Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.	$ (23,293)	$ (32,091)
Transfers to (from) the noncontrolling interest:
Net transfers to (from) noncontrolling interests	0	(2,917)
Change from net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interests	(23,293)	(35,008)
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.	0
Parent [Member]
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.	(23,293)
Increase Decrease in Redeemable and Non Redeemable Non Controlling Interest from Step up Transactions	$ 0	$ (2,917)