Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.	$ (33,530)	$ (8,604)	$ (55,650)	$ (11,135)
Transfers to (from) the noncontrolling interest:
Net transfers to (from) noncontrolling interests	(520)	(7,247)	22,498	(40,446)
Change from net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interests	(34,050)	(15,851)	(33,152)	(51,581)
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
Parent [Member]
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.			(55,650)
Increase Decrease in Redeemable and Non Redeemable Non Controlling Interest from Step up Transactions	$ (520)	$ (7,247)	$ 22,498	$ (40,446)