Acquisitions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.	$ (8,846)	$ (43,158)
Transfers to the noncontrolling interest:
Increase (Decrease) in MDC Partners Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of equity interests in excess of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Noncontrolling Iinterests	(4,798)	(1,059)
Net transfers to noncontrolling interest	(4,798)	(1,059)
Change from net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interest	$ (13,644)	$ (44,217)