CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income (loss)	$ 257,223	$ (40,621)	$ (26,400)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	3,611	(4,586)	9,564
Benefit plan adjustment, net of income tax benefit, $528 for 2017, nil for 2016, and nil for 2015	(1,336)	(3,101)	(423)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,275	(7,687)	9,141
Comprehensive income (loss) for the year	259,498	(48,308)	(17,259)
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(17,780)	(5,612)	(4,186)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc.	$ 241,718	$ (53,920)	$ (21,445)