Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Debt Security [Axis] Debt Security [Axis] Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Auction Rate Securities [Member] Auction Rate Securities [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Adjusted Cost Basis Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross Cumulative Unrealized (Losses)/Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Cumulative Unrealized (Losses)/Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Gross Cumulative Unrealized (Losses)/Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Par value of securities held Investment Owned, Balance, Principal Amount Cumulative credit and other losses recognized in earnings Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Land [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] New 4.0% Notes [Member] New Four Point Zero Percentage Senior Convertible Notes [Member] New Four Point Zero Percentage Senior Convertible Notes [Member] New 4.25% Notes [Member] New Four Point Two Five Percentage Senior Convertible Notes [Member] New Four Point Two Five Percentage Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Original 4.0% Notes [Member] Original Four Point Zero Percentage Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Original Four Point Zero Percentage Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Original 4.25% Notes [Member] Original Four Point Two Five Percentage Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Original Four Point Two Five Percentage Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] 7.625% Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Schedule Of Property And Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Contract billings Billed Contracts Receivable Retainage Contract Receivable Retainage Costs and earnings in excess of billings Costs in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts or Programs 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 Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, not separately disclosed Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, not separately disclosed Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Weighted Average [Member] Weighted Average [Member] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Conversion price per share Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Number of conversion shares, principal amount Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments Weighted average actual per share price Share Price During Period Price of a single share of a number of saleable stocks of a company over a period of time. Excess over principal amount Debt Instrument, Convertible, If-converted Value in Excess of Principal Weighted average equivalent premium shares (in thousands) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Contingently Issuable Shares Disclosure Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information (Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Income) [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Revenue Revenues Costs of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization Cost of Services, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Other Depreciation and Amortization General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Gain on remeasurement of equity interest in acquiree Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain Other expense (income), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Benefit (provision) for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from continuing operations before non-controlling interests Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 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 Investment In Subsidiaries Income (Loss) From Investment In Subsidiaries Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss 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) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Statement, Operating Activities Segment [Axis] Statement, Operating Activities Segment [Axis] Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Segment, Continuing Operations [Member] Segment, Continuing Operations [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Major Customers [Axis] Major Customers [Axis] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Top Ten Customers [Member] Ten Largest Customers [Member] Ten Largest Customers [Member] AT&T [Member] At T [Member] AT & T [Member] DirectTV [Member] Direct Tv [Member] Direct TV [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Revenues as a percent of total Concentration Risk, Percentage Revenue from specific customers Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage Contractual and other interest expense Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Accretion of senior convertible note discount Accretion Expense Deferred financing costs and commitment fees Debt Related Commitment Fees and Debt Issuance Costs Total interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense, net Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Postretirement Benefits, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Postretirement Benefits, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Type of Deferred Compensation, All Types [Domain] Type of Deferred Compensation, All Types [Domain] Deferred Compensation, Excluding Share-based Payments and Retirement Benefits [Member] Deferred Compensation, Excluding Share-based Payments and Retirement Benefits [Member] Related Customer [Member] Related Customer [Member] Related Customer [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Management [Member] Management [Member] Board of Directors Chairman [Member] Board of Directors Chairman [Member] Chief Executive Officer [Member] Chief Executive Officer [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 Related party receivables Due from Other Related Parties Related party revenues Revenue from Related Parties Accounts receivable, related party Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Payments for life insurance policies Payments to Acquire Life Insurance Policies Estimated fair value of life insurance policies Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Credit Rating Source [Axis] Credit Rating Source [Axis] Credit Rating Source [Domain] Credit Rating Source [Domain] Underlying Credit Rating AAA [Member] Underlying Credit Rating Aaa [Member] Underlying Credit Rating AAA [Member] Underlying Credit Rating BB [Member] Underlying Credit Rating Bb [Member] Underlying Credit Rating Bb [Member] Underlying Credit Rating CCC [Member] Underlying Credit Rating Ccc [Member] Underlying Credit Rating CCC [Member] Auction rate securities, fair value 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] EC Source [Member] Ec Source Services Llc [Member] EC Source Services LLC [Member] Fabcor [Member] Fabcor Target Co Ltd [Member] Fabcor Target Co Ltd [Member] 2011 Acquisitions [Member] Acquisitions During 2011 [Member] Acquisitions During 2011 [Member] Halsted [Member] Halsted Communications Ltd [Member] Halsted Communications Ltd [Member] Optima [Member] Optima Network Services Inc [Member] Optima Network Services Inc [Member] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Earn-out Arrangements [Member] Earnout Arrangements [Member] Earnout Arrangements [Member] Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] EC Source Services Llc Investee [Member] E C Source Services Llc Investee [Member] E C Source Services Llc Investee [Member] Rock Extraction Business [Member] Rock Extraction Business [Member] Rock Extraction Business [Member] Panama Subsidiary [Member] Panama Subsidiary [Member] Panama Subsidiary [Member] Beneficial Owner [Member] Beneficial Owner [Member] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Domain] Receivable Type [Domain] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member] Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Payments to acquire equity method investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity method investment, additional information Equity Method Investment, Additional Information Date of acquisition agreement Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement Effective date of acquisition Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition Business combination, step acquisition, equity interest in acquiree, percentage Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage Business combination, step acquisition, equity interest in acquiree, fair value of equity investment Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value Business combination, step acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business combination, step acquisition, cumulative percentage ownership after all transactions Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Equity issued in business combination, number of shares issued Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Equity issued in business combination, fair value Equity Issued in Business Combination, Fair Value Disclosure Acquisition payments in cash Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Purchase price consideration, adjustment Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred Estimated fair value of contingent consideration Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value Earn-out period Earn Out Period Earn out period. Assumed debt, equipment loans payable, related party Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Notes Payable and Long-term Debt Assumed debt, equipment loans payable, related party Notes Payable, Related Parties Gain on remeasurement of equity interest in acquiree Debt assumed and repaid Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Purchase price allocation, adjustment, liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Acquiree revenue since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Acquiree net income since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Less than wholly owned subsidiary, ownership percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Related party receivables, equity method investee Due from related party, equity method investee, non-current portion Due from Other Related Parties, Noncurrent Other asset impairment charges, disposal group Other Asset Impairment Charges Asset impairment charges, cost method investments Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment Asset impairment charges, equity method investments Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Pre-Qualifications [Member] Pre Qualifications [Member] Pre-Qualifications [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Less: accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Amortizing intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Non-amortizing intangible assets Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill and other intangible assets Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Total New Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Total New Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Total New Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents, shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Stock repurchase program, amount authorized Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Treasury stock acquired, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury stock acquired, value Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Debt instrument, exchanged amount Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Amount Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price per share Debt instrument, convertible, number of conversion shares, principal amount Computation of earnings per share, methodology Earnings Per Share Reconciliation Disclosure Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Carrying Amount [Member] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value [Member] Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Cash surrender value of life insurance policies Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure Auction rate securities Acquisition-related contingent consideration Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure 7.625% senior notes Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Senior convertible notes Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Depreciation expense Depreciation Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Total Dilutive Convertible Debt [Member] Total Dilutive Convertible Debt [Member] Total Dilutive Convertible Debt [Member] Convertible debt, outstanding principal amount Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Credit facility, amount outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding 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 issuance of letters of credit Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases Line of credit interest rate Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Unused credit facility fee Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Unamortized debt discount and financing costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Debt instrument, effective interest rate Debt Instrument, Convertible, Effective Interest Rate Debt instrument, convertible, remaining discount amortization period Debt Instrument, Convertible, Remaining Discount Amortization Period Debt instruments, guarantees Debt Instrument, Collateral Debt instruments, covenant compliance Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance Text Block [Abstract] 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 Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Disclosure Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Disclosure - Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information (Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows) [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash paid for acquisitions, net, including contingent consideration Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposal of business, net Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Proceeds from redemption of investments Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Investments in life insurance policies Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from credit facility Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayments of credit facility Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Repayments of other borrowings Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Proceeds from (repayments of) book overdrafts Increase (Decrease) in Book Overdrafts Payments of capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Proceeds from stock options exercises and other share-based awards Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Purchases of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payments of financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Net financing activities and advances (to) from consolidated affiliates Net Financing Activities And Advances From Consolidated Affiliates Net financing activities and advances (to) from consolidated affiliates. Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net decrease and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Discontinued Operations Amount of increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are the amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Includes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Net effect of currency translation on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Including Discontinued Operations Cash and cash equivalents - end of period Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Securities Available For Sale Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value by Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value by Asset Class [Domain] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Redemption or sale of securities, cost basis Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Reversal of unrealized losses on redeemed or sold securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, before Tax Changes in fair value recorded in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Changes in unrealized (losses)/gains included in other comprehensive income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Ending balance Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Additions from new business combinations Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases Changes in fair value recorded in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Payments of contingent consideration Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Ending balance Schedule Of Accounts Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] 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] Order or Production Backlog [Member] Order or Production Backlog [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Purchase price consideration: Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price [Abstract] Shares transferred Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Cash Fair value of contingent consideration (earn-out liability) Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Liabilities Incurred Total consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Fair value of equity investment Fair value of total consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Including Equity Interest in Acquiree Held Prior to Combination Purchase price allocation to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets Property and equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Non-amortizable intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets Not Amortizable Amortizable intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Current liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Debt Deferred income taxes Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Total identifiable net assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Total consideration allocated Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] El Paso Corporation [Member] El Paso Corporation [Member] El Paso Corporation [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Non US Operations [Member] Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group One [Member] Number of customers Number Of Customers Number of Customers Revenues Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries Property and equipment, net Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Foreign Countries Description of geographic concentration risk Concentration Risk, Geographic Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [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] DirectStar Business [Member] DirectStar Business [Member] DirectStar Business [Member] Globetec [Member] Globetec Business [Member] Globetec Business [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Net assets of discontinued operations Net Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation The aggregate value (measured at the lower of net carrying value or fair value less cost of disposal) for the net assets of a disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), to be sold or that has been disposed of through sale, as of the financial statement date. Net assets is defined as total assets less total liabilities. Assets of discontinued operations Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation Liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation Impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Disposal date Disposal Date Net purchase price, sale of business Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Discontinued operations description Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Description and Timing of Disposal Depreciation and amortization expense, discontinued operations Depreciation and Amortization, Discontinued Operations Consolidated effective tax rates, continuing operations Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] DirectStar [Member] Current assets Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Property and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net Goodwill and other intangible assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Net Other long-term assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Noncurrent Assets Assets of discontinued operations Accounts payable and accrued expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities Other current liabilities, including accrued earn-outs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Liabilities Long-term liabilities Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Liabilities of discontinued operations 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] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Share Activity Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Convertible Debt, By Dilutive and Anti-Dilutive Classification Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Convertible Debt Information Schedule Of Convertible Debt Information Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Convertible Debt Information [Table Text Block] Policy Text Block [Abstract] Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Share-based Compensation [Abstract] 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] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Goodwill, beginning balance Other intangible assets, non-amortizing, beginning balance Other intangible assets, amortizing, beginning balance Goodwill and other intangible assets, beginning balance Accruals of acquisition-related contingent consideration Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration Period Increase Goodwill Acquisition-related contingent consideration period increase, goodwill. Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Goodwill, ending balance Other intangible assets, non-amortizing, ending balance Other intangible assets, amortizing, ending balance Goodwill and other intangible assets, ending balance Fair Value Of Auction Rate Securities By Security Type And Underlying Credit Rating Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Auction Rate Securities Reconciliation Of Cost Basis To Fair Value Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Ec Source Services Llc [Member] Fabcor Target Co Ltd [Member] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Consideration Paid and Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis] Multiemployer 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 [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] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Insurance Claims [Member] Insurance Claims [Member] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantee Obligations [Member] Guarantee Obligations [Member] Performance Guarantee [Member] Performance Guarantee [Member] Surety Bond [Member] Surety Bond [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Insurance Policies By Type [Axis] Insurance Policy [Axis] Insurance Policies By Type [Domain] Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Domain] Workers' Compensation Policy [Member] Workers Compensation Policy [Member] Workers' Compensation Policy [Member] General Liability Policy [Member] General Liability [Member] Automobile Liability Policy [Member] Automobile Liability Policy [Member] Automobile Liability Policy [Member] Umbrella Policy [Member] Umbrella Policy [Member] Umbrella Policy [Member] Workers Compensation, General And Automobile Policies [Member] Property, Liability and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member] Employee Group Health Claims Policy [Member] Group Insurance Policies [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Aon Risk Services Inc [Member] Aon Risk Services Inc [Member] Aon Risk Services Inc [Member] Sintel [Member] Sintel [Member] Sintel [Member] City Of Marathon [Member] City Of Marathon [Member] City Of Marathon [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Per Employee [Member] Per Employee [Member] Per Employee [Member] Gain Contingencies, Nature [Axis] Gain Contingencies, Nature [Axis] Gain Contingency, Nature [Domain] Gain Contingency, Nature [Domain] Positive Outcome of Litigation [Member] Positive Outcome of Litigation [Member] Insurance Settlement [Member] Insurance Settlement [Member] Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Claims sought Gain Contingency, Unrecorded Amount Former gain contingency, recognized in period Former Gain Contingency, Recognized in Current Period Legal proceeding, plaintiff Loss Contingency, Name of Plaintiff Damages sought Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Pending or threatened litigation, estimated loss Loss Contingency, Loss in Period Operating leases, rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Letters of credit, outstanding amount Outstanding bonds, amount Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Estimated cost to complete bonded projects Contract Revenue Cost Per claim deductible, insurance policies Malpractice Insurance, Deductible Maximum coverage, per claim and aggregate Malpractice Insurance, Maximum Coverage Per Incident Self insurance reserve Self Insurance Reserve Self insurance reserve, noncurrent Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent Maximum annual loss Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Cash collateral held by insurance carriers Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Other Assets Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value Underfunded multi-employer pension plans, funding requirements and penalties, description Multiemployer Plans, Underfunded Status, Description Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal liability Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal obligation, description Loss Contingency, Management's Assessment and Process Other guarantees, description Guarantor Obligations, Origin and Purpose Investment, debt security, default rate of underlying assets Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Qualitative Disclosures, Default Rate Auction-rate securities yield rate Investment Interest Rate Other-than-temporary impairment losses in earnings Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities Cost basis Contractual maturities of securities, in years Available For Sale Securities Maturity Date In Years Available For Sale Securities Maturity Date In Years Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] Multiemployer Plans, Postretirement Benefit [Member] Multiemployer Plans, Postretirement Benefit [Member] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Contributions to multi-employer plans Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions Number of employees Entity Number Of Employees During Period Number of employees employed by the entity over a period of time Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Foreign currency translation gains (losses) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Plus: Reversal of unrealized losses on redeemed security Less: (Provision for) benefit from income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive loss 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 Customer Revenues By Industry Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Major Customers, By Revenue Concentration Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] 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 Treasury Stock, Shares Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of multi-employer plan contributions and number of employees Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long Term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Convertible Notes, Carrying Amount Details Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Interest Expense, Net, Details Schedule of Other Nonoperating Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Other Significant Noncash Transaction [Axis] Other Significant Noncash Transaction [Axis] Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Name [Domain] Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Name [Domain] Inventories [Member] Inventories [Member] Equity Issued in Business Combination [Member] Equity Issued in Business Combination [Member] 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] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Non-cash interest expense Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Impairment of securities available for sale (Gain) loss on sale of assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment Impairment charges and loss on disposal of businesses Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, before Income Tax Changes in assets and liabilities, net of assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes 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 Other liabilities, current and non-current portion Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Proceeds from stock option exercises and other share-based awards Supplemental cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Receipt of inventory prepaid in prior year Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Given Supplemental disclosure of noncash 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 Conversion of leases from operating to capital Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired Shares issued in connection with business combinations Stock Issued Exchange of senior convertible notes Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Financing Receivable [Member] Financing Receivable [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Financing receivable Financing Receivable, Net Financing receivable, non-current portion Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Property and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Estimated loss on disposal of businesses, net of tax Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Balance Sheet Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Income Schedule of Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows Schedule of Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Net income from continuing operations before non-controlling interests, basic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) from discontinued operations before non-controlling interests Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Basic earnings per share, continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Basic earnings per share, discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Total basic earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Basic Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract] Interest expense on convertible debt, net of tax Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax Diluted net income from continuing operations before non-controlling interests Income Loss From Continuing Operations Available To Common Shareholders Diluted Income Loss From Continuing Operations Available To Common Shareholders Diluted Diluted net income attributable to MasTec Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic weighted average shares outstanding Dilutive common stock equivalents Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive premium shares Dilutive shares Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities Diluted weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted earnings per share, continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings per share, discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Total diluted earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract] Rollforward of Share Activity, Common and Treasury Shares [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Rollforward of Share Activity, Common and Treasury Shares Share Activity [Roll Forward] Share Activity [Roll Forward] Common shares, beginning balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury shares, beginning balance Shares issued for stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Shares issued for restricted stock Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Other shares issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other Common stock repurchases Common shares, ending balance Treasury shares, ending balance Unamortized debt discount and financing costs Net carrying amount of debt component Long-term Debt Carrying amount of equity component Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Goodwill and other intangible assets Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Rollforward of goodwill and other intangible assets Schedule Of Rollforward Of Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Rollforward Of Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Nature Of The Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Basis Of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Management Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Standards, Not Adopted as of September 30, 2012 New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Acquisitions And Other Investments Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Policy, Diluted Earnings Per Share Policy, Diluted Acquisitions and Other Investments Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Concentrations of Risk Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Share-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] Award Type [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Stock Options [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Industry Segment [Member] Industry Type [Domain] Communications [Member] Communications [Member] Communications [Member] Utilities [Member] Utilities [Member] Utilities [Member] Government [Member] Government [Member] Industry Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Revenues as a percentage of total Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Reconciliation Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis, Level 3 Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Table [Text Block] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Table [Text Block] Impairment of assets, disposal group Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net of allowance Inventories Inventory, Net Deferred tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and deposits Prepaid Expense, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Current assets of discontinued operations Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Available for sale auction rate securities Auction Rate Securities, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Long-term assets of discontinued operations Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current maturities 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 Accrued taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Accrued insurance Accrued Insurance, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Current deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Acquisition-related contingent consideration, current Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value, Current Billings in excess of costs and earnings Billings in Excess of Cost, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Current liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Acquisition-related contingent consideration Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value, Noncurrent Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (See Note 14) Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' 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 - 85,435,438 and 85,162,527 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital surplus Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated surplus Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Treasury stock, at cost; shares - 9,467,286 and 4,593,663 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total MasTec, Inc. shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-controlling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Other expense, net Provision for income taxes Discontinued operations (See Note 4 - Discontinued Operations): Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax, including impairment charges and loss on disposal of $7.7 million and $8.2 million, net of tax, respectively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 Earnings per share (1) (See Note 2 - Earnings Per Share): Basic earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations, Basic earnings per share Discontinued operations, basic earnings per share Basic weighted average common shares outstanding Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations, diluted earnings per share Discontinued operations, diluted earnings per share Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Shares granted in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Unearned compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Unearned compensation, weighted average expected recognition period, in years Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Proceeds from stock option exercises Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Disclosure Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Balance Sheet [Abstract] Disclosure - Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information (Condensed Unaudited Consolidating Balance Sheet) [Abstract] Current assets Goodwill and other intangible assets, net Net investments in and advances to (from) consolidated affiliates Investment In Subsidiaries Investment In Subsidiaries Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Current liabilities Other liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Total shareholders' equity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Income (loss) from operations before (provision for) benefit from income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Impairment of assets, disposal group, before benefit from income taxes Loss on disposal before provision for income taxes Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax (Provision for) benefit from income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Net income (loss) from discontinued operations Line of credit facility, expiration date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Debt instrument, maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Lease expiration date Lease Expiration Date Carrying value of debt Capital lease obligations Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Less current maturities