Loss Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ (22,434)	$ (23,417)
Numerator
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(859)	(2,380)	$ (9,054)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	(23,293)	(25,797)
Effect of dilutive securities	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent, Diluted	$ (23,293)	$ (25,797)
Denominator
Denominator for basic loss per common share - weighted average common shares	50,002,552	49,754,961
Effect of dilutive securities	0	0
Denominator for diluted loss per common share - adjusted weighted shares and assumed conversions	50,002,552	49,754,961
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders (usd per share)	$ (0.47)	$ (0.52)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders (usd per share)	$ (0.47)	$ (0.52)