Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 26,817	$ 31,830	$ 71,076	$ 97,411
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	2,176	(3,094)	2,304	(3,060)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities, before tax	634	(334)	545	(753)
Plus: Reversal of unrealized losses on redeemed security	0	0	0	458
Less: (Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(246)	127	(206)	111
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	388	(207)	339	(184)
Comprehensive income	29,381	28,529	73,719	94,167
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(4)	(12)	(9)	(31)
Comprehensive income attributable to MasTec, Inc.	$ 29,385	$ 28,541	$ 73,728	$ 94,198