Accretion on Convertible Preferred Shares

No definition available.

Name:	mdca_AccretiononConvertiblePreferredShares
Namespace Prefix:	mdca_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Clients exceeding consolidated accounts receivable percentage

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdca_Clientsexceedingconsolidatedaccountsreceivablepercentage
Namespace Prefix:	mdca_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Clients exceeding consolidated largest client revenue

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdca_Clientsexceedingconsolidatedlargestclientrevenue
Namespace Prefix:	mdca_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage of accounts receivable that the largest client did not exceed during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdca_ConsolidatedAccountsReceivablePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	mdca_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The percentage of revenue over the consolidated revenue that the largest client did not exceed during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdca_ConsolidatedLargestClientRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	mdca_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdca_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesAuthorized
Namespace Prefix:	mdca_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdca_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix:	mdca_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Earnings Per Share, Increase (Decrease) Due To Non-Controlling Dividend As A Result Of Redeemable Redemption Value In Excess of Fair Value

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdca_EarningsPerShareIncreaseDecreaseDueToNonControllingDividendAsAResultOfRedeemableRedemptionValueInExcessofFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	mdca_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Long-Term Growth Rate Assumed in Annual Goodwill Impairment Test

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdca_LongTermGrowthRateAssumedinAnnualGoodwillImpairmentTest
Namespace Prefix:	mdca_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdca_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	mdca_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted Average Cost Of Capital Assumed In Annual Goodwill Impairment Test

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdca_WeightedAverageCostOfCapitalAnnualGoodwillImpairmentTest
Namespace Prefix:	mdca_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 14.F)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115993241&loc=d3e301413-122809

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (h)(1)(i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(11))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(12))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_Assets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of cash, securities, or other assets held by a third-party trustee pursuant to the terms of an agreement which assets are available to be used by beneficiaries to that agreement only within the specific terms thereof and which agreement is expected to terminate within one year of the balance sheet date (or operating cycle, if longer) at which time the assets held-in-trust will be released or forfeited.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in the value of a contingent consideration liability, including, but not limited to, differences arising upon settlement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e7008-128479

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount, after adjustment, of cost-method investment. Adjustments include, but are not limited to, dividends received in excess of earnings after date of investment that are considered a return of investment and other than temporary impairments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CostMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt issuance costs. Includes, but is not limited to, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of distribution received from equity method investee for return on investment, classified as operating activities. Excludes distribution for return of investment, classified as investing activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(10))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114873790&loc=SL114874131-224263

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(12))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 21D
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=SL94080555-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of loss from the write-down of an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108376223&loc=d3e13854-109267

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108376223&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99380562&loc=d3e13777-109266

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities that are recognized. Liabilities are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations of an entity to transfer assets or provide services to other entities in the future.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_Liabilities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of reporting units tested for impairment of goodwill. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfReportingUnits
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cost (reversal of cost) for pension benefits. Excludes other postretirement benefits.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PensionExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The estimated measure of the percentage by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The risk-free interest rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Expected term of share-based compensation awards, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (f)(2)(i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 14.D.2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115993241&loc=d3e301413-122809

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of new stock issued during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis=mdca_ContingentPaymentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdca_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageNotesDomain
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdca_SixPointSevenFivePercentageNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis=mdca_FixedPaymentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	mdca_AnnualImpairmentAssessmentTypeAxis=mdca_QuantitativeAssessmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=mdca_SpecialistCommunicationsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=mdca_AllOtherDomain
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=mdca_DomesticCreativeAgenciesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=mdca_WellsFargoCapitalFinanceLlcMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=mdca_AssetsandLiabilitiesHeldforsaleMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=mdca_Series4ConvertiblePreferredStockDomain
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Significant Accounting Policies - Textual (Details)		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies - Textual (Details)	Oct. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Clients shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) reportable_segment	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Clients reportable_segment shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Clients reportable_segment $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2015 Clients $ / shares shares	May 03, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 23, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 20, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cash held in trusts		$ 0	$ 4,632,000	$ 0	$ 4,632,000
Accretion on Convertible Preferred Shares				(8,355,000)	6,352,000	$ 0
Earnings Per Share, Increase (Decrease) Due To Non-Controlling Dividend As A Result Of Redeemable Redemption Value In Excess of Fair Value \| $ / shares						$ 0	$ 0
Long-Term Growth Rate Assumed in Annual Goodwill Impairment Test	3.00%
Debt Issuance Costs, Net		$ 14,036,000	$ 17,587,000	14,036,000	17,587,000
Income attributable to fair value adjustments				$ (374,000)	$ (4,819,000)	$ 8,227,000
Clients exceeding consolidated accounts receivable percentage \| Clients			0		0	0
Number of Reporting Units \| reportable_segment				3	2	3
Consolidated accounts receivable percentage		10.00%		10.00%		10.00%
Clients exceeding consolidated largest client revenue \| Clients						0	0
Consolidated largest client revenue				10.00%		10.00%	10.00%
Distributions from non-consolidated affiliates				$ 963,000	$ 3,672,000	$ 7,402,000
Cost method investments		$ 8,072,000	$ 9,527,000	8,072,000	9,527,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				74,560,000	3,238,000
Assets		1,611,573,000	1,698,892,000	1,611,573,000	1,698,892,000
Liabilities		$ 1,806,994,000	1,791,519,000	1,806,994,000	1,791,519,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues \| shares						0	0
Stock-based compensation				5,892,000	5,335,000	$ 5,808,000
Pension expense				$ 9,810,000	$ 10,124,000	10,026,000
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Risk free interest rate				1.70%
Expected volatility rate				46.20%
Expected term				4 years
Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life					3 years
Weighted Average Cost Of Capital, Annual Goodwill Impairment Test	9.67%
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life					7 years
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		50.00%		50.00%
Weighted Average Cost Of Capital, Annual Goodwill Impairment Test	11.85%
Contingent Payment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Income attributable to fair value adjustments		$ 8,979,000	$ 18,173,000	$ (3,679,000)	$ (6,021,000)
Six Point Five Zero Percentage Notes [Domain]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.50%		6.50%					6.50%
Six Point Seven Five Percentage Notes [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage										6.75%	6.75%	6.75%
Interest Expense [Member] \| Fixed Payment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Income attributable to fair value adjustments				$ 87,000	100,000	$ 255,000
Quantitative Assessment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Reporting Units						13
Specialist Communications [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				0	0
All Other [Domain]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				4,691,000	0
Domestic Creative Agencies [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				0	0
Wells Fargo Capital Finance, Llc [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity								$ 325,000,000
Assets and liabilities held for sale
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cash held in trusts		$ 4,000		4,000
Convertible Preference Shares \| Convertible preference shares
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accretion on Convertible Preferred Shares				$ (8,355,000)	$ (36,254,000)
Shares authorized \| shares			95,000		95,000
Shares issued \| shares			95,000		95,000