CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income (loss)	$ (111,948)	$ 257,223	$ (40,621)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	3,158	3,611	(4,586)
Benefit plan adjustment, net of income tax expense of $223 in 2018 and nil for 2017 and 2016	555	(1,336)	(3,101)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,713	2,275	(7,687)
Comprehensive income (loss) for the year	(108,235)	259,498	(48,308)
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(8,824)	(17,780)	(5,612)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc.	$ (117,059)	$ 241,718	$ (53,920)