Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 107,416	$ 105,972	$ 90,387
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	1,924	(1,630)	75
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities, before tax	843	(716)	(520)
Reversal of unrealized losses on redeemed securities sold at par	0	458	0
Reclassification adjustment for unrealized losses on sold securities, recognized in earnings	0	0	936
Reclassification adjustment for impairment losses included in earnings	0	0	344
Less: (Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(322)	98	(867)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	521	(160)	(107)
Comprehensive income	109,861	104,182	90,355
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(10)	(29)	(141)
Comprehensive income attributable to MasTec, Inc.	$ 109,871	$ 104,211	$ 90,496