Debt - Guarantees and Covenants (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Debt instrument, guarantees	The Company’s New Convertible Notes and Original Convertible Notes are, and, through March 29, 2013, the Company's 7.625% Senior Notes were, fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured, unsubordinated, joint and several basis by certain of the Company's existing and future 100%-owned direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that are guarantors of the Company's Credit Facility or other outstanding indebtedness. The Company's 4.875% Senior Notes are guaranteed on an unsecured, unsubordinated, joint and several basis by the Company's 100%-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the Credit Facility.
Debt instrument, covenant compliance	MasTec was in compliance with all provisions and covenants pertaining to its outstanding debt instruments as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Discussion of whether the debt instrument is secured or unsecured, and, if secured, a description of the collateral and guarantees required or provided.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 470

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration