Loss Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ (32,471)	$ (5,166)	$ (52,478)	$ 2,489
Numerator
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,059)	(2,122)	(3,172)	(7,343)	$ (9,054)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	(33,530)	(7,288)	(55,650)	(4,854)
Effect of dilutive securities	0	0	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent, Diluted	$ (33,530)	$ (7,288)	$ (55,650)	$ (4,854)
Denominator
Denominator for basic loss per common share - weighted average common shares	52,244,819	49,915,807	50,861,890	49,843,980
Effect of dilutive securities	0	0	0	0
Denominator for diluted loss per common share - adjusted weighted shares and assumed conversions	52,244,819	49,915,807	50,861,890	49,843,980
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders (usd per share)	$ (0.64)	$ (0.15)	$ (1.09)	$ (0.10)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders (usd per share)	$ (0.64)	$ (0.15)	$ (1.09)	$ (0.10)