Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Computation of earnings per share, methodology	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to MasTec’s common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings by the number of fully diluted shares, which includes the effect of dilutive potential issuances of common shares as determined using earnings from continuing operations. The potential issuance of common shares upon the exercise, conversion or vesting of outstanding stock options and unvested restricted share awards, as calculated under the treasury stock method, as well as shares associated with the Company’s outstanding convertible debt securities, may be dilutive.
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents, shares	0	8,313	9,479
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | Total Convertible Debt [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 215,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | 2011 Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Principal amount	202,300,000
Computation of earnings per share, methodology	Due to the optional cash settlement feature and the Company's intent to settle the principal amount in cash, the conversion shares underlying the outstanding principal amount of the 2011 Convertible Notes, totaling approximately 13.0 million shares, are not required to be included in the Company's diluted share count. If, however, the average price per share of the Company's common stock exceeds the respective conversion prices of the 2011 Convertible Notes, the resulting amount, in shares, of any premium is required to be included in the Company's diluted share count, also referred to as premium shares.
Number of conversion shares, principal amount	13,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | 2009 Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Principal amount	12,600,000
Computation of earnings per share, methodology	Dilutive shares associated with the 2009 Convertible Notes are attributable to the underlying principal amounts. The number of common shares issuable upon conversion of the Company’s 2009 Convertible Notes is reflected in the calculation of weighted average diluted earnings per share for the corresponding periods by application of the “if-converted” method to the extent their effect on the computation of earnings per share from continuing operations is dilutive. Under the “if-converted” method, net income from continuing operations is adjusted to add back the after-tax amount of interest recognized in the period associated with the convertible notes, and correspondingly, the convertible notes are assumed to have been converted with the resulting common shares added to weighted average shares outstanding.
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | 2011 4.0% Notes [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Principal amount	105,300,000
Number of conversion shares, principal amount	6,683,000	6,683,000	6,683,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.00%
Conversion price per share	$ 15.76
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | 2011 4.25% Notes [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 97,000,000
Number of conversion shares, principal amount	6,268,000	6,268,000	6,268,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.25%
Conversion price per share	$ 15.48