. Other [Member] Other Segments [Member] Segments and Related Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Depreciation and Amortization: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Non-Recurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] 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 Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements, Non-Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [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] Gross Carrying Amount [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Financial Instruments Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Debt instrument, interest rate (percentage) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage 4.875% Senior Notes (in dollars) Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value measurements, valuation techniques Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Net income attributable to MasTec: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Diluted [Abstract] Net income - basic (in dollars) Net income - diluted (in dollars) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Diluted 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 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted Weighted average anti-dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Shares [Member] Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] Stock including a provision that prohibits sale or substantive sale of an equity instrument for a specified period of time or until specified performance conditions are met ("Restricted Stock") or share instrument which is convertible to stock or an equivalent amount of cash, after a specified period of time or when specified performance conditions are met ("Restricted Stock Units"). Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units are together referred to as "Restricted Shares". 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 Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [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. Revenue: Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Revenue (in dollars) Utilities customers, percentage of Communications segment revenue Concentration Risk, Percentage Capital Leases [Table] Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Property and Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] 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 Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Lease Obligations Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 2016 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2016 Share Repurchase Program [Member] Share repurchase plan authorized by the board of directors in February 2016. Treasury Stock, Common [Member] Treasury Stock, Common [Member] Equity, Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Common stock repurchases (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Notes Payable and Other Debt Obligations [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Loans [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Term Loan [Member] Loans Payable [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 Long-term debt obligations Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Total long-term debt obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities, Gross Amount, before unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities. Less unamortized deferred financing costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Total debt, net of deferred financing costs Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Other Accrued Expenses [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Debt instruments, accrued interest payable Interest Payable, Current Payments of Financing Costs Payments of Financing Costs Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Multiemployer Plans [Abstract] Multiemployer plans, general nature Multiemployer Plans, General Nature Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Accounts Receivable, Net, Less Billings in Excess of Costs and Earnings [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Customer with Highest Net Accounts Receivable Position [Member] Customer With Highest Net Accounts Receivable Position1 [Member] Customer who accounted for the highest net accounts receivable position, which represents accounts receivable, net, less billings in excess of costs and earnings. Customer with Second Highest Net Accounts Receivable Position [Member] Customer With Second Highest Net Accounts Receivable Position [Member] Customer who accounted for the second highest net accounts receivable position, which represents accounts receivable, net, less billings in excess of costs and earnings. Ten Largest Customers [Member] Ten Largest Customers1 [Member] Ten largest customers. Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Number of customers Number Of Customers1 Number of customers. Concentration risk, percentage of total Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Land [Member] Building and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery and Equipment [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 Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States [Member] UNITED STATES Foreign Operations [Member] Non-US [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Foreign Customers [Member] Foreign Customers [Member] Customers of the business entity from which foreign revenue is derived. Intangible assets and goodwill, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] Unincorporated Entities, Proportionate Consolidation Interest in Unincorporated Joint Ventures or Partnerships, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost Method Investments Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Translation of Foreign Currencies Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations 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] Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Quarterly provision for income taxes, description Quarterly Financial Information, Income Taxes, Significant Variation, Description Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net Current deferred tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Accrued taxes payable, current Taxes Payable, Current Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate (percentage) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reportable Segment [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Energy Transfer Affiliates [Member] Energy Transfer Affiliates [Member] Energy Transfer affiliates (business name). AT&T (including DIRECTV) [Member] AT&T1 [Member] AT&T, including DIRECTV (business name). Revenue, Significant Customers [Line Items] Significant customers, percentage of total consolidated revenue Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Restricted Shares [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] 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 Unvested restricted shares (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Common, Shares Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] CCI [Member] Cross Country Infrastructure [Member] Cross Country Infrastructure Services Inc. ("CCI") (business name). “CCI” was previously Cross Country Pipeline Supply, Inc. (“CCP”). Waha JVs [Member] Waha JVs [Member] Trans-Pecos Pipeline, LLC ("TPP") (business name) and Comanche Trail Pipeline, LLC ("CTP") (business name) and together, referred to as the Waha JVs. Joint Venture Liquidated in 2016 [Member] Joint Venture Which Was Liquidated in 2016 [Member] Joint venture which was liquidated in 2016. Immediate Family Member of Management or Principal Owner [Member] Immediate Family Member of Management or Principal Owner [Member] Investee [Member] Investee [Member] Financial Standby [Member] Segments [Domain] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swaps [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Equity Investees, Remaining Amounts Committed [Member] Cost method investment, original cost Cost Method Investments, Original Cost Undistributed earnings from equity method investees Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Number of pipelines in operation Number Of Pipelines In Operation Number of pipelines in operation at the balance sheet date. Equity investee, equity and other contributions Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates Unrealized losses on equity investee activity Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized losses on equity investee activity, net of tax Revenue, related parties Receivables, including retainage, net of BIEC, related parties Accounts Receivable, Net Of Billings In Excess Of Costs, Related Parties Amount of accounts receivable, net of billings in excess of costs, arising from transactions with related parties. Receivables are the amounts due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. Billings in excess of costs is the liability attributable to (i) billings in excess of costs under the percentage of completion contract accounting method representing the difference between contractually invoiced amounts (billings) and revenue recognized based, for example, on costs incurred to estimated total costs at period end or (ii) contractually invoiced amounts (billings) in excess of costs incurred and accumulated under the completed contract accounting method that are expected to be realized within one year or one operating cycle, whichever is longer, from the reporting date. Net investment, equity investees Contractual joint venture, additional amounts committed Other equity investee, proceeds related to ongoing liquidation Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Expense, change in expected recovery from investee Gain (Loss) on Investments 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. 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 provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from 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 Payments to Acquire Other Investments Proceeds from other investments Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Other Investments Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from 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 other borrowings and capital lease obligations Repayments of Other Debt Payments of acquisition-related contingent consideration Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Financing Activities Distributions to non-controlling interests Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Proceeds from stock-based awards, net Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net financing activities and advances (to) from consolidated affiliates Net Financing Activities And Advances From (To) Consolidated Affiliates The cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities and (advances to) collection of money previously advanced to consolidated entities. 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) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents - end of period 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 Stock-Based Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Capitalized internal-use software, gross Capitalized Computer Software, Gross Capitalized internal-use software, net Capitalized Computer Software, Net Schedule of Carrying Values of Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Covered Employees and Contributions, Multiemployer 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] High [Member] Multiemployer Plan Type [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Type [Axis] Multiemployer Plans Type [Domain] Multiemployer Plans Type [Domain] Multiemployer Plans, Pension [Member] Multiemployer Plans, Pension [Member] Multiemployer Plans, Other Multiemployer [Member] Multiemployer Plans, Postretirement Benefit [Member] Covered Employees and Contributions, Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Multiemployer plans, covered employees (in number of employees) EntityNumberOfEmployeesDuringPeriod Number of employees employed by the entity over a period of time. Multiemployer plans, contributions (in dollars) Multiemployer Plan, Contributions by Employer Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Financing Receivable [Member] Financing Receivable [Member] Provisions for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Non-recourse financing arrangement, discount charge Gain (Loss) on Sale of Accounts Receivable Employee Stock Purchase Plans [Member] Employee Stock [Member] Stock-based compensation plans, description Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Description Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Other Retirement Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill, gross Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill, net Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Financial Information [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Accounting Guidance [Domain] Accounting Guidance [Domain] ASU 2016-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Computation of earnings per share, methodology Earnings Per Share Reconciliation Disclosure Remaining stock options (in shares) Dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares) Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Other Income (Expense) [Member] Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Fair Value, Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis [Line Items] ASC 805 contingent consideration, fair value Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Range of potential undiscounted earn-out liabilities, low Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low Range of potential undiscounted earn-out liabilities, high Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High 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), included in other comprehensive income (loss), ASC 805 contingent consideration Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reduction (increase) in ASC 805 contingent consideration liability, gain (loss) included in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Schedule of Financial Information by Reportable Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Consolidated Income before Income Taxes to EBITDA 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 instrument, guarantees Debt Instrument, Collateral Schedule of Covered Employees and Contributions, Multiemployer Plans Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] 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 Agreement [Axis] Type of Agreement [Domain] Master Service and Other Service Agreements [Member] Master Service And Other Service Agreements [Member] Master service and other service agreements. 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] Revenue Recognition [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] 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, percentage-of-completion method, term within which generally completed (in years) Fixed Price Contracts, Term Expected length of time within which a fixed price contract accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method 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. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Non-cash interest expense, net Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Provision for deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Gains) losses on sales of assets, net, including fixed assets held-for-sale Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Other non-cash items, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) 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 (used in) provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Cash flows from financing activities: Repayments of other borrowings Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Payments of capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations 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 and financing arrangements Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Accrued capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Equipment [Member] Letters of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Swing Line Loans [Member] Bridge Loan [Member] Accordion Feature [Member] Additional Funding Agreement Terms [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Eurocurrency Rate [Member] Eurocurrency Rate [Member] Interest rate at which a bank borrows funds from other banks in a foreign market. Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Purchased [Member] Bank of America Prime Rate [Member] Prime Rate [Member] Plan [Member] Base Rate Option (i) [Member] Base Rate Option 1 [Member] Base Rate equals the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%. Base Rate Option (ii) [Member] Base Rate Option 2 [Member] Base Rate equals Bank of America's Prime Rate. Base Rate Option (iii) [Member] Base Rate Option 3 [Member] Base Rate equals the Eurocurrency Rate plus 1.00%. Performance Standby [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Permitted Acquisition [Member] Permitted Acquisition [Member] A permitted acquisition or series of permitted acquisitions as defined in the Credit Facility agreement. Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of credit facility, term loan, proceeds received 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, 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, 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, swing line loans 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, description of variable rate Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Line of credit facility, variable interest rate, margin over base rate (percentage) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Line of credit facility, interest rate description, letters of credit Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description Line of credit facility, commitment fee description Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Description Line of credit facility, amount of borrowings denominated in foreign currencies Line Of Credit Facility, Amount Denominated In Foreign Currencies The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the portion of the revolving credit facility obligation which is denominated in foreign currencies. Line of credit facility, letters of credit issued Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity available in either Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos Line Of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity In Foreign Currency Amount of borrowing capacity currently available in either Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos that is included in the total amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding). 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, covenant terms Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms Line of credit facility, required consolidated leverage ratio (in multiple) Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Line of credit facility, required consolidated interest coverage ratio (in multiple) Interest Coverage Ratio The ratio which is calculated by dividing earnings before interest and taxes for a period by interest expense for the same period. Line of credit facility, adjusted consolidated leverage ratio, permitted acquisitions amount, minimum threshold Permitted Acquisitions Amount Adjusted Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Minimum threshold amount of consideration for permitted acquisition or series of permitted acquisitions during a fiscal quarter in order to permit a higher consolidated leverage ratio range for such a fiscal quarter and the subsequent two fiscal quarters. Line of credit facility, adjusted consolidated leverage ratio, permitted acquisitions, maximum number of times right may be exercised Number Of Times Right May Be Exercised Number of times during the term of the Credit Facility that the right to permit the consolidated leverage ratio to exceed a specified threshold may be or has been exercised. Primary Segments [Member] Primary Segments [Member] Primary segments are those segments other than the Other segment and Corporate. 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 Project losses (in dollars) Loss on Contracts 2017 Acquisitions [Abstract] 2017 Acquisitions [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Combination [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business combinations, effective date Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition 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) Business combinations, contingent consideration, fair value of earn-out (in dollars) Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Schedule of Goodwill by Segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Rollforward of Other Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] General and Administrative Expenses [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member] Stock-Based Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items] Income Tax Effects: Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Income tax effect of non-cash stock-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Excess tax benefit from non-cash stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Net income tax effect Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Subcontracting Arrangement, Construction Services [Member] Employee Leasing Arrangements [Member] Employment Contracts [Member] Service Agreements [Member] Service Agreements [Member] Lease Agreements [Member] Lease Agreements [Member] Supplier [Axis] Supplier [Axis] Supplier [Domain] Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Supplier [Domain] Related Contractor [Member] Related Contractor Or Supplier [Member] Contractor or supplier that has a related party relationship with the entity, either by ownership or management affiliation. 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. Aircraft [Member] Air Transportation Equipment [Member] Number of additional management employees, subcontracting arrangement Entity Number of Employees Charges, related party Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Receivables, related party Due from Related Parties Accounts receivable, related party Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Number of subsidiaries, non-controlling interests, subcontracting arrangement Number Of Subsidiaries Number of consolidated subsidiaries reported by the Company. Distributions to non-controlling interests Restricted Stock Units [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] 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) 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) EBITDA: Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract] EBITDA EBITDA Earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure. Schedule of Activity, Restricted Shares Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [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 Effects Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] EBITDA Reconciliation: Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract] Consolidated EBITDA Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [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] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Amortizing Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived 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 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Other intangible assets, gross 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 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, from an acquisition. Amortization expense Currency translation adjustments, non-amortizing intangible assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Currency translation adjustments, amortizing intangible assets Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Currency translation adjustments, other intangible assets Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill), Translation Adjustments Amount of foreign currency translation gain (loss) which increases intangible assets, excluding goodwill. Other intangible assets, non-amortizing, ending balance Other intangible assets, net, amortizing, ending balance Other intangible assets, net, ending balance Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Balance Sheets [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Total 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 Other long-term liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Total equity 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